Warning: If you get grossed out by knowing how the sausage is made, you may want to skip a portion of this blog. I'll alert you when you can exercise your skip-ahead option.
I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Chatson today to discuss the details of my two-part reconstruction surgery. I was the first patient of the day so there was no wait. The medical professional (Physician's Assistant), took my vitals and began providing a reader's digest version of what to expect for the first surgery. As the words I heard became mental images, I'm sure some of what I was hearing caused my blood pressure reading to be higher than normal.
[I'm also pretty sure that the 45 minutes it took to drive 10 miles - commute was also a factor. I'm out of practice for driving during the morning 'rush' albeit, local.]
Confessing that she should have refrained from the preview of coming attractions until the doctor arrived (or at least until she finished her readings), I was told that Dr. Chatson would be right in.
As promised, Dr. Chatson was right in. [Almost as if he had been waiting for his cue.] He told me that the insurance company confirmed that this procedure was covered. He showed me that special 'pass go' authorization number that's treated like gold. So I was told, in a month's time, I'm expected to arrive at Holy Family, at the crack of dawn mind you, for my day-surgery. I will need to have fasted from the previous night and I am not allowed to drive myself home. I've secured my ride to, and from for that day.
[Skip-ahead option here if you are squeamish]
The first surgery will consist of many moving parts:
- Reduction of my (healthy) right breast. This entails removal of some skin around the aureole and liposuction of 'fatty' areas extending toward the arm pit. Depending on the end result (concavity), a fat graft will be performed to create a 'standard-looking' male breast.
- Re-opening the surgical area of my mastectomy to remove scarring tissue and prepare for 'doctor-created' faux nipple. The actual setting of the nipple will be performed during the second surgery after the healing period of about 3-4 weeks. Depending...
- Liposuction of the 'fatty' areas around the mastectomy area extending toward the armpit (to create symmetry).
- Incision of my tummy area (similar to a tummy tuck) for the harvesting of fat for the graft and skin for the new aureole and nipple. [Not certain if this is just to identify the area for harvesting of if the skin is removed at this time. While explaining this, the doctor said that 'the course of things sometimes change once we get in there.']
[Resume reading here]
After the conclusion of my first surgery, I was informed that I will most likely have a drain. [GRRRR]. I'll also have to wear a compression vest. From the description, this zippered device is worn (for some time) to assist with the healing.
[I had visions of tin foil holding together a burrito to make it rounded and easier to consume.]
I'm not allowed to bathe until the drain is removed. [Been there. Done that. Not a fan.] I will have a few follow-ups (a week apart). I was concerned with Thanksgiving. He said that he was seeing patients the day before, in the morning.
Although all the above is necessary, I'm certainly not looking forward to it. I was given a script for pain meds (which I hate and hope I can do without). However, unlike my mastectomy (and subsequent surgery), this procedure will affect more geography on my body. Especially areas that 'move' (like the waist). Ya, this ain't gonna be fun.
Until the time comes, I'm enjoying having better days health-wise and getting back to generally feeling good. I truly hope that Mother Nature cooperates and holds off on the white stuff until much later in the season (but nothing like last year - please).
Thanks for reading and of course, your support!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Friday, October 9, 2015
Progress Report
I'm very pleased, although I know there is more to come, but I've actually felt 'good' for an extended period of time (days). I've continued my walks with much less recovery time needed after completing my 3 - 6 mile jaunts. It's been nice to see the season morph before my eyes (albeit slowly). The foliage is beginning to change, but as predicted, the vibrancy just isn't there ... yet.
I've taken on some of my procrastinations:
I've continued my regimen of musical and vocal practice and have been fruitful in writing a few tunes. Unfortunately, some batteries I left in my digital recorder decided to leak so badly that they won't come out of the compartment. I ordered a replacement online and when it arrives I hope to be able capture some of this lightening in a bottle so I can refine my ideas into finished product. In the interim, I'm creating musical charts so I can begin to work on melody and lyrics.
Speaking of leaking batteries, my digital camera fell to the same fate. During the lunar eclipse I thought that the camera would do a better job than my phone at capturing this historic event. Upon my attempt to power it up, it was dead. Checking the batteries I was greeted with corrosion. They say things come in threes. I can't wait to see what else is ruined. [NOT]
I'm behind on my Halloween acquisitions. Generally it's a constant 'keep an eye out' ordeal (no pun intended). But my focus on health issues has moved that to the back seat. It's not like I don't have enough already. But, it's so hard to wear last year's stuff again. I did pick up a few things, so maybe I'll need to get creative. After all, I still have (basically) no hair. So I could work a bald head into something. We'll see. Nosferatu perhaps?
