The title of this blog is an UNDERSTATEMENT of how I feel right now.
But, first let me go back a little bit before I explain. Recovering from the second phase of the SGAP Breast Reconstruction done on August 30th went smoothly. The surgeon modified the front DIEP flap scar, moving it down leaving the umbilicus at the waistline. The gluteal scar had/has an area that has decided to take its sweet time healing, today it has less than 5mm to go before it is completely closed. The left breast is a bit smaller then the right breast, and I am okay with that because I have two breast now! I was offered another revision, but I am happy with the current outcome. I was really worried for a bit when I had the complications and having the wound vac, I thought I was going to lose the flap. Beyond grateful for the surgical team in Louisiana !
Above is a diagram of the scars, I know it looks intense, but all scars a healing really nice. I did go out and buy myself new bathing suits, however I have not been cleared to go into the ocean due to the gluteal scar not completely closed. Just need to be patient……..and then this happened!
Last month I noticed that I had this “puffiness” on my left side near the waistline on my back. That area did not feel right, I would do my lymphatic massage, the puffiness would subside, but then reappear. On Monday the 27th as I was bearing down to use the restroom, I placed my hand on my back waistline and felt something literally plop out (and I’m not talking about a BM..lol) I asked the Ultrasound Technologist if it was possible to have a hernia back there, she said, rare, but possible. Since then I have had an Ultrasound and CT. I have a Hernia! The descending colon has herniated out.
The yellow line shows where the wall has been breached (so to speak) the large bowel should not be past that point.
What’s next? Getting this repaired before it gets “incarcerated”.
Tomorrow we fly to Burbank, I have a surgical consultation with a surgeon with City of Hope, on Monday the 18th. On December 28th I have surgical consultation with a surgeon from UC Irvine. This comes after the Specialty Care For Hernia Repair out of Newport Beach let me know that they could not do this repair. This facility does outpatient, and was not a good option for me. They recommended having it done at a University Hospital. I am not in pain, it is uncomfortable though, I am wearing an abdominal binder making it bearable throughout the day.
My kids quickly started sending me names of possible facilities/surgeons. I was really challenging coordinating this, making phone calls etc. However I have two consultations and hopefully one of the surgeons can do this ASAP!
So there you have it…this is why I am Beyond Frustrated ……simply at the thought of another surgery has me bummed.
Mahalo for reading……I almost forgot, the flowers were a gift from a wonderful patient during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! She totally made my workday, work week wonderful. I got lots of compliments from patients that got to see them, they were beautiful!
Mele Kalikimaka everyone,
Pina:)
My Breast Cancer Journey 