2 weeks post-op - Towson, MD

I feel bad for not updating sooner, things have just been crazy busy! Between the hurricane, going back to work after a week, and starting 2 8-week online courses all at the same time was overwhelming. I still don't feel back to my normal self mentally - a little lazy and unfocused.

I've had 2 follow-up appointments and my next one is in about 3 weeks. At the first appointment post-op, I was told to stop wearing any type of bra and was given the strap to wear cuz they're riding high, which they said is normal since I'm young and my muscles are tight. I have to wear the strap pretty much 24/7. It makes it pretty difficult to find clothes to cover it that aren't ugly, but at least for work, my scrub tops cover it. At my second appointment 2 days ago, my sutures were removed and I was given the okay to start using the silicone scar cream I got from them. They are still riding high, more so the left one, but they are slowly improving. I don't have much pain now and just take ibuprofen as needed. I have 2 types of massages to do - one pushes them together from the outside and the other is pushing them up from the bottom.

I went back to work on Halloween and that first day was rough. I felt like my chest was larger than my body at the end of my 12-hour shift! Everyone was supportive and helped me out. I had 1 day off before 4 12's in a row over the weekend - that was rough but tons better than the first day back. I just need to remember to not do so much lifting! Between helping patients and trips to Target, I have definitely been lifting more than I should!

I will post some updated pics later when I finish my school assignments.

So I've had some bruising to my left breast area that appeared a couple of days post op. The bruising seems to have gotten a little worse. My left breast also is slightly more swollen than the right. I have my 1st follow-up tomorrow afternoon but I don't know how that is going to play out with this hurricane. I'm attaching some pics I just took.

I'm finally starting to feel human again! The nausea and vomiting from the past 2 days have stopped, the pain has decreased, and I can move around better. I drove for the first time since surgery yesterday and it was awkward but okay. I've been taking Tylenol during the day and the Vicodin at bedtime and another dose when I wake up at like 4am from the meds wearing off. I can't wait to be able to take Motrin on Monday because Tylenol barely helps. I still have a lot of swelling, as well as abdominal bloating.

I have my first follow-up appointment on Monday which is right when Hurricane Sandy is supposed to hit here. I'm not looking forward to driving through that if the office is open - they are 45 minutes away from me. Another bummer: it is gorgeous outside and my new motorcycle is sitting outside and I can't ride it. :(

What has everyone done to prevent stretch marks on their new boobies? I have some Vitamin E oil I was thinking about using. I also have Palmers Cocoa Butter massage cream I was gonna start using when they show me the massage techniques. My skin is just so shiny and tight right now and I really don't want stretch marks!

I'll try and update with pics later.