Last weekend I was able to catch the Fitch's Brew band in Lowell. It was nice to see so many familiar faces (friends and musicians). It was a little weird for me at times though, because I knew the songs and arrangements. This is the band I left in February when I found out about my cancer. I had a great time. They sounded awesome.
Miscellaneous stuff
My hair is beginning to come back. I decided to grow some facial hair (Van Dyke). It's coming in much faster than the hair on my head. So I'm going for it.
I received a call the other evening (close to 9) from Dr. Mehta. He was calling to check in on me and my vision issues. If you recall, almost two months ago I left a message with his office to report that I was having changes in my vision. I never heard back. But, I had scheduled an appointment with the eye doctor which subsequently revealed my having cataracts.
Dr. Mehta said that he would be surprised to have this side effect from Tamoxifen so soon, but he was concerned and asked that I monitor this. I told him that I was in agreement with him. I added that the eye doctor said that I probably had (the beginnings) for close to a year. This is well before my dealings with cancer or my taking Tamoxifen. Probably my super-sensitivity to my body could have drawn attention to this existing condition.
I have my pre-op for reconstruction scheduled for next week. I'm certain that appointment will prompt a blog update. Until then, have a pleasant Columbus Day weekend and thanks for reading.
I've taken on some of my procrastinations:
- I finally went to BJ's to get my eye glass prescription filled. I guess that waiting did have its advantages since a 60% sale was taking place. I saved a bundle and it wasn't with Progressive or Geico. [Bad pun]
- It was also time for my 10 K check up for the car and it was nice to be able to do it during the week versus a Saturday morning. Although I did spend almost two hours at the dealership watching Annie (the movie). I munched on butter cookies and had lots of free coffee.
- The torrential rains of last week turned the lawn green again, so I mowed it. No problems with energy or stamina this time. [Yay!]
- I finally decided to have work performed on one of my guitars. It needs two new potentiometers, switch, nut, bridge and saddle. The neck is out of alignment also. It's time.
I've continued my regimen of musical and vocal practice and have been fruitful in writing a few tunes. Unfortunately, some batteries I left in my digital recorder decided to leak so badly that they won't come out of the compartment. I ordered a replacement online and when it arrives I hope to be able capture some of this lightening in a bottle so I can refine my ideas into finished product. In the interim, I'm creating musical charts so I can begin to work on melody and lyrics.
Speaking of leaking batteries, my digital camera fell to the same fate. During the lunar eclipse I thought that the camera would do a better job than my phone at capturing this historic event. Upon my attempt to power it up, it was dead. Checking the batteries I was greeted with corrosion. They say things come in threes. I can't wait to see what else is ruined. [NOT]
I'm behind on my Halloween acquisitions. Generally it's a constant 'keep an eye out' ordeal (no pun intended). But my focus on health issues has moved that to the back seat. It's not like I don't have enough already. But, it's so hard to wear last year's stuff again. I did pick up a few things, so maybe I'll need to get creative. After all, I still have (basically) no hair. So I could work a bald head into something. We'll see. Nosferatu perhaps?
Last weekend I was able to catch the Fitch's Brew band in Lowell. It was nice to see so many familiar faces (friends and musicians). It was a little weird for me at times though, because I knew the songs and arrangements. This is the band I left in February when I found out about my cancer. I had a great time. They sounded awesome.
Miscellaneous stuff
My hair is beginning to come back. I decided to grow some facial hair (Van Dyke). It's coming in much faster than the hair on my head. So I'm going for it.
I received a call the other evening (close to 9) from Dr. Mehta. He was calling to check in on me and my vision issues. If you recall, almost two months ago I left a message with his office to report that I was having changes in my vision. I never heard back. But, I had scheduled an appointment with the eye doctor which subsequently revealed my having cataracts.
Dr. Mehta said that he would be surprised to have this side effect from Tamoxifen so soon, but he was concerned and asked that I monitor this. I told him that I was in agreement with him. I added that the eye doctor said that I probably had (the beginnings) for close to a year. This is well before my dealings with cancer or my taking Tamoxifen. Probably my super-sensitivity to my body could have drawn attention to this existing condition.
