Under the knife I go...again (long post)

So, I just got off the phone w/Dr. Garber's office...basically I'm approved for hernia repair, abdominal mechanical muscle repair, and....implants! As many of you know, I had a double-mastectomy 5 years ago w/tram flap reconstruction.  The tissue & fat for the reconstruction came from my belly & was microscopically connected to my chest ...it's living tissue.  When it was done, I came out with a flat tummy, but...my weight at time of that surgery was 210; I went up to 232, got banded, went down to 158, went up to 210, and you know the rest.  So, my abdomen looks like a spare tire--I kid you not.  It has two lumpy orange size mounds at either side (where the muscles were cut and mesh was placed over them) and a roll of fat connecting them.  When I saw Dr. Garber in the ER for the stuck food a few weeks ago, he took a look at at and said "your abdominal wall is VERY weak, your mesh a mess and is contibuting to the bulges & the pain, and we can take care of that."  (I also have sporadic severe pain,  when I get out of bed or move any random way) So I went to the plastic surgeon (whom I love) who did my original reconstructive surgery, thinking that it was for a consult for the 2 of them to fix my abdomen (they operate together.)  I then went to the PS, to jokingly said  "sorry to ruin your great reconstruction, but the weight loss caused the fake boobs to flatten like pancakes & sag." (much like real ones do, I hear.)  Imagine my surprise when he said "Karen, you had cancer, and you are entitled to have your reconstruction repaired."   Today I found out it's all approved--not a question asked!  Unfortunately, the only time the 2 docs can operate together is April 17th, 2 days before Passover begins!   It's a 4-hour procedure--I expect to be in the hospital overnight, get home Friday, go straight into the Sabbath and then into Passover.  Whew!  I'm busily cleaning (clearing away the mess, throwing TONS of junk out, bagging up most of my closet because nothing even remotely fits--getting rid of 14's & 16's & 12's--I'm now an 8 or 6) and hiring a cleaning crew for April 9th & 10th.   My present job ends May 31st,  and I pray to find a new one between now and then, so I can't even postpone the surgery!  If you've read this far, I thank you, and isn't it a "coincidence" that when I interviewed Dr. Garber, one of the things I liked about him is that he operates a lot in tandem w/my PS?  It just made me feel good that he's close with a doctor whom I like and trust, and look what happens, they're operating on ME together.   The countdown begins, again...

I don't know a thing of the other things you said...but I will pray for the operation and also for the job situation.

Best of Luck, I hope that everything goes smoothly and you have wonderful results from the surgery! Jim

Karen, Wow, that sounds like a really involved surgery. I will be praying for you until it is over. I know you have obligations with Passover, but PLEASE try not to overdo it when you get released from the hospital. I am sure you have other people in your family to pick up the slack for you. Keep us informed as the time approaches. I will be happy to update everyone on your surgery date and after. I will definitely speak to you by phone before the date arrives. Big HUGS! Lisa

Thanks for the good wishes, Jim & Tim. Don't worry, Lisa, I'll overdo everything the week BEFORE, and my family won't let me do anything once I get home.  Plus, I plan on drinking grape juice instead of wine and taking lots of painkillers.  I will take you up on your offer and call you when I get home to let you know all is o.k.  Thank you. You guys are the best!  I really debated not saying anything at all about the surgery, but it would be like not telling family. xoxo,

Karen,
Congratulations to you! That's very exciting news. My best friend just had the double mastectomy tram flap recon so I know the intensity of that surgery and difficulty you have been through. This will be a wonderful Passover for you, because you will celebrate the freedom of being a healthy you.

Best of luck to you. I'll say a prayer for you at passover.
xoxo
Amy

WOW....You have been through the wringer!  Good Luck on your surgery...you deserve it!   Rosemary

Karen,  Wow -- I had no idea what your story was!  I know I've seen you on here all the time since I have been here, always encouraging everyone.  But I guess I never actually looked at your profile and didn't realize all that you have been through.   Good Lord, you have had so much to deal with ... yet you are always in there helping others deal with their issues/problems.  God Bless You!!   I am so happy for you to be having this surgery with these doctors that you have so much confidence in.  Of course, I will be praying for you to have excellent results and a quick and complete recovery.  Your strength is astounding to me.  I also hope your husband is doing well.  Hugs,  Maria