Back home from the hospital

[eminenz2]

and I've given birth to a baby breast!....

I'm a bit stoked up on the Oxycodone pain killers , so this post might be a little incoherent...

I went into the hospital on Wednesday morning and had an six hour reconstruction surgery on the left side of my chest, where I had lost the breast to cancer.

The new breast (The Adopted Daughter) is about twice the size of The Orphan breast. The swelling will go down over the next few weeks and it will become smaller.

My belly is gone gone gone! There is a long hip-to-hip incision, like a smiley where my belly use to be. My belly-button has been reattached. There is a drain coming out underneath my belly button, so it's swollen there, and things are quite tight. I have to walk hunched over a little.

The doctors are very pleased with the result and tell me the breast flap looks as perfect as they could hope for at this stage.

Later, in the spring, there will be one more surgery to even things out and make the breasts look more symmetrical.

So, if you know anyone who has any questions about these kinds of things, you can send them to me! I now have answers!

Hopy everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Susan L.G.

 

[kathryn]

Glad to hear everything turned out well, and hope you are feeling better soon (at least able to walk upright!).

 

[janiejoey]

Susan,

You are so brave. Congratulations on your baby breast. Isn't it wonderful the things they can do nowadays to keep us normal looking?

I'm so in awe with you, YOU take it like a trooper, and You are a hero in my eyes. WOW!

Janie

The idea is to die young as late as possible.

www.picturetrail.com/janiejoey

 

[melodygirl]

Susan,

Thanks for updating us. I am so thrilled to hear your great report and wish you continued healing. You are truly an inspiration.

Take care.

 

[endorphin_junkie]

Susan, you are so strong, brave and funny!! I agree with Melody, you are an inspiration. Any idea how long before you are able to ride again? Prayers coming at you for a smooth recovery!

Take Care
Laurie

 

[luvmylabs]

Susan,

I am sending prayers your way for a speedy and smooth recovery!!!;-) ;-)

 

[buffettgirl]

Hey, I'm so glad to hear the adoption went well. I hope you have an uneventful recovery from the surgery. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ldy_solana]

i hope you feel better soon and everything works out great for you.

kassia

http://www.picturetrail.com/ldy_solana

"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

 

[Gayle]

I'm happy to hear that your surgery went well. I wish you a smooth and speedy recovery.

 

[eminenz2]

Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts for recovery. No wonder why the Adopted Daughter is so swollen! She's full of good thoughts and wishes!

It will be at least six weeks before I can ride again, and work out for that matter , but I'm in no hurry - ha-ha!

It is amazing what can be done nowadays, and apparently, the days of TRAM flaps are going far away, especially for women who choose to go the non-implant route with their reconstruction.

And check this - no stitches either. It's all done with a compound called (of all things) "Dermabond". Yes, glue for skin!

 

[Netta]

Glad you are doing well. With you in such good shape beforehand, the recovery will go faster.

Love the picture of you and your horse. I've ridden for years, started with western, then went to english, hunter-jumpers, eventing, back to western, team penning, reining, little bit of cutting and then on to dressage. Loved the dressage. Am currently without a horse, but maybe in the future.

Jeanette

 

[andtckrtoo]

Susan - you are an inspiration - I can only echo what everyone else has said. Wow! I'm glad it went well. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. You are incredibly brave and funny.

 

[Tamster]

Susan ~ I hope you have a speedy recovery...thoughts and prayers are coming your way.

 

[WD]

Susan, all I can say is I am so happy for you. I bet you are going to be so pleased with the results. You deserve them!

http://wd.1ww.us
http://1ww.us/logo2.gif

 

[megadoo]

I love your attitude! I wish you a speedy recovery, and I hope you stay in high spirits. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Maeghan AKA megadoo



http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=megadoo2&x=15&y=7

 

[allwildgirl]

Susan, how wonderful to read this! I'm so glad that all went well for you.

My sister goes for her reconstruction in January (both breasts). I'll pass on your comments to her

 

[Miss Lee]

Susan, I'm so pleased your surgery went well. Welcome home!! I'll keep you in my prayers.

 

[alsrnbsn]

Congratulations!!! What's the new "daughter's" name!;-)

I am glad that it all worked out nicely and that you haven't had any complications so far (keeping fingers crossed!)

 

[stayfit1]

Greetings Susan,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. A few years ago, I had some calcifications removed from my breast, which were Ductal Carcinoma
In Situ. Luckily they were at an early stage. I had a Lumpectomy
and did not have to have go through any chemo or radiation therapy. I am still haunted by the experience and wonder if some day I will be facing the same as you.
Your possitive attitude is truly inspirational.

Wishing you a quick recovery.

Dianne

 

[candi]

Oh, Susan, how exciting! Keep us posted. Seriously thinking of a mini tummy tuck in the distant future.

Your sound like you're in great spirits