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Debbie Ann Bonillas
Breast Cancer
I Survived - I'm Alive - I Feel and Look Beautiful.
October 2002, I survived a lumpectomy, 4 series of
chemotherapy and 5 1/2 weeks of radiation (everyday). May
2005, I experienced recurring breast cancer, but fortunately
had educated myself and when I was told that I would have to
go through treatment again that was when I put my foot down
and told the doctor to remove my breasts stating that I am
going to kill them first before they kill me.
On May 9, 2005, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and a
latissimus dorsi flap (left side) -- moves muscle and skin
from your back when extra tissue is needed. The flap is made
up of skin, fat, muscle and blood vessels. It is tunneled
under the skin to the front of the chest. This creates a
pocket for an implant.
December 2006 was when I underwent a latissimus dorsi flap
for the right side. I have had over 10 major surgeries since
October 2002 (actually I lost count), with the next
surgery--breast reconstructive plastic surgery--scheduled
for May 1, 2007 at 3:00 PM at Huntington Memorial Hospital.
A few months later, after being examined by Dr. Leif Rogers,
he stated “Debbie, I will see in one year.” I was shocked
and excited asking the doctor to repeat what he just said.
Again, he stated, “Debbie I will see you in one year.” I
became
very emotional and started to cry, because it was finally
over. When I actually reached my vehicle, I was so happy
that I started to jump up with excitement.
I never lost faith and was determined to kill the cancer
before it killed me. I have many scars on my back and on my
chest, but I am not embarrassed of them. I am grateful to be
alive, and do not look or feel deformed in any way. You
would never know that I had a bilateral mastectomy or
missing both my latissimus muscles unless I told you.
I owe my life to Dr. Lauren Kim (Primary Medical Doctor),
Dr. James Recabaren (Cancer Surgeon-USC), and, more
importantly, to Dr. Brian Cox and Dr. Leif Rogers for giving
me back the beauty and the confidence of being a woman. I no
longer live in fear and I am sohappy to
be alive. I truly feel like a beautiful woman thanks to Dr.
Brian Cox and Dr. Leif Rogers (Plastic Surgeons).
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