Beautiful sunshine today. The last few days have been kind of dreary. That kind of weather really isn't conducive to one who has been restricted to shallow baths. There's only so much magic you can do to your hair - especially when it needs to be cut. I'm too embarrassed to have the stylist work on it until I have a chance to do some deep shampooing. Maybe today?
I had my follow up appointment with Dr Chatson to have the remainder of my stitches removed. Upon removal of the bandages, I was given a hand held mirror so I could see his pointing out the scabbing I had. He cautioned me that this could cause some scarring. [Really? It looks like I had a C-Section and I'm worried about a little scarring on the nipple?] I guess he just wants to be transparent and forthcoming. Time will tell.
Because of the scabbing, he was also concerned with infection, so I'm to apply an over-the-counter ointment twice daily and keep a dry bandage over the affected area. But, he did say I could shower. YAY!
I have a follow up next week. Please, please, no infections.
More to come.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
April 2016 - Update
Mother Nature is definitely holding a grudge. So far we've had two snow storms. First being more wind than snow, but the second dropped almost four inches. And it's been very cold, more like late February/March weather. I'm glad I had the foresight to keep my winter gear handy (shovels, boots, heavy coat, etc.). Allegedly things will warm up sometime next week, but they are already talking about more nuisance snow this weekend. It is what it is.
Since my last visit (post op) with Dr. Chatson, I've been relegated to taking shallow baths until my sutures come out. I didn't know I had so many. During my follow-up today, I was thinking all sutures would be removed and I could take that desired (and much needed) hot shower, But I was proven wrong when the layers of (sutured) bandages once removed, revealed....wait for it.....more sutures. While I was 'exposed' and waiting for the doctor to examine the surgical site(s), I was able to take a few selfies for the collection. Things look angry, but are really starting to 'shape up' (pun intended).
Dr. Chatson said, "I want to caution you. You may see asymmetry, but that is by design." He continued, "the site is still swollen and generally the 'size' is reduced by 40%, so the new nipple/aureola currently appear larger than your other." He said he was pleased with the progress and promised to remove the remaining sutures next week. "Unfortunately", he said, "You are still restricted from getting the area wet, meaning no showers for another week."
Not what I was hoping to hear, but next week will arrive too soon. Plus, I've become an expert (of sorts) at taking shallow baths. Luckily for for me too, my hair has grown back wavy (versus straight). This makes my hair act like I have a perm and it 'kind of' keeps its shape once combed back. Prior to this, my straight hair would separate when it became oily and would drive me crazy as it hung down against my forehead. Not a problem now.
I can tell that things are healing since I'm able to sleep on both sides. The simple pleasures are the best. I've been increasing the length of my daily walks, but am not able to do my exercises. Those muscle groups will be really tight when given the green light.
I look forward to my first hot shower. More to come.
Since my last visit (post op) with Dr. Chatson, I've been relegated to taking shallow baths until my sutures come out. I didn't know I had so many. During my follow-up today, I was thinking all sutures would be removed and I could take that desired (and much needed) hot shower, But I was proven wrong when the layers of (sutured) bandages once removed, revealed....wait for it.....more sutures. While I was 'exposed' and waiting for the doctor to examine the surgical site(s), I was able to take a few selfies for the collection. Things look angry, but are really starting to 'shape up' (pun intended).
Dr. Chatson said, "I want to caution you. You may see asymmetry, but that is by design." He continued, "the site is still swollen and generally the 'size' is reduced by 40%, so the new nipple/aureola currently appear larger than your other." He said he was pleased with the progress and promised to remove the remaining sutures next week. "Unfortunately", he said, "You are still restricted from getting the area wet, meaning no showers for another week."
Not what I was hoping to hear, but next week will arrive too soon. Plus, I've become an expert (of sorts) at taking shallow baths. Luckily for for me too, my hair has grown back wavy (versus straight). This makes my hair act like I have a perm and it 'kind of' keeps its shape once combed back. Prior to this, my straight hair would separate when it became oily and would drive me crazy as it hung down against my forehead. Not a problem now.
