We had our consultation with the cardio-thorasic surgeon regarding
Caitlin's (our youngest) upcoming open heart surgery today.

When discussing the incision, he explained that there were two options,
a vertical incision directly over and through the breastbone, or a
horizontal supra mammary incision, below the breast.

He cautioned us about the supra mammary route because, at 4.5 years, of
course Caitlin has no breast development.  That would mean that they
would have to use their best guess as to where the incision should be,
hoping it would end up under the breast and not damaging breast tissue
by being too high.  He warned that in such an event, normal breast
development would be affected, including her ability to breastfeed her
own children some day!

Simply amazing, a pediatric heart surgeon warning parents of an action
that has the potential to affect a child's ability to one day nurse her
children.  Now, if the subject is that obvious to him, why in the world
are so many health care providers, who are far more involved with women
of childbearing age, so completely oblivious?

We, of course, have elected for the vertical incision.  It will leave an
obvious scar, but won't affect her breast in any way at all.

Thank you so much, those many of you who have sent notes of
encouragement and support, what a tremendous group!

--

Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC
Dallas Texas USA

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html