I Have Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can turn your world upside down. You may be coping with fear and anxiety about your treatment plan. You’re learning what to expect from treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, and whether or not you’ll need surgery to remove the cancer.

Each woman experiences her diagnosis differently. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, confused by your choices, eager to begin treatment, or even relieved to have a definitive diagnosis after waiting for test results. However you’re feeling, you’ll need a strong support system as you move into the next phase of this journey.

During this time, you’ll continue to work closely with an oncologist and, if needed, a breast surgeon, to develop a treatment plan.

Breast reconstruction can be an important part of the overall care plan for women affected by breast cancer. If you decide to have breast reconstruction, one of the Friedman Center’s plastic surgeons will perform the procedure. Working together with your breast oncologist and breast surgeon, we’ll coordinate the best possible treatment plan for you. Many breast reconstructions are performed at the same time as a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

Many women are understandably concerned about what their breasts will look like after breast cancer surgery. Breast reconstruction offers options to provide you with the most natural-looking results possible. The Friedman Center offers options to provide you with the most natural-looking results possible. In particular, we specialize in a procedure called a DIEP flap that has helped us achieve exceptional outcomes for many of our patients.

We understand that you have many decisions to make as you manage your breast cancer diagnosis. While breast reconstruction does add another layer of decision-making, it can also be an important part of your healing and recovery process.

Learn more about breast reconstruction and the personalized procedure options that the Friedman Center can provide to you.

Learn more about your options:

Mastectomy & Lumpectomy

What to Expect from Diagnosis to Recovery

About Breast Reconstruction

Janet’s expert business acumen, strong commitment to women, and deeply personal experience with oncologic breast surgery and reconstruction has shaped the trajectory of her life and career. In her role at the Friedman Center, Janet is responsible for leading and coordinating program development, patient education and empowerment, public event planning, fundraising initiatives, community outreach, and more.

She strives to ensure every patient is aware of the many resources, support services, and benefits available to them, and she serves as a liason between patients, physicians, and the Northwell Health system.

As someone with a long family history of genetic breast and ovarian cancer, Janet can readily identify with the needs of the patient. She strives to offer a high level of service to all women who have been affected by breast cancer.

Janet aims to make the Friedman Center a place where women have an exceptional experience—warm, comfortable, nurturing, and inviting—and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their reconstructive procedures.

She also devotes her personal time to humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, including the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. As a national volunteer for many years, she has provided education, awareness, and advocacy for nonprofit cancer-related organization.

Janet is a compassionate individual who has dedicated countless hours to help countless women through the challenging journey of breast cancer and breast reconstruction. She plays a pivotal role in creating a positive experience for every patient and is proud to continue her lifelong work in support of women’s issues here at the Friedman Center.

About Us

Our Physicians

Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS

Armen K. Kasabian, MD

Lyle Leipziger, MD, FACS

Elizabeth Sieczka, MD

Neil Tanna, MD, MBA

Adam Perry, MD

Victor A. Moon, MD, FACS

Denis Knobel, MD

Breast Cancer Treatment

Lymphatic Surgery

Breast Reconstruction

Abdominal Natural Tissue (Flap)

Alternative Natural Tissue (Flap)

Implant Procedures

Revisions & Enhancements

DIEP Flap Procedure: Advanced Natural Tissue Reconstruction

Prep & Recovery

Support Center

Patient Forms & Resources