The Waiting Game

So today marks 1 week and still no news from the insurance company.  I know they told me two, but you would think that a girl who has waited 10 years so far would be able to wait 2 weeks, but I am going stir crazy.  Thankfully it's a long weekend and I'll be able to think about something other than surgery and insurance companies, etc.  But I am praying that they saw the request and immediately approved ;-)  I know it's wishful thinking but a girl can dream can't she?

~Erin

Telling my boss

So this morning I got up the nerve to tell my X-Marine Boss that I am having reduction surgery and I will be out for about 3 weeks at the end of August/Sep timeframe.  I have to say I have never  been so nervous to talk about it before as I was today. 

I started out by saying that I had something to tell him that I was excited but nervous about and was a good thing for me.  At this point his face went pale (I think he thought I was going to resign), then I explained I've been having back problems for 10 + years and I am going to have surgery not on my back but other surgery and it was going to be a visible change.  Then explained that it was a reduction mammoplasty and I would be out for 3 weeks and you could see the relief on his face. 

Me on the other hand I was shaking and sweating... I don't know what it is but talking about the reduction to my boss is not my idea of a good time.  I am just happy to be done with this discussion and now just wait for the approval from the insurance company!!!

Consultation

Ok, so the consultation with Dr. Snodgrass this morning has me feeling like I am on cloud nine! I am definitely a strong candidate and I had pictures taken, and most of the pre-work done so they are going to send off my information to the insurance company for approval. She said that my specific insurance company is very easy to deal with and I should hear in no more than 2 WEEKS!!! For a girl that's been waiting 10 years two weeks is nothing!!!!!!

So the appt itself went like the following

1. General history of health, questions about what issues I have with my breasts today, etc.

2. Then came the examination this includes her looking and feeling the breasts as well as lots of pictures

3. Checked for curvature of the spine (yep my spine is curved)

4. Then I got dressed and she talked about the reduction process, costs, how large my chest would be afterwards, recovery, etc. You name it we talked about it!


So... After I get the approval they are scheduling surgeries in August of this year and I will be able to say that I am 4 sizes smaller in the chest... So what that equates to is going from a 42 H to a 42DD, any less she said would be too dangerous to remove. I know Brian was super excited to hear that I would still be a DD... ;_)

Needless to say I am elated and now the next two weeks will be excruciatingly painful to wait, but hey I waited 10 years for this I think I can wait a little longer!

~Erin

Mammogram Results

Well I have to say the Breast Care Center at Toledo Hospital ROCKS!  These people know how to make an uncomfortable situtation more bearable.  So on to the news...  When I got to the Center they proceeded to tell me why they were bringing me back (which they left out on the phone).  They thought there was a mass on my left breast and an enlarged lymph node on the right.  Once they told me that I think my face went white...  So they did another set of mammograms, these were more painful and there were a lot more of them from the first time.  After they were finished with the mammogram, they determined there was no mass in the left that it was just the way the breast tissue formed.  The right however required more testing and I was off to have an ultrasound on my breast.  I've never had an ultrasound on my breast, so that was well interesting...  The radiologist came in and ultimately my breasts are fine, just have an enlarged lymph node. 

Tomorrow morning is my consultation with the plastic surgeon so I will write more then.

~Erin

Mammogram (Round 2)

So I got a call today from the Breast Care Center at the Toledo Hospital stating that I have to go back in for an additional mammogram.  I am a bit freaked out because I fully expected perfect results on the first try.  My mom assures me that this happens often and not to worry.  So the hospital scheduled me for 3:00 tomorrow and I'll have my results before I leave.  At least I won't have to worry for days, I'll know for certain what's going on.  Here's hoping all goes well tomorrow...

Erin

Mammogram Thoughts

Ok so here is the skinny on the mammogram situation when you have a larger chest than most people.  It hurts like hell!  No Joke!  My chest hurt for a good 4 - 5 hours after the mammogram from all of the pressure from the machine.  The technologist that performed the mammogram was terrific and she kept me talking to keep my mind off of the fact that she was shoving my breast onto a platter and the pushing down so hard that my breast felt like it was going to explode. 

This week is the week that I meet Dr. Snodgrass and go through my consultation appt.  I know I have a long road ahead of me but I am super excited at the thought that this year I could be able to reduce my breast size by more than 4 sizes!!!! 

I've also started back on Weight Watchers.  I have a weight loss buddy too and that itself will keep me motivated.  Just from watching portions last week I've lost 2lbs!  I have a long road ahead but it's two pounds less than last Monday!!!

www.my-calorie-counter.com     The webs free Diet Tracker

Much Love,

Erin

Reduction

The closer I get to my consultation with Dr. Snodgrass the more nervous I get.  I am excited and nervous at the same time. 

I just finished reading "When Less is More, The Complete Guide for Women Considering Breast Reduction Surgery."  It's a must read for anyone considering the surgery and it was written by Dr. Snodgrass herself.  That being said, there were quite a few things mentioned in the book that now worry me, like how is my husband going to handle the girls for the 2 weeks I am down and out, and not overdoing it even when I am back to work or back to playing mommy.  I  know that these are all good things, it just makes me wish I would have decided to do this sooner rather than later...  It's very frustrating. 

Additionally the good news, in the appendix of the book it talks about the author who happens to be my surgeon and states the following:
"Dr. Snodgrass is a consultant and case reviewer on plastic surgery issues for insurance companies, law firms and other third parties." 
This means she knows how to deal with insurance companies, as well as what they look for to determine if the case is medically necessary.  That makes me excited... 

Finally, I am starting back on Weight Watchers.  I figure the more I can lose before surgery the better and plus my insurance company offers a $75 incentive if I attend 80% of the meetings in the 18 week plan.  I also think I found a weight loss buddy too!  As anyone that has tried to lose weight before, when you have a friend doing it with you it is much easier to stay on track. 

~Erin

Mammogram Scheduled...

I think the stars have aligned. When I called for my mammogram appt, they had an opening this Friday. I took this Friday off originally thinking that I would get some stuff done around the house, but to be able to schedule it on my day off is amazing!!! Now I just have to get the order from my doctor and I am all set.

Thoughts on the mammogram itself… I am scared, I’ve never had one before and I hear that they hurt. But I’ve been reading a lot around what you can do to lessen the pain (like taking Motrin prior to the procedure). So Friday is the day of the mammogram and next Thursday is my initial appt with the Plastic Surgeon.

I will keep you all updated on how Friday goes.

~Erin

Measurement

So the Plastic Surgeon's office gave me some upfront crieria that they know the insurance company is going to need.  Additinally  they recommended me having this completed before my initial appt next week.  So yesterday went and got measured by a certified fitter at "That Special Woman" and wow was I surprised... I guess not too surprised, I wouldn't be getting a reduction if they weren't large but they are huge.  I measured in at a 42H yes I said H....  HOLY CRAP.  So next on my list is to have a mammogram.  Fun Times!  Will keep you posted.

~Erin

Who said perseverance won't work...

So I've begun my next journey of improving me inside and out.  I started down this journey last year when I decided to start running and also working out.  We have been attending church regularly with our girls this year as well and today I took the next step. 

I saw my new physician today and explained the back problems as well as tension headaches I have experienced over the last few years and how I attribute it to my chest size.  He gave me some great advice on who to see as well as what my next steps were.  I have made my first consultation appt with a great plastic surgeon in the area for next week!!!  I don't think I've been this excited since my wedding and/or having my girls. 

So I will be blogging about my journey (good parts and bad) as well as the process to be approved by the insurance company and the reduction itself.  Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive through this... The journey is just beginning and I am so excited...

Much Love!

Erin