Testimonials

I have a strong history of breast cancer in my family. Both my mom and her mom had it. I had genetic counseling and my risk of getting breast cancer in my lifetime is at least 33%. (The average American woman has a 12% chance). I chose not to have the actual genetic testing because my mom did have the testing done and she is BRCA1 and BRCA2 negative. I decided that even if I tested negative it would mean nothing to me since my mom is negative and still had it in both breasts. I am having a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I do not have cancer. This is a preventive surgery. It took several months of doctor appointments, testing, getting the insurance company to approve, etc. I am proud of myself for taking this journey! I am convinced I will get breast cancer and by being proactive I feel like I am doing everything I can to be around for another 40 years. The procedure that is basically unknown has to do with the reconstruction. It is called DIEP Flap and instead of having implants, my new breasts will be made of my own belly fat! A similar procedure, TRAM Flap, has been done for 20 years. The difference is that the TRAM Flap requires abdominal muscle to be removed along with the fat in order to get blood flow. The risk is abdominal weakness, with the worst case scenario being not having the ability to sit up. I didn't want that risk, and had no interest in implants, so had decided not to have reconstruction at all. Then I found out about DIEP Flap. It is microsurgery, so there will be no muscle removed. And I get a tummy tuck as part of it! So that's it. The procedure has been done for several years in other parts of the country, although there are currently only about 65 surgeons in the U.S. who can do the surgery. The only surgeons in Colorado who do it are the two who will be working on me. I have complete confidence in my surgeons. They were trained at Johns Hopkins and have years of experience. They are also really good guys. I am happy about all this, so am a great candidate to help spread the word. I take this opportunity seriously. It's my small way of helping the world. I hope and pray no one you know will ever need to know about the DIEP Flap procedure. Unfortunately, odds are you will. I know it is very overwhelming to get the cancer diagnosis. If knowledge of this procedure helps your mother, your sister, your friend, I would be so glad!

I cannot begin to express my gratitude and support for the entire staff of Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery. I can honestly say that every experience I have had there was beyond my expectations. I was originally referred by my surgeon in the whirlwind of a breast cancer diagnosis. The wonderful staff got me in the same day my surgeon determined I needed a mastectomy to allow my husband, who was leaving on a business trip, to participate in my first consultation. I am sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights as I had only learned a few hours before that I needed a mastectomy, and knew nothing about my options for reconstruction. From the moment I walked in, the staff was so warm and compassionate. I was a bit uneasy about going to a plastic surgeon’s office, but I instantly felt comfortable and welcome. Every option, question and concern was answered to its full extent in my initial consultation. We finalized our decision and began scheduling that day. The staff did an incredible job of managing the needs of my family, the doctors and the hospital to schedule surgery in just over a week. I think back now to all of the insurance company roadblocks leading up to my bilateral DIEP Flap Reconstruction and I still can’t believe that my wonderful patient coordinator was able to coordinate all of the necessary parties and ensure that my procedure would be covered. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it felt to know there was some semblance of order in an otherwise out of control situation, and that I was on my way to putting my cancer diagnosis behind me.

From the first appointment and surgery, it was clear to me that Dr. Chris Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams knew exactly what they were doing, and I was so thankful that this technology was available to me in Denver. Not only were their credentials impeccable, but they really seemed to understand what I was going through and helped me overcome my concerns and fears. Almost as important as their skill levels, both doctors and each of the nurses were incredibly personable. To be honest, it is not the most comfortable feeling to have your breasts examined regularly, but I soon felt comfortable because everyone was so great about talking with me and diverting my attention from the matter at hand. All of my procedures related to my breast reconstruction went wonderfully. I always felt that I was well informed about the procedures and my expected recoveries, and I felt the doctors and staff had my best interests in mind. I recall waking several times at odd hours in the days and nights following my initial surgery to find Dr. Chris checking on me, when most doctors would have been home enjoying their families. It is this level of personal service and caring that sets Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery apart. In summary, I would wholeheartedly recommend Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery for breast cancer patients, or any patients for that matter. Quite honestly my breasts and stomach look much better than I could have ever imagined, and I have met a number of incredible people throughout this process. I have referred a number of friends to the practice and they too have had wonderful experiences. My most heartfelt thanks go out to the doctors and staff at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery for taking what started as a terrible situation and turning it into a fabulous experience given the circumstances. I hope you all know what an incredible difference you make in people’s lives!

