I had my final meetings with both of my doctors, and was once again so very thankful to be in their hands. Both sat with me and explained every step of the process and what my options were and helped me devise a plan. The biggest planning took place with my plastic surgeon. Initially, I was very against being reconstructed with implants. I did not want something foreign in my body, and I did not want to have to maintain it every 10 yrs or so. Well....when he laid out the specifics of the plans and the recovery time, my mind was blown (and changed instantly) Although the implants would require more surgery, and would be a longer process, it was ultimately the right choice for me and where I am in my life.
Being the planner that I am, I began to ready my life for the days and weeks that were to come after my mastectomy. My mom was already coming back for a few days regardless of what the surgery would be, but after talking to my PS I called and asked if she could stay longer. Being as wonderful as she is, she said yes, and my just as wonderful father kept moving her flight dates to accommodate my needs. I started researching and thinking about things that would make my life easier (and those around me), and began buying. I am soo happy I did this! (I am planning a post about things I could NOT live without later)
I was not particularly scared or freaked out about the surgery, but was a little hesitant about when I would leave the house after and how to look normal. I was worried about the drains and worried about being lopsided. Not overly worried, but still worried. After some research, I found out that there are camisoles made for mastectomy patients that have pockets for drains and pockets for pads to be placed to "even" you out. After even more research, I found out that there was a store in town that sells them and other breast cancer (and pregnancy) needs.
I went to the store ready to purchase two of these camisoles. The woman at the store was so kind and helpful! She tells me that usually insurance covers it, but it takes a day for the paperwork. I was having my surgery the next day, but knew I prob wouldn't wear it that day so I figured why not try to get it covered. She helped me get fitted and said she would hold them for me.
Well...then the breast coordinator called me later that day and proceeded to lecture me that she got the request, but didn't think it would be covered because I didn't have breast cancer. She spent a great deal of time telling me (nice and slow) "You are getting a mastectomy, but not because you have cancer. You do know you do not have cancer correct?" Um, yes, thanks lady. I know I do not have cancer at the moment, but I am not getting a mastectomy because I have nothing better to do on a Thursday! I have no choice, thank you very much. She also kept complaining that she didn't have a code for me, so she was going to have to figure out what to code it. Not my problem lady. After many strong words, I finally convinced her to at least attempt to send it in. If I had to pay for them, fine, but doesn't hurt to try. (And by the way - insurance covered them 100%)
I also received no call about preop labs and check in time, so I call to clarify and get my bff Mrs.You-know-you-don't-have cancer breast coordinator, who tells me she does not have me on the books as having surgery the next day. Umm..look again, its happening, and has been planned since June. After waiting, she finally gets it cleared up and tells me to come in at 11:00 the next day at the main hospital.
With everything in place, off to bed I went ready to take on the next day (and surgery).
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