I can tell that things are healing since I'm able to sleep on both sides. The simple pleasures are the best. I've been increasing the length of my daily walks, but am not able to do my exercises. Those muscle groups will be really tight when given the green light.
I look forward to my first hot shower. More to come.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Three days - post surgery
I'm optimistically hopeful that Monday's reconstruction surgery was my last. Oddly enough, the point of pain was not my breast, but the incision on my lower abdomen where skin was harvested. Of course this is part of the body that was designed for bending, but having a nine inch sutured wound right at waste level is not conducive to any type of bending.
The Orchard Surgical was easy to find and very efficient. The sign on the building says they are affiliated with Holy Family. I was well attended by many staff members. My last memory prior to the surgery was the anesthesiologist saying, "You'll feel a little weird as the anesthesia kicks in".
Waking up in recovery was all too familiar. The nurse was pushing the pain meds, but I needed to become more alert to assess my pain tolerance. I did give in eventually and took a Percocet. The nurse indicated that it would take about 15 minutes until I felt the effects. By that time they had returned my belongings and helped me sit up and dress. Yes, I was very sore.
My ride arrived and I was able to get into the front seat of the low-to-the-ground car very slowly and with much wincing. Every bump and pot hole hit resonated within my body bringing much discomfort. Getting home I just wanted to sit still and hopefully doze off. Having fasted from the previous night, I was famished and decided to have a muffin. I was quickly reminded that anesthesia has its own set of side effects: sore throat (from the breathing tubes). It felt like I was swallowing chunks of cement even with the help of fluids.
I watched a number of programs I had on my DVR and took a few cat naps. When I decided it was time for bed, I was contemplating if I should take another Percocet. I did, and I'm glad. I ended up taking another around 3 AM. I just couldn't get comfortable and watched the clock hourly.
On Tuesday, I was in rough shape. Extremely sore and really uncomfortable. I was still having discomfort swallowing, but I could tolerate certain foods. I was wearing a compression bandage around my waist and it was digging into my skin. I was able to remove it and reapply over my tee shirt. So most of the day, I just sat and watched TV. Once seated, I seemed to get into a painless position, so I stayed there. I slept a bit better Tuesday night as I was able to turn on to my right side. Of course there was no place to rest my left arm, so I needed to shift that throughout the night because the circulation was cut off and pins and needle ensued.
Wednesday was better. After my coffee, I was able to get things moving. I was able to take a short walk (two miles), before my follow-up appointment with Dr. Chatson. At the doctor's office, the physicians attendant removed my bandages and prepared me for viewing. At this time I saw the results of the surgery and the cause for my discomfort. I took some 'selfies' for the archives and later review. The abdomen surgical site was gruesome. The breast (nipple/aureola) still had bandages which appeared to be sutured to me. Weird.
Dr. Chatson arrived and quickly looked at the results. He was pleased and also explained that bandages (that were sutured to me) cannot get wet. So, no showers for me in the near future. He did say that I can get every other part of my body wet. [This will still be a challenge if I'm to keep the bandages dry.] So I'll be soaking my bottom in the tub and carefully try to wash the parts allowed. Where there's a will (or a foul smell), there's a way.
I have two follow-up appointments scheduled with the next one having the bandage removed and approval for a shower. He wants me to keep the compression bandage on until Monday and remove only when too uncomfortable. I did take it off last night before bed and it seemed to help.
More to come.
The Orchard Surgical was easy to find and very efficient. The sign on the building says they are affiliated with Holy Family. I was well attended by many staff members. My last memory prior to the surgery was the anesthesiologist saying, "You'll feel a little weird as the anesthesia kicks in".
Waking up in recovery was all too familiar. The nurse was pushing the pain meds, but I needed to become more alert to assess my pain tolerance. I did give in eventually and took a Percocet. The nurse indicated that it would take about 15 minutes until I felt the effects. By that time they had returned my belongings and helped me sit up and dress. Yes, I was very sore.
