Pre-Op and Jug Shots

With surgery coming up on the 26th I needed to get my pre-op tests and appointments done on the 24th. My cousin Sharon flew in from California and came with me. We spent the morning at the hospital while I got blood tests, an EKG test, a Chest X-ray and COVID Test. The tests were all rather routine but I did learn something important from one of the phlebotomists. We were chatting about my diagnosis and she told me that since they are removing lymph nodes from the left side, that I can not get blood from that side ever again. I felt this was pretty important information for me to know since Im getting blood drawn a lot.

I also got a call from the Biorepository department of the hospital asking if I would agree to let them use anything they removed that was considered waste for research. I 100% agreed to letting them use anything for research. If I can help in any way further the study and research as to why Breast Cancer occurs or how to help prevent it, I'm all for it. Take what you need to help us learn more.

After my Pre-Op tests at the hospital we headed across the way to Dr. Griffith, the reconstructive surgeons office. My sister met us with the holiest of liquids...Coffee! And we all went and waited for my appointment. My entourage was able to meet my surgeon and be there to absorb the information and ask questions. I need others there at these appointments because we all hear different things.

The best word to explain Dr. Griffith is, calm. When she talks she speaks calmly and explains everything so easily, its hard not to just breath and relax. She makes you feel so safe and taken care of. The first thing she said was "We are going to become best friends", you know she is not just saying that. There is a peaceful energy that follows her and her staff. Which is SUPER important as a patient because this is NOT what I want to be doing or where I want to be.

Dr. Griffith and her PA Mary went over how my incisions would be on each breast, they will be either on an angle or horizontal. Obviously we already discussed that both nipples will be removed. We went over that I will have drains and most likely 3 drains since I'm also have lymph nodes removed. The drains will be there between 10-15 days depending on my healing. We spoke about implants and going above the muscle or below the muscle. Since I'm going to need radiation I can only do under the muscle. Hopefully I will still be able to do the DIEP flap procedure instead of regular implants but that is further down the line. I will be staying overnight in the hospital as per Dr. Camal.

When I get home on Friday I will need to walk and move a bit daily but I can not move my arms for at least 2+ weeks. I have to be like a T-rex, as if my elbows are stuck to my side. Sleeping for the first 2-4 weeks in a recliner is recommended. I have to be cautious of my drains and sleep on my back. Mary gave me some great advice on using a pillow on my lap and keeping my arms on it to keep them in the perfect position. No reaching over my head or out front of myself. I can't drive for 6-8 weeks and can't lift anything over 10lbs for up to 10 weeks. They gave me a full list of prescriptions to get filled before my surgery, for pain relief, anti-nausea, anxiety, and antibiotics. For someone who hardly takes anything except maybe Advil, it seemed overwhelming.

After all the instructions and questions were answered, it was time for my before photos to be taken. Chris from the office came in and she set me up against a plain wall for my lovely photoshoot. The position I was in was literally like talking a mug shot (front, side, side) and with my sister and cousin in the room Mug Shot turned into my Jug Shot! We all laughed and Im pretty sure that somewhere Chris will be using that term. And that's when I said "Now you know why I need my crew with me".

As we headed out Sharon and Maggie got to meet Fran, my savior. Who again said just take care of myself and my healing. And off we went, the last time in the office until after surgery.