Post-op visits

Monday I met with the reconstruction doctor, Dr Rao. He removed the drain from the right side, as it was draining only a small amount of fluid each day. The left side was still draining about 50cc, so it stayed put. He was able to begin the reconstruction process and added 100cc of saline to the expander in the right side. During my mastectomy he inserted a tissue expander between the pectoralis muscle and ribs. It's like a big, sealed balloon with a circular magnetized port. So at Monday's appointment, he used two magnets to find the port and injected saline directly into the expander. I've got a little tiny boobie! But I'm not supposed to shave or use deodorant, so you may want to keep your distance. I haven't showered since the morning of the 12th. He'll only be expanding the right side for now, but expanding at a somewhat accelerated rate (2x/week instead of 1). Why, you ask, is he only building one boobie? It's for radiation. I will have my entire right side chest wall radiated. We want the radiation laser to come in at a harsh angle so it can graze the top of my chest and not be directed into my organs. With a flat chest wall on the left side, they're able to come in at a better angle with nothing in the way. I start radiation in a few weeks and will have to take a break from reconstruction. 6 weeks of radiation (5x/week), then 4 weeks of "grace period" before we can see how the elasticity of the skin changed due to radiation. Today I met with the Breast Surgeon, Dr Kommareddi. She was very pleased with my incision and minimal swelling (last time she saw me was when she handed the knife over to Dr Rao while I was splayed open taking a snooze). All is well, no new news from her - she gave me a copy of the pathology report. Quite interesting. My left breast weighed 5 grams less than the right but was an inch bigger. A whole inch! I won't get into the differences in the nipples, but just know that I was an imperfect person. 😉 I am off the narcotics - too many scary stories and it didn't get rid of the pain anyway. So I decided to be pro-poop and manage pain on my own. And what do you know - it's fine! Don't get me wrong - it's not "good", but it's not terrible either. Today I was able to lift a plate into the microwave on my own - can I get a "HOORAY" for that? We have REALLY been enjoying all the meals brought by people in the food train - it's heavenly! My dad has been here this week and is so great with the kids, and helps with homework, and washes dishes, and is building a puppet theater for the kids' talent show performance next week. I'm very thankful to have him! That is all for now, Lindsey Still pear shaped 🍐