My ride arrived and I was able to get into the front seat of the low-to-the-ground car very slowly and with much wincing. Every bump and pot hole hit resonated within my body bringing much discomfort. Getting home I just wanted to sit still and hopefully doze off. Having fasted from the previous night, I was famished and decided to have a muffin. I was quickly reminded that anesthesia has its own set of side effects: sore throat (from the breathing tubes). It felt like I was swallowing chunks of cement even with the help of fluids.
I watched a number of programs I had on my DVR and took a few cat naps. When I decided it was time for bed, I was contemplating if I should take another Percocet. I did, and I'm glad. I ended up taking another around 3 AM. I just couldn't get comfortable and watched the clock hourly.
On Tuesday, I was in rough shape. Extremely sore and really uncomfortable. I was still having discomfort swallowing, but I could tolerate certain foods. I was wearing a compression bandage around my waist and it was digging into my skin. I was able to remove it and reapply over my tee shirt. So most of the day, I just sat and watched TV. Once seated, I seemed to get into a painless position, so I stayed there. I slept a bit better Tuesday night as I was able to turn on to my right side. Of course there was no place to rest my left arm, so I needed to shift that throughout the night because the circulation was cut off and pins and needle ensued.
Wednesday was better. After my coffee, I was able to get things moving. I was able to take a short walk (two miles), before my follow-up appointment with Dr. Chatson. At the doctor's office, the physicians attendant removed my bandages and prepared me for viewing. At this time I saw the results of the surgery and the cause for my discomfort. I took some 'selfies' for the archives and later review. The abdomen surgical site was gruesome. The breast (nipple/aureola) still had bandages which appeared to be sutured to me. Weird.
Dr. Chatson arrived and quickly looked at the results. He was pleased and also explained that bandages (that were sutured to me) cannot get wet. So, no showers for me in the near future. He did say that I can get every other part of my body wet. [This will still be a challenge if I'm to keep the bandages dry.] So I'll be soaking my bottom in the tub and carefully try to wash the parts allowed. Where there's a will (or a foul smell), there's a way.
I have two follow-up appointments scheduled with the next one having the bandage removed and approval for a shower. He wants me to keep the compression bandage on until Monday and remove only when too uncomfortable. I did take it off last night before bed and it seemed to help.
More to come.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Upcoming surgeries
Happy Easter!
I can say it now that Winter has past: We made it through OK. Of course, Mother Nature had to remind us on the first day of Spring that she still 'has it', by dumping nearly six inches of heavy wet snow on us. Amazingly, most of it melted by that afternoon and over the next few days there was nearly a trace to be seen. Good riddance, I say!
These past few weeks have been busy medically speaking. Apparently the trend is to utilize surgical centers for my upcoming procedures. This may be/could be easier for the medical staff to perform their miracles at these locations versus a hospital, but I'm finding it does have its drawbacks. Each surgical center requires a round of 'healthiness tests' and a sign off/approval to proceed from my primary care physician. Of course the clincher is that these tests must be done within a 30 days window of the procedure. You know, neither the reconstruction surgery nor the cataract surgery is scheduled within 30 days of each other. [For good reason - I need to recuperate enough to withstand the next cutting.] So I'm becoming a regular at my primary care and my co-pays continue to mount.
It is what it is.
On Wednesday I had my pre-op with Dr. Chatson. He reviewed my test results. [I passed.] He once again reviewed what he set out to accomplish during this (hopefully) last surgery. All is ready for early next week. He gave me more meds to take post-op and a list of 'don't do's', which includes not bathing for a few days. Needless to say my social calendar is empty next week. I don't have the 'luxury' of having a baldie this time so I'm sure I'll be fiddling with oily hair in a few days. If that's my only worry, I'm golden.
On Friday I had a pre-op with Dr. Song. This time it was in Waltham. Because I'm getting the Premier Package (cataract and astigmatism correction), I needed additional tests to measure my lens 'capsule' and determine the 'health' of my cornea and other structures. I was deemed to be a good candidate for this procedure. However, since the insurance only covers the cataract surgery and not the elective (astigmatism correction), I will be having a 'yuge' out of pocket expense. Once again - it is what it is. Plus, I'm worth it ;-)
Like Dr. Chatson, Dr. Song gave me a number of prescriptions to take before, during and after the procedure. I also have two follow-up appointments at the Waltham location. I was quickly reminded how much I hate commuting and especially driving 128. It took me 2 hours to get home last night. Horrible.
