The worst-case infection scenario became my reality today however it was far less then we feared surgery wise. As of 6:00 am I saw my plastic surgeon’s resident where he preceded to send images to my surgeon based on the progress made through IV antibiotic treatment and drain output. Within the hour my amazingly kind surgeon was at my bedside dressed in cute “day off” attire checking the results herself. After a bit of deliberation she decided that her fear was correct and my infection was coming from the inside and the tissue expander/spacer had to come out. Since she was a bit concerned and due to leave the state later this afternoon she jumped into action quickly and secured an OR within only a few hours.
It was a bit chaotic based on the fact that I was here alone with limited cell service however I got the message to close family and friends out and had one of my rocks Sarah Keast by my side in less then an hour. It was a bummer that I didn’t get to see my sweet and very worried hubby before the surgery, however we really want to keep Corryn away from the hospital setting so it was important he stayed with his other love. I did however finally get to greet my very sweet and teary-eyed sister Misty who flew in from Colorado late last night moments before they took me back.
The actual surgery took less then an hour and I woke up around an hour later so it was not a super traumatic morning. They removed the tissue expander/spacer, removed the infected drainage tube, and cleaned out all the infection. I will admit that the visual results brought me down a bit but my surgeon assured me that she will have me on the track to feeling beautiful again as soon as the infection fully heals. In the mean time I’m wearing my “positive attitude” hat and remaining hopeful that I will be sent home tomorrow.
The rest of my day has been spent resting in a comfy hospital bed visiting with friends, family, and nurses, finally reading almost all of your amazing and inspiring messages and posts, and most importantly reflecting on the fact that although this situation stinks, I am very lucky to have so many amazing people sending their love, prayers and positive thoughts my way. I am so inspired and motivated by the countless messages that I have received from others facing this awful “c-word” and thanking me for openly sharing my story in ways they were unable to do and also for inspiring those also facing this journey themselves or with loved ones. As I get my last rounds of meds and sign off for some much needed sleep, I am smiling because of all of you.