Ahhh, so we took a quick trip to Disneyland with the boys so we could have a bit of fun before the long journey of Breast Reconstruction begins. It was a great trip but just like all things had to come to an end. Kids went back to school, Eric back to work and I had two meeting with my Dr. McHotties this morning. I had to sign the surgical waivers for both Dr. Jones(General Surgeon) and Dr. Gold (Plastic Surgeon). Kristen my Breast Cancer Consultant was right by my side and she has asked me several times if I feel better now that I have made my decision? I feel like the Little Caboose thinking, I think I am, I think I am, I think I am but inside I feel full of anxiety and fear. I would like to believe that my faith is in God but there is that part of me that would like a sign.
And this is when I got a sign!!
I had one appt at 9:30 and it went pretty quickly because basically Dr. Jones portion of the surgery is removing my breast which will take approx 30 - 40 min. The rest of the 6 hours will be the work of Dr. Gold. I had about 45 minutes to kill before my next meeting and then Kristen appeared to tell me that there was a patient of Dr. Gold's who just completed all of her reconstructive surgeries with Dr. Gold (I'll call her Roberta.) Roberta was willing to meet with me and let me ask her questions. Roberta had one breast removed and she opted for the TRAM Flap reconstruction. Roberta actually waited with me and then came back to the exam room so that I could actually see Dr. Gold's work. I was really excited about this chance meeting. Dr. Gold began Roberta's reconstruction in Dec 2010 and it was completed Feb 2012. Her new breast looks amazing!! I am so happy I was able to see this in person and to hear so much praise from her regarding Dr. Gold. Roberta told me that the first surgery is pretty tough but that she would do it all again. In total Roberta had 5 surgeries because she opted to have her nipple reconstructed using her thigh tissue. I have not made any decisions yet about what I will do with my nipple reconstruction. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Dear Baby Jesus,
Thank you for today!!
Love Lisa
And this is when I got a sign!!
I had one appt at 9:30 and it went pretty quickly because basically Dr. Jones portion of the surgery is removing my breast which will take approx 30 - 40 min. The rest of the 6 hours will be the work of Dr. Gold. I had about 45 minutes to kill before my next meeting and then Kristen appeared to tell me that there was a patient of Dr. Gold's who just completed all of her reconstructive surgeries with Dr. Gold (I'll call her Roberta.) Roberta was willing to meet with me and let me ask her questions. Roberta had one breast removed and she opted for the TRAM Flap reconstruction. Roberta actually waited with me and then came back to the exam room so that I could actually see Dr. Gold's work. I was really excited about this chance meeting. Dr. Gold began Roberta's reconstruction in Dec 2010 and it was completed Feb 2012. Her new breast looks amazing!! I am so happy I was able to see this in person and to hear so much praise from her regarding Dr. Gold. Roberta told me that the first surgery is pretty tough but that she would do it all again. In total Roberta had 5 surgeries because she opted to have her nipple reconstructed using her thigh tissue. I have not made any decisions yet about what I will do with my nipple reconstruction. I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
Dear Baby Jesus,
Thank you for today!!
Love Lisa
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ReplyDeleteOMG, Lisa. I am sitting here at my desk, reading your most recent journal entry, gushing with tears. Tears of joy b/c my dear friend is soooo brave; tears of sadness b/c this is just such a crappy thing you are having to endure. There's nothing I can say that really expresses what I'm feeling for you right now. What a blessing to have met "Roberta" when you visited your reconstruction surgeon - what an angel! And how great for her to be able to share with you - that's so theraputic. Hang tough, girl! Much love from shane
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement! Love you Shane:)
DeleteYou are really an inspiration Lisa!!
ReplyDeleteLove you Jen:)
DeleteSorry it keeps coming up as my business, stupid mobile.
ReplyDeleteMay you continue to seek His Face and Guidance throughout this whole ordeal. Remember, there isn't anything He cannot handle. Praising Him for this journey because while we don't like it, we know that there is a greater purpose. His brush strokes are wider than we can see on the canvas of life. You will be someone's Roberta to a future Lisa. With much love and continuous prayers - T
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy, I was thinking just that yesterday after I met Roberta. I am hoping I can pay it forward for other women.
DeleteLove Lisa
Oh Lisa.... I'm crying here in MA for you too. I'm SO glad God put Roberta in the right place/right time to inspire you and give you that boost of confidence that you needed!!! That's wonderful! You are so brave and strong and I know that you will have bumps and challenges along the way but you will SURVIVE and you will be just as beautiful inside and out as EVER!! Giant HUGS for you my friend!!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteChanda,
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for your love and support. Look forward to seeing your happy face when you guys make it back out to CA.Love Lisa
My Dear Sister,
ReplyDeleteIt truly is God's small miracles each day that keep my hope and faith alive. I am so happy He blessed you with his gift of "Roberta" during your time of need. He loves you so much and He will be holding your hand every step of this journey. I love you!!!!!! Hugs, hugs, hugs~ Nicole