I am 45 yrs old and have wanted to have a breast...
I am 45 yrs old and have wanted to have a breast reduction for several years. I kept saying after I lose weight....well I lost about 20 lbs this year and did not want to wait any longer. It is a bit ironic - as a teenager I was a late bloomer and I was worried in 8th grade when I was still flat chested. I have always been busty as an adult, even at my thinnest. After I gave birth to triplets and breastfed for over a year I was huge and never got any smaller. I use to be so proud of my beautiful breasts, but now hated them. I had constant back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder groves and rashes under my breasts. They sagged like I was many decades older than I am. I was miserable. My bra size I wore before surgery was a 38DDD, but I know it was not the proper size. I live in a small town and my chest measures 34. I would ask for the biggest cup size, and they would always be too small. I left more than one bra store in tears. Having such difficulty finding bras to fit, I refused to order a bra online or through mail order. When I was measured last they measured me as a 34K. I am hoping to be a 34/36D.
My surgery was on December 27th and I am so happy I had the procedure done. I had some problems with anesthesia and breathing afterwards, but nothing overly concerning. Have had some issues with urine retention, having a hard time getting these going and don't ever feel like my bladder is emptied fully. After 48 hours I figured this is a side effect of the pain meds. So, I have been trying wean myself off my pain meds. I certainly don't need to end up with a bladder infection. I will post pictures after I get this posted. Good luck to all those that have an upcoming surgery, or to those that are still recovering! It has been great to have found this site and to be able to share stories. Happy New Year and so excited to have new smaller boobs :)
1st Post Op Appointment
Had my first post-op appointment yesterday. Surgeon is very pleased with how I am healing. He says I should end being a big C/small D. I was really hoping to be a D as when I lose my weight I won't end up being to small. We shall wait and see. Have some puckering under at the scar site but the surgeon is not concerned. He explained that it will smooth out, and if the scars are completely smooth to start they heal with and indentation in the middle. So I am trusting he is right and all will be good. He ended up removing 3 pounds from right breast and 2 1/2 pounds from left. Since my appointment I have already thought of more questions, so I will be calling them tomorrow.
Pre-OP pictures
Here are some pre-op pictures.
Post-Op Pictures
Here are some post-op pictures. Hopefully they will be helpful to others. I know they will help me to see my progress and see how far I have come.
1 week Post-OP
Well today is 1 week since surgery. Doing pretty good. Went grocery shopping today for a bit, and boy did that wear me out. I think I may try to get out a little each day. I feel as though I am healing well, but really have nothing to compare it to. So, thanks ladies for all the positive comments. It is nice to hear from others and it is so encouraging :)
Am getting some shooting pains towards my back when changing positions at night. Thinking this is probably nerve pain from the lipo under arms. Everyday I am looking and feeling better. Am still having blurred vision, hopefully that will get better since I am no longer taking pain pills. No longer feeling like I have to sleep all day. Next week I will probably be bored to death. Working on some knitting projects so that helps the time go by quickly.
I am posting another picture from today. I really need to have my husband take another picture as it is difficult to make sure I am holding the camera and still standing straight. Right breast seems to be a bit larger than the left so I take this as a good sign that maybe some of the swelling is starting to go down in the left. Also. I don't think I look as boxy, but then again maybe I am just getting use to the new "Me".
8 days Post-OP
I am doing great and getting use to the new me. Still pretty sore but tolerable just taking Tylenol. I have a tiny place under my breast that doesn't even look like it was stitched. It is where the scab fell off. It looks great and hopefully and indication of what the rest of my scars will look like eventually. I am still getting blurred vision, so I don't know what is up with that. I just went to the eye doctor about a month ago. Still giving it time before I go in again. I did notice that I have nipple sensation so that is great news. My hubby is so afraid to even touch me in fears of hurting me - but he really has been so fantastic and supportive.
I can tell I am slowly getting my energy back. Yesterday and today I didn't even take a nap. I am still taking it very easy so I don't overdue things. I tried on some of my old clothes today. Some I can still wear, others I can't, and then others where it makes me think I am really anxious to exercise and tone my stomach more. Not sure if I have mentioned this yet - but I have lost 10 lbs since surgery! That makes me oh sooo happy! I have even lost an additional 4.5 pounds since surgery a week ago. Just don't have much of an appetite. I was wondering if I would gain weight after surgery from immobile - or lose weight from not feeling well. That's about it for today. Happy healing to everyone!
9 Days Post-Op
Woke up this morning feeling a bit more swollen, with that engorged feeling like when your milk is coming in. But all in all starting to feel great. My hubby took a picture today. I know it takes months, but wonder if someday I won't have permanent grooves in my shoulder. That will be a great! Feeling positive - it will be a great day today.
