So….on the way to collect Mary for the appointment, I probably should have been feeling more nervous than I was about the whole affair…. however the radio was saturated with Christmas tunes and so I was bopping away….la la la !!! I was also really looking forward to spending time with Mary as I had not seen her in some time!
There has been the temptation to become overwhelmed and over focused on the forthcoming operation because of the potential risks, and so sharing my focus between the blessings and trials of my life, has helped me manage the feelings of trepidation that have been creeping in.
We arrived in plenty of time for my appointment and throughout the 5 hour period we were at Stoke Mandeville, the service/treatment was outstanding !! From the surgeons and the nurses to the many staff members that stopped at one point or another, with a smile on their face, and keen to offer help when we looked lost along the corridors!
Nurse, Pam was first to introduce herself in the pre op department and she took me thorough a set of questions to ensure that I was fit enough for the anaesthetic.
I was relieved to learn that I passed with flying colours…. !!!! There are often, possibly irrational anxieties that bound their way into my head, when ever there is a risk that the surgery may not go ahead!!
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| Pam! |
Then there was an E.C.G to check my heart activity. Lots of sticky patches (electrodes) were placed around my heart area, arm and the bottom of my legs. Some wires that were connected to a machine , were then clipped on to the sticky patches and a measurement of my heart activity was taken. This didn't take long at all and I'm glad to say that there were no worries found!
It was photos' next at the medical photography studio….. A number of photos were taken of my chest and tummy area . Josh Van Gelder -( #LGFB photographer) prepared me well for this photo shoot!!! I took direction well although no 'Smizeing' this time!! lol!
Whilst in the photo waiting area, I met Sam Bull, who I later learnt was having the same procedure as me, the day after mine!! It was somewhat reassuring to meet someone going through the same procedure. We have since exchanged details and I look forward to seeing a familiar face on the ward next week!
So after some pretty routine blood and MRSA tests, It was time to meet the Surgeons…and initially I met with 'Theodore'?? ( memory blank!!), who took me through the consent form. Mike Tyler later joined us and went through his plans for my boob!
I now know that Mike Tyler is aiming to reconstruct my boob to its original size Yay!!! After a life threatening illness and treatment , the size of my boob may not seem important, and it really isn't, I would be grateful for anything , however, to hear that my original size is possible, is in complete defiance of what the cancer took away! So up yours cancer ! ha ha !
After reminding Mike Tyler about my unicorn tattoo, he took a look, a pinch and a sigh!!!!…. But confidently told me that unless it compromises the shape of my boob, the tattoo will not be transferred there…Yay!!! Bye Bye Boobicorn!
It's seems the fat will still be used from that area but not the skin. There is a small chance there will be a small reminder of the tattoo left or the incision/scar may dip around that area. Never the less , I felt confident he would make the best of what is there ….So another Yay!!!
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| Thank you Mary for your most fabulous company! |
Now then….I don't want to take away from the seriousness of the occasion …. but in the spirit of 'keeping it real'………… Oh My goodness …..to say Theodore and Mike Tyler were pleasing on the eye is a total understatement !!…
I had planned to request a picture/selfie with them for my blog, but couldn't bring myself to ask for fear it would belie my thoughts ! ha ha! I'm kicking myself now, so will be on the hunt for a picture next week and hopefully I will have regained my composure!
So…… after this meeting with Mike Tyler and Theodore, there were a couple of hours of waiting before the last pre op procedure with Mike Tyler. This was an ultrasound of my tummy area and took no longer than 10/15 minutes. This was to identify the arteries (?) and I left the appointment with red and blue pen marks, showing their location and instructions to keep them dry with some waterproof dressings!
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| A work of art! |
Having completed all pre op activities, I was given an injection of 'Fragmin' to administer myself the day before my operation and a sharps box. This is to prevent DVT. We were sent on our way, all set for the operation on 8th December!!
In preparation for the operation, I have to stop taking the Tamoxifen for two weeks as I think this affects the blood clotting (?)….. I felt a little wobbly about this, as Tamoxifen prevents that 'pesky cell' from coming back, I have however accepted the assurance I have received as it's only for such a short period of time.
I'm now well on route for my 'two perfect boobs' !!
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