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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

Final Update - Relieved. - Auburn, IL

ORIGINAL POST

I know I won't have done this the correct way, as...

Relieved2012October 9, 2012
WORTH IT$7,750

I know I won't have done this the correct way, as all you women have joined RealSelf prior to surgery etc. , but I wanted to share with you after all you have done for me.

I have had silicone implants for 22 years at an ex-husbands request (demand). 6 months after he made all the choices, and I couldn't stop crying, I left him.

I am in my 50's now and have lived in isolation since I got them. I can't say what size, or even bra size because I've only ever worn a very tight sports bra to flatten them out. I couldn't see my toes, that's for sure.

Anyway, long story short, I noticed some very painful unfamiliar lumps a few months back. At first I thought the implants had finally ruptured but it was too painful. I began a very short internet search to here. :)

After reading your stories, I decided I was a fool if I waited one more day to get these horrid things out of me.
I had my consult on October 3rd and had the removal done Friday, October 5th. The implants were in perfect form with no sign of leakage, but they did find cancer tumors, which they removed.

I am 4 days post op and feeling so relieved I can't put it into words. This is the first time in over 20 years I am not ashamed to see myself in a mirror. I look forward to being able to go shopping for pretty clothes again, real bras again, and just going OUTSIDE again ! :)))

I guess I just want to thank you all so very much for a place like this, because I may have never found the courage to get done what needed doing without all you very brave and strong women on here.

Much love and happiness to you all.

Replies (11)

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firehorseoflove2002
October 10, 2012
Hello, I am so glad you are feeling better about yourself I understand your pain and also your relief :) I hope all of the cancer was removed and you are well on your way to recovery and self discovery. I had my implants out Oct 4th and am doing well other than some random dull pulling pain. Keep me posted on your recovery and if you can post pictures they really help the women to have courage :)
Relieved2012
October 10, 2012
Thank you for the kind words. The post op pain from the incisions is minimal at this point, it's the cavities from the tumor removals that are quite painful. And quite colorful. But it isn't bothering me in the least. I am just so pleased to be myself again nothing much can bring me down at this point. I'm thinking somewhere down the road during all this healing I'll see some deformity but it's just not important to me. I suppose that sounds terrible, but, I already feel beautiful again just being free of implants. I can't post photos at the moment but I will ask for copies from the Dr. sometime during my follow-ups. I hope you heal happy and healthy also.
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firehorseoflove2002
October 11, 2012
I would encourage you to take your own pictures when you can after bandages then mabey once a week. It will show your healing progrees It has been really helpful to me :)
Relieved2012
October 12, 2012
I'll look into getting a camera soon. This whole place here is wonderful isn't it. I'm so happy if I can ease just one other woman's mind. I hope you're healing well!
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firehorseoflove2002
October 12, 2012
Hi, well yesterday was a hard day for me. I got emotional went to the store to find another sports bra and I guess I looked into the mirroe too much :( I know that my shap is good however I am so flat on top and still in a lot of pain. I guess I am just so upset at myself for getting the implants in the first place. I am mentally better today still same pain and a headache for the past three days. I go for a walk about 20 mins a day but other than that I just watch tv. I hope you are felling well today keep me posted.
Relieved2012
October 13, 2012
I'm sorry to hear your recovery isn't going well. You sound depressed. I get that way too, but the exercise seems to help lift my spirits. I have a walk at home dvd from a very nice 'woman' , I'm not sure I can mention the name so I won't for now. But I never left the house and I love to walk so this program is from 1-3 miles in a small living area. On bad days I only do 1, but on better days I do all three. Please keep us informed how you're doing. You have me worrying about you now! xo
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firehorseoflove2002
October 13, 2012
oh sorry didn't mean to alarm anyone :) I guess just hit a rough spot but I am doing much better today and not as much pain today :) although it's raining outside and has for tw days now I have taken my dog out for walks spending quality time with my hubby :) I wil keep ya posted
Emmita
October 24, 2012
I know your pain I feel the same .I just got my taken out yesterday and was in alot of pain .Very depressed when I saw what they looked like but I hope they will fill in as they heal .Good luck my friend your not alone..
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Angie_M
October 10, 2012

There's no right or wrong way to write your review. But I'm glad you got these implants out of you and the cancer out, too.

So glad the ladies could be here for you. I'm so proud of all the women in this fabulous community, you included.

Relieved2012
October 11, 2012
:) Xo Thank you.
explantasap
October 21, 2014
I feel the same way about this amazing support and information community. I explants about 3 hours ago! I'm sitting in recovery feeling so light and happy to have those toxic bags out! Well done to us for being brave and wise xx
UPDATED FROM Relieved2012
6 days post

I guess I should have added a few more details. ...

Relieved2012October 11, 2012
I guess I should have added a few more details.