Went shopping today
Well ladies I went to Victoria Secret to see when their semi-annual sale is. Well it is happening now for the next couple of weeks. Bummer! I know I have to wait awhile I should be trying anything on. But the good news is - the lady measured me over my clothes which I know is a not all that accurate. Any way she measured me as 36DD. Makes me a happy camper as maybe I will end up a 34/36 D! Who knows. We shall see but for now I am doing the happy dance.
Funny story for today
Thought I would give all of you ladies a bit of a laugh. As I was waking up from a nap I started getting sharp pains on my left breast. I thought if I rearrange my breast that would help. So I went to grab my left breast with my right hand but it wasn't there - because I went to grab about 6 inches lower than where my new breast is! I started laughing so hard!
Doing good and shocking photo 12 days post op
Things are going well and I couldn't be more thrilled with my new breasts. If I could I would walk around the house with no bra all day I would. Quite a different feeling from being so embarrassed of my large pendulous breast prior to surgery. I was so worried about what they would look like after surgery, and I am very pleased so far. Not without imperfections though. I could be concerns for no reason....but I do have some puckering under left breast, and I am hoping I don't end up with a dog ear. I am not too concerned about my other scares but you would probably be able I see end of this scar in a bathing suit. Are there others that had this puckering, and it smoothed out later? I will post a picture.
My other concern is my nipples. They are super sensitive, which I am hoping is a good thing - but still flat. I go from one extreme of having large nipples to flat ones. The color looks good, so I am just hoping it takes awhile from them to pop out.
This will be a long update as I have a lot to say...so I trying out of the house daily to regain some strength and energy and went shopping yesterday. I was hoping to end up as. 36D, but even that size is fairly difficult to find. Had 38+ in D but not 36. So maybe if I end up a 36C I won't be terribly upset as I will then have lots or bras to choose from.
I think may be getting zingers but thought it was a bit early for that. I get sudden sharp pains that last about 20 seconds then go away. They seem to be in the middle of my breasts. I also noticed that I can not tolerate cold drinks as I can literally feel the coldest go down my throat and straight to my breasts and get a sudden rush if sensitivity in my breasts. Kind of a weird feeling - so I think I will just go without cold drinks for awhile.
It doesn't seem as if I am getting smaller with swelling going down yet, but I can definitely tell that my breasts have dropped a bit and are more soft. One side more than the other. So I imagine the swelling is going down, I just can't tell. What a great feeling not to have solid breasts anymore.
So, I thought I would get out the tape measure to compare how big I was prior to surgery. I know I am smaller, but I was quite shocked. No wonder my back hurt so bad. I must have looked bigger than I thought. I wish I would have taken more before pics. I took a pic of with the tape measure to share with you all. Although I measured 34 inches around the ribcage, my breasts before surgery measured 49 inches. The picture tells it all. Yikes!
Well that's about it for today. I am posting a few pictures. Let me know what you think about the puckering. All in all I am thrilled, but definitely will ask the PS when I see him again in a couple weeks.
Hope you are all having a good week. Happy healing!
Oops - here are the pictures'
I accidentally hit submit before posting other pics.
Here is the shocking pic
Not sure what happened but here is the shocking picture I spoke about in my update today. Can't even believe I was that much bigger. My chest measured 49 inches and my ribcage measured 34 inches. Yikes! No wonder I feel so small now. Sorry about all different posts. I hope to have better luck next time.
And the fun begins....
I will be 2 weeks tomorrow. Can't believe it has gone so quickly. Have to go back to work on Monday. Not to thrilled about that, but I am sure I will be just fine. So I started feeling the sharp pains in the middle of my breast - possibly what you ladies on the site call zingers. But even more bothersome is how super sensitive my nipples are. I cringe when I really cold (which happens a lot) and am not able to drink anything cold. Called the PS today and he suggested that I start massaging my nipples to help desensitize them. We will see if that helps. Any other suggestions lady to help it be more tolerable? Also, how long can I anticipate this to last?
I am happy that my nipples have feeling at this early stage, and encouraged that it has to be a good sign that healing is coming along as expected. My breasts are still sore, have that engorged feeling still...but am no longer needing to take Tylenol. All in all I am still thrilled withy progress and hope it continues to go smoothly. Just so thankful for this site, as it is helpful to hear from those that have been there, done that, etc. You ladies are wonderful and so encouraging. Happy healing everyone!
2 weeks Post-op Today!
Can't believe it has already been 2 weeks since surgery. This week has been much better. Well overall I had not had too much pain, and it has been easier than I thought it would be....I am much more alert and not sleeping as much. I am so incredibly happy I had this surgery. The scabs around my nipples are flaking off, so now they are a bit read. But I am thinking the incisions are looking pretty good. I will post my 2 week picture.
