Andy & I met with the new plastic surgeon yesterday, we liked him very much. He spent alot of time talking about all the options that are available following mastectomy, I have decided to go with the bi-lateral, and what the whole process would entail. We agreed upon the tissue sparing/expander/implant route for several reasons, none of which I will bore you with here, but can discuss further if any feels they need to know more.So, what will happen is they will do the mastectomy and try to keep as much of my external breat skin as possible, and simultaneously, the plastic surgeon will be placing in these expanders (look just like implants), under the breast muscle to expand the muscle over a short period of time. They will essentially "pump me up" through the weeks until I get to where I want to be. This procedure takes about 3-4 hours and I will be in the hospital 1-2 days. In about 8-12 weeks, the insurance companies like to wait about the full 12, I will go back in for a one day surgery in which they will remove the expanders and place in the implants. 8-12 weeks after that I go back in for another one day surgery to recreat the areola/nipple (won't go into that here as it made andy sick listening), but they come out looking pretty real.
So, I am going to try and schedule the initial surgery for the beginning of November, as we have some family long weekends in October that I didn't want to cancel and because October is my favorite month and I want to enjoy it. So it seems by next May I will be ready for my bikini!
I was surprised there were so many steps involved and that it did take so long, but it is still shorter/less side effects/risks than having to do radiation and/or take hormones for the next 4-5 years. By doing the bilateral I virtually cut my chance of every getting breat cancer down to less than 1%. (sometimes you can develop another one is some of the skin left behind, but very rare)
So thank you to all the ladies who emailed me and talked to me on the phone about their experiences with this, it helped to hear your story and it was reassuring to know I was on the right track and would be fully well again soon. What incredible ladies you all are, I am prowd to join your ranks! I only hope I can make it throught the hazing.
Enough medical mumbo jumbo,
Theater: We got out to see Church Basement Ladies @ the Merry Go Round Playhouse last evening. It was a great show and we were laughing hard, poor andy, but he said it was worth the pain. (I wouldn't be a very good board member if I didn't tell you that the show has been extended to next saturday and tixs are still available, so give that box office a call, you won't be sorry.)
Music: I also wanted everyone to know that they should go out and purchase Jason Mraz's CD. If you like Jack Johnson, you'll love this guy, it has become my feel happy music of the moment.
TV: Amazing Race starts Sunday, set the dvr and don't forget to tape the show after it too because football usually runs everything behind.
Activities: Big trucks is tomorrow, for those who are local, so don't forget to go and support that. You don't need kids to have a good time either. I might add that the cub scouts will be selling popcorn, so make sure to bring some money and buy some!
Alright, I have another super secret misson I am working on now, so I gotta get going. Hope everyone has a great weekend. It is alittle better for us knowing the Red Sox got the wildcard and are in the playoffs. (come on yankee fans, we let you have a big win last evening to get it)
Thanks again! I know the rules say I can't send thanks you's for all the food, cards, and gifts we are getting, but I want each and everyone one of you to know how much we are thankful for it all & how much it helps us get through this bump in our road. You're the best!
Sherie
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