Monday, August 25, 2008

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!!

3 comments:

Pugs in Space said...

This blog page is amazing and you are amazing.

Carver said...

I'll be sending out good thoughts for you while you are getting your scan Dee. Congratulations on freedom from the vac.

Dee said...

Hi Pugs in Space,
Thanks for visiting and for your kind words.

Hey Carver,
Thanks for the good thoughts on the scan. I FEEL good (got a great night's sleep) which makes me think that I'm gonna get good news on this scan. I just feel like something good is going to happen . . . BTW, love your "when is a bridge not a bridge" shot. Thought-provoking!