Celebrate good times, come 'on!

So, what does this title mean? Well, I don't have to wear that side-kick, Vac, anymore! When I saw the wound care nurse on Friday, she said that she felt that I didn't need the wound pump, so she called my doctor, told him that there was no cavity (i.e., there was no "undermine" in medicalese speak) and that she felt the wound could heal without the Vac. He agreed and I had a week-end of freedom! With no vacuum wound pump!

I was especially happy because I was going to a party with Scott in Astoria - old family friends of his - and I was dreading the questions that I might get, especially since I'd be around mostly strangers. So, I was pleasantly unburdened! And, I had fun at the party.

Yahoo! It's a celebration!

And, today, I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon. I requested that next time, he tell me what he's going to do and why before he does it. He apologized and then said that he would keep that in mind for the future. Then, we chatted some about reconstruction surgery.

I think, at this point, that we might wait until this wound heals. That may take a couple of months - no one really knows since this tissue has now been radiated twice. Then, we start "pumping" up the left (nonradiated) side in preparation for the implant. I have two options for the right side, both flap procedures. One is a TRAM flap, using my tummy fat and part of one of the abdominal muscles. This would weaken my abdominals somewhat. The other choice is a latisimus dorsi flap, using tissue on my back, near the shoulder blade. But there is probably not enough fat and tissue there, so I may also have to have a smaller implant there to even things out. That would require an additional surgery.

Choices, choices.

The good news is that I have several months before I need to make a decision, since I don't want to miss teaching any of my classes this fall. So, maybe in December sometime. On Wednesday, I have a CT scan and we'll see if there's any cancer lurking in my bones. I don't think so . . .

Let's all celebrate and have a good time! Celebration!!