Getting Breast Cancer is Devastating to Any Woman, But Two-Time Survivor Better than Before

By  //  June 4, 2019

Health First Medical Group Plastic Surgeon Dr. George Collis 'compassionate and caring'

Mary, a teacher, wife and mom of three, was religious about regular checkups and mammograms after beating breast cancer 20 years ago. When she was diagnosed with the disease again, she felt hopeless.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Getting breast cancer is devastating to any woman.

So imagine getting it twice.

Mary, a teacher, wife and mom of three, was religious about regular checkups and mammograms after beating breast cancer 20 years ago. When she was diagnosed with the disease again, she felt hopeless.

After undergoing a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, Mary said she accepted she would never be the same. She felt like she would be deformed for the rest of her life.

She remembers thinking, “that was the price I had to pay to be alive.”

But then, in Mary’s words, came “divine intervention” – Health First Medical Group Dr. George Collis, a plastic surgeon, and his nurse, Janet, “the most compassionate, caring, kind professionals.”

They didn’t just tell her she was going to be OK. They showed her how she was going to be OK.

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The care Mary received not only gave her a new look but a new outlook on life. She started thinking she could come out of this feeling and looking better than before.

Soon, her attitude began to shift.

“They say that from the depths of despair can come true blessings. That is a cliché, but clichés are just that for a reason. They’re true.”

Now, Mary says her diagnosis, struggles and recovery have made her life richer.

“If I could go back and change what happened, I wouldn’t, because I’ve gained so much insight, more empathy,” Mary insists.

“I feel so much better than I did when this first happened, that I wouldn’t change a thing.”

George N. Collis, MD is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Health First Medical Group. Dr. Collis’ special interests include breast reconstruction, DIEP microvascular breast reconstruction, aesthetic breast surgery, complete surgical management of melanoma, facial cosmetic surgery, facial reconstructive surgery following trauma and skin cancer resection, non-surgical facial rejuvenation, and body contouring.
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