Weighing My Surgical Options
I made it through my first reconstructive plastic surgeon consultation! This consult was for a native tissue (from your own body) implant, which is just one of the few options I’m exploring for after my future preventative bilateral mastectomy.
I was SO nervous beforehand, but right off the bat, I LOVED the surgeon. She was kind, experienced, confident, and answered all of Safi’s and my questions.
She explained this procedure is much longer and can have more complications than a more straightforward procedure such as implants. While she COULD do it all in one 8-11 hour surgery, for me and my chronic illness (Ehlers–Danlos syndrome), she would take a more cautious approach to give my skin the time it needs to heal. I really respect that thoughtfulness.
If I choose this option, I would have TWO surgeries, with 6-8 weeks (minimum) between the first and the second.
After the appointment, I felt relieved knowing more about what to expect and how this approach would impact my life... until I looked at the calendar to try to fill it in with possible surgical dates after our Hawaii trip and recovery periods. Then I became VERY overwhelmed.
This series of procedures would span almost 6 months....and I don’t know where Soraya’s health will be in 6 months. The WHOLE reason I am doing this surgery is to be well for her and our girls. How will I find all the help I need for them and for myself? How do I try to plan this around such an unpredictable future?
Thankfully, I have time to think before my next consultation will be for a different approach using implants, and I am also NOT closed off to the idea of going flat. Time will tell…