Doris Wooten
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, one of Doris Wooten’s physicians recommended she see Dr. Kelly Foster, a medical oncologist with the TGH Cancer Institute – Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF) in Palm Beach Gardens.
The Jupiter resident felt an immediate bond with Dr. Foster. “She is an incredible physician—warm, compassionate and a great listener,” said Wooten. “After we met, I felt understood.”
With surgery inevitable, Wooten carefully researched her options. She confided with Foster that along with a double mastectomy, she wanted a particular type of surgery called deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap to reconstruct her breasts.
A DIEP artery refers to a blood vessel in the abdomen. A surgeon uses blood vessels and a flap of tissue—fat and skin from the lower abdomen—to reconstruct a patient’s breasts. A benefit of DIEP flap surgery is that a surgeon does not remove muscle from the abdomen. Also, patients feel that using their own tissue gives their breasts a more natural shape and feel than do implants.
With limited options in Palm Beach County, Foster’s affiliation with Tampa General Hospital afforded Wooten access to the academic health system’s best possible surgical team to perform both procedures. First, surgical oncologist Dr. Abigail Beard, an assistant professor of breast surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, performed the double mastectomy. Next, the DIEP flap procedure was handled by plastic surgeon Dr. Lauren Kuykendall, an assistant professor of plastic surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.
“Both Dr. Beard and Dr. Kuykendall were phenomenal surgeons and great communicators,” said Wooten. “They explained everything clearly, including all of the pros and cons, given how I wished to move forward.” Wooten had surgery in September 2023.
Foster’s affiliation with Tampa General ensured a smooth, coordinated path for Wooten’s surgery and treatment. The academic health system’s expansion into the Palm Beaches and on the Treasure Coast provides patients with access to complex care and the convenience of postoperative care with a local provider.
The board-certified breast surgeons at the TGH Cancer Institute and world-renowned Breast Cancer Center have extensive experience with all breast reconstruction techniques and can recommend the best approach for patients.
Tampa General is ranked among the Top 10 percent in the Nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26. The academic health system’s world-renowned Breast Cancer Center is one of the highest-volume programs in Florida for treating breast cancer patients who require a hospital stay.
For more information about the groundbreaking cancer care available at TGH Cancer Institute – Cancer Center of South Florida, visit CancerCenterSouthFlorida.com.
