Plastic Surgeon Visit

Although I have been looking forward to getting information, I have been dreading this appointment. I am not sure why. Maybe the stereotypes in my head about seeing a plastic surgeon and vanity. Maybe the fact that it was the last Dr I am seeing before I have to make the decision about my surgery.

I must set the stage for this appt. so that everything to follow makes since. On Wed. mornings on the way to work, I often stop by the gym and let Jaxon visit with my friend Melissa while she is teaching a fitness class. Well, little did I know that both the Dr. and the nurse I saw today are in that class.

The first thing that they both say to me when they walk in the room is in regards to Jaxon and the morning workouts. The first thing that goes through my mind on both occasions has a little to do with overexposure of my body parts to these women and the chance that I will be seeing them both in the morning! Luckily, before I run out of the room I am able to reassure myself that we are all healthcare professionals and it is not really that big of a deal.

The appointment went great. Both the nurse and Dr. were compassionate, respectful and knowledgeable. I was able to get all the information I was hoping for.

All along I have not been for the option of using my own tissue and muscle for reconstruction. The Dr. gave me 3 good reasons why she felt that this might not be the best option for me. It exactly lined up with my thoughts.

We discussed the option of implants and also the option of mastectomy without any reconstruction with the option of implants in the future if I decided that I did not like that decision. There is also another procedure that they are doing at Wash U that I might decide to at least look into further. I need to try to get some more information regarding our health insurance (it will be changing next year) and cost but I feel like I have a lot more information to help me make my decision.

No decision yet, but a little calm as came over me and I feel confident that I will be able to make the best decision and that is something I have not felt since I found out I was going to have to have a mastectomy.

I am going to try and step away from cancer for a week and focus on Jen and her surgery. Just a small hiatus but I think the half way mark is a good time for a "break"! I just hope my body, health and side effects all cooperate with me.