I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal and infiltrating lobular breast cancer. Upon learning that, in my case, a mastectomy was my best chance to survive, I was counseled to consult plastic surgeons right away in the event I would choose breast reconstruction at the time of the mastectomy. After visiting with several area plastic surgeons, I had emphatically decided not to undergo breast reconstruction. Then I met Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams.

When I hear that there were two doctors performing new, state-of-the-art breast reconstruction procedures, I reluctantly scheduled yet one more plastic surgery meet-and-greet to find out if there was a stone I’d left unturned. Upon leaving the Dr. Williams’ office, I began considering breast reconstruction for the first time. They sat with my partner and I for over two hours, explaining in detail the procedure they recommended using a DVD designed to educate patients. They carefully and candidly answered all of our questions. I was impressed that they each shared their personal reasons for choosing to specialize in breast reconstruction: the plastic surgeon’s road less traveled. Within less than a day I had decided I wanted the DIEP flap breast reconstruction and we scheduled it.

It happened that during surgery, the doctors discovered that I had the perfect vascular anatomy for one of the rarer new techniques called the SIEA flap. The procedure is rare only because a very small percentage of women have the vascular anatomy it requires. It is also a less invasive surgery and results in a bit shorter recovery time. The Dr. Williams’ ability to discover this rare anatomy, alter the surgical plan in the moment, and forge on to perfectly perform a very rare procedure is a testament to the focus, the impeccable attention to detail, the confidence and the skill that these doctors embody.

Dr. Chris and Dr. Jeremy are not only brilliant surgeons with a rare combination of advanced micro-surgical skills; they are kind, empathic, and respectful humans. While I know I would have continued to love my body with or without breast reconstruction, I am very pleased with my decision and with the results.

In 2009, I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, after my mother, recently diagnosed with breast cancer also tested positive. I learned that women with this mutation have an 80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Many BRCA women elect prophylactic bilateral mastectomy—I did the research and considered it. But at that time in Colorado, the reconstruction options seemed limited. I had heard about surgeons back east doing reconstruction with your own tissue, but that you'd have to travel. I decided that, at 40, I could wait a few years and see what new techniques might be available then.

Chris due to its complexity and duration, so I finally met Dr. Chris who I was equally impressed with. Recovery was difficult for the first two weeks, but then each day got easier. Dr. Jeremy and his staff were always supportive and helpful. I knew I could call anytime with concerns, and Dr. Jeremy would pick up the phone!

with my final results.

I would recommend the Williams doctors to anyone needing breast reconstruction. They both are amazingly passionate about what they do, skilled beyond measure, and uniquely understanding and empathetic. They brought joy to an experience that was far from joyful. Most importantly, they made me whole. For that, I can't thank them enough.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 11 years my immediate thoughts were "this means a mastectomy and then I will need to find some means of reconstruction." I was not thrilled with the reconstruction techniques I was aware of. I did not like the idea of an implant which was a foreign matter in my body and would have to be replaced down the road. I understood that a TRAM flap would compromise my abdominal muscles which I depend on for an active life. My goal was to have a healthy body that could keep me active and to not have to get dressed with extra pieces for the next 50 years. I was thrilled to discover the DIEP reconstruction option in my research and to discover a team doing this technique here in Colorado. From my first consultation with Dr. Jeremy to my final appointment declaring that we are finished, I have felt supported and encouraged. Drs. Jeremy and Christopher are knowledgeable, experienced, skilled and caring. The ladies on staff at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery Center have all been supportive, professional, and capable. I have been treated as a real personal and not as a body part. Even the hospital stay at Skyridge Medical Center was much better than any other hospital experience I have had in my life so far. DIEP Flap reconstruction surgery is a process and journey. There are several steps and it takes a year or more to get to the end. As with any journey there are ups and downs. But I am thrilled with the results and felt supported and cared for all along the way. I reach my goal of a cancer free body that has all its muscles still in the intended places functioning as designed. I don’t have to get dressed with any extra pieces. I had a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and the match with my native side is amazing. I just wore an elegant dress to my daughter’s wedding and had no concerns at all about how my new body looks. Thank you Drs. Williams, Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery staff and Skyridge for taking care of me.

