It's hard to believe how fast the holidays flew by. Here it is Little Christmas (The Epiphany) already. The primary purpose of today's appointment with Dr. Chatson was to ensure my healing was going according to plans.
I am healing properly, but to be expected (and explained in an earlier appointment), there were 'areas' requiring additional attention. Specifically, there was a slight bulge near the reconstruction and an even slighter concavity on the reduction side. Both could not be seen after the surgery due to the swelling, but since 99% of the swelling had dissipated, these areas were obvious to the trained eye.
Dr. Chatson said that he would address both areas during my next surgery (tentatively mid March) by using liposuction for the excess and grafting for the concavity. He had mentioned that he may want to use a surgical center n Salem NH if it is available. During this procedure he would also complete the reconstruction by grafting a 'divot' (for the new nipple) that will be harvested from my stomach area (near the waist line). He was pleased with the overall progress.
I did have a few questions. The first was about an area of my scar (at my waist line). There was a stubborn area that wasn't healing properly. I had noticed that it appeared to be some suture material that didn't dissolve properly. He looked at it and said, "That may be the case" and he would take care of this today.
The other question had to do with my ongoing self examination. Prior to my surgeries, I knew my body well. However, there are new scars, grafts, etc., that have a different 'feel'. I asked how could I tell if I have developed any new lumps. Shortly after my surgery (when things were healing), I felt masses beneath my skin. I was wondering if that will ever change and how I would ensure that I did proper monitoring.
I pointed out the areas in question. He said that the masses were normal (as a result of the procedures), and they would not go away. But he did say that I raised valid point. "Because of your type of cancer, you may need to have a yearly follow-up for the checking of any new lumps", he said.
He directed me to the examination table. After applying some topical Novocaine I could sense his 'digging'. He said that he did remove some 'debris' and it should heal properly.
He wants to check on availability of the surgical center and hospital for the next surgery. Once confirmed, I will be contacted for a pre-op appointment. I did ask if I was going to have a drain, to which he said, no. [Thank heavens.]
More to come
