Visit with reconstructive surgeon

May 31, 2011 Another visit over lunch time. When do they eat?

Yet again, I’m impressed with the attention to support systems, the clinical expertise, concern with medical ethics in treatment, and options offered. Dr. C didn’t come out and say “Gee, you could also have your breasts enhanced while we are at it.” He is a plastic surgeon, after all. I’m reassured that I have breasts that are proportionate to my body size, and my desire to have the least amount of cutting and interference is taken into consideration while we consider reconstructive options. I want to be able to maintain upper body strength for riding motorcycle, carrying a backpack. I want to maintain my leg strength for walking, bicycling and hiking. That will mean an implant instead of using my own tissue, which involves more invasive surgery anyway. I don’t need to save any of my own blood. These surgeries are relatively low blood loss – it’s on the outside of the body cavity, not inside. I am relieved.

He says that Dr. I would like to try a nipple/tissue sparing surgery which he says almost knocked him over. Not something Dr. I recommends often. If the nipple needs to be removed Dr. C can make one out of anything anywhere. I get a sketch to demonstrate how that is done. I am comforted. This may be the only permanent tattoo I’d consider – a tit tat. Please do not take offense. Humor is therapeutic for me.

Let’s see – my appt. was, I think 11:45. I got home about 1:30. There were no extra stops on the way home, and it only took about 20 min. to get home. You do the math – probably at least 1 hour with the physician.

What kind of implant? That’s my biggest dilemma until I also resolve my work dilemma – new hires, me the only trainer, and projects to be done. I can focus on work to take my mind off of the rest for now.

I, of course, am concerned about health insurance coverage. I ask Dr. C’s office to check in on pre-authorization requirements. What you all need to know if you have the need for reconstructive surgery related to a breast neoplasm is the related law “Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act of 1998”

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/Publications/whcra.html

I’m not sleeping very well these days. I continue to think of art that expresses my feelings and provides some therapeutic relief. Friends are there for me. My family is there for me – as much as I let them in. Humor even if twisted or juvenile is therapeutic. Still waiting for more details.