No one wants to get a breast cancer diagnosis for themselves or a loved one. It is scary but it is not the death sentence it used to be. Advances in medicine have led to better diagnosis, treatment, aftercare and reconstructive surgery. We spoke to Dr. Ahmad Alborgy, Taiba Hospital’s leading breast reconstruction specialist surgeon about the different options that are now available for cancer survivors.

As a child, Dr. Ahmad Alborgy knew he wanted to be a physician. By the time he started his residency he had his heart set on becoming a surgeon and after his experience in the plastic surgery department, he had found his calling. Unlike other types of surgeries in which surgeons remove parts of the body, a plastic surgeon, especially a reconstructive one, is building or rebuilding parts. For breast reconstructions in particular, it is a very precise and delicate operation.

It is also a fundamental part of a cancer survivor’s journey to a full recovery. The utilitarian function of breasts is breast feeding, but they are such an important part of a woman’s identity and self-image. “A woman losing a breast is comparable to a man losing a limb,” says Dr. Ahmad.

He explained that only a very few minority of women choose not to have the operation, but for the majority it is a very important part of their treatment. Breast reconstruction is more than just aesthetic, the surgeon pointed out that a lot of scientific research has found evidence of a strong link between self-esteem and immunity. Patients who feel better about themselves, respond better to treatment and heal faster.

There are two schools of thought regarding the timing. In some cases it is possible for the oncologist and the plastic surgeon to work together, removing the tumor and reconstructing the breast in one operation. This is less traumatic to the patient because there’s no physical loss.

The other option is to wait until all treatments such as chemo or radiation are completed before reconstruction starts. This provides women with enough time to physically heal before they proceed to the next stage.

Until recently, tumor removal from the breast would not only result in it being deformed or completely removed but it would often cause problems with arm and shoulder mobility and swelling. New techniques have solved all of these issues and have paved the way for speedier and more comfortable recoveries.

The operation itself can take anywhere from 8 – 12 hours. The operating team needs to be well trained and prepared. Dr. Ahmad commented that the family-spirit at Taiba Hospital makes his job much smoother. The vision at the hospital has always been one of healing in a comforting and welcoming environment and the current administration supports all staff members and doctors in that mission.

Communication and trust are the underlying pillars for a successful doctor-patient relationship too. Dr. Ahmad told us that the best way to ensure a speedy and healthy recovery is patients’ understanding of the procedures and what they need to do. He provides them with a clear checklist of things and gives them his personal phone number so they can contact him if they have questions or need immediate help.

This level of dedication and commitment from a surgeon is rare but really pays off for his patients. He regularly spends up to an hour in consultations making sure that everyone is on the same page and that they know what to fully expect.

Healing takes time and effort, it usually takes a patient about six weeks before they can return to ‘normal’ life. They should also expect to receive physiotherapy. Dr. Ahmad recommends therapy and counselling in conjunction with reconstructive surgery. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment is a traumatic experience and the support of the right mental health and wellbeing professional helps the patient deal with it with less anguish.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, in 2018 alone 2 million cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. However early detection and intervention really improve a patient’s odds. Seek medical help right away if you are worried so you can take action immediately.

Taiba Hospital is located in Sabah Al Salem, off of route 30 on Road 3. Call them 24 hours at 180 80 88. For updates and information, visit the website taibahospital.com, and follow them on Instagram @taibahospital.