This holiday season a Mississippi woman who is cancer-free credits a procedure only done at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. As MPB's Desare Frazier reports, the ordeal has also rejuvenated her love life.
When Nekesha Moore of Byram, went for her annual breast exam, she says it wasn't the first time a small area was seen on her mammogram that needed further testing. She says the biopsy came back negative for cancer. So, when a small tumor was detected again last year, she wasn't as concerned. But this time she received a call from the doctor's office saying that it was a small cancerous tumor that would continue to grow, if left untreated.
"I think my mind just went blank because I know that I was sitting on my bed when she called and it was daylight and when I accepted it I guess, it was dark," said Moore.
The 45-year old was stunned. Moore says after undergoing tests, she decided to have her right breast removed and tissue taken from her abdomen to reconstruct the breast all in one procedure. Dr. Ben McIntyre, a plastic surgeon at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, performed the surgery. He says it's called DIEP Flap. McIntyre says a patient's satisfaction is higher if they have the breast reconstructed immediately.
"She did great and I'm really proud of her. I know that her diagnosis was very traumatic. I remember seeing her being tearful in her first consultation so to see her now and be happy and confident. I'm really happy for her," said McIntyre.
Moore is happy she's cancer-free. The divorced mother of one is also thrilled her initial diagnosis has revived her relationship with her ex-husband.
"Yes, when I say he has been my, he has been my backbone. It brought us back together because he was the one that was taking care of me," said Moore.
Moore says the pair will renew their vows Christmas Day. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the only hospital in the state that performs DIEP Flap.