I have my pre-op for reconstruction scheduled for next week. I'm certain that appointment will prompt a blog update. Until then, have a pleasant Columbus Day weekend and thanks for reading.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
A new month - more work to do and new challenges ahead
Last week there was virtually no foliage color. Any color that manifested was basically muted and lacked the vibrancy of previous Fall displays. It was said that drought conditions and extended occurrences of 'warmer than average' temperatures would render this year's offering as less than spectacular.
What happened? We had a lunar eclipse - a blood super moon nonetheless. Not sure if Facebook status updates or moon shots brought down FB the day following, but things were changing. Almost over night color emerged. Technically late, but there have been some pockets of vibrancy. We also had a real drenching (3 inches of rain in my part of the world). Those that had to drive in it had their own challenges. [Not missing the commute.] But this too may just be a harbinger of even more rain. Depending on who you watch (or hear), Joaquin could wreak much havoc. [Let's hope it blows out to sea.] We'll just have to wait and see - but be prepared.
Taking advantage of seasonal weather, I've been walking (still). The lower 'GI' thing I was experiencing seemed to have corrected itself, but the pains in my back (flank) have persisted. It doesn't seem to bother me while doing exercises, or while walking, but certain movements will bring a stabbing pain. I can't seem to locate or pinpoint where it is coming from, but it does happen when I decide to 'bust a move' when a good beat is played on the radio. Maybe I need to dance more.
My hair is growing back and my head looks fuzzy - but white still. The beard needs daily care - again, although I'm thinking of growing something. [This may change as I look scruffier.] I'm still experiencing some sloughing in my mouth and my lips feel weird. Not chapped, but feel like they are beginning to be, so I've been using lip balm. I've re-read the side effects of Tamoxifen again and this is not noted, so I attribute this as my body's way of recuperating. I'll monitor and report to my doctor if needed. But once again, my heightened sense of body awareness borders on hypochondria at times.
Musically I've been playing guitar and keyboards daily (for longer periods of time). I tried singing full voice the other day and became hoarse. Too much too soon. After a rest, I'll need to return to vocal exercises before trying to go full force.
I have a pre-op appointment scheduled for mid month for my reconstructive surgery. If all goes according to plans, I'll be having my first surgery mid November. I'm hopeful that it will not interfere with Thanksgiving festivities, but it is what it is. In the interim I'll be enjoying my second favorite season (Spring is first) and looking for all things Halloween - my favorite holiday. I will need to reign in my ramp-up to the holiday so I can focus on long-term activities related to health.
Happy October!
What happened? We had a lunar eclipse - a blood super moon nonetheless. Not sure if Facebook status updates or moon shots brought down FB the day following, but things were changing. Almost over night color emerged. Technically late, but there have been some pockets of vibrancy. We also had a real drenching (3 inches of rain in my part of the world). Those that had to drive in it had their own challenges. [Not missing the commute.] But this too may just be a harbinger of even more rain. Depending on who you watch (or hear), Joaquin could wreak much havoc. [Let's hope it blows out to sea.] We'll just have to wait and see - but be prepared.
Taking advantage of seasonal weather, I've been walking (still). The lower 'GI' thing I was experiencing seemed to have corrected itself, but the pains in my back (flank) have persisted. It doesn't seem to bother me while doing exercises, or while walking, but certain movements will bring a stabbing pain. I can't seem to locate or pinpoint where it is coming from, but it does happen when I decide to 'bust a move' when a good beat is played on the radio. Maybe I need to dance more.
My hair is growing back and my head looks fuzzy - but white still. The beard needs daily care - again, although I'm thinking of growing something. [This may change as I look scruffier.] I'm still experiencing some sloughing in my mouth and my lips feel weird. Not chapped, but feel like they are beginning to be, so I've been using lip balm. I've re-read the side effects of Tamoxifen again and this is not noted, so I attribute this as my body's way of recuperating. I'll monitor and report to my doctor if needed. But once again, my heightened sense of body awareness borders on hypochondria at times.
Musically I've been playing guitar and keyboards daily (for longer periods of time). I tried singing full voice the other day and became hoarse. Too much too soon. After a rest, I'll need to return to vocal exercises before trying to go full force.
I have a pre-op appointment scheduled for mid month for my reconstructive surgery. If all goes according to plans, I'll be having my first surgery mid November. I'm hopeful that it will not interfere with Thanksgiving festivities, but it is what it is. In the interim I'll be enjoying my second favorite season (Spring is first) and looking for all things Halloween - my favorite holiday. I will need to reign in my ramp-up to the holiday so I can focus on long-term activities related to health.
Happy October!
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