['lizbeth]

Had I been reading my plastic surgeon's notes I would have switched years earlier.

When discussing the challenges and frustrations I was having with another doctor in the same hospital - he read the notes and became quite angry about what the surgeon had written.

Had I been able to see, in writing, the negative way the plastic surgeon viewed me - it would have helped me to make the difficult decision sooner to seek care from a different surgeon.

I sought a second opinion and was dragging my feet about making a decision. I was able to get the notes from the second opinion and was so shocked at what he had written that I decided to wait for a controversial procedure. My belief is if a surgeon is trying to prove a new procedure in a clinical trial - every effort will be made to make it a beautiful success.

The 2nd opinion put that I wanted my reconstruction to be the same size as the other breast which was about a 38FF. I spent about a half hour repeating over and over that was not what I wanted. I only wanted the reconstructed side to be a half cup to a cup size larger (to make up a hand sized area of tissue lost on the lower & interior portion). The breast looks beautiful, but unfortunately is a bit lopsided.

Then I wanted the other breast to be reduced and lifted to match.

Nothing hurts my self esteem more than to have plastic surgeons view me in a negative way.

However, having access to their notes helped me make an educated decision in my reconstruction. I'm ready to ask tough question when I search for a new surgeon and I will ask to see their notes.