The week of June 15th, I called Dr Schwartzberg office to say that both my consults went well and I was happy with Dr Capraro and Dr Sedlacek. I was ready to move forward with the new team. Dr Schwartzberg’s office said they would check schedules and let me know the date of my mastectomy surgery; it usually could be scheduled in 2 weeks.
At the end of the week my surgery was scheduled for July 7, 2015.
Continue reading Scheduling Surgery and Preparation – June & July
The last of the 3 big consults (surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologist) was today Friday June 12th. Again we had an early appointment to see Dr Sedlacek at one of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. He was in the same building as Dr Schwartzberg, so it was easy to find. We already had a route from the house, knew where we were going to park. I wondered how routine these trips would become. It’s a good that we only lived 20 minutes away and the drive was a nice 30 mph through treelined residential streets (Monaco to 13th to Claremont). Though today Chris drove via Colorado Blvd. and the traffic was thick. I worried a little about being late. I don’t know why I do that. Out of all the things to worry about, why should I give a shit if I’m a little bit late, it’s not like the the doctor is hanging around tapping fingers on the desk. You always have to wait for doctors, no matter how early or late you are.
Between the consult with the Plastic Surgeon and Oncologist I met with a physical therapist to discuss mastectomy rehab and discuss what I could do before surgery that may help my recovery.
I got an extensive list of exercises I would need to do after the surgery. The exercises were organized into 4 phases and exercises didn’t start until 3 weeks after surgery when I would be on serious drugs and have drains coming out of each armpit. If I felt I wanted to do something she suggested I use 3 lb weights and just excercise my biceps.
Next! A plastic surgeon.
I looked online for plastic surgeons that specialize in breast reconstruction in my area. They all sort of explained the procedure options. Some had before and after pictures, but there was nothing that really set anyone apart.
I found myself looking at Dr Capraro’s site. He’s in a practice with another Plastic Surgeon who does the more classical plastic surgery procedures. The practice also has an office in Hollywood. I thought that was funny, but then though may be they’re really good because they have an office in the plastic surgery center of the universe; Hollywood!