It's December tomorrow...DECEMBER, PEOPLE! What the heck?!
I was answering some questions about my upcoming procedures today and it hit me. This time last year I was trying to mentally prepare for 12 months of reconstruction work. It seemed so daunting at the time. It hasn't been easy, in fact, it's probably been the most physically challenging part of my cancer journey so far. But here I am, just 21 days from the final steps in the year-long process. The key is keep looking forward, don't focus on the challenge of the moment, but on the goal at the end.
I don't bore you with a long narrative...not right now, anyway. So here is 2016 in summary.
I was answering some questions about my upcoming procedures today and it hit me. This time last year I was trying to mentally prepare for 12 months of reconstruction work. It seemed so daunting at the time. It hasn't been easy, in fact, it's probably been the most physically challenging part of my cancer journey so far. But here I am, just 21 days from the final steps in the year-long process. The key is keep looking forward, don't focus on the challenge of the moment, but on the goal at the end.
I don't bore you with a long narrative...not right now, anyway. So here is 2016 in summary.
- January 11 - surgery 1 - release the lattisimus dorsi muscle to increase blood flow prior to moving it
- February 1 - surgery 2 - move the muscle (with some skin) from back to chest on the left side. tissue expanders implanted on both sides.
- March - September - tissues expansion - saline added to expanders every 2 weeks.
- September 26 - surgery 3 - tissue expanders removed and replaced with implants
- December 21 - surgery 4 - multiple procedures including tattooing, fat grafting and some surgical adjustments
- Also
- DRAINS - have I mentioned how much I loathe those things?
- Scar tissue
- Seroma
- Buckets of fluid
- Physical Therapy
- ASTYM
- Cancer Scare
- Physical challenges
- Low points
- Upswings
I'm often asked if I would go through it all again. HECK YES! All of the procedures have been tough but the end result is worth it. Though more invasive, the process has a better success rate than other options. I would go through all of it again without hesitation!
Back soon!
Love to all,
Andee