Each year almost 30,000 surgeries are performed at the Misericordia and Grey Nuns Community Hospitals—from hip replacements to cancer surgeries to hernia repairs. Innovative approaches are making a difference to the quality of care and patients' quality of life.

Today plastic surgeons Dr. Blair Mehling and Dr. David Edwards are teaming up with general surgeon Dr. Kelly Dabbs to perform a mastectomy immediately followed by a breast construction using the patient's own skin and tissue. Dr. Dabbs will perform the mastectomy, preserving most of the breast skin. Her colleagues will then transplant skin and fat from the lower abdomen to fashion the new breast using delicate microsurgery techniques.

The Misericordia does the majority of these procedures—called a TRAM-flap—in Northern Alberta. It is suitable for only a small percentage of patients who meet specific criteria and who do not require radiation; the hospital performs about 15 per year.

Mammogram technologist Wanda Annett turned to the Misericordia when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and learned she was a good candidate for the procedure. She had the surgery and later that year danced at her children's weddings in full party finery.

"I was so impressed with the professionalism and passion of the physicians I met there," she said. "There was amazing transparency in their approach. They gave me the gift of myself—and a wonderful example to follow in my professional life."

The procedure is just one reason the Misericordia is a leader in breast cancer care. The hospital has pioneered new approaches through the years and today offers a full range of surgical options—including lumpectomy and mastectomy with or without reconstruction—as well as post-surgical therapy and support.

"Optimum breast cancer care requires a collaborative team approach with several caregivers working together with the patient to make complex decisions," says Dr. Mehling. "You also need all caregivers collaborating on treatment—from the family doctor to the surgical team to nurses providing specialized post-operative care."

Wanda is grateful for the chance her entire care team gave her to learn, grow and experience life. "Last week I held my new grandson to my chest," she said. "I was simply me—his grandmother. That's what breast reconstruction has given me."