Dr. Arena is one of the best doctors I’ve ever had in my whole life. I’m so greatful for her. Dr. Arena guided me through my whole journey of breast cancer which is not easy. She is very thorough and very perfectionistic, she takes time to answer all patient questions, even when other doctors were assholes and gave up on me so easily Dr. Arena never abandoned me even though there were challenges with my case. Dr. Arena is very humble and not one of these egotistical doctors. She is very caring and empathetic. Dr. Arena also accepts medi-cal and for a doctor of her caliber to accept medi-cal when she easily could be greedy and only accept cash or high priced insurances just speaks to how thoughtful she is. I think Dr. Arena is a model doctor and an example of what the failing dysfunctional medical industry should be reformed to; I only wish other doctors could be more like her.
I have never had major surgery before and I’m extremely afraid of blood and needles, going into the procedure I was extremely anxious. Turns out I was really Way Way overly worried because the procedure (left side skin sparing mastectomy) was way easier than I expected. The incisions she made were so small and didnt need bandages- only a small amount of surgical tape. I had very little pain after the surgery and didn’t even take any of the painkillers prescribed. The day after the surgery I walked out of the hospital myself and the next day I was able to do every normal activity accept for athletics or physically demanding activity. The worse part is these damn drains which make activity a bit limiting but the actual wound/ incision was not dibilitating at all. I would highly recommend Dr. Arena for any women going through breast cancer.