Pre-Op Consult with Surgeon

Yesterday was my Pre-Op Consult with Dr. Camal. This means surgery is getting closer (Thank God). My mom and Doug came with me and Maggie met us with my kids at the office. The whole family was there so that my kids could meet the doctor who was going to save their Mommy's life. I haven't shielded them from what's going on. I have been very honest so this was something I felt was important. For this visit the whole crew was along.

I went in first for a quick exam to make sure my skin was still all good for surgery. Which it is, YAY! Dr. Camal and I then sat in her office to go over what to expect as per the incisions and procedure. She explained that she and Dr. Griffith, the plastic surgeon will tag team on the surgery. First Dr. Griffith will draw the incision lines to show where she wants Dr. Camal to cut in order for her to close in the cleanest fashion and what she feels will be best for her part of this operation. Like an artist sketching out the image on a canvas. Then Dr. Camal will start the cancer removal.

On my right side since the cancer wasn't positive there at this time, this will be a simple mastectomy. They will remove the nipple and breast tissue. She said that will take about 45mins. The left side will have the similar incision with nipple and breast tissue removal. This again will take about 45mins. Since the cancer has gone to my lymph nodes I will also be having an incision under the arm to remove the cancer affected lymph nodes. This will take another 45mins. Dr. Camal feels that her part will be about 2.5 - 3 hours. Then she will Tag in Dr. Griffith who will prep me for the reconstruction and close up. That part I will learn about in my pre-op consultation with her coming up. Overall she feels like it will be about 5-6 hours total in surgery and I will be staying overnight in hospital to monitor.

Dr. Camal talked about my healing and what I can and cannot do. Overall I will be down for about 4-6 weeks. Very limited mobility and I will need a lot of help. Can't shower for a few day, UGH! She said that the biggest thing is that even the smallest acts are extremely exhausting when i'm healing. So it looks like I will have to learn to sit still... Which is NOT my strong suit...

Luckily my mom and I went out this weekend and purchased a power lift recliner, which Dr. Camal was thrilled that I got. Since this will help me to get up and down easily without fear of tearing anything or popping any stitches. If you have to have this surgery a power lift recliner is highly recommended.

One thing that did stick out was that Dr. Camal wasn't thrilled that my surgery is 3 weeks away on Feb 6th. She is working on moving it up sooner. Fingers crossed, because the sooner this journey starts, the sooner it ends.

After going over much of what I needed to know my family was all brought in. Dr. Camal talked to the kids and let them know that to expect. She told them that the best thing to do to help Mommy is help with some shores and do your homework so Mommy doesn't worry. They sat pretty quiet and just listened. I could see they were a little nervous. She showed them photos of her family and her kids as well.

We went over a few things and I wanted to know if there is anything I should be avoiding , food, liquids, or medicines. I had already stopped any meds and vitamins so that was already set. And she said I didn't really need to avoid anything food wise. I'm even allowed Wine beforehand! YAY! So I got that going for me! Dr. Camal mentioned again that she was going to try to move my surgery up so that is where we stand so far.

Now it's just the waiting game and pre-op appointments with Dr. Griffith and then at the hospital.