More to come.
I can say it now that Winter has past: We made it through OK. Of course, Mother Nature had to remind us on the first day of Spring that she still 'has it', by dumping nearly six inches of heavy wet snow on us. Amazingly, most of it melted by that afternoon and over the next few days there was nearly a trace to be seen. Good riddance, I say!
These past few weeks have been busy medically speaking. Apparently the trend is to utilize surgical centers for my upcoming procedures. This may be/could be easier for the medical staff to perform their miracles at these locations versus a hospital, but I'm finding it does have its drawbacks. Each surgical center requires a round of 'healthiness tests' and a sign off/approval to proceed from my primary care physician. Of course the clincher is that these tests must be done within a 30 days window of the procedure. You know, neither the reconstruction surgery nor the cataract surgery is scheduled within 30 days of each other. [For good reason - I need to recuperate enough to withstand the next cutting.] So I'm becoming a regular at my primary care and my co-pays continue to mount.
It is what it is.
On Wednesday I had my pre-op with Dr. Chatson. He reviewed my test results. [I passed.] He once again reviewed what he set out to accomplish during this (hopefully) last surgery. All is ready for early next week. He gave me more meds to take post-op and a list of 'don't do's', which includes not bathing for a few days. Needless to say my social calendar is empty next week. I don't have the 'luxury' of having a baldie this time so I'm sure I'll be fiddling with oily hair in a few days. If that's my only worry, I'm golden.
On Friday I had a pre-op with Dr. Song. This time it was in Waltham. Because I'm getting the Premier Package (cataract and astigmatism correction), I needed additional tests to measure my lens 'capsule' and determine the 'health' of my cornea and other structures. I was deemed to be a good candidate for this procedure. However, since the insurance only covers the cataract surgery and not the elective (astigmatism correction), I will be having a 'yuge' out of pocket expense. Once again - it is what it is. Plus, I'm worth it ;-)
Like Dr. Chatson, Dr. Song gave me a number of prescriptions to take before, during and after the procedure. I also have two follow-up appointments at the Waltham location. I was quickly reminded how much I hate commuting and especially driving 128. It took me 2 hours to get home last night. Horrible.
More to come.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
March 2016 - Updates
It's March and my least favorite season is winding down. Although we could still be hit with an abundance of that white stuff, I'm thankful that the past few months have yielded manageable amounts. As I write this post I'm cognizant of various anniversaries of my challenge. I've already hit the year milestone of when I was diagnosed and soon will be reminded of the various procedures leading to my numerous surgeries. But that is in the past [YAY].
Since my last post there has been somewhat of a lull. Later this month, more information will be forthcoming as I will be undergoing the knife for hopefully my last reconstructive surgery. Until that transpires here are some updates on a variety of topics.
I've been playing pick-up gigs and have found enjoyment in that. I've been approached a few times by former band members to re-join them since my leaving last year. I'm still pondering that decision since I'm not out the woods just yet (medically speaking).
More to come!
Since my last post there has been somewhat of a lull. Later this month, more information will be forthcoming as I will be undergoing the knife for hopefully my last reconstructive surgery. Until that transpires here are some updates on a variety of topics.
Continuing and [possibly] new side effects
Neuropathy
- Listed as a side effect for both chemo and Tamoxifen, my oncologist still insists neuropathy is 'generally' manifested on both sides of the body. I still experience flare-ups of numbness in my forefinger and thumb on my left hand. Most of the time I can work through these episodes, but there have been times, when playing guitar, that I have had to stop and 'shake my hands' to promote circulation to my 'sleeping' thumb. For now this appears to work and I'm grateful that the right hand doesn't exhibit the same symptoms, since I would no longer be able to hold a guitar pick. The numbness for the forefinger is situated in a spot that doesn't interfere with my fingering [for the most part].
