Here we go again. Surgery #2

Excitement, anticipation, nervousness, fear of the unknown, sleepless nights, packing and more packing, so many to do items still unchecked and did I mention No Caffeine for almost 3 months, almost two weeks down! All in preparation for my upcoming reconstructive surgery this Wednesday, July 11th.  How the months have gone by so quickly, we have been saying "surgery this summer" and now it is here, just days away.

It doesn't seem possible that just a year and a half ago we were facing a different type of surgery and what would begin this journey and here we are today, nearly at the end.  This reconstructive process is a year long process, no I don't do things the easy way!  This first part is by far what I will call the most tedious, if that is what you call a 6-8 hour surgery performed by two plastic surgeons with a 6 week recovery period.  Three months later I will go in for some touch ups, then three months after that some more and so on.  But no more hospital stays!  The best news of all, my port will be gone - FOREVER!
Yes, I am optimistic about that part.

If you are new to my blog, this has been our tool to keep our countless family and friends updated throughout our journey and battle, which we won!  As you can see the journey is not quite finished, but I am CANCER FREE! That fight was won with soooooo much help, support, thoughts and prayers from so many.  Now on to the next phase for our family.  We will update you on a daily basis if Brian or my sisters can get on my blog the day of my surgery, more often if possible.  That is the best way to let everyone know how I am progressing.

I will be having my surgery in San Antonio, Texas by Dr Peter Ledoux from PRMA who specializes in reconstructive surgeries for breast cancer patients.  This decision came after have four consultations with plastic surgeons in San Antonio and Dallas, all considered to be the best in their field and highly recommended.  The surgery I am having is called a DIEP or deep inferior epigastric perforator microvascular surgery.  After talking with all of the plastic surgeons, one common theme was certain, due to the large amount of radiation I had received (33 treatments) I am not a candidate for a typical implant reconstruction.  They could be done, but would likely have to be replaced several times due to rejection and infections.  Two things I know, my medical insurance covers this at this point, great, later, it would be considered cosmetic, not great.  I love roller coasters, but not real life medical roller coasters.

The group at PRMA in San Antonio also does one in 10 of these specialized surgeries in the nation, with only 50 doctors doing them at this point.  Click on the link if you would like to read more about it, but please be advised, it is a little graphic and detailed...dieplink  I will have to admit, on Saturday I was making one of my last calls and telling the Doctor that I would be out for several weeks, he has been keeping up with my progress.  He asked me where I had decided to go, when I told him, he said he had a patient go to San Antonio, after asking his nurse to look up the patients chart, he realized that it was Dr Ledoux also, I left with a lump in my throat knowing yet again, that I had made the right decision.

Brian and I are leaving for San Antonio Monday part of my restrictions are no travel the day prior to surgery.  On Wednesday we will check in to the Methodist Hospital, Medical Center bright and early at 6:30 am and surgery is set to begin at 8:30 am. My sister Sylvia will also be there with us for a few days which means so much and will help Brian so he won't be alone as he waits and waits and waits and they can also take turns staying with me in the hospital.  I do think one of the most difficult situations is the waiting periods for those that love you.  That helpless feeling is miserable. So please keep them distracted if you can, by calls, texts, or visits if you are in the area - anything will help during that time, trust me!  Your support is what has gotten us this far and I know what will keep us going, thank you so much.

Since this is such a complex surgery, I am due to stay in the hospital until the following Monday 16th, then will have to stay in San Antonio for another week or so after that.  I am not allowed to do any movement of my arms, beside VERY basic for the first four weeks after surgery.  Brian will be on cleaning and cooking duty. I even had to cut t-shirts up the middle so I wouldn't have to raise my arms, all clothing has to have buttons/zippers down the front.  I even read somewhere, something about having to use a walker the first couple of days, oh my! One thing I know... this may test my limits but I'm stronger that any of it and I won't let the effects of what Cancer did to me win in the end - I will!

Speaking of someone that is tough, my dad is doing AMAZING!! He has now been through 3 chemo treatments and has remained so strong, very few side effects, it is incredible to watch.  He and my mom are wishing they could be with me, and are trying to do everything they can to help.  Just knowing they are both together and watching the sunset at the ranch everyday makes me feel like nothing can go wrong.

The kids are all doing amazing, they will all be with family and friends during this time and when I talked about packing earlier, they were also included! Bianca, Brooke, Blayr and Lincoln all continue to be my smiling little rocks that keep me going and make me so proud to be called mommy every second!!

Again, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and if you are in the San Antonio area, Brian would LOVE the company, he doesn't really do well with hospitals, therefore any distraction is welcome.

Thank you all again and again for your unconditional and unwavering support! I would not be where I am today with each one of you and without the true healer who has carried me through the journey. Our God is Amazing. Phil 4:6