On May 11th, I underwent surgery to have my tissue expanders replaced with ‘permanent’ implants. They’re actually not permanent as the recommended life expectancy is about ten years. You then have them replaced.

The surgery also involved fat grafting and breaking up the scar tissue from the radiation on the left side. I went into it knowing that I would most likely need another surgery to do additional fat grafting as it’s impossible to know how much of the grafting will actually take.

Because my original plastic surgeon jumped ship mid way, I had my surgery in Boston which is something I would not have originally chosen. However, after meeting with this surgeon I knew he “knew” his stuff. His approach was exactly what I wanted and he was confident in his approach even though it was technically more challenging. He also was honest about the risk associated with the radiated side and implant reconstruction but, he had a plan should it fail. He was thinking ahead and I like that. He also loved Willow! Not a requirement but, it always makes me feel better to be with a dog lover. Empathy. He also agreed to let me go home rather than spend the night in the hospital. This was key as all my friends seem to be “directionally challegened.” Seriously. I explained to him that to have people coming into Boston to care for Willow would cause multiple search parties being dispatched to look for her caretakers. Going home would be easier for all concerned. 🙂

The day of the surgery was a bit odd. We arrived on time and despite having told everyone ahead of time about Willow, there was a brief glitch. The hospital had a policy regarding service dogs that was absolutely illegal. I calmly explained to the nurse with the five-page policy where they went wrong and what the ADA regulations were. I went further and explained that they would be liable should I fall because I did not have my service dog. Within five minutes the issue was resolved and we were on our way to pre-op with Willow. They had found a room for us that would serve as both pre-op and PACU.

Things got a bit stranger when anesthesia arrived. I’d had my pre op exam a week prior and given them my history from my prior surgeries. This anesthesiologist began by asking the standard questions then…..”have you ever had any experience with Ketamine?” Huh? “no.” Then the really odd question…….”Have you ever experimented with acid?” He asked as if it were just another question. “What?!” I then laughed and said “God no!” But, I started to wonder what in God’s name is this guy going to give me?! After he left I looked at the person with me and asked if that really just happened. Yes. Well that’s new.

I awoke feeling as if I’d gone a few rounds with a MMA fighter. To achieve the fat grafting, they do liposuction. You may be thinking “Wow! Free lipo!” The reality is OW! Lipo! It hurts! To the credit of that inquisitive anesthesiologist, I apparently slept like a baby in PACU unlike my other surgeries, until it was time to wake up and get ready to move.

The next day I could not wait to take a peek at my new breasts! I pulled back the surgical bra and looked down. They were amazing! The right was truly incredible. The left, radiated side was severely bruised given all that was done on that side but, it still looked great. Best of all, they felt so much better than the tissue expanders! Unfortunately I began to run a rather high fever. I called the surgeons office. Could I email pictures? YES! Now I can really have a good look at my new breasts! Off came the surgical bra and a photo session ensued. They really did look great and only 1 day post op! I was thrilled! We agreed there was no overt sign of infection but I went on strong antibiotics. The fever subsided within a couple of days.

My healing was unremarkable. At my first post op visit it was already apparent we would need additional fat grafting on the radiated side. However, we will wait three months to really see what’s needed.  The non-radiated side looks amazing! It also feels amazing! You honestly can’t tell it’s a reconstructed breast.  The radiated side looks great but, definately needs more fat which is to be expected. As was explained to me, radiation and implants are not always the best of friends. However, because of my MS we really were trying to avoid doing a flap which would have been the ideal choice.

What I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of being your own advocate and participating in the decision-making regarding your treatment. Cancer is SCARY! When you first hear those words “You have cancer” your brain goes into overdrive. You begin to process so very many thoughts all at once and you often forget to focus on what choices do you have? It’s important to take a breath and ask for help if you need it but, take the time to have meaningful conversations with your doctors. What are your surgical options? Your treatment options? The upside? The downside? What is the actual data for the different options. Please use actual studies and NOT social media for your information.  I actually heard that one very large hospital system here does not offer “nipple sparing mastectomy” as policy! That’s unacceptable! Not every woman is a candidate but, for those that are, it should be an option. The same is true for the new Air Expander technology. While not widely available yet and not for every woman, it’s yet another option that should be available. It’s your body, your health, your future. Ask Questions and then ask more questions. Demand to be heard. To be included in the process that will determine your future and your outcome.

There is a light at the end of this tunnel but no one sees it as well as you!

#Breastcancer #Mastectomy