The Plastic Surgeon

[tallulahdahling]

Have an appt. the 18th to get a consultation for my reconstruction.

What is sooooooooooo kewl is that they usually take what they call a "flap" from your tummy.
Lots of fat tissue and skin that stretches nicely down there.

So I will be getting a tummy tuck and a new boob a the same time!

I'll let you know about my meeting with the plastic man later on

[tallulahdahling]

Well got the news back from the plastic man and it's all good! 

Turns out, this guy studied with the man at Emory University who invented the "flap technique" for breast reconstruction!  Dude was very impressive!

I have to complete all my rounds of chemo and radiation first and get an MRI on my other breast before the surgery so we're looking at next year............

so all I can say is:
HERE'S TO 2008!

[Sunny]

This may not be the time nor the place to pose this question...but, I'll throw it out there & please feel free to redirect me...

Have you considered having a double masectomy? Is that an option? Or unthinkable?

[tallulahdahling]

Unnecessary at this juncture, dahling.  At the moment my other breast is just as fine and perky as can be--the MRI is simply precautionary. 

Eventually the mammogram will be phased out and we all will have MRI's to look for tumors and the like.

I am not one for any additional surgery so I don't have any unless it's absolutely necessary--even for cosmetic purposes--hell even if it were FREE!  But if they said it would be for the best to have the other one lopped off I would do the same thing--get three other opinions and then make my decision!

[tallulahdahling]

Here is a link that explains the procedure..............

http://www.ucsfbreastcarecenter.org/reconsoptions_ssm_tram.html

[Sunny]

This is the procedure my SIL underwent.

I asked the above question because MK opted to have a dual masectomy even though the carcinoma was contained in the tissue of her one breast.

She made light of the situation by stating that she wanted matching perkies. 

[tallulahdahling]

I can see the logic in that!  You know if it weren't for the recovery and wearing those horrid drains I may have considered it.  But it really is no fun.

[Sunny]

In hindsight, I'm not sure she would've made the same decision again, tallulah...

It seems to make you so much more vulnerable to complications, as well. (sigh)

[tallulahdahling]

EXACTLY Sunny! 

I like to take it one step at a time...keeps me sane--well, giggle--why lie?  I'll never be sane   

[Sunny]

EXACTLY Sunny! 

I like to take it one step at a time...keeps me sane--well, giggle--why lie?  I'll never be sane   

That makes 2 of us then, tallu! Sane -- is there such a thing?

[tallulahdahling]

Finally got to pick up the book from the surgeon's office describing the tram-flap procedure that I plan on having.
It's really fascinating what they can do!  Before and aft photos are awesome!  I'm excited! 

[tallulahdahling]

I go see him again next week for a pre-opt exam.  We're hoping for surgery this spring!  Whoo Hoo!

It'll be sooooooooo nice to have two bewbs again!   

[Dexter Morgan]

I go see him again next week for a pre-opt exam.  We're hoping for surgery this spring!  Whoo Hoo!

It'll be sooooooooo nice to have two bewbs again!   

Just make sure they are both the same size, or you could end up top heavy and lacking balance. 

[tallulahdahling]

Not a chance--got me a great surgeon