- I still experience nuisance neuropathy in the balls of both feet and middle toes. It's not debilitating and doesn't impede my ability to stand/walk. However, I'm bothered by this as I begin to fall asleep. It seems like my feet have fallen asleep and I begin to move them around. This is probably because I can't sense/feel the sheets against my feet and this causes my brain to send warning signals to 'move those feet' before the pins and needles kick in. I never get pins and needles regardless.
Chemo brain
I'm thankful that I have most of my faculties when it comes to remembering songs/music I've played/learned decades ago. I'm not quite certain if the fingers are the ones remembering (muscle memory). But I'm thankful nonetheless. I can also remember lyrics and arrangements with very little delay or problem. However, I do have 'moments' still where I get stuck on the right word to use while conversing or writing. This causes me pause as I quickly find a replacement word and simultaneously wonder why I'm having the difficulty. Some would call this a senior moment, but I certainly feel it's related to the chemotherapy.Cataracts
I will be undergoing cataract surgery in mid April at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.I've been told by so many that this is a piece of cake. However, given my luck, I'm cautiously optimistic. Dr Song tells me that 'sometimes' the inserted lens 'moves' and/or becomes clouded with gas. If this happens, he will need to 'go in' again. So you can see my concern.Cracking teeth
I find it odd that I've had three cracked teeth. Each has happened at different times and apparently for different reasons, but one developed and abscess resulting in an abstraction. One was cracked to the root, but the dentist is trying to save it, so it's just a matter of time for that. A few weeks ago, I cracked a front tooth (bottom row). I will be getting that fixed in April. I can't help to think this too is related to chemo.Muscle spasms
Despite the daily walking and vitamin intake, I'm still bothered by charlie horses in my calves. This happens while sleeping and is/can be very painful. I researched and found that quinine (tonic water) is listed as a homeopathic remedy. I'll keep you posted.On the bright side...
Creativity spell continues
I've been pleasantly surprised by this continuance of musical creativity. Since September, I've written 25 songs. I've practiced and performed 20 thus far and I continue to craft the remaining. I have a glut of random musical ideas and snippets of lyrics. I've been fortunate to have found a few outlets to 'try these out' on listeners. I've been frequenting open mic sessions and have been pleased by the feedback I have received on my original compositions. I've also been drumming up business (and followers) by playing at intimate gatherings (house parties). I've worked on three 'sets' consisting of both my originals and cover tunes [to break it up]. I'm still dedicated to improving my piano chops and regaining some of my 'lost' soprano vocal notes that have been missing for decades. I've regained three semi-tones on my top end. Two more to go ;-)I've been playing pick-up gigs and have found enjoyment in that. I've been approached a few times by former band members to re-join them since my leaving last year. I'm still pondering that decision since I'm not out the woods just yet (medically speaking).
More to come!
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
February 2016 - Updates
Well Winter has arrived.
We've been fortunate by not having anything major prior to the Groundhog's appearance. Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of 'Spring: Right around the corner' seems a bit hollow after four rounds of shoveling today's Nor'Easter. At least the snow is fluffier than last Friday's storm that claimed about a half dozen limbs from my pine tree. Ya, I hate Winter.
I have two health updates to report. I'll speak to today's visit with Dr Christian Song at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Stoneham.
Scheduling an appointment in February during rush hour traffic caused some angst. Weather reports were saying snow in the morning and getting heavier as the day progressed. I kept waking last night wondering (and worrying) how I would get there on time and in one piece. I woke up earlier than I wanted, but looking out the window I saw no snow. I had heard that the Governor directed non-essential employees to stay home. So, no snow and less traffic were conducive to a fairly stress-free ride to Stoneham.
I arrived and checked in. I didn't have to wait too long before Amy called me in for some initial tests. I ended up getting the whole barrage of eye tests/charts/lenses. I was given eye drops to dilate my eyes and was also tested for glaucoma. Very efficient.
