July 1, 2022
I have a surgery date!
With Penn Medicine!
Step 1:
July 27
Remove all breast tissue put in tissue expanders and fill it with air. Close blood vessels in the tummy to prepare for transfer.
Hospital stay one night
Recovery from double mastectomy will probably continue into the nexy surgery.
Charles will take one week off to help.
Step 2:
Surgery date to be determined but must be 2-4 weeks from first surgery so probably late August or early September. Blood vessels are stronger and ready for transfer. Remove stomach tissue and reconstruct breast. Remove expander and place tissue from tummy in breast pockets.
Hospital stay 3 days
Recovery 3 weeks
Charles has me first week
Hopefully one of my best friend from NC can come stay with me the second week.
Step 3:
Fat grafting and additional implant if necessary.
Outpatient surgery
One week recovery
This procedure is called Mi-DIEP it is a revolutionary reconstruction process developed by one plastic surgeon at Penn Medicine, the first hospital in the nation. Penn Medicine does more DIEP flap reconstruction than anywhere else in the country. I wish my surgery date was sooner but I keep reminding myself that it is the best place for me. They also have the only program in the nation developed to track patients and try to prevent recurrence. This also enables me to access research studies and after I have surgery, I plan to consult with Memorial Sloan Kettering about my oncology treatments.
Moving away from all of my family and friends to come to PA was hard but I am thankful to be in the best place for these life saving and life improving treatment options.
This is my procedure.
