A guest post by an anonymous writer, which will be an ongoing series.
This has been a very long journey thus far, including many blessings and struggles. I am been blessed beyond measure by several groups of women who have rallied around me: my sisters, many supportive friends and family, my amazing doctor, my community Mom's Club, my MOPS group, my VBAC group my Discipleship group and all of you blog readers, to name a few. I could not have come as far in this journey without all of you. Thank you immensely!
It will be one year since my diagnosis on November 9, 2018. I am finally nearing the end of the surgical part of my journey, but not without several obstacles. Because of unforeseen complications and circumstances, this will be my fourth surgery, to complete reconstruction.
This surgery usually includes fat grafting to provide a more natural look and feel, minimize rippling and increases the chances of sensation. However, I have not had enough fat for this step thus far. Generously, my twin sister Heather has graciously agreed to donate her fat for this step, something that can only be done from identical twin to identical twin, and from no other donor. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover any donor costs.
Throughout this process, I considered skipping reconstruction altogether. I honestly thought it did not matter to me. It turned out to matter much more to me than I ever anticipated. I considered skipping fat grafting, as I did not have enough of my own fat to complete this standard step. Yet, I kept feeling incomplete, less whole. Though I will never feel completely whole again, I do believe that this surgery will be a step in the right direction to healing emotionally and feeling as whole as I can, given the circumstances. So much was taken from me in this process, more than I could have known and was not prepared for. I abruptly weaned my son, have a plethora of scars, experience a lack of sensation and have been dramatically changed in appearance. This surgery is something that can begin to heal those losses.
My amazing reconstruction surgeon has agreed to donate his services and is working tirelessly trying to make this opportunity a reality. However, my sister’s other costs will not be covered. These include hospital fees, anesthesia, prescriptions, compression garments, travel to TN for the surgery and lost wages.
Surgery must be completed this calendar year and is scheduled for November 19, to accommodate schedules of all involved. Without funds, this step in the process will be skipped.
I have just started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the surgery. I know that if this is in God's will, He will provide! Furthermore, I know that no matter what the outcome, I can handle it!
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