Surgery # 8 (emergency one this time)

was in the wee hours of Monday morning. I had my bilateral mastectomies just 2+ weeks before. Anyway, a blood vessel under the skin on my left breast ruptured and my breast started to fill up with blood. Scared the beejeebers out of me. The first spurt I had Rich call plastic surgeon thinking it was an implant issue but as it was filling up and expanding the breast I knew it wasn't good. Rich called 911. We went to the hospital. I felt better with something bleeding in EMS' hands. Ambulance guys definitely got a story out of the ever expanding breast - told them to enjoy the story with family, friends and guys/gals at the station house. At least I kept my sense of humor. Got to the ER and I was a bit freaked. Just kept telling the poor young doc that this thing was growing. They had gotten hold of the plastic surgeon who came in quickly. I showed the breast and told her "This is NOT the effect I'm looking for." She laughed. They got me into the ER within an hour or so and surgery went well. I told her where I felt the first pinch and sure enough - that's where it was. She said that at about 2 weeks post-op or so is when clots try to resolve themselves and get reabsorbed by the body. She thinks it was mechanical failure meaning the blood vessel didnt' stay tied off right and then it clotted. Then when the clot cleared - the flood gates opened. She also discussed this with my breast surgeon and they discussed possible clotting issues due to the gastric bypass malabsorption (I do take vitamin K BTW). Plastic surgeon doubted that was the problem but they wanted me to discuss with oncologist when I go since they are hematologist. I saw my primary care physician Wednesday and got her to run blood work including all the clotting stuff. Plus after this event.... I'm now anemic. They didn't give me a transfusion but I heard my hematocrit is low. We'll see when I get the results. I've worked so hard to keep my labs in good shape. Drat it all. So now when I get pains and twinges in that left breast.... I worry a bit (like right now as I sit here). Not fun. But this too shall pass.... I see oncologist next Friday. Was supposed to see him this past Monday but I was otherwise occupied in the hospital. Tra la, tra la. Take care folks! K

Wow Kathy! I am so sorry to hear about your ordeal but I am glad to see you are up and at em. You truly amaze me...you have the most awesome spirit and always seem to keep your head up and your face smiling no matter what gets thrown at you. I really look up to you! Best of luck to you honey! Hugs! Christine

Words are not alone enough to express my care and concern for you. Hang in there! JoAnn

Wow Kathy so sorry to hear about this. A sense of humor is always good in instances like this. Any cute EMS workers? That always helps to make it a better experience. Hopefully your labs won't be off too much and will jump back up quickly. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Courtney

Kathy- Wow! So glad you called and were able to be taken care of so quickly! I hope that your labs are doing ok or that you can bounce back quickly. Hang in there! Christina S

Kathy You are amazing. It's said laughter is the best medicine. I'm thinking of you! Jen

Kathy, you sure have had a time of it. I hope they got you fixed up good this time. Please keep us updated. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!! Anna

Good gravy, you've really been through some rough times. You're an amazing woman and I'm so glad that you're here to tell us all about it. I'm always sending good thoughts your way and it will all work out the way its supposed to in the long run. Take it easy, Amber

Your positive attitude is what yields your positive outcome. Glad to hear everything worked out well. Lois

Hey there, Beautiful Lady....Are you done NOW????? Goodness, Charlie Browwn...enough now...I think you have certainly had enough. I am so glad you have that wonderful sense of humor with you and that faith of yours. You are in my thoughts and prayers and will be for a long time coming. I think about you often and do miss you. Huggles, Betsy