Quick Update and Some Answers...sort of...

Successful but long day in London.  Just want to give a quick update...in a nutshell, Dr. Ross says there's no way to determine what's causing my pain (scar tissue [capsular contracture], tightness [my left foob is definitely tighter he said] or nerve pain). He doesn't think it's nerve pain based on my description of the pain, but he can't be sure...it could be a combo of all-of-the-above. 

Long story short, my options are do nothing or have a Latissimus Dorsi Flap.  He doesn't want to put me through the ordeal of a DIEP flap because there's no guarantee it'll will solve my pain issues.

I'm 99% sure I'll go with the Lat Flap.  We'll talk about it and think on it while we're away on vacation, and when  we get home, I'll let Margo know what I want to do.

Off to Cuba in 2 days so have lots to do between now and then.  Will update when I get home and have made my final decision.

Wearing my mutation with pride!

Back in December, I finally completed my BRCA Mutation Pride tattoo sleeve on my right arm.  I figured it was about time I shared!  I wear this with pride and it is definitely a conversation starter!

It's about time!!!!

After a very long four month wait, I finally received my referral to Dr. Ross at St. Joseph's in London.  My appointment with him is set for February 24th, 2014 at 1:00.  Here's hoping the weather is good and the roads are clear that day!!!  I'd hate to have to cancel and reschedule after how long it took to get this appointment!!!!

I'll update again after my appointment with Dr. Ross.

In the meantime, I'd like to share the following article published on the Huffington post on September 14, 2013.  It's well said and so very true. 

"Me and My Foobs: What It's Really Like Post-Mastectomy"

 

My favourite quote from the piece is "But those of us who either opted to have mastectomies as a preventative measure, or had mastectomies as a life-saving measure, aren't excited about our "new boobs." In truth, we'll never be the same. We see ourselves differently now when we look in the mirror, because we are different, inside as well as outside."