Oh my goodness…I can’t believe I met with a plastic surgeon today. Ha! The conversation that went on was so strange and foreign to me as the thought of plastic surgery, for any part of my body, has never even crossed my mind.
Anyways . . .
It was long appointment – paperwork, video to watch and then meeting with the Dr. The plan for now is to start reconstruction on the day of surgery with a tissue expander. Then after recovery from surgery, we’ll start slowly filling that up to the right level. Then that will be removed and an implant inserted (which will be another short surgery). After hearing all the options, we felt that is the best one for my situation.
The plastic surgeon also does surgeries on Thursdays, so it looks like we are still on for April 14th.
In other news . . .
We are still a bit under the weather here…not what I had hoped for the first couple weeks after chemo. Tom was well enough to go with me to the Dr. today. He worked a little, rested, worked a little, rested. etc. Our oldest no longer has a fever but is still pretty week. She really wants to go back to school tomorrow. Our 6 year old woke up congested but no fever. I had a small fever this morning, but really, I think I just have a bad cold.
I’m exhausted from feeling yucky and caring for everyone but will survive. I’ve felt worse. 🙂 Thank you to those who have stepped up at the last minute with meals. I’m not at the point where I can do it all, and this is very helpful this week! Thank you! 🙂
I’m too tired to write much else right now, but wanted to give a quick update. Thanks for praying with us.
We will pray you through the surgery. God has been so faithful, and we will pray your feel His arms around you as you proceed to the next phase. God bless you richly!
Thank you for the encouragement Peggy! 🙂
We know that the Lord is walking through this with you. We will continue to keep you, Tom and the girls in our prayers. Our little church in Omaha is praying for you as are many friends.
Your faith has been a blessing to all of us. Thank you for being such an inspiration to others.
God bless!
Thanks Juanita. 🙂
We have put April 14th on the calendar. We continue to pray for your family. You show your love for God with every post you write. We pray for peace for you during the next phase of your life. Love you!
Thank you. So far I have been able to fight off fear. Please keep praying for that!
Love this: “I’ve felt worse” 🙂 chemo patients (aka survivors of chemo) understand that statement. Well, some sail through chemo, I guess…but it is a different kind of feeling crummy, that then makes the “regular” crummy so palatable, right? Praying that your surgery experience is good…no issues with the surgery itself, and that they are able to get clean margins (will that mean no radiation for you?), and your pain is minimal ♥
He said no radiation if there appears to be no cancer glowing in the pet scan in the sternum or if it’s glowing in a lot of places and we need to think about other options. 🙂 And yes, a different kind of crummy! 🙁
Jennifer, Glad you are all on the mend!! It’s hard to keep from getting something when you have nothing to fight back with!! You should tolerate surgery better with the rest you are getting now. Your reconstructive is more detailed than mine. I found surgery easier than chemo! I had a single mastectomy and 29 lymph nodes removed. (tumor and 19 nodes cancerous) No reconstructive surgery. I was in the hospital for 4 months after abdominal surgery in 2002, it left me unable to swallow, talk, and had no use in my arms and legs from a Ms flare-up. I could live without a breast, but didn’t want to have a permanent or severe bout of MS I don’t recall being in alot of pain, but the drains were somewhat uncomfortable. I remember after surgery resting my hands and arms behind my hand and it felt ok. Keep raising your arms…..gradually start by walking your fingers up the wall. If you don’t, you may have trouble raising your arms!! My eyelashes and eyebrow took a couple months longer to come in, and when they did, they weren’t as full. Did you save your hair? Is it growing back the same color? I colored my, so that is one big reason I kept it. Mine grew back it’s natural color…GRAY (ugh!) Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for keeping us updated. Love and HUGS to you!! Karen
Thanks for the tips. I’m hoping surgery is easier than chemo as well!! My hair is growing back it’s natural color too – dark brown. 🙂 I did save some of it before we cut it. But I can’t remember where I put it. Hmmm. Will have to think about that. Maybe Tom knows. 🙂