Dr Song called me in and he reviewed my test results and also examined my eyes. He confirmed that I had 'a significant' cataract in my right eye and said I would 'benefit' from the corrective surgery. He did say that I also had an astigmatism in that eye and I would probably need glasses. I asked if this could be corrected with the cataract surgery. He said, "Yes, but the insurance won't pay for that portion." [Odd that insurance will cover eye doctors and corrective lenses, but not the 'fix']
At this point I told the doctor that I would prefer to have both taken care of at the same time and that I'll pay for the out-of-pocket costs. He said that he preferred to do that portion of the procedure with a laser. However, that would need to be be done in Waltham (versus Boston). [I'd prefer to drive to Waltham anyway.]
Dr Song said that he would want to see me once again, in Waltham for some 'measurements' for my new 'torque' lens. The surgery probably won't happen until June. I expressed concern that the cataract in my left eye may worsen by that time. I was happy to learn that my left eye has a 'slow' forming cataract unlike my right. [Never knew there were different types.]
So, I'll be hearing from his assistant Alyce soon.
I had a call from Dr Chatson's office confirming my next reconstruction surgery. The next procedure (nipple reconstruction and lipo on some areas to eliminate concavity) will take place at the end of March at Orchard Surgical Center in Salem NH. It should take a few hours.
I've been instructed to see my primary care physician some pre-op tests which have been scheduled a few weeks before the procedure.
It's been a year since I told Dr Rees about the lump in my breast. Hard to believe. So much has happened - and will continue. "What a long strange trip it's been."
More to come.
We've been fortunate by not having anything major prior to the Groundhog's appearance. Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of 'Spring: Right around the corner' seems a bit hollow after four rounds of shoveling today's Nor'Easter. At least the snow is fluffier than last Friday's storm that claimed about a half dozen limbs from my pine tree. Ya, I hate Winter.
I have two health updates to report. I'll speak to today's visit with Dr Christian Song at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Stoneham.
Scheduling an appointment in February during rush hour traffic caused some angst. Weather reports were saying snow in the morning and getting heavier as the day progressed. I kept waking last night wondering (and worrying) how I would get there on time and in one piece. I woke up earlier than I wanted, but looking out the window I saw no snow. I had heard that the Governor directed non-essential employees to stay home. So, no snow and less traffic were conducive to a fairly stress-free ride to Stoneham.
I arrived and checked in. I didn't have to wait too long before Amy called me in for some initial tests. I ended up getting the whole barrage of eye tests/charts/lenses. I was given eye drops to dilate my eyes and was also tested for glaucoma. Very efficient.
Dr Song called me in and he reviewed my test results and also examined my eyes. He confirmed that I had 'a significant' cataract in my right eye and said I would 'benefit' from the corrective surgery. He did say that I also had an astigmatism in that eye and I would probably need glasses. I asked if this could be corrected with the cataract surgery. He said, "Yes, but the insurance won't pay for that portion." [Odd that insurance will cover eye doctors and corrective lenses, but not the 'fix']
At this point I told the doctor that I would prefer to have both taken care of at the same time and that I'll pay for the out-of-pocket costs. He said that he preferred to do that portion of the procedure with a laser. However, that would need to be be done in Waltham (versus Boston). [I'd prefer to drive to Waltham anyway.]
Dr Song said that he would want to see me once again, in Waltham for some 'measurements' for my new 'torque' lens. The surgery probably won't happen until June. I expressed concern that the cataract in my left eye may worsen by that time. I was happy to learn that my left eye has a 'slow' forming cataract unlike my right. [Never knew there were different types.]
So, I'll be hearing from his assistant Alyce soon.
I had a call from Dr Chatson's office confirming my next reconstruction surgery. The next procedure (nipple reconstruction and lipo on some areas to eliminate concavity) will take place at the end of March at Orchard Surgical Center in Salem NH. It should take a few hours.
I've been instructed to see my primary care physician some pre-op tests which have been scheduled a few weeks before the procedure.
It's been a year since I told Dr Rees about the lump in my breast. Hard to believe. So much has happened - and will continue. "What a long strange trip it's been."
More to come.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
January 2016 follow-up with Dr. Chatson.
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
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
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