31st January, 2012 I underwent the next surgerical procedure in the journey ~ having Breast Reconstruction and TRAM flap to rebuild mY left breast using my own body tissue. This took approx 8hrs in theatre. Microsurgery is so fine. Due to the radiation treatment I had 4th Jan 2011 - 11 Feb 2011 (25 rounds), I was told by medical student the observed the op that they had to locate a good set of vessels to attach near my arm as the ones normally used had been ~ as he put it *fried* by the radiation. I stayed 10 days in hospital to remove the 3 drains instead of the usual week stay. The breast does look cool and my tummy is a tight a drum... they even created a whole new belly button, my husband does wonder why?? I did ask the medical team and they said everyone has one.... That's it then.
Today, 16th February I had my first follow up appointment with my wonderful plastic surgeon. I have been so impressed by his caringness, humanity and total dedication to his work and how he treats his patients. I have been very blessed to have this man as part of my medical team. Both surgeons: one that preformed the mastectomy and this doctor for reconstruction have been amazing. They have honoured my beliefs, quirks (wanting to have crystal taken into theatre) and have explained easily what is the best cause of action, answer questions, gave me time to make my decissions, making it affordable, never getting the feeling that I am just a number or being pressured. While meeting people that are learning from these Doctor plus the nice medical staff I know there is change in health care and it is up to us to choose the people that feel right to assist us to be WELL. We do need to do our part to be the best we can be: Positivity, looking outside the square as well as traditional... what ever feels right, do it for you.
So the results ~ Maria the nurse removed the old dressing from 6 days ago and replaced with better ones. The smell that I continued to have from under my left arm and I have pointed out to them through my stay it is not infected but some of the skin did die and so she applied a silver dressing over this area and will assist the healing better. it can be replaced after 3 or 4 days (they provided more for if we need it).. The dressings have covered the cut in my abdomin as well as my left breast where the mastectomy cut was reopened and the fatty tissue was placed to form my left breast. Some of the skin that was not required after the reconstruction a piece of skin was sent for testing 113x37 mm with a depth of 3mm the results No lesions or masses identified. As showed on the results ~ "Sections of skin show focal demal scarring consisten with previous excision site. There is no dysplasia or evidence of malignancy".Celebration ALL IS WONDERFUL. Validation of what I have felt and believed. So very happy as is my hubby. Over the next week I should start to get much more energy... It will take several months for the tummy to settle because the mesh was inserted and the tummy was stretch down ~ it is like they have reskined a drum. The body is taking energy to heal. I am moving around and the nurse was impressed that I could get up quiet well considering I had recently underwent abdominal surgery. Yah...
I go weekly to visit my doctor for a little while ....... I totally recommend this doctor.Hubby then took me to the beach to enjoy the healing ocean and had a celebration of fresh fruit juices and enjoy the day..... it was wonderful.
Moving forward one step at a time and being kind to ME...
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