Roughly two weeks ago, I had major surgery: a mastectomy of my right breast and breast reconstruction. The surgery took 12 hours. Joan, on the other hand, experienced a “routine” procedure in a clinic, and died.
My procedure consisted of removal of my breast (due to cancer) and reconstruction, which involved microsurgery. The surgeon extracted an artery from my belly, and re-attached it through my breast area so that blood pumps through the “new” breast and keeps the flesh alive. The surgeon recreated a new breast from skin and fat from my belly, and sewed it up like Frankenstein.
A drain runs from my breast into a little “grenade” looking plastic cup, catching the excess fluid buildup . I also have a drain on each side of my belly. I empty the drains several times a day, and log into a notebook the amount of fluid extracted. Drain removal will be next week.
Stitches run across my belly, similar to a C-section, where the flesh was cut from one hip to the other to remove the skin and fat for the reconstruction process. Included in the procedure is a “tummy tuck” which brings with it pain and discomfort. Most of my body hurts.
I woke up in the recovery room as one of the medical assistants rubbed my shoulder and told me the surgery was completed. [ My experiences from this point forward will be the subject of upcoming blog posts: The roller coaster ride that is an average hospital stay.]
Meanwhile, Joan was to have an endoscopy, dubbed a “routine” procedure. We now realize that no procedure involving anesthesia is routine. Joan endured cardiac arrest during the operation, and though she lingered for several days, she ultimately died.
Heads are already rolling at the Clinic; investigations and digging into details is ongoing. A surgeon performed an unscheduled biopsy. An uncredentialed doctor was in attendance. Fingerpointing will surely continue. Newspapers and magazines will be sold.
If only the same care had been taken during Joan’s procedure as was taken with mine, she might still be with us.
I’ve endured aches, pains, discomforts, bedpans, rude hospital staff, and gross hospital food.
But I am so grateful that I woke up.
#AmWriting
SueAnn Porter 
Wow, very moving. I look forward to your complete recovering and hearing about it.
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Thank you Eileen! I stop and think about it, and sometimes get chills.
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We are all glad you woke up as well SueAnn. I’m so sorry you having to go through all of this but you know Who you can rely on for strength. We are all praying for you and a quick recovery! I will also keep Mr. Porter in prayer. People do not always appreciate the impact this kind of thing can have on the rest of the family!! Blessings my dear….. so glad to hear from you again! 🙂
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Thank you Courtney!! Mr. Porter has had a rough time of it, especially when *I* am the one getting the cards, gifts and flowers. thankfully my mother and sister have also been up helping us.
I feels good to BE back!
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You should be on the front of PEOPLE MAGAZINE for sure. You’re a Rock star!! D xxoo
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You are so funny Dawn! xo
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So glad your surgery is over and the recover has begun. I have had you on my mind all this time. Glad you felt up to blogging.
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Thank you so much Terri! I have missed blogging, but I was too sore to type. At least now I can type in small doses. Thank you for thinking of me, I appreciate it !
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Hi SueAnn
Thank you for reading and liking my blog.
I was overwhelmed by what you went through and am happy that you are OK. For sure, God is with you~ Emmanuel. You are also very brave and tough! Rumors are that Joan met an unexpected end from the uncredentialed doctor due to her political outspokenness!
God bless you in every way!
~Drgold http://drgoldsite.wordpress.com
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Hello Dr. Gold,
Thanks for visiting.
That’s interesting what you say about Joan, I honestly had not kept up with what she was doing, but I know those things happen to people.
You have a great blog.
SueAnn
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