Crazy how things happen...

So today was the long awaited Plastic Surgery appt! We went in not really knowing what to expect other than the regular routine of undressing from the waist up and putting on that fashionable gown, open in the front of course. As we waited we tried to remember our list of questions that we left at home. Before we could even remember the 1st thing, Dr. Stalnecker walked in. Now, I had been told that he is not a man of many words but he is the best so to have questions ready, however, that was not the case, he was extremely thorough in explaining everything and answered every question I could think of. I also got some measurements and found out that I do not have enough belly fat to fill in my breasts even though I feel like there is plenty there!! He explained that the 1st part of the surgery will be the mastectomy, obviously and that Dr. Nate will remove 99% of the breast tissue and probably some lymph nodes. This will take about 3 hours. He will then go in and begin the reconstruction putting in the implant called an expander that will be filled with saline and salt water. This could potentially be my permanent implant, after all of the injections I get to fill it up weekly or in about 6 months I will have surgery again and will get a gel implant. His part of the surgery will take about 3.5-4.5 hours. So, it will be a long day of surgery for me. Well, I guess short for me since I will be sleeping the whole time but LOOOONG for everyone else that is there waiting! After surgery there will be a 23 hour observation period where I will be in the hospital. When I go home, I will have 4 drains that Ryan will have the pleasure of emptying every few hours. I was originally told that recovery will be about 3 weeks but today I was told it is more like 4-6 weeks. Also within this recovery period, 2 drains should be taken out after the 1st week and the last 2 should be taken out after the 2nd week. He also told me that this procedure is more painful than your typical augmentation so be prepared!! The GOOD NEWS...while in Dr. Stalnecker's office he mentioned that we had surgery scheduled for Nov 21 but he had a cancellation and if Dr. Nate could do surgery the same day we could possibly move my surgery up but he didn't say when the cancellation was. When leaving, the nurse at the front desk said that my surgery could potentially be Monday, as in next Monday, November 4th!! Yep, that's right, 1 week from today!!! We couldn't be sure yet though because we had to check with Dr. Nate and make sure there was still a surgery room open. So out we went to see Dr. Nate. After a recap of everything that has happened and a short exam with ultrasound we were walking out and the surgery scheduler stopped us and said, "Hey, by the way, surgery is MONDAY NOVEMBER 4th if that's ok!!!" OK? That's more than ok!! I'M READY!!! So, we went over all of my pre-op instructions and we were out of there. I can't believe it! My life changed when I got this diagnosis but it will change again when I have this surgery. After surgery, the decision about chemo will be made and then that will begin 3-4 weeks after surgery!! So, the long awaited day is here is a week!!! WOW!!! Crazy how things happen!! The BIG MAN upstairs was definitely watching over me :) Oh and by the way, this will also be the best week at work before surgery. We are having Spirit Week for our kiddos and they are doing it in support of me as well!! I cannot believe how supportive my new job is being, it just blows my mind, I couldn't ask for anything better!!