Thursday 13 September 2012

It's a date...

Wow! My September appointment soon came round.  So last Tuesday, Mum and I took the train to London to see the surgeon.  I had been anxious for a few days prior, as I was really hoping to come home with a date for surgery.  But I had a horrible feeling he was going to tell me to come back in 3 months again.  So, I went into his room, and he went over what we discussed at the last appointment.  The recon options, the reasons for my decision and everything else which comes with the surgery.  I told him I had decided on the expanders/implants surgery and that I was now happy to lose my nipples and have them reconstructed at a later date. He explained where my scars would be, the recovery, the complete procedure and I can honestly say, I have total trust and confidence in him, which is bonus!
So...how do I feel?  Well, when I came out of the hospital I felt so excited and relieved that I finally had a date and I could now start planning.  I have informed work, friends, and family, and now I just have to wait...8 weeks.  Wow!  When I see it written down like that it doesn't look long at all! And going by how quick this year seems to have gone it will be here before we know it!

And so, on Monday 5th November I shall make my way to Barts Hospital, London to undergo a prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy with expanders and implants reconstruction. I am sure that afterwards I will feel relief that I won't have to go through the screening process every year for the rest of my life.But, before then, I have a whole 8 weeks to make the most of my boobs which have been with me for so many years...or should that be I have 8 weeks to start detaching my self from them?  (Not literally of course, that's a job for the wizard surgeon to do!).

I decided to have a party before I go in for my operation, for a few reasons really.
1) To say a big thank you to my wonderful friends and family who have completely and wholeheartedly supported my decision.
2) To say a fond farewell to my "Little Ladies"
3) It's as good as excuse as any to have a party, surely?!
4) It would give me something else to focus on rather than farting about and boring everyone about an operation! (People seem more interested in a party, and who can blame them?!) ...That was the plan, but now, I seem to have  turned it into a fundraising party for National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline ...Well, why not?

So now I am on a mission to beg, borrow, and steal (OK, not quite steal) raffle prizes!  So if you do happen to read this and would like to donate, please get in touch.

Oh, and as a last note...My surgery appointment letter came through making it official!  :-)

Michelle
xx

5 comments:

  1. Well done Michelle. Having been through this myself, I whole heartedly agree with you. I had my PBM on the 4th May this year, in France and had my last expansion (or inflation as they call it here!) on the 2nd August. I go back to see my surgeon on the 11th December to discuss my next surgery, having the expanders out and the permaboobs put in. I have got to say that the mastectomy was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. Very best wishes and enjoy your party. Love Sue H (France) xx

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    1. Hi Sue,

      Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. I'm glad the mastectomy wasn't too bad for you, I'm hoping for the same! I hope you're swap goes well for you.
      Love Michelle
      xx

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  2. Hello Michelle

    My goodness, just 8 weeks to go before your PBM with recon, the time will simply whizz by.

    I had mine about 12 months ago and it is nowhere near as truamatic or dramatic as you might think it will all be - honestly! The immediate recon is such a bonus too.

    It sounds as though your surgery is going to be the same as mine was, and last week I finished the tattoing stage (x 2 sessions), so I'm just about all finished and ready for Page 3!

    Let us know how you are feeling, both before and after your surgery, and if I can help in any way then don't hesitate to get in touch with me, either through Wendy, the NHBCH or directly.

    Love

    Ann x



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    1. Hi Ann,

      Thank you so much for your comment. And yes, I have no doubt that op - time will be here before we know it!

      Can I as when did you have your first surgery? And now that you are finished, are you happy with the result?

      I will be updating my blog throughput so please feel free to follow :-)

      Thank you again,

      Love
      Michelle
      xx

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  3. Hello Michelle

    I had my PBM last August, and the exchange of chest expanders to implants was at the end of March this year.

    Now that it is all finished I can honestly say I'm delighted with the end result.

    Let me know if you would like to see some photos, which I'll glady email to you.

    Love

    Ann x

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