Melissa’s Blog: 11 Days and Counting!
November 6th, 2009
It’s getting closer and I couldn’t be happier. With only 11 days until my surgery, I’m gladly watching each day go by, but I’m also very busy preparing for my before and after patient responsibilities. Dr. Bashioum has provided me with an extensive packet of information that covers preparations for surgery, as well as after-care instruction. He does this in an effort to assure the very best surgical results.
One of my responsibilities at hand is to schedule a pre-operative physical evaluation. Because Dr. Bashioum’s goal is to provide me with exceptional medical care and in doing so, he insists on having the medical evaluation and report completed by my primary care physician within the two weeks prior to my scheduled surgery. He told me that in his practice, he limits elective cosmetic surgery to healthy patients. So, some of the items that are included in this evaluation are to check my medical history, review and compile a list of any allergies, medications and past surgeries. I can also expect a complete physical exam, a check of vital signs like heart and lungs, etc. Barring any unforeseen health problems, I’m on deck for surgery in less than two weeks.
My coming blog entries will include video clips that will be filmed on the night before the big day , during surgery and my very first reflections in the recovery room after my surgery. You’ll have a unique opportunity to follow my progress to the conclusion of my journey!
Melissa’s Blog: Sharing My Journey
November 5th, 2009
I’ve been documenting my experience for 6 weeks now and I have to say, it has been an amazing experience. It’s beginning to feel as if my journey is coming to an end and in some respect, it is. In just a few short weeks I will be gearing up for my day of “pampering.” Well, that’s what I call it. How soon we forget to do things for ourselves, some more extensive than others. I had another mom come up to me the other day and whisper in my ear that she wanted to talk to me about my upcoming surgery. I was a bit taken back, but remember, I put myself out there for all to know. What was more fascinating was her comment about my dismay at how my body changed after having and nursing three children. She laughed and said, “Honey, it’s done a number on me, too and I’ve only had ONE!” And that’s when it became clear to me, whether you have three kids or simply one, child bearing can wreak havoc on a woman’s body. But there is more to the story than just that…
About a month ago, I decided to share my story on this blog. I also uploaded the blog onto my Facebook, for all my family and friends to read. Initially, I thought nothing more about this project other than it was for Dr. Bashioum’s blog. But as I began to write, I became so fascinated by my own story that I wanted others to read it. Describe me as “confident to share” if you may. My reasons for doing the blog was to help other women who 1) may be indecisive about breast augmentation, 2) may need some direction on a doctor, size, ect. or 3) may be a bit reserved to openly ask questions. So I thought my experience might serve as their guide. A few of my friends commented directly on Facebook about my enlargement saying things like, “Are you serious? What size? or Wow, when are you having the surgery?” But you know, not everyone is openly inquisitive as they were and I am not the first to share this experience with others.
I want to thank one of Dr. Bashioum’s patients named Jennifer, who inspired me to move forward with my breast surgery. My husband and I sat down one evening and watched her story in the documentary film, “Restoring Jennifer.” Listening to Jennifer and watching her experience an the screen (remember- 52″ HD!) was like looking at myself and it was just what I needed to help validate my own decision, because our stories are so similar. If you haven’t already seen the short film, take a look.
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