Plastic Surgery Consult

It has been a bit since my last blog and I felt the urge to write about my recent meeting with the plastic surgeon. Eric and I met with Dr. Gold who informed me of my options for reconstructive surgery. My 3 options are:

1. Remove breast and wait to have reconstructive surgery.
2. Remove breast and insert spacers for silicone or saline implants
3. Remove breast and use my own tissue/muscle to rebuild my breast.

After thoroughly examining me he did inform me that I am a candidate for the TRAM Flap Reconstruction. This  is a procedure where they use my tissue from my stomach to rebuild my breast (they can also use tissue from the back, thigh, buttocks.)

http://www.mayoclinic.org/breast-cancer/tramsurgery.html

I was pleased to hear that I am a candidate for this procedure.  If I chose to have implants they would have to be redone approximately every 10 years.  If I use my own tissue than I will not have to readdress the issue after the breast reconstruction is complete.  

As with every choice there is pros/cons with each decision.  The entire reconstruction is a 9 - 12 month process.  Dr. Gold likened it to having a baby.  

My surgery is scheduled for 31 May 2012.  The general surgeon, Dr. Jones, who performed my lumpectomy will remove my breast and Dr. Gold, the plastic surgeon will begin my plastic surgery. I will be in the hospital for 4 days as long as everything goes as planned.  

I pray every day that I am making the right decision. Thankfully Eric is supportive of my choice.