This happened about 3 1/2 years ago. I was devastated when I found out I had breast cancer, and surprised. No one in my family had ever had it. Mine was severe enough that lumpectomy was not an option, I had to have a mastectomy. I found out about Dr. Knowlton and the Peg Procedure in a local newspaper article, and the following weekend his procedure was performed on Chicago Hope, so I had an opportunity to see the procedure performed.

I knew after a short while that I was going to have the very best care, that I wasn't going to die, that I had several options, and that I would come out feeling good about myself and not being ashamed of having breast cancer. And I found out that I had friends who came out of the woodwork to support me.

I decided not to be too sensitive about having the procedure done -- we're lucky to live in a day and age when you can have a surgery and not come out of it feeling like you've been terribly maimed. I was fearful going in because of the unknown, but I had talked first to four different surgeons and settled on the Peg as the best option for me because I didn't want an implant.

I had pain for 10 days afterwards, and slept in a lazy boy chair. Then I took a one-mile walk after two weeks and was on the golf course in 6 weeks. But it took time, and I was tired.

So I'm just tickled with my results. I was surprised at how many people wanted to see my results, and really pleased at how amazed they were by how my breasts looked. I had the surgery in February and was able to wear a low cut dress to a party in June -- that's pretty good to be in your forties, and wear normal clothing after a mastectomy.

-- CW, Age 47
Latissimus Dorsi Peg Flap Procedure

I'd always been up on breast cancer, kept up to date on everything that was happening about it. I always thought if I got it I'd have a lumpectomy and radiation, but mine was too aggressive and I needed a mastectomy.

When they said I had breast cancer, I somehow already knew it. I went into this other world of protecting myself. I finally got a breast cancer advocate, who helped guide me through the task of selecting my treatment -- she stayed with me the whole way.

I knew that if I were to have a mastectomy, I needed the reconstruction -- I couldn't feel whole going home without a breast.

When I first woke up from surgery I had a lot of pain. But each day the pain decreased. I went home in 4 days. Breathing was hard and coughing was painful. But I had the will to be a role model for my sister and daughters, so I just kept going. Healing was really quick, and at the end of two weeks I was able to sweep my patio and walk around the neighborhood and be really comfortable with myself.

I love the results. It's better now than it was before. I have a lot of confidence, and I feel stronger and more whole.

-- BK, Age 41
Rectus Peg Flap Procedure

I was leery, if not really afraid of having an implant after my mastectomy, because I have allergies to plastics. What would happen if I had an allergic reaction and my body rejected the whole implant? So I was so grateful that I could have the Rectus Peg Flap Procedure.

It's such a wonderful procedure. I don't think anyone but Dr. Knowlton would go to such great lengths to find out a different process of reconstructive surgery. I've told all my friends and family, complete strangers about it, so people know that yes, you may get breast cancer and you have options for reconstructive surgery and you will be OK.

People are amazed by the surgery, and how great I'm doing. I've been a good role model, and they're proud of me. I was lucky to catch the cancer early, and I expect to live a full life. Emotionally and physically it has kept me whole.

-- UK, Age 43
Rectus Peg Flap Procedure

"You did a great job, Dr. Knowlton -- I'm eternally thankful for your skill and knowledge in the area of breast reconstruction. I truly never felt like I had a mastectomy ... and now it feels just like the other side. I'm truly thankful that there are doctors like yourself who do such miraculous things!"

-- Sincerely, L.B.

"I am thrilled with the results. I left the hospital feeling whole."

-- Bonnie K.