I had had 5 children and been breast feeding 10 years pretty much non stop. It never occurred to me that it would bother a man that professed to love 'me'. I mean, what did 'me' encompass if he was displeased with my appearance? I had never had a body image problem. It seemed perfectly normal for breasts to become well loved and used up after doling out so much love and nurturing. Kind of like a favorite blanket after years of giving comfort.

Anyway, I'm healing well. The areas where the tumors were removed are still colorful, but the skin feels cool to the touch and for me that's the good part. I would hate to get infection setting in. I'm still reading here every day and learning so much. This is a wonderful place.

Thanks again for the kind and encouraging words. They help. Xo

Replies (6)

Felicitygal
October 11, 2012
What a story - sad that your ex wanted you to have them but well done for finding the courage to leave him, and to finally get your implants out! Thank goodness the tumours are out of you too! I wish you well and all the future happiness you deserve Relieved2012! X
Relieved2012
October 11, 2012
Friends, men and women, back then were so angry I had let him bully me into it. They all gave me the courage to refuse to be 'put on display' for the guy any longer. It just wasn't part of my make-up to be a 'barbie doll'. I wanted to be a really good mom and wife. That's what made me happy. :) Thank you for the well wishes. Xo
Theduvet
October 11, 2012
I'm sorry you lived with implants all these years you hated and they weren't even your choosing!! I am glad they are gone, you are free of the horrible ex husband and the tumours were removed. Do you have to have further treatment? Hugs to you, really pleased you are happy! x
Relieved2012
October 12, 2012
Thank you for the hugs! Such necessary things, and Free to boot! :) I won't know what the future holds until the pathology report comes back. I expect on the 23rd it should be available. I've decided this week though, that I can endure anything else that comes my way now. The implants somehow made me feel like 'he' was still in control of my body. Strange as that sounds. Now that I am 'me' again, I'll love me whatever happens.
Gram1
October 18, 2014
So happy you are free of implants. I, too, have implants and they have been in for 34years. I have consultation next Thursday. I hope to be free of implants by the end of year. What I fear most is surgery itself and what they mind. Thank you for posting your journey. Somehow I thought I was the only person who has has implants for m any years. Rest well and I am happy for you they got cancer out. Gram1
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Lisaroxy
October 18, 2014
Do sorry u had to go through all that you did. How are you doing now that it's been a couple of years? I also want to thank you for your story. I feel that the drains and having the capsules removed is so important. Hopefully other women reading your story will see this. I know it's cheaper not to have this done. But, how can you put a price on your health. Though on the other hand there have been a lot of women who haven't taken capsule out and have done just fine. On another note I also feel that if all you can afford is just to get the implant out than that's better than to leave it in. So sorry I've been going on and on about this. I just feel that we as women are more I powered with the more we know. Especially learning from the women who have gone before them in this procedure. Thank you again for being so detailed story about your experience.
UPDATED FROM Relieved2012
7 days post

Today makes a full week since surgery. I tried my...

Relieved2012October 12, 2012
Today makes a full week since surgery. I tried my 3 mile aerobic walk just a bit ago and made it through fine. I did avoid doing too much large arm movement I think that would be foolhardy this soon, but the rest went well.

The pain is minimal except the crater pockets yet. The bruising is almost completely gone that's visible on all breast tissue. It's still a little hard to sleep through the night because I'm always subconsciously trying not to cause stress to the recovering bits.

I'm looking forward to my follow up on the 23rd of this month. Will post with an update then.

Stay well brave women! xo

Replies (4)

Old gal
October 15, 2012
Wow! I am so proud of you. You show a lot of courage and a. Sweet heart in your writings. You are the kind of person that I admire. I will be thinking about you and your recovery and hoping for the very best of outcomes. Your children are lucky to have such a great mom. You will find a lot of good friends here. Stay with us.
Relieved2012
October 18, 2012
Thanks so much for the comment! Also for the kind thoughts, I will need all the positive vibes I can get. :) I plan on being here for some time. I so admire all the women here sharing their stories.
Ladybea
October 17, 2012
What a wonderful brave woman you are, thank you for your story. I was explanted on the same day as you and feel ...words can't express it actually. I feel like my subconscious mind has created a doorway for the real me to emerge through, I am seeing the door and will find the courage over the next weeks, months, years to walk thro and become that person I should have been before the damage started. We are not too late [RS bleep]
Relieved2012
October 18, 2012
Thank you! Isn't it wonderful!?! I put a regular T-shirt on that has been in my closet for almost 20 years for the first time today. It fits beautifully! It IS hard to find words to express the emotions that are running through. But most of all I feel 'right'. No, we are Not too late, what a wonderful life ahead of us, giving ourselves the respect we deserve for us. :)
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