Incredibly talented, empathetic, knowledgeable doctor. It is hard to put into words how I feel about Dr. Tseng because there are no words powerful enough to express my gratitude.
(Warning - long review ahead. For me, long medical reviews were the most helpful so here you go.)
I was diagnosed with breast cancer Dec. 2019 and had a double mastectomy in Feb. 2020 (by Dr. Maggie DiNome). Dr. Tseng managed my reconstruction.
During our first meeting, he reviewed in detail using a PowerPoint presentation, my options. This helped me visualize the process, understand what to expect and put me at ease after I saw the true artist Dr. Tseng is.
Honestly, I expected to have botched breasts the rest of my life after having a double mastectomy. I had seen way too many terrible reconstruction pictures pre-surgery. With Dr. Tseng's talent, I have beautiful new breasts. I didn't need any fat grafting, which another doctor told me I would. Because of his expert guidance after he took time to learn about my lifestyle, I have over-the-muscle silicone implants and they look great! I still have to get used to them emotionally but physically they look better than I imagined.
During my recovery after my double mastectomy, I experienced a hematoma, which of course was not expected, especially since it happened two weeks post-surgery (very rare). It occurred round 5pm so I needed to contact Dr. Tseng's after-hours line. Dr. Tseng's resident consulted with him and together they recommended I go to the hospital. On my way to the hospital, Dr. Tseng personally called to check in on me. That level of care goes a long way and eased a lot of my anxiety. He took time to explain what was happening and that I was going to need surgery. Once at the hospital, it was very disorganized and the hospital admissions didn't understand what needed to happen with me. What I needed was to be admitted so I could have surgery with Dr. Tseng the next day. As my husband worked with Dr. Tseng's resident, I called Dr. Tseng. I wish I had his resident's name to give her a well-deserved shout out. We had been texting her earlier in the evening to share pictures and updates so we had a contact number for her. Despite her being done with her shift, she continued to offer assistance even at 10pm after a long shift! I explained to Dr. Tseng how unhelpful and confused the hospital admissions team was and he was not pleased with their lack of empathy and care. He worked his magic and soon after my call with him I was admitted. Dr. Tseng checked on me the next morning. He had a surgery already scheduled that day so since my status wasn't threatening, my surgery followed. During surgery, he was able to quickly find the source of the bleeding and fix the hematoma. This was a scary experience but Dr. Tseng made it easier, helped me understand my situation, and calmed my nerves.
Press fast forward. I saw Dr. Tseng the same day I found out I was going to need chemo for a follow-up visit. This was a big shock for me because of my initial stage 0 status. I was very emotional and he took time to actively listen to me. We chatted about chemo and he offered me words of encouragement that I held onto during my treatment.
I have completed 3 surgeries with Dr. Tseng: 1) reconstruction 2) hematoma 3) implant exchange. I am still considering my 4th (nipple reconstruction), but honestly, I'm feeling surgery fatigue and have postponed. The only reason I'm even considering this surgery is because of Dr. Tseng and his talent and level of care.
Prior to my first surgery, I had visited the dermatologist and learned I needed 3 moles removed. I spoke to Dr. Tseng about it and he offered to do it for me while I was already under anesthesia. That was so helpful! I will have my port in for a year and will be ready to remove it in April 2021. I will work with Dr. Tseng for that too because the doctor who installed the port did a terrible job closing.
While talking about Dr. Tseng, it would be remiss of me to not mention his coordinator, Danica. She is kind, very responsive, organized, knowledgeable and patient. She makes everything easier on the patient. I appreciate how she would take time to talk with me and put me at ease by answering all of my questions, handling my LOA from work and staying on top of all my appointments. She is a true gem!
Dr. Tseng turned a tragic and very emotional journey into something that was manageable with amazing outcomes. He truly cares for his patients. He chose reconstruction as his emphasis because he wants to help women, who have already endured so much, feel confident and make a positive difference in their lives. He successfully has done that for me. I will forever be grateful for him - not only for his talent and expertise but for his genuine care and concern for my wellbeing. He is a one-of-a-kind doctor and a real gift to the medical profession.
Thank you, Dr. Tseng! I will always cherish you. read more