I had a little bit if soreness into back between my shoulder blades today. This is the first time I had any type of back pain since surgery so that is great news. I did not sleep well last night so I am thinking this had something to do with it. Also I went to lunch with a work friend for the 1st time since surgery. Of course it is hard not to stare and wonder how I look, so I subconsciously found myself in my old ways of slouching my shoulders forward. I also think I was doing this as to protect my hypersensitive nipples from the cold. I am going to have to make a conscious effort of not being ashamed, and sitting up straight. Part of me just wants to show the whole world my new boobs to get all the looks out of the way. LOL. I have been so thrilled not to have back pain, I just need to make sure I keep it that way. :)
I have been so thrilled with my results and have really positive thoughts. I guess today is the first time I am a bit concerned. I did not have FNG but my nipples still remain pretty flat. I went from one extreme of having large nipples from breastfeeding (which I hated) to flat nipples. I am nervous they will remain flat and haven't really read that other ladies have this concern. I have feeling in them which is great, and I think the color is good. Would like to hear from others that have had this happen. How long does it take to improve? If they remain flat is this something that can be fixed? I guess we all have to have some bit of worry, right?
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Not a good day...
Not a good day...I have not felt as well the past couple of days. In a lot more pain than I had been. Not as many zingers. Just a constant ache that is painful. I have also had chills off and on all day. I had a low grade fever but never over 100 degrees. I read many of you have had a difficult time around this point (16 days post op) so I have really been taking it easy. I am going to go to bed soon as I need to get a good night sleep before working tomorrow. Hoping for a better day tomorrow.
Back to work this week
Started back to work this week. I am not as tired as I thought I would be which is pretty amazing. There were days when I would come home from work before surgery and I would be exhausted. I think my large breasts were bothering me more than I even know. I am having quite a bit of discomfort. It doesn't seem as if I am doing too much. Just walking around seems to causes a lot of strain on my horizontal stitch. Had a low grade fever also so I went to the PS today. All is good, but he wants me to keep a close eye on things. I love my PS office. They seem like they truly care and are so compassionate. After I left I started thinking what an awesome job they have to help so many woman with all their back pain issues and also help them feel beautiful again. I am so happy. Once I am finished recovery, it will truly be a life changing experience. I am so happy I had the surgery. Just wish I had done it so many years ago.
New picture and Update #2
I am posting an updated picture with no scabs. Yeah! Not only do I hope these pictures help other women see how quickly things can progress, they also encourage myself and remind me how far I have come in such a short period of time. Still have some redness still but I think things are looking pretty good.
Two more days and I can't believe it will already be 3 weeks since surgery. I can't even imagine how good I will look and feel in 3 more weeks. Still a bit anxious to see how I will look with no swelling, and to know what my final bra size will be. Whatever it is I will be thrilled.
Have an appointment with PS on Monday. I think he will talk to me about massage and when I can start using scar treatment. I am excited about that as I can tell my skin around my scars is really dry, and I will feel like I am doing something to have the best possible result in the end.
Oh i almost forgot...
I guess I have so much on my mind that I forgot to tell you another reason why I posted a new picture....I was a bit concerned about my nipples being so flat. Well looks like they are starting to come out from hiding and are starting to pop out a bit. I was excited!
Happy Day!
I was a bit nervous going back to work this week wondering if anyone would say anything. No one has said anything expect for my co-workers that knew I was having surgery. Today my boss was in town and she mentioned how great I looked and what a difference it has made to my overall appearance. She stated she didn't know what it was but I look so healthy and have a look like I am well rested and have a lot of energy. These comments really made my day. I guess I just didn't realize how my large breasts affected not only my pain level but my overall appearance to others. And she said this even with me still exhibiting quite a bit of discomfort at work. I feel so happy, and so beautiful again. This is one if the best decisions I have ever made. I just regret not doing it years ago. I would encourage anyone thinking about a breast reduction to seriously consider it. It will change your life. I just don't know how I could ever thank my PS enough for making such a difference in my life. :)
I haven't worn this shirt in years!
Several of my shirts I can no longer wear as now they are too low cut, or fall off my shoulders. But I did find should old shirts that I barely wore years ago that I can now for into. I love it!
