Aug 20, 2012 - Day # 13 - Reconstruction surgery update / Phase 1 over

Day 13 short update: On the way out the door, Ron kept mentioning all these things that weren't up yet (it was 4 in the morning mind you and not my usual get up time) including Mike Wellis, the DJ  on wqdr 94.7. I added a few items myself. Then, I saw all the cars moving in tandem with us on the interstate. There were some other crazy people out here! Let's just hope my surgeon is up and having the best cup of coffee he's ever had and reading the news paper for a low key low stress kind of morning. I obviously wanted him in a good place. 

Surgery was successful from the surgeon's perspective on all accounts except it lasted a lot longer than he expected. He was guessing 2 hours and it was close to 5. He did promise his best work afterall and he knew I would hold him to that. I think he was just trying to be super careful and thoughtful with his decision making to give me the best outcome with all the risks I have from the radiation. I am thinking however that Ron was probably nervous during the extra 3 hours of wait. 

From my perspective, the great news is I got to skip the expanders and go straight to implants! Delighted! Delighted! Delighted! He said he would have to decide once he made the incision and got everything open in front of him. His boob analysis resulted in implant placement. One who step I got to skip. How is that not a score?

The few downsides include: 
 1) I got 4 stinking drains this go round instead of 2 and they will be in at least a week if not two. Wasn't expecting that. He said he wanted to get rid of as much fluid as possible to give me the best chances for success long term. I now know why he was so hush hush the morning of surgery when I asked him about the drains. He knew I hated them, and he knew I would be giving grief if he had let on in advance about this 2 fold increase in drains. 

2) He doesn't want me to do my daily walk anymore while the drains are in. This made me super sad because this got me out of the house and I absolutely loved it. But let's face it, it's August. The dead of summer in NC bring moist heat. Moist heat = seating = bad for the incisions = Sally now on house arrest = not so happy Sally. His words "keep on hand on the house!"

3) Lots of restrictions and activity limitations with this surgery. So I should probably buy mom a cute French maid's outfit and Ron an English butler. I shall not lift a finger. And the best news to me: Phase One of this journey which gave me such awful mental challenges is OVER (see previous posts)! Maybe no more tears!!! Maybe. I now have boobs again. Who knew I would hold them so dear?

Hands down, Good continues to hear your prayers. He is blessing me beyond all expectations in this journey and reminding me he never promised a easy life, but a life that shines with his glory in all circumstances. We still have a long haul, but we are trucking along at a pleasant speed. More tomorrow when I'm not so tired.