next steps...

catching up here...

I'm not too good about writing, since it's not something I really like to do (sit in front of a computer screen...) but it's a lot easier to write this once, than 10,000x so Neil is pushing me to do this on this blog.

In my last blog, I wrote that I'd fill you in on reconstruction options. Briefly, there are 2 types: implants and flap procedures. I don't want to have implants (nothing against those who have them or want them) but they aren't for me, for a whole host of reasons (email me personally, if you're interested in knowing the details of that decision). So, I'm opting for a flap procedure, where tissue and fat is taken from one part of your body (tummy or butt/hips), to reconstruct new breasts.

We met with a plastic surgeon in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, and he determined the best place to take tissue and fat from me was from my butt and hip area.

(I must tell you, as a sidenote, that standing completely naked, in front of the doc, who was at about eye level with my chest, and who was using calipers to determine my belly and butt fat amounts, was a little mortifying. He was lifting my breasts, and grabbing at my tissue, looking so serious, as I was about ready to curl up and die from humiliation, particularly since our kids go to school together! oh well... if I didn't have a sense of humor about this before, I sure do now!!)

If you're super interested in an overview of breast reconstruction options, I think Johns Hopkins does a pretty good job of explaining it all:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/avon_foundation_breast_center/treatments_services/reconstructive_breast_surgery/index.html

After I decided against implants and for a flap procedure, and determined that the only place that can be used as a donor site for this was my tushie, I had to find a qualified surgeon to perform this type of procedure.

Upward and onward with more research! phew!

I researched this for hours and hours, and found the best place to have this done, in the country (and perhaps, even one of the very best places in the world!), is in New Orleans, at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (http://www.breastcenter.com/). Who knew, right? There are a lot of docs who do implant surgery in Seattle, a few who do the flap procedure from your belly fat (I don't have enough there to work with, ironically, since I'm such a big girl) but only 2 surgeons in Seattle who do the butt flap procedure and they only do a few a year. I'm not interested in somebody who may have to pull out the owners manual each time he does this ("Hmmm... let's see... step 1. drape the patient. step 2. make incision here... NOT here... ").

So, with a lot of hard work in the research department, many hours of phone calling all over the country, fighting and finagling with my insurance company, discussing and discussing with Neil, I've opted to go to the place where they're experts!

My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, May 25th, at 7am, in New Orleans. Our calender is tight between now and then, with work and kid duty. Fortunately, Quinn is home from college now, so he's a huge help. Sam graduates from college in just 5 days - this Sunday, May 23rd! We then leave, bright and early, the next morning, bound for New Orleans. I have pre-op appointments in New Orleans on Monday afternoon, and surgery, bright and early, Tuesday morning. I have to stay in the hospital for 2-4 days (which I'm counting on as 2, not 3 or 4). Then, stay in a New Orleans hotel, for a few more days, then home on June 2nd! Neil is coming with me, and will stay through the 27th, then Carol will come down and be with me till I come home.

I've been exercising a lot and feel really great right now, so am planning on a speedy recovery and back to work a couple of weeks after surgery. I'm not supposed to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 4 weeks, so pray nobody delivers a big baby, or I'll have to ask them to put their own baby on the baby scale at work - ha!

So, that's where we're at now. Again, I am so thankful for all of you and your kind words, deeds, notes, gifts, kisses, hugs, emails. It has truly been the thing that has kept me sane and grounded. My friends and fam have surrounded me with so much love, it's almost unbelievable. I don't feel deserved of it, but will pass it forward, for sure.

Neil and I will keep you posted. He has a list of folks to send a text message to, when the surgery is over, so if you want to be on the list, please send either of us an email. You know how to get ahold of us!

kisses back at'cha!