It's the Little Things in Life … - Calgary, AB

My story is like many of the wonderful ladies found here. I've had a large chest my entire adult life and I'm finally doing something about it.

I'm 47 years old, married with 2 children -7 and 10. I had my children later so I've had to wait longer to get a BR. Still, I wish I had looked into it a few years earlier.

I had a routine checkup with my doctor in April 2013. At the end of the appointment, it hit me to ask her for a referral to a PS. In my province, BRs are covered if deemed necessary. She took one look at me, asked a few questions about pain, discomfort, etc. and said, "no problem, you should be covered." I think I left grinning from ear to ear.

My consult finally came in July (a long 3 months). The doctor also concluded that the procedure should be covered. He ended the consult stating that I would be hearing from them later in the year for a Spring 2014 surgery - woo hoo!

It's now December 2013. I'm getting so excited - I must be getting a call soon for a date. Oh yeah, I got a call, "I'm sorry, Dr. … has decided to stop performing BRs. Since you are not in the calendar yet, you'll have to get a referral to a new doctor." WWHAAT!!!!!!

I called my doctor right away. She was so pissed. She saw me the same day to do a new referral. A week later I had my referral to Dr. Beveridge with an April 2014 date. The consult went great and I was scheduled right away for November 12, 2014. YES!!

Now it feels real. At some point, I discovered realself and ladies, am I glad I did. I've found great information on things I never would have thought of. I have to give a shoutout to beaniesmom who also saw Dr. Beveridge. She mentioned missing a call from his office about a potential date change. After reading that, I put his info in my cell phone contacts so I would know to answer. Sure enough, I was out when they called in May. I took one look at the caller ID and crossed my fingers. Woo hoo, there's been a opening for August 27 are you interested? Ah, not just yes but hell yes :)

And here we are.

Two weeks to go till my BR and I'm so excited. I've been planning for everything I need to get done before then.

I called my PS's office 2 weeks ago to ask their recommendation for a bra for after surgery. I was told to buy an inexpensive front-zip sports bra from Walmart in a C cup since that's what I will be - fingers crossed :) I bought a couple of those. I may also pick up some Genie bras like some of you ladies have done. I went through my closet and found a couple of button-up shirts that will work and I have quite a few shirts with elastic necklines that I will be able to pull up from the bottom. I need to pick up those necessities you all speak of - bio oil, bromalain, prune juice, 3M tape, panty liners. I want to be ready and hopefully not have to run out after. Since the kids are back to school the following week, I want to have their supplies and clothes purchased next week. I don't want to leave that till surgery week. I'm also planning on some slow-cooker meals for next week that will leave plenty of leftovers to freeze. So far I've planned on a large roast with gravy, chicken and dumplings, and a ham. Luckily my husband does great in the kitchen so I'm not worried about them starving lol. I think I have everything covered.

So I told my daughter the other day. I thought about it and decided that at 10 years old she was old enough to understand. While I didn't explain the procedure in detail, I did explain everything to her. I said she and her 7 year old brother would have to help out dad for a little while because I was getting surgery and would need to rest a lot to heal. I explained that my large breasts made my back, neck and shoulders hurt. Also that they made so many things in life uncomfortable. Even simple things like going down the stairs quickly or clipping my toenails were hard or even painful. She was very okay with it all. She wasn't embarrassed or uncomfortable talking at all which was great. Her biggest reaction was when she asked if they would just cut out the extra and I said yes she made a face lol. Next week I will tell my little guy that my back hurts sometimes so I'm going to get it fixed. I think he'll be okay with that.