42 YO Athlete and Mom to 4 - Much Needed MMO

I’ve been so slammed since I went back to work that I’ve barely had time to think, much less post. This Tuesday I made it past the 3 week mark with my left breast which felt HUGE. I realized how much I’ve been holding my breath and worried about more complications. I went into the office to get a few anchor stitches removed by Wanda that were sticking out. I have another appt on Monday to see Dr H and ask about a few more stitches that are poking.
Swelling has been minimal and overall feel I’m healing well. No seeing huge changes. Trying to get used to my new shape! Went on a date with my hubs last weekend and no muffin top! Hurray!!
I plunked own a bunch of money on tattoo removal last week. I’m scheduled to start that later this month, just need Doc’s all clear. I’ll try to take some pics in the morning.

Today is my first full DRAIN FREE DAY!!!! Yay! So glad to be rid of those pesky, but oh so essential appendages!! Showering, getting dressed, going to the bathroom, are all new experiences!! I feel more normal!!
I went to see Dr H yesterday morning. All looks good with Lefty. The bandages came off, the drain came out (ouch!), Wanda snipped a stitch on my belly and my right breast at the junction of the lollipop that were poking through. There’s a little irritation at that junction so she’s having me treat it like my BB - twice a day I apply a glob of Suave hair conditioner for 3-4 minutes, then spray off, blot dry and apply a thin layer of Polysporin. Sounds crazy (as she said), but it totally works!! Dr H gave me a good look over and is pleased with the results - good symmetry on the girls, good size, settling nicely. Scars look good. I have a little swelling on my back hips that he said would go away with time.
I’m officially allowed to wear other shape wear so I’ve got a few garments from Target that hide under clothes easily. I’m allowed to wear a non-surgical bra as long as it has no underwire so a mall trip is in my future. I need something with a front closure since I’m still not allowed to raise my arms above my shoulders.
I don’t need to go back for another 2-3 weeks. Just wait for my TissuGlu to come off, at which point I’ll start using Silagen.
The second surgery “restarted the clock” so he wants me to continue to take it easy. “No laps, no acrobatics”, which is fine with me because I have NO stamina! I went into the office yesterday and it totally wiped me out. Today, I’m working from my recliner.
SO very grateful I picked Dr H - he is just the nicest man and an excellent surgeon. Wanda is the best. And I continue to count my blessings that when the [RS bleep] hit the fan, it did so the day of an appointment. Talk about luck!!
Interesting factoid is that your highest risk beyond the first 24 hours is days 10-14. So take it easy ladies and focus on healing!!

I hunkered down this week and I think it’s paid off. Friday I was able to take my younger kids to school, driving for the first time. Yesterday I had another lymphatic massage. Other than my right breast, which we didn’t mess with, all looks really good with my swelling, bruising and skin. She was really pleased with how things are coming along. Afterward we had lunch as a family. It was so nice to be out but between the massage and increased activity I was totally zapped afterwards. I took a four-hour nap!

A little more activity today with a quick trip to Target but I’ve been trying to rest as well.

Tomorrow I get the drain out of my breast (hurray!) and the bandage off. A little nervous about what we’ll find. Tomorrow is also my first day back at the office. Feeling a little nervous about that too! Hoping I can work from home a few days as well, especially the days I don’t have client meetings.

Hope everyone is healing well!!