Frank Isik, M.D.
He gave us so much information. We were a bit overwhelmed, but totally know about the reconstruction process now. I was a little disappointed when I learned that the reconstruction phase wont even start until January of 2013. Since I have to have radiation we have to see how my tissue responds. They want the tissue to be totally healed before they start the reconstruction process. Guess what? I don't have enough belly fat to have The TRAM flap, which consists of lower belly skin and fat. Just loved hearing that haha. So the type of reconstruction I will probably have is The Latissimus dorsi flap, This method involves the transfer of the back tissues (latissimus muscle, fat and small amount of back skin) to your chest mastectomy site and the placement of a tissue expander. All of this is turning out to be way more involved than I was expecting. And a lot more time than I was thinking. But, it is what it is and we will continue to move forward.
We also met today with my Radiation Oncologist.
Astrid D. Mooris, M.D.
We got a ton of information. Radiation is another big part of my treatment. The best news is that this phase should be fairly easy on me compared to everything else. I will have radiation for 6 weeks everyday Monday - Friday. That will be a bit of a nuisance , but got to do what we need to do so this never comes back. Every bodies tissue responds differently, but she did feel that my dark skin could be a benefit so that was good news.
I have four more chemo treatments......that is wonderful news. Oh how I cannot wait to not have these drugs in my body anymore. :-) Then I will have my surgery on April 30th. I will heal for 4 weeks or so then move on to radiation. If everything goes as planned I should be done with chemo, radiation and surgery by mid July. That will be SO nice. I will have 6 months to heal and get back to what ever normal life is for Dan and I . I think I have forgot what that is.
We continue to stay strong and do well. I must share that Dan has been having a couple of really emotional days. I know he will bounce back. That is just how we operate. At least we take our own turns with emotions so the other is there to lift one up when needed.
I cannot say enough about my amazing friends and family. I thank you all for your continued support, love, cards, calls, home visits, hospital visits, flowers, dinners. We truly feel blessed and will never forget all of the kindness given to us.
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