With the individualized care, support and expertise of our team, patients experience a positive personal journey as they undergo a breast reconstruction procedure at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC). Read some of our breast cancer patients’ successful outcomes and how reconstructive surgery has improved their overall quality of life.

Kentrelle Gayles-Taylor

Kentrelle Gayles-Taylor is a homemaker and a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Inductile Carcinoma in January 2006. Thankfully she is now in remission, and since then has had breast reconstructive surgery.

Kentrelle loves to collect art. Now that she’s cancer-free, she plans to spend more time collecting and enjoying art. When asked what advice she’d give to patients whose circumstances are similar to hers, she said, “I want our young men and women to know that you are capable of so much more than you think. Everything is possible.” 

Cheryl Davis

Cheryl is an art teacher who loves photography and traveling. Diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2004, Cheryl is now grateful to be in remission. According to Cheryl, France is her favorite foreign country to visit so far, yet she admits she still has a lot of traveling to do. Her special words of advice to LLUMC patients is this: “I truly believe we can improve our health through what we eat and how we live our lives. I encourage every woman to find what works best for you. And be your own best advocate. Take care of yourselves.”

Linda Wat Jacobson

Linda Wat Jacobson is an anesthesiologist here at LLUMC who enjoys hobbies including photography, digital media, international travel, reading and knitting. In November 2008, she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in one breast and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in the other breast. Having undergone treatments at LLUMC, she advises every woman to “fear the cancer, not the mammogram” and “don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the answers that you understand.”

Debbie Carrion

Debbie Carrion is a marketing representative who enjoys the outdoors, hula dancing and RV camping. She is also an LLUMC patient who had undergone breast reconstruction with a TRAM flap. In 2007, Debbie was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma. Because her type of cancer was non-detectable by mammograms, she urges women to conduct self- and professional breast examinations on a yearly basis.

Harriette Parker

Harriette Parker was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and is now in remission. She is a construction material coordinator who also enjoys sewing, painting, fishing and crafts. In addition, Harriette is a passionate advocate for breast cancer survivors everywhere. She advises those suffering from breast cancer to “Take control of your own life, and if need be, challenge your health care provider so that you know you’re getting the best care. Remember that you are a beautiful, alive human being. And don’t forget to tell someone about your experience with breast cancer. It could save a life.”

Tena Dekker-Moraco

Tena Dekker-Moraco is a high school teacher and interior designer who enjoys golf, recycling old furniture and mentoring teens. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and is now in remission. Drawing from her personal breast cancer journey, Tena advises breast cancer sufferers to “Be brave. Get good nutrition, and have a good attitude. Above all, be grateful for the blessings of each day – big and small.”