6 Weeks and Counting - Jacksonville, FL

It's not easy for me to write about my experience. Ordinarily I'm a very shy, private person. Back in 1980, I had just weaned my first baby. I wasn't happy with how my breasts looked, wasn't happy with my job, wasn't getting along with my husband. My solution..get breast implants. A decision I have regretted everyday since. I've thought about getting them removed on and off for years. A couple of months ago, mammogram showed the right implant was leaking. It was the push I needed to start the process. I started doing research, found this site and can honestly say reading everyone's journey is what has given me the courage to see a PS and schedule surgery. My explant is planned for 10/3. The doctor recommended explant, removal of capsules and lift. I'm looking forward to it being over with and getting on with life. The implants are Dow Corning silicone, over the muscle. The PS said he can almost guarantee they are both leaking and that it will be a mess to fix. Yikes..glad I'll be asleep. Anyway, thanks to all who have shared. I'll update as the surgery date gets closer.

I had the explantation yesterday morning. Went into the surgeon's office at 6:45 and left at 11:45. Everyone in the office I came in contact with was super nice and caring. I don't remember too much as I had general anesthesia. The doctor told my husband it was a real mess, thick calcifications that would have prevented a mammo or MRI from being able to spot cancer. I've got drains that are supposed to be removed on Monday. I was in a lot of pain yesterday and pretty much slept all day and night. This morning I feel much better, more sore than pain. Never did have any nausea, thank God. My husband is the best, waits on me, worries about me and loves me unconditionally. The worst is over, now I can concentrate on healing. A big thank you to all you ladies who have so honestly shared you're experiences. You're the reason I got up the courage to do this.

I saw my PS yesterday and had the drains removed which was a relief. I tried to keep my expectations realistic for how I'd look but, after the bandages came off, I was shocked. My breasts are sunken in above the nipples significantly. The doctor said to try not to be depressed about how I look now that in 4-6 months there would be a lot of improvement. Physically, I feel fine and don't regret having the surgery. Both implants were ruptured and apparently had been for many years. There was silicone all the way under my armpits and a lot of cleaning out to do. Trying to focus on being healthy and staying positive and not looking under my compression bra every 5 minutes.