After a year wait to see micro-surgeon Dr. William DeHaas, I was lucky enough to get a date at Foothills Hospital, with a fine team of plastic surgeons, specialists and incredibly gifted nurses. During an 8 hour surgery where my lower abdomen tissue and skin plus 3 veins were taken in a "free flap" (DIEP procedure) and transplanted into my right chest cavity. All the scar tissue and damage created from the previous mastectomy surgery and extensive radiation were removed. A fresh, healthy blood supply has been reintroduced to that part of my body. I will now have full use of the right arm in future. I also have a right breast. And a very flat tummy, if scarred from hip bone to hip bone.
Some excitement in the hospital while my blood pressure went up to 240 and I was moved to ICU for 1.5 days. The cardiac experts did some checking, and finding no cause for it, modified my BP medication, which has got it back on track.
I am walking like an ape, slightly bent, hell on the lower back but easy on the ab incision. I can't do much for 6 weeks, exccept walking. No lifting. Certainly no vacuuming, ovens, sinks, baths, etc. HahaHa. Ted is pleased to see me back in the kitchen today. I can now wash myelf and actually dry my toes too. Such excitment.
Oct 8 Dr. DeHaas removed steri-strips (no stitches any more) declared his handiwork perfect, I'll have the body of a 20 year old shortly, hopefully not the brain! Some healing of the abdomen still to go so I'm on antibiotics for a week. I feel very very tired and this train has frequent stops.
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