BRCA1 Double Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction (Age 47) - Boca Raton, FL

Looking pretty good overall. Right side with node incision actually holding up better than left which feels droopy and has a great concave dimple above. Not terrible but noticeable. Have thought about touch-up surgery but dread the process. I have recently developed intense vaginal dryness (practically overnight!) and since I can't do replacement hormones, I am considering laser treatment. Will update with that if I decide to do it. One weird thing, though, is that my gyn (who I love) is now saying that I do have a cervix, that he only took out the "sub-cervix." Not sure what this means yet but my immediate thought was that since I had had dsyplasia and was BCRA1, why would he leave it??? Also since he had told me no cervix and goodbye/good luck, I hadn't been getting a pap smear for the last two years either. I have a friend who helped me keep track of things and she was surprised, too. So the lesson is ... verify, verify, verify.

Still looking good. Occasional soreness between breasts if not well-supported both under and towards center. Left breast sags a half inch or so if I don't wear a bra (despite having collagen slings in both). I still wear a non-wire bra during the day and a cloth front-hook bra at night, for comfort. If I wear an underwire bra more than an hour, my scars itch and become irritated, but otherwise skin and scar smooth and healthy. Nipple areoles are smaller but look nice. Since my surgery, I have seen several other women's reconstructions and mine is the best, by far. This seems to be due to the fact that this was my first surgery and also that I didn't have chemotherapy. Also, I wore a sports bra a lot longer than anyone else I have met, for 3 months day and night.

Dr. Bogue is a well-respected doctor and, just as importantly, works closely with other highly rated doctors. I am a BRCA1 woman with a family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Although I knew the risks and was determined to follow through on prophylactic removal of my breasts, I was very concerned about the reconstruction looking "like me." Dr. Bogue gave me the options and respected my decision to go down a little in size but maintain my same basic shape (tear-drop) rather than creating an overly busty look common with many implants. I have been very pleased with the outcome. I can look in the mirror comfortably and feel like I haven't changed all that much. My husband tells me they look proportional and attractive. The implants are soft and can be slightly lifted in a realistic way. My skin and nipples have feeling and responsiveness, for which I am truly grateful, especially since I also had a node biopsy which temporarily limited sensation on that side. For me, getting my BRCA results, having a hysterectomy, biopsy, mastectomy and reconstruction was a tough emotional period but having confidence in my doctors made it infinitely better. Dr. Bogue is invested in the quality of his work and it really shows in his detailed consultations and follow-up appointments. Almost three months later my scars are well-healed and barely visible. Good luck to you! You can do it. [Note: Cost is after insurance and includes the tissue removal surgery and the reconstruction, done during the same procedure by two doctors. Fortunately, I had good insurance.]