Build Me Up Buttercup

My head is going to explode with all the information I got yesterday from doctor visits. Let's hope I can safely impart it to you without doing any further damage to the human race. Warning: some material may be too graphic for those under 13!

First up: the endocrine surgeon, Dr. Patel (he removes the tumor). He went over some of the basics that my oncologist had already covered with respect to the chemotherapy, it's effects (or non-effects if you will) and the PET and CT results. Then we got down to the real nitty-gritty of the upcoming surgery (which will take place either the 3rd or 4th week of February - no definite date yet). They will be taking a piece of my fibula (leg) in order to fashion a new mandible and jaw, and imagine my surprise when he tells me that they won't be replacing this bone because it's not needed (apparently the tibia is what provides the ankle stability in your leg). So...it's like an appendix? I'm sort of giggling thinking of the bone just...ending halfway down my leg, then starting up again a little lower - can't wait to see x-rays of that! In any case, he tells me that the surgery takes about 10-12 hours (ooh, I hope I get anesthesia), that I will be in the hospital about a week, and that the pain will be worse in the leg than in the jaw. He also tells me I'll need a tracheotomy tube while I'm in the hospital (well, I confess, I was wondering what happens if I get a stuffy nose), but that I will be able to eat a soft diet (eggs, oatmeal, applesauce) almost right away. I'll be going home on crutches, but I should be able to get around pretty good by the time I leave. I'll be able to speak, but will need some speech therapy and I am SO looking forward to the kids making fun of me!

Best of all, he says I should be able to go back to work within 2-3 weeks, and that long-term there will be no permanent physical restrictions. I'll be able to drive, fly, swim, yoga, spin, attend graduations and parties, vacation, etc. in a very short while and I won't need any home health assistance while I'm out. Overall recovery takes 3-6 months, but the latter months are more about rehab than post-surgical problems.

Next up: the oral/maxillofacial surgeon (he rebuilds the jaw) who showed Warren and I this totally cool model of a patient that he is doing the same surgery on. It's a cast of the face and jaw in some sort of acrylic material, and he can detach the jaw and attach the mock-up of the fibula bone to show how it's reconstructed. Anatomy class was never this much fun! He gave us the gory details of the actual surgery: the incision from lip to chin, and chin to hairline; opening the flap of the cheek; replacement of the bone; what teeth will be lost (surprise, they think only 2); what to expect with respect to swelling and pain. When he was done, he sent me back to NYU for a special CT needed to make the model of my jaw. I did lobby for a facelift and botox while he was busy with my face (and wondered if he couldn't REALLY just take bone from my hips instead), but he just simpered and said I shouldn't be silly, I don't need any of that (flattering the old lady - this guy and Dr. Patel are both only about 40).

Still to Come: the plastic surgeon on Tuesday. This is the guy who is gonna nip/tuck to minimize the scarring on my face and chin and leg. Maybe HE will feel sorry for me and all I've gone through and throw in some tune-up work (c'mon! just get rid of the muffin top!).

There are still some questions left unanswered at this point - whether or not they will need to radiate afterwards (gotta see how the bone looks, but none of the scans indicate any invasion into the soft tissue); when to do the implants for the replacement of the teeth (ideally at the same time as the reconstruction, but not if radiation is needed); whether or not additional chemo is necessary or if just hormone therapy is best. I have to say though - I am feeling quite a bit better than I was about the surgery. I envisioned this completely debilitating process that would keep me out of commission for months and now I'm thinking GALAGANZA again. OK, that's not really practical, but maybe at least I'll be able to have a glass of champagne on my 50th.

What really made me feel encouraged was how both doctors kept referring to me as "young and healthy" and therefore able to tolerate surgery better and recover more quickly than most of their patients (this surgery apparently is typically done on people in their 60's and 70's). I think of all the building and re-building that's been done and will be done on my body and I'm glad that I have continued to try to exercise, stay strong, and eat right (oh FINE, have it your way, I will concede that KitKats and JellyBellies don't qualify as "eating right"). It appears that I will be able to continue on that path, and sooner than I expected.

So there you have it - the plot of the new show, "The Six Million Dollar Goddess" - "We can re-build her...make her better than ever...she'll be faster (at downing a Cosmopolitan), stronger (so she can carry more shopping bags), smarter (OK that's pushing it a little)." I'm not feeling it yet, but I'm sure nerves and fear will kick in as I get closer to the actual surgery date, and I'll need to share that apprehension with all of you. But for right now, I'm feeling pretty good, looking forward to enjoying a couple of weeks of chemo-free bliss and watching my hair grow.

A big "Hello!" to some readers new (sort of) to the blog - Joan and Dawnmarie, thank you both for listening. (Oh, and Dawnmarie I have 2 words for you - "Monkey Paw!") As an aside to everyone, I have joined Facebook, feel free to request me as a friend if you are a member, mostly because my daughter is laughing at me ("you only have 20 friends?!").

Blessings and Love to All!