"One Halle Berry, please."

I went to see the plastic surgeon yesterday and got an earful! TMI!! Before going in, I was pretty sure I would get reconstructive surgery. However, after the consultation, I have some serious considerations. With cancer, it's just not as simple as getting a boob job.

Two surgeons will work simultaneously during surgery. One surgeon will remove the tumour and the other will do the reconstruction. There are two routes with reconstruction--implants or using tissue from your own body. Since I am going to have radiation therapy which will cause scarring around the implants and other complications, she does not want to use implants. Thank goodness because I probably would say no to implants since that would also mean a one year process and surgery at some time in the future to replace them. Therefore, she would be using "tissue" (better known as fat) from my stomach area. Luckily, I have enough fat in that area (as if there was any doubt!) and I told her emphatically that I could do my part in the weight gain department. This type of surgery would mean a scar that would go hip to hip across my stomach which would make recovery time longer. Good news is that it would be a major tummy tuck--another cancer perk (I can already hear all mothers out there with postpartum pouches cheering). The scar would also be at the same place as my c-section so I wouldn't have two lines down there.

Bad news in a nutshell: 8 hour surgery, 3-5 days in hospital, 6 week recovery time (vs. 2 weeks for a mastectomy), and nipple reconstruction at a later date (minor procedure done in office). Also with any surgery, many complications can arise (mostly 2% or under) which was explained to us in FULL detail. We were also shown in pure national geographic fashion, exactly how the blood vessels detach and will reconnect, blah blah blah. Didn't need to see it to believe it! Luckily, neither one of us were squeamish and we just had a laugh about it in the elevator.

I have full confidence in this plastic surgeon as she is top rated and only works with the best. She is probably the same age as me or not much older and is extremely diligent in what she does. She actually prefers the 8 hour method vs. a 4 hour method to avoid complications during surgery so that tells a lot about the type of doctor she is. My only complaint is that she talked too fast and told me way too much stuff, half of which I can't remember. I am supposed to read up more information on her website and I can email or see her again if I have any other questions.

So, I have a lot to think about in the next couple of months. Doc has given me until end of February to decide what I want to do since they have to book the O.R. months in advance for June. Now I understand why so many people do not do reconstruction. I don't like pain or hospitals but at the same time, that will all be temporary. Whatever I decide will affect the rest of my life and I definitely don't want to go through surgery again later. In any case, even if I wanted to do reconstruction at some later time, the waiting list could be as long as 3 years since I will no longer be a cancer patient who gets priority. I also have to consider the results of the genetic test which will affect my decision on a possible double mastectomy. If anyone knows of someone who has had reconstruction with tissue, please let me know if they are willing to talk to me about it. I would like to get their perspective.

On Friday, I head off to my 4th treatment--the last one with nausea! This will also mark the half way point so I am relieved to get it done. This week, I am just eating well, enjoying friends, and going out everyday so I can get my fun in before catching up on my recorded shows. The kids are well and although Liam is cruising around, he has no immediate plans for walking anytime soon (14 months and counting)! Aidan is only concerned about whether on not his crush is back at preschool, and Elt is excited about skating on Canuck ice on Saturday. Will blog soon. :)

Love, J