Once you hear ominous words like abnormality, mastectomy, and reconstruction, your mind transforms into a flood gate of questions and concerns. Once the dust settles and you have started to digest your situation, your need to TRUST someone with your care rapidly becomes a desperation. Anyone facing these circumstances understands the magnitude of this decision.....(the “right choice” decision)....thus the reason behind this lengthy review. Herein lies the answers you may be searching for....
This (our) story is unique in that we have the pleasure of being under the care of Dr. Andrew Freel as sisters. One with a breast cancer diagnosis, one with rapidly evolving Atypical cells, both of us testing positive for the breast cancer gene then ultimately both becoming double mastectomy (with immediate reconstruction) patients. Obviously, both of us had different issues but the search for hope of being reasonably whole again was definitely a part of our common ground. We consulted with several different surgeons before deciding to embark on our journey with Dr. Freel and his team. It is an understatement to say he represents his chosen profession well. In our opinion, this New Orleans native brings the best of Louisiana and helps make Baton Rouge reputable. We drive hundreds of miles to entrust our body canvas to this expert.
Lets begin with initial impression: Professional, yet friendly. Knowledgeable, yet honest. Caring, yet no “BS”! Organized, yet you are made to feel you come first. He obviously embraces impeccable work ethics and is exemplary when it comes to dedication. You do not have to be associated with him long before you see he has a strong love and passion for his work. Now after eight (8) plus months with this practice, we feel we can share the more than apparent. Considering true, personal care, it is vital that you feel not only hope but safe. You know you have found compassion when you find a confident physician that cares about the whole mix of fears, hopes and desires. And, on an even deeper level, when you find a listener that actually makes eye contact as your heart bleeds and your emotions have hijacked a wild roller coaster and is headed anywhere but where they should be! THAT is the difference! The difference for us that resulted in no regrets.
When it comes to accolades, Dr. Freel is humble, so we are not sure he realizes the importance of his role in this most special journey of ours. To say the least, Dr. Freel and his staff have been instrumental in turning our ordeal into an unexpected blessing. Now not only is he proud of his work, but so are we!
He and his office will remain our heroes.