Reconstruction Update

I've decided on the DIEP flap procedure.  The surgeon wants to wait until June to do the surgery - six months after radiation.  Today, I had a cat scan of my abdomen done in preparation for the DIEP surgery.  I will meet with the surgeon again soon to discuss the scan results and schedule the surgery.  For now, I keep waiting...

Consultation With DIEP Doc

I met with the DIEP flap specialist this morning to discuss the procedure and my candidacy for it.  I liked him a lot.  My first impression was that he's very young.  He was knowledgeable, kind, and thorough.  I didn't like having to have photos taken, but I know that's standard procedure.  I prayed before the consultation - for clear direction as I choose between the TRAM and DIEP flaps.  I left with no reason not to choose the better, high-tech DIEP procedure.

The surgery would take place downtown at Methodist, which is about an hour from home.  It would take approximately 6 hours to complete.  I'd be in ICU for 2 days and in the hospital for 5 days - barring no complications.  The surgery is not very risky.  In fact, it has a 97% success rate.  Yeah, that's impressive.  This doctor does these procedures very often - in fact he's the only surgeon in TN and nearby states who does this procedure.  He says he's only had 1 case where the flap died (due to failed blood flow).  I asked him what happens in that case and he told me they'd have to do a latissimus dorsal flap in those rare cases.  I know that probably means NOTHING to most people, but I know exactly what that means.  It means they'd have to do another surgery, taking tissue and skin from the back.  I feel comfortable that I'll be among the 97% success stories though.  :-)

Bottom line, it feels like a no-brainer.  This is a better option.  I can keep my abdominal muscles intact.  I am healthy enough to be a candidate for the surgery.  Insurance coverage is not a problem.  I guess all systems are "go" after I pass a CT Scan of my abdomen to make sure I have no blood flow issues or hernias from previous surgeries.  That is scheduled for the 24th.  After that checks out okay, as he expects it will, I will schedule the surgery for late May or June.  He requires that I wait until 6 months post-radiation.

I can't say that I feel 100% sure that this is God's clear direction, but I don't feel that there's any reason not to have the procedure.  Regardless, I'll wait a few days before canceling my Monday appointment with the TRAM flap surgeons.  I think I'm just a bit overwhelmed about the ICU part.  Oh, and the symmetrical procedure on the other side would be done 3 months after the DIEP as an outpatient procedure.  With the TRAM, it would be done the same day.  I guess at this point, I'm 95% sure I'll be doing the DIEP around June.  Please keep me in your prayers.