Donna, That is very encouraging news. You will be so proud of your new perky body. I'm glad they will be able to code things as reconstructive. Hugs, Debbie

Hi friends, Last week I mentioned in a couple of replies to other posts that I was going to UCLA for a plastic surgery consult. Dr. Watson, is a wonderful man as well as skilled microsurgeon. I have 2 colleagues who also had mastectomies and who had reconstruction by Dr. Watson. In a cancer diagnosis, especially, a kind competent surgeon is soo healing in & of itself. It took quite some doing getting into his practice because it is closed to new patients. He limits the procedures he does for his private practice because he wants to "learn and really understand my patient's story". Anyway, I have so much work to be done. I never had reconstruction on the left side, so now is the perfect time to do both sides. I want a prophylactic removable of my right breast, not so much that I am worried about cancer there, but a matching set of perkiness would be great!! Dr. Watson wants me to first consult with the head of the breast cancer unit Dr. Chang mostly for education concerning my risk for return. He said he would be very happy to make me feel whole again. We were all about in tears at that time. Instead of silicone implants, he will do a tram flap procedure in which fat, skin and muscle are transplanted from my stomach, outer thighs, upper hip or back. The reconstruction usually looks more natural, plus I'll get a tummy tuck or butt lift to boot...all under the "reconstruction" coding!! After that is all done, we'll talk about what else can be done that is catetorized as "prophylactic" vs "cosmetic" for insurance purposes. My very worst area is my face and neck. I look horrid, I do. Of course that is cosmetic to the tune of.....$8,000!! Dr. Watson said we'll talk about it..so that is encouraging. Thanks all for listening. Have a great day. Paula

You will make it. I think you, Julia and I all want to be around the same weight when we finish. (although Julia is just a few lbs away from her goal) You and I will have to try harder. Easier said than done, huh? Debbie

Hi Wanda, I want to wish you a very happy anniversary. 23 years is wonderful, I so envy couples who made it together. Much love and happiness. I pray that you and Mark have many more happy, and healthy years ahead together. Enjoy your mini trip and each other. Love, Paula

Julia, I was just thinking about this same thing this morning. I have been losing maybe 1 pound a month since December. I would still like to lose about 29 more pounds. Its nice to know that my current eating habits permit me not to gain any weight and continue to lose ever so slowly. This is the first time in my life that I haven't "done without" and not gained weight. Wanda 256/174/145 5'6"