Reconstruction at Last!

Melissa checked into the surgery center at 7 o'clock this morning. She was able to get checked in and then had to wait for a little bit. The surgery started at 8:30 and lasted about two hours before Dr. Shale (Dr. Rinard  assisted) came out and met with me. The surgery removed the expanders and replaced them with silicone implants. Part of the surgery was also liposuction and fat grafting in the implant area. He also was able to reshape the breast so that they were more even after the flaps that were left from the mastectomy. They also were able to remove the fat necrosis that was biopsied in September.  They removed the Portacath that was used as access for chemotherapy.  She has come home with a large ace wrap around her chest that must stay on for two days. Melissa has an abdominal binder that she has to wear for two weeks. She has a follow-up appointment with Dr. Shale next Wednesday. We ended up having to stay for a couple of hours extra so she could get away from the fog of the anesthesia.  She has had quite a bit of nausea which has continued even to tonight.  She will also have to be on antibiotics for the next five days. This is just the first of potentially three or four surgeries for the reconstruction.

We thank you for all the love and prayers that we have received.  - Tyler