Tina J. Hieken's Online Review Report Card

I was scared about pain and problems that my friends had after mastectomy. I'm not sure if I was just lucky or what, but Dr Heiken and her team made it easy. Very little pain no post op problems.

I was having a hard time with her doing a lymph node dissection on me.. I came very close to not having it done after 3 hours in pre op. I finally said I needed to speak to her prior to my surgery.. she PROMISED me that she would only take the lymph nodes that were visibly swallen and or discolored.. she PROMISED me that she would be VERY selective and take into account that I am more concerned with QUALITY OF LIFE THAN QUANTITY. as far as I'm concerned she went into that surgery with full intent on doing a full level one and possible level 2 dissection without hearing a word I said or her promise to me, she convinced me to believe.. I had one (1) positive lymph node out of a "standard level one dissection" and she even went into level and took some of them... All negative.. I have cried more over this than a death sentence. She eliminated my choices for after care and I am trying not to hate her for removing my filter system and raising my lymphodema chance to 65 percent if radiated

As it is during these days of COVID I can no longer shake hands nor see entire faces so its the eyes that have to tell me to trust a total stranger with my life. That Dr Hieken is a surgeon at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Dept; has published or collaborated on nearly 200 cancer related papers and her current research is being partially funded by SU2C should be enough to put my mind at ease. But its the look of empathy in her eyes and the sound of resolve in her voice from the pre-op consult thru surgery and the post-op follow up that assured me I can trust her; no matter what the result.

Dr Hieken is a remarkable surgeon! She is definitely a pro and top of her field in doing surgeries and knowing the advanced techniques in her field. She was so kind and considerate in my care and even called me at 7:30 pm on Sunday to see how I was doing and if I had any questions. I highly recommend her and have the utmost respect for her.

She is highly respected and very knowledgeable in her field. She makes you feel so comfortable with the surgery and her after care and concern is remarkable. She even called to see how I was at 7:30pm on a Sunday. I am very pleased with my surgery.

Misdiagnosed my cancer by relying on an inadequate needle biopsy and her own lack of suspicion and hubris. Was also very arrogant about it. Now I'm widely metastatic. I could have had a much better chance.

Phenomenal surgeon!

Dr. Hieken is a phenomenal surgeon. Very thorough, clearly dedicated. Dr. Hieken was very professional and friendly. Dr. Hieken was easy to talk with and took the time to answer all my questions. My nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery went very well and I was pleased with all my follow up care at Mayo.

I thought she did great in preforming my surgery but I didn't like the follow up. I left very frustrated and upset. Felt like she wasn't listening to mine or my husbands concerns. They way that I responded to the surgery and recovery was not the normal but she treated me like I should've been like everyone else. If my next biopsy comes back malignant, I wouldn't mind having her be my surgeon but I'm not sure if I will go back for post op. Extra star for surgery.

Many years ago I worked with her as an underling. She is very different with patients than who she supervises. I'm glad that patients like her so much. She wasn't very personable otherwise.