And My Next Adventure Begins

I had my consultation with Dr. Samuel Logan today and I spent over an hour with him. He has a true passion to help breast cancer survivors to regain their confidence and sense of being a woman. He was talking to me about what he can do and how great I will look and he already knows he will want to use my before and after photos on his website if I were agreeable. He was like an artist just imagining the outcome. It was odd yet not. He has a back ground in engineering so the mechanics of reconstruction intrigue him.

I filled out all the paperwork, completed post opt information and then went to have some lab work done. That was not good. I sat in a large room with about 20 other people just to get registered to get services. After 30 minutes or so I was called into the registration area and filled out the info. TheN went back out to sit. Finally I called called in and literally 5 minutes later I was done. I don't think I waited 30 minutes for any of my doctors during my initial treatment. I think I was spoiled.

So the procedure is called a TRAM flap which means using natural tissue from you abdomen instead of an implant. Also the muscle of the abdomen is used to move up because it brings blood flow which will provide blood for the tissue. He will then Do a lift on the other side. This kind of means I will get a tummy tuck along with the reconstruction. Bad part is the surgery is about 6 hours long and there is a 3 to 5 day hospital stay. Dr. Logan also said for the first 36 hours I will be very sore and will wonder if I made the right decision but then hour 37 it will be ok. Recovery is 4 to 6 weeks and he said after about 2 weeks I can go to Florida for 2 or 3 weeks to finish healing. :).

My goal will be to be back home by April 22nd for the wedding shower. I also want to wear a dress to the wedding that shows a little cleavage - just a little.

I didn't realize how ready I am to do this - one step closer.

Winter Interrupted

Due to the impending winter storm warning for tonight and tomorrow with a foot of snow and blowing and drifting I changed my early morning appt with Stonegate and it is reset for February 8th. I am ready to get this step going and I hope once I have the consultation the next steps can be put into place pretty quick. I am looking forward to getting back some balance and simplifying things for me in more ways than one. I did go to my regular doctor yesterday just for a BP check. I go every three months. My weight was down 10 pounds and my BP was 119/86. My numbers are always elevated at the dr.s office so I know it was still much better. Hopefully, if I keep losing weight, exercise and watch my food I could get off the Meds all together.

Winter?

The weather has been very mild for Michigan in January. Part of me wants it to stay and part wants it to snow. I have a doctor's appt on Wed with my primary care doc who monitors my numbers. Blood pressure, blood sugars, etc oh, and my weight. I hope all the numbers are done and have been trying to be active and eat healthy. We will see. On Friday I go for consultation with Stonegate in St. Joe and am very interested to see what he says and what options I have. I would really like to NOT have to have implants and hope I can do a flap - that way I get a tummy tuck too. I will know more Friday and will report back the week of findings from all.

Hope to keep my stress levels down this week and move forward accordingly. See you all later.

Snow, Snow, Snow

I like snow but I like the fluffy big flakes falling like a post card so you can go out and play or make a snow man.

Today is the observed day for New Year's which means the Rose Parade is today and the Bowls games are today too. Weird but another day off and I plan to stay busy putting things away, cleaning out some drawers and just enjoying the last day off before back to work.

Happy New Year - 2012!

Yes, I was still awake when the ball dropped in New York City and then I went to bed. I woke up about 4:30 instead of 3:30 so already the new year is going well. I expected to see snow on the ground blowing and drifting but nothing. It is windy out but still kinda warm. I think I will pop out and get in a walk w/ Broghan which will be good for both of us.

We had a lovely dinner last night with Cathy, Randy, Sharon, James and Karen. I had some escargot, Reisling, salmon, and I splurged w/ a piece of Hershey pie which was actually very light and fluffy. Today I will return to my regular eating, much less and more healthy. Seems weird I crave fresh veggies. :)

I think it is in my head but my scar hurts and my remaining skin is numb like it is rubbing against my ribs. I am so ready to get started ith surgery and hope he can do the flap using belly fat. I really don't want an implant if I can opt out of it. I guess I will know more on the 13th.

I wonder what this year will bring but I will do whatever I can to be healthy, strong and balanced. I need to plan a vacation too.

Left over Stuff

Things I have gotten used to I realize were not there before treatment. What you ask? Like my fingers and toes still tingle and I have to be aware to move them. When I walk or workout for long periods of time my feet go numb. I also have weird nose things still. My snaught (sorry - no nice way to described it) is like sticky, gluey consistency and I get lots even though I have no cold or other allergies. My teeth are still suffering with weird stains and I use a restorative mouthwash. Obviously my hair - odd color but okay and I recently cut it off realizing how really easy really short hair is and no one is going to tell me I don't look good - I also know hair is over rated and it just is what it is. I also have chemo moments and lose words and thoughts. Or did I do that before - I can't remember. LOL. The medication I am on brought back all the hot flashes and I have them regularly. I was well past these and here they are but tamoxifen is what I need to be on. I see Dr. Z again in February and not sure how Often after that. It will be past one year but can't remember when 6 month appts start.

It is almost 2012 and nothing big planned for the night. Dinner at Timberline ad then home to watch the new year arrive. What will 2012 bring to us all? Happy New Year!

What A Difference A Year Makes!

I look at the calendar and realize it was one year ago today I had my last chemotherapy. It was an emotional day both scary and euphoric all at the same time. Today I celebrate and look forward to every day and the next day. I finally made the call to set up an appointment for reconstruction. I am ready to again move forward but I wanted to give my body and soul some recovery time. I want some balance and am okay with little. :). I am headed to South Bend to get a copy of my medical records from my surgeon to take to the plastic surgery center and hope I can take this next step soon. I think about it for a year and now want it done right away.