Waiting... Part 2

By Pete, guest blogging from the "It's a Grind" coffeeshop over at the DART station. Had to escape.

Since Terri wasn't allowed to eat or drink after midnight, we didn't stop for breakfast... So I am just getting breakfast now.

Standard doctor scenario, hurryupandwait. We got to the check-in right at 7:30, and then sat there for an hour. Terri was in great spirits, considering. Terri commented, "all the other people here look sick...". That she doesn't belong. I reminded her that early detection is wonderful thing...

Once in the post-waiting waiting room, Terri was visited by the various prep folks, Dr. Wong, the anesthesiologist, the OR nurse, etc. Terri put on the provided 'spa wear' -- guessing (wrongly) that Dr. Carpenter would want the drafty portion in front. With that corrected, Dr. Carpenter proceeded to sharpie lines all down her front and back. Dr. Carpenter said that he might not need the back muscle and skin, depending on how damaged by radiation the existing tissues were. He referred to the back tissue as "like going back to Lowes" when you need more stuff to finish a job. I can relate.

Terri was right, Dr. Carpenter does look like our nephew Tyler, tho grown up and with white hair. (Hey Tyler, I know you probably want to be a physicist or engineer - but consider this - plastic surgeons get to look at breasts. All day. Every day. Think about it.)

Dr. Grant came in, assured us that he was well rested after the 4th weekend, "on your A-game" as Terri put it. He did say that immediately post-surgery, all we would know is very preliminary results on the lymph nodes. Full analysis would not be available for both the nodes and the breast tissue for about a week. So, continue chanting "no nodes, no nodes"... But we won't know the real answer to that for a while, so hold the question for now.

The prep nurse did a great job getting the IV in, small favors... Next, to prepare for the complimentary Baylor Spa lower leg massage, they put compression stockings and inflatable sleeves on her calves. To complete the spa treatment, they finally brought the 'cocktail' - alas, Dr. Wong had to inject it into the IV. He also said he would have something for the 'hangover' later...

It was time. I gave her a kiss and a squeeze. Should have an update from Dr. Grant in a few hours.