Today is the first day towards being completely whole. Dr. Kelly (plastic surgeon) put 120 CCs into the right breast and 75 into the left breast. Since the surgery, the left one is larger due to the extra skin / muscle from the back. She said I am healing so well and the skin is in such good shape that they could put more in than anticipated. Initially, she indicated 60 CCs per 2 week period (what an unexpected blessing!)
I return May 8, 22 and June 2nd. After that...final surgery to place the implants. I am very excited but really ask for prayers. The more fluid inserted, the bigger potential for PAIN. I don't want pain, I've had enough. I want to be pain free for the remainder. Anyway, the surgery will probably be in July.
Thanks for your prayers, I truly appreciate every one.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Spring Update
Hello Everyone!!
I thought it was time to update this blog since so many have called wanting to know where my journey is at this point...so here goes....
I had my first surgery towards breast reconstruction on March 19th. The plastic surgeon did a "flap procedure" where she took skin and muscle from the left side of my back and fed it under my skin to overlap the left breast. Radiated skin does adhere as well as healthy skin so this procedure will increase the chances of having a normal looking left breast. Skin stretchers were placed under the skin on both breasts and beginning 4-28 60CCs of fluid will be injected into each breast to begin stretching the skin. After about 4 or 5 months, the skin should be stretched enough to have the final surgery to place the final product in. This last surgery has been the toughest to get through. I thank our Lord every day for people who stayed with me my first week home to ensure meds were taken, food was eaten and rest was gotten. My daughter even spent the night with me in the hospital. The poor girl had to put up with a nutty mom as the drugs definitely took over and I'm sure she is still laughing about the wierd things that probably came from my mouth. My doctor is very pleased with my healing and said I am healing "marvelously." My first day back to work was 4-14. I'm working shorter days for the next few weeks and then back to the regular work schedule.
The final step will be to remove the port. I'm not sure whether it will come out with the next surgery or if it will be left in for a while, just in case.
I have 14 more weekly chemo treatments and then 5 years of an oral medication.
There is light at the end of the tunnel and much thanksgiving for this whole process to have gone so well.
I believe it is because of all of you and your prayers that have enabled my body to overcome this illness and heal so well. I cannot thank you enough for you support and hope you will all continue to pray for me and my recovery. Again, you have no idea how thankful I am to each and every person who prays for me.
The Relay for Life in Marion is in June and I will be there with my daughter. It will be our 2nd year for the team and we are looking forward to it.
I thought it was time to update this blog since so many have called wanting to know where my journey is at this point...so here goes....
I had my first surgery towards breast reconstruction on March 19th. The plastic surgeon did a "flap procedure" where she took skin and muscle from the left side of my back and fed it under my skin to overlap the left breast. Radiated skin does adhere as well as healthy skin so this procedure will increase the chances of having a normal looking left breast. Skin stretchers were placed under the skin on both breasts and beginning 4-28 60CCs of fluid will be injected into each breast to begin stretching the skin. After about 4 or 5 months, the skin should be stretched enough to have the final surgery to place the final product in. This last surgery has been the toughest to get through. I thank our Lord every day for people who stayed with me my first week home to ensure meds were taken, food was eaten and rest was gotten. My daughter even spent the night with me in the hospital. The poor girl had to put up with a nutty mom as the drugs definitely took over and I'm sure she is still laughing about the wierd things that probably came from my mouth. My doctor is very pleased with my healing and said I am healing "marvelously." My first day back to work was 4-14. I'm working shorter days for the next few weeks and then back to the regular work schedule.
The final step will be to remove the port. I'm not sure whether it will come out with the next surgery or if it will be left in for a while, just in case.
I have 14 more weekly chemo treatments and then 5 years of an oral medication.
There is light at the end of the tunnel and much thanksgiving for this whole process to have gone so well.
I believe it is because of all of you and your prayers that have enabled my body to overcome this illness and heal so well. I cannot thank you enough for you support and hope you will all continue to pray for me and my recovery. Again, you have no idea how thankful I am to each and every person who prays for me.
The Relay for Life in Marion is in June and I will be there with my daughter. It will be our 2nd year for the team and we are looking forward to it.
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