DIEP Flap Surgery Postponed Indefinitely
Today is Claire's 4th birthday. I was up late decorating because that's my love language. I totally nailed the "rainbow and gold glitter" theme. There's a gold backdrop, gold confetti, gold streamers, and a 9 foot jumbo rainbow!
I should be reveling in my birthday planning success, but instead I got a phone call that my reconstructive surgery is postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19. Seton hospital won't reserve a spot in the ICU for me in case they need to accommodate coronavirus patients. I saw this coming but I'm extremely frustrated that I missed the cutoff by only six days. I already did my pre-op appointment, my medical lift recliner is on its way, and my parents just drove 19 hours so they could help out after my surgery. I am insanely jealous of my cancer buddy who had her reconstructive surgery a few weeks ago. Tissue expanders are uncomfortable and are designed to be temporary. They also have a magnet inside, so I'm unable to get any MRI or PET scans until after I have reconstruction surgery. And now, instead of turning 40 with a new and improved left breast, I will enter this decade ugly and unsymmetrical. I can't even go out and celebrate. I'll still be stuck at home, clinging to my last roll of toilet paper and homeschooling my children.
When I got the call, I cried for maybe the fourth time in this cancer journey. Then I placed an emergency delivery order with the local liquor store. I gave up alcohol in preparation for surgery, but at this point there's no reason to stay healthy. I might as well go out and lick a shopping cart. (Don't worry, I'm not really going to do that. I care about flattening the curve and the at-risk population. I'm just venting.)
Now I have to go drown my sorrows in birthday cake.
I should be reveling in my birthday planning success, but instead I got a phone call that my reconstructive surgery is postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19. Seton hospital won't reserve a spot in the ICU for me in case they need to accommodate coronavirus patients. I saw this coming but I'm extremely frustrated that I missed the cutoff by only six days. I already did my pre-op appointment, my medical lift recliner is on its way, and my parents just drove 19 hours so they could help out after my surgery. I am insanely jealous of my cancer buddy who had her reconstructive surgery a few weeks ago. Tissue expanders are uncomfortable and are designed to be temporary. They also have a magnet inside, so I'm unable to get any MRI or PET scans until after I have reconstruction surgery. And now, instead of turning 40 with a new and improved left breast, I will enter this decade ugly and unsymmetrical. I can't even go out and celebrate. I'll still be stuck at home, clinging to my last roll of toilet paper and homeschooling my children.
When I got the call, I cried for maybe the fourth time in this cancer journey. Then I placed an emergency delivery order with the local liquor store. I gave up alcohol in preparation for surgery, but at this point there's no reason to stay healthy. I might as well go out and lick a shopping cart. (Don't worry, I'm not really going to do that. I care about flattening the curve and the at-risk population. I'm just venting.)
Now I have to go drown my sorrows in birthday cake.
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