Breast Cancer Patient Set On Fire During Surgery

Jack and Connie Plumlee are suing a Tulsa surgeon whom set Connie on fire during a breast reconstruction surgery at Saint Johns Medical Center last December. 

As reported by News On 6, Connie Plumlee had a double mastectomy two years ago due to breast cancer.  She presumed that the reconstructive surgery would be her last and final step toward her healing.

Jack and Connie Plumlee, of Green Country, have been married 33 years and are both parents and grandparents. Connie Plumlee had received Teacher of the Year awards from both Owasso and Collinsville schools for her dedication during a 33-year long career.

Connie Plumlee reports that after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she had met the disease head-on, had her breasts removed, went through the required chemotherapy, took her prescribed medications and was eventually declared cancer free.

The last thing she had left on her check off list to do: reconstructive surgery to both breasts.  Dr. Brad Garber was Plumlee's chosen surgeon.

Plumlee reported, "When I first woke up in recovery, a gentleman was standing over me and said 'Do you know what happened?' He had tears in his eyes and I said, 'Surgery.' I was so sedated. He goes, 'You were burned,' and that stuck with me."

Her face was wrapped up in bandages.

Per the lawsuit, Dr. Garber had used alcohol during the procedure to swab Plumlee.  Then when he turned on his tool for cauterization, it started a fire in the drapes, and before it could be put out, Plumlee herself.

Nearly four months since the accident, Plumlee still has trouble eating and drinking because the tube in her mouth that was to feed her oxygen had also been burned in the fire. The inside of her mouth and tongue were burned, with the pain so bad that she is unable to return to her teaching job. Plumlee said, "It's been hard. I'm a go-getter, have a family, my whole life is changed."

Dr. Garber, comparing her scar to a chemical peel, called it a minor setback.  While Plumlee contends that her face and lips are deformed from the surgical error, requiring constant medical care, Plumlee hasn't ruled out that more surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

The Plumlee's contend that they're not litigious people, but felt that there was no other choice.  Dr. Garber didn't reach an agreement with Plumlee's attorney so they filed the lawsuit.

Attorney Clark Brewster said, "One of the things we do in filing a lawsuit, not only try to get compensation for our client and restore some type of wholeness, but also to do good work, to make a change or make it known how this can be prevented."

Dr. Garber's attorney refused to comment to News on 6 about the litigation.

Saint John's Medical Center, also not commenting on the case, offered their thoughts and prayers to Plumlee during her recuperation.

If you, or a loved one, have fallen victim to medical malpractice, click here for a qualified attorney to serve your needs.