There is so much to learn and so many variables in considering reconstruction when it comes to breast cancer treatment.
The surgeon put it in an interesting way. He said, "I can be talking to a cancer patient and tell him that he needs reconstructive surgery on his esophagus and he'll say, "Ok". When I talk with breast cancer patients it is an entirely different thing. You don't see your esophagus and it doesn't make you 'feel' like a woman. Breast reconstruction is a very personal and complicated decision."
It can be a very confusing decision too!
Here's a very simplified breakdown...
Do I want something foreign in me with only a 2-3 hour surgery with a relatively easy recovery?
or
Do I want my own tissue (less likely to have problems) but, with a 10 hour surgery and a very long recovery and multiple surgeries?
or
Do I try a new system that may or may not work, using my own tissue, with less invasive surgery but most likely multiple surgeries?
or
I can always do nothing and wear a prosthetic.
Throw radiation into the mix and it can change everything.
I am grateful I have a choice!!! I just want to make the right one and need to make it by Monday. No pressure.
In my wig that I can't stand to wear!
What I'm thinking in this picture...
"My head is so hot and itchy!"
