Yes, friends, it is almost that time again. Time for me to go under the knife and share all of my business. You know you've felt a void in your life over the last year. Infrequent updates, minimal oversharing and not enough humor here on the blog. Ew, that just doesn't even sound fun.
As promised, times are about to change. It seemed so far away but the big day is almost upon us. The first surgery of 2016 is upon us and that means I'M BAAACK!
Today I made the trip to the hospital to finalize my registration and for pre-admission testing. This is really happening. We are now within 12 days and things will happen quickly from here. I have to wrap things up at work, get everything organized and ready for my leave, and get things set at home. Mix in additional doctor appointments and life in general and it's going to be crazy for a few weeks. I'm still not thrilled about 2 surgeries in less than a month and spending 8+ hours under general anesthesia but, hey, there's always a new challenge to face.
The thought of this leave is really different for me. The last time, I was focused on getting through surgery and treatment and, well, living. This time, it's not life or death (hopefully) but it's not really cosmetic either. It's about starting the process of feeling somewhat whole again. I'll be tested again, but in a different way. It should be an interesting journey.
Oh, how I missed you.
Love to all,
Andee
Visit the new site at www.andreadoolin.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
The new surgical plan
On Thursday, I had a visit with my plastic surgeon. We met to review the results of the CT scan I had last month. As you might recall (if you follow along on FB), I received the report shortly after the test but I wasn't sure what the results meant in relation to surgery. The artery was open but the report noted that it was "of small caliber". After several weeks of waiting and wondering, I received the answer.
The good news is that it's not a showstopper. We can still proceed with the surgery but it will now be surgeries...plural. I will apologize in advance because I have been unable to find neither a good explanation nor a groovy diagram online. Sadly, that means you get the patient's description. I'm sure I will oversimplify. So let's do this.
As a result of the wimpy thoracodorsal artery, my plastic surgeon suggested a bit of a change to the surgical plan. I will now have two surgeries instead of one. The first procedure will take place on Monday January 11. On this date, she will make an incision in my back and then release the latissimus dorsi muscle and then close me up. I'll spend a day in the hospital and will leave with a drain. OH YAY! My most favorite thing! The muscle, still attached to its blood supply, will just hang out for 3 weeks. During this time, my body will sense a disturbance in the force and start working to improve blood flow to the area and will actually increase the size of the artery. She said we could expect a 30% increase during this time. This is a good thing - it means our chances for success are higher and, Lord knows, if I'm going through this, I sure want it to be a success.
After waiting 3 weeks (with my friend the drain), I will return to the hospital for the reconstructive procedure. This is the "big" surgery, which we covered in a previous post.
Going to sleep now. So tired!
Love to all
Andee
The good news is that it's not a showstopper. We can still proceed with the surgery but it will now be surgeries...plural. I will apologize in advance because I have been unable to find neither a good explanation nor a groovy diagram online. Sadly, that means you get the patient's description. I'm sure I will oversimplify. So let's do this.
As a result of the wimpy thoracodorsal artery, my plastic surgeon suggested a bit of a change to the surgical plan. I will now have two surgeries instead of one. The first procedure will take place on Monday January 11. On this date, she will make an incision in my back and then release the latissimus dorsi muscle and then close me up. I'll spend a day in the hospital and will leave with a drain. OH YAY! My most favorite thing! The muscle, still attached to its blood supply, will just hang out for 3 weeks. During this time, my body will sense a disturbance in the force and start working to improve blood flow to the area and will actually increase the size of the artery. She said we could expect a 30% increase during this time. This is a good thing - it means our chances for success are higher and, Lord knows, if I'm going through this, I sure want it to be a success.
After waiting 3 weeks (with my friend the drain), I will return to the hospital for the reconstructive procedure. This is the "big" surgery, which we covered in a previous post.
Going to sleep now. So tired!
Love to all
Andee
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