Revisiting Breast Reconstruction

To be sure, Laura's number one priority is eliminating cancer from her body. So, she endures the long hours and side effects of chemotherapy and is preparing for the surgery that most likely will take place near the end of October. But, as with most challenges Laura has faced, she is doing so much more, most of which has already been described in this blog, including her strict diet of fresh vegetables and other foods that combat the acidity in her body in order to strengthen her immune system. She is also trying alternative therapies offered and recommended for cancer patients and it is wonderful to see the peaceful and relaxing effects of the acupuncture and Reiki sessions offered to BC patients.

Since this week afforded Laura an upswing in energy, she scheduled an appointment with another plastic surgeon yesterday. Earlier Joshua aptly described the August 11 appointment concerning advice about breast reconstruction, where it was recommended that Laura wait one year after her bilateral mastectomy before beginning reconstruction via a second surgery utilizing a latissimus dorsi flap procedure (using back muscles/tissue) or a TRAM flap procedure (using abdomen muscles/tissue).

It was a good thing we are now more familiar with the reconstruction options, because the second plastic surgeon talked very fast and we had to digest his information quickly! He was a "take charge" type of person (Laura liked that) and wanted to at least explore the first and more common option of inserting a tissue expander for implants at the time of Laura's first surgery - one he thought might be available if there was enough time following surgery before radiation and its effects on the skin. He immediately contacted Laura's oncologist, and based on the information he received, he called Laura to let her know that insertion of tissue expanders just might be an option. We were all happy to hear this bit of good news, as this option has an obvious emotional and psychological advantage. Of course Laura wants to fully consider the viewpoint and recommendations of her oncologist and general surgeon, since surgery and subsequent radiation is a vital part of Laura's treatment plan. So, we'll explore these options further during the next chemotherapy session on Tuesday.

All of this to say that Laura faces more decisions -- immediate reconstruction without knowing the effects of later radiation or delayed reconstruction with further surgery. Not an easy task. But she is up for it. She and Joshua are a fearsome team and they know how to handle one day, one issue at a time.