A WOMAN IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CREATURE ON EARTH. AND EVEN AFTER A SEVERE DIAGNOSIS, SHE REMAINS ONE!

We conclude «Pink October» with the story of our patient who went through a difficult treatment journey and managed to return to herself—not only physically, but also spiritually. Elena discovered a lump in her breast on her own and immediately consulted a doctor. After examination, the diagnosis was confirmed: an aggressive form of breast cancer. In February, she underwent surgery—a radical left mastectomy—followed by six courses of chemotherapy. Throughout this time, Elena lived with a firm inner conviction: merely undergoing treatment was not enough. She wanted to restore her natural beauty, the one that makes a woman special. That’s how she found the team of specialists at the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (MORI) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, where the patient was provided with detailed information about all breast reconstruction options. Elena chose reconstruction using her own tissues.

The operation was performed by specialists from the oncoplastic surgery department with chemotherapy under the guidance of the head of the department, PhD Evgeny Troshenkov. To restore the shape of the breast, the patient’s own abdominal tissue was used. The operation is a microsurgical procedure and requires the highest level of surgical skill and, of course, experience.

«We used a DIEP flap — a complex of tissues from the anterior abdominal wall supplied by perforator vessels,” says plastic surgeon Azarii Kutsuradis. “Under the operating microscope, the vessels were connected, blood flow was restored, and a soft, anatomically natural breast contour was formed. The main advantage of this method is the preservation of the rectus abdominis muscle, which reduces the risk of postoperative complications and promotes faster recovery. It is a delicate, meticulous work where every detail matters». The operation was successful. By the second day, Elena was feeling well and walking around the ward on her own. The doctors noted a stable result and excellent flap blood supply. This means that the surgeons succeeded in everything.

«Oncoplastic surgery is not just about restoring appearance», – notes Evgeny Troshenkov. «It is an opportunity to give a woman back her sense of wholeness and inner peace. When she once again takes joy in her reflection in the mirror, it is a true victory not only over the disease but also over fear». Ahead lies the correction of the second breast to achieve symmetry, but the main thing has already happened: Elena feels like herself again. Our surgeons perform work every day where science and empathy go hand in hand. They give patients the chance to see in the mirror not traces of illness, but a reflection of their own strength and beauty. And all this because a woman is the most beautiful creature on earth. Even after a serious diagnosis, she remains that.