Switching to Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery post mastectomy and mid-reconstruction was the best choice we made. Dr. Jeremy Williams expertly took me through the process of single breast reconstruction, correcting the initial path and producing a far better result than I envisioned throughout my breast cancer nightmare.

I had unilateral DIEP flap reconstructive surgery and not only do I not have an implant (as Dr. Williams used all of my own body tissue), but the outcome was also tremendous! Post mastectomy, we started with a different plastic surgeon with the "standard implant path" but realized that the outcome from that process was going to be limited and, in my case, not true to my prior self. My new left breast looks and hangs like my healthy right breast.

My husband is thrilled and says that Jeremy Williams' artwork is like comparing a 6th grade drawing to a Renier! I am grateful and lucky to have found Park Meadows Cosmetic surgery to repair my body after having had breast cancer. I felt I directed my own medical path, with supportive, compassionate and highly competent "team mates" at the office, and [my patient care coordinator] caringly accommodated all my scheduling needs with a smile on her face. I am greatly indebted to Dr. Jeremy Williams for restoring my sense of femininity, which has allowed me to resume a satisfying marital life.

I would be honored to help other breast cancer survivors by representing the outstanding work of Dr. Jeremy Williams in photos on your web site, or by speaking with any women caught in her breast cancer nightmare as she navigates herself through and out of the fog!

I felt very well taken care of – I have a lot of trust and respect for my doctor and his staff.

I never felt rushed or hurried. Dr. Jeremy Williams always had time for me and gave me excellent personal care. Everyone in the office was friendly, caring and supportive!

Mine is a story of choices. After living with breast cancer all around me, beginning with the death of my mother when I was ten years old, to watching my sister battle it, I finally decided to take care of myself. I did a lot of research and met with numerous professionals. When I met with Dr. Chris Williams, he spent an extensive amount of time with me, getting every detail of my background and giving me options, and choices and results I may have. I handed my situation over to Dr. Chris and his staff and never looked back. From the first morning at the hospital, through two more surgeries and lots of office visits, this team was the most important group of people in my life for the next year. Every appointment was an adventure! Always right on time with a smile, were a group of smart, funny, articulate women who made me feel comfortable and at home. Dr. Chris spent lots of time answering questions, going over treatment, even drawing pictures. After each procedures, he’d call that night, “I’m calling to check up on you.” Thank you, I always felt safe and taken care of. I love this whole group of great people who have allowed me to leave breast cancer fears behind me for good. They will always hold a special place in my heart. I honestly believe that any woman who needs to or has to have this journey in her life, cannot be in a better place than here.

In 2011, I found out my sister had breast cancer. She was just the latest in a long list of women in my family who had breast cancer or ovarian cancer. This cemented my decision to get tested for the BRCA gene. When I found I was positive, I had many decisions to make. I met with doctors including surgeons, oncologists and geneticists. I asked for recommendations from all the experts for surgeons. Drs. Williams' names were always provided as two of the top surgeons in this area of the country. I met with Dr. Chris and eventually Dr. Jeremy to discuss my options. I felt like I was given honest, direct and complete information when I met with them. No sales jobs- these guys spoke the truth and answered all my questions. I appreciated that. Then I got on several chat sites and met two patients of the practice. Their comments were so overwhelmingly positive that I knew I had found the right practice. I don't know if I'm extraordinarily lucky but my DIEP Flap surgery (although long) went fine and I woke up with no pain. I was slightly uncomfortable but Dr. Chris came in as soon as I was in my room and soon after so did Dr. Jeremy. These two completely defy the normal view that I'm sure most people have of plastic surgeons. I have never felt more taken care of or more comfortable. My recovery went very well. At every stage, I was provided with instructions on what to do and what not to do. Dr. Chris followed up on me and was available by direct cell 24/7 (how many doctors actually do that?). I've had 2 fat graft surgeries since then and new nipples and tattoos over the last 2 years. My breasts look lovely and I feel good about myself. I'm very happy with the outcome. It was not an easy decision to remove my breasts especially since I did not have cancer yet. Having Dr. Chris as my surgeon made me feel comfortable, secure and very well taken care of. You can tell that his philosophy of putting patients first resonates throughout the whole office. The nurses are amazing and very helpful. I'm not sure why Dr. Chris chose plastic surgery as his specialty. His skills are extraordinary and I am so thankful I was lucky enough to have him as my surgeon.