3 weeks Post-Op today
Well another week has home by and I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since surgery. I have more energy than expected, but in much more discomfort this week. Thank goodness I have read from other ladies that this can happen about 15-16 days after surgery. I have a post-op appt on Monday that I am quite excited about. Hopefully I will be able to start using bio-oil then, as I can tell my skin near the incisions lines is getting really dry. I am still thrilled my my new breasts. I will talk to the PS about the little imperfections that I notice and see what if anything I can do to improve these. It looks like a have a dog ear on my left breast in the outside and inside edge of the curve. Although getting better, will be asking him when I can expect my nipples to be back to normal. And I have quite a bit of redness under my breasts, not directly on my incisions but around then. Its as if the stitches are holding my breasts up but they are trying to tug and pull against the stitches. This is also where most if my discomfort is, along the horizontal incision line. I am also wondering how long I should feel discomfort. I seem to deal with pain and discomfort if I know what is expected. I will post some 3 weeks pictures. I have tried to taking some pictures from different angles, but a bit difficult taking them by myself. I think things are healing nicely. Not much difference this week but it has been so helpful to me and hopefully others to see the progress that has been made. I can't really tell how swollen I still am as I am not sure how my breasts will eventually be. Wishing everyone good luck with their upcoming surgeries and sending positive thoughts to all!
3 week Post-Op Appointment
Had my 3 week post-op appointment today. PS is very impressed with how well I am healing and said everything looks perfect. I have been cleared to wear any type bra I would like, and no longer have any exercise or lifting restrictions. Did say not to pay a lot of money for new bras as I still have swelling. But couldn't tell me how much smaller I will end up. I am currently a 36DD, which I am thrilled about. I know I have some swelling especially in the sides so I my guess is I will be a 36D. Then when I lose weight, if my breasts end up decreasing in size I won't end up too small.
PS also said I could start using bio-oil or vitamin E oil if I would like, but doesn't know if it really makes a difference. He did mention that I could also use scar away silicone scar sheets or scar guard which is a gel and both he has seen good results. I would be interested to hear from the ladies here, and what seems to work and make a difference.
He also said I no longer have to wear a bra 24/7 but I am a bit scared not to. I asked about the pain underneath my breasts and all is normal, but may take a couple months before I have no discomfort. Sounds as if everyone is different in regards to how long they have discomfort, but all is looking great and every week will be better. It may also take a couple months for my nipples not to be so flat. I am feeling better about them as they are starting to protrude, but he did warn me they may not end up as they were pre-op. I am not overly bothered by that, as they were quite large from breastfeeding. If I have some nipple...I am happy. It may be too early to tell, but I may end up with a couple dog ears. But PS assured me if it doesn't get better this is a simple fix in the office at no additional charge. I go back to the doctor in March....but don't anticipate many changes other than swelling decreasing and my discomfort lessening with time. Now I hope I can be an inspiration and encouraging to others. Having the BR surgery has truly changed my life. I am so happy! Just wish I would have done this years ago. :)
New Bra and pic
So here is the 1st bra I will be trying out besides my sports bra. Doesn't fit perfectly, but I will wait to spend a lot of money until swelling goes down. This is a 36DD. I didn't think Iooked that big? How did I think Iooked so small after surgery? I have worn it all morning and so for so good! I brought my sports bra with me to work just in case I got too uncomfortable.
A bit nervous - red raw area
When I went to the doctor yesterday all incisions were closed and looking good. There was an area yesterday that looked like a small white area like when a scab is wet. Then today I came home from work and there was dried and new blood along my horizontal scar on the left side. I cleaned the area and there is a red spot that looks pretty raw. It starts along the incision line and that goes upward. It isn't very big, but I am a bit concerned as yesterday everything looked perfect. I did use the silicone sheets for the 1st time but this is the only area that was affected so I don't think it is a reaction. Am I over reacting? I will post pics. The are strange angles but it wanted to get as clear of a picture as possible.
4 Weeks Since Surgery
Hard to believe it has been 4 weeks since surgery. At times it seems like yesterday, but then I realize how far I have come since the day of surgery. Still no back pain! I am thrilled more than you can imagine, as I have lived with daily back pain for more years than I can count. I was wondering how my back would feel after returning to work, but no pain even after working all day :). I am a bit more tired at work during the day, but I have not been sleeping well. I still wake up with a quite a bit of discomfort and feel like I am swelling in my sleep. But nothing compared to a couple weeks ago. So now instead of seeing daily improvements I have to look back and see how far I have come since last week. I am going to go bra shopping. I feel like if I had more support by breasts would not get so sore during the day. I don't notice that my swelling is decreasing. I can't wait until I am at my final size/shape. For now I just have to be patient and focus on the fact that I am so happy with my new breasts. It is nice to feel beautiful again! Hoping for a quick recovery to all the ladies that had surgery recently. I am posting my 4 week pics. I don't see as much difference this week, so maybe I will have to wait awhile before painting more. Until next time..,,happy healing!
5 week Post-OP
It has been 5 weeks today since my surgery. Hard to believe. What a week it has been. It has been a very stressful and long week at work, and I am so glad it is Friday. I am still having some discomfort with my horizontal incision but it is slowly getting better. I have found a couple non-wireless bras, to provide more support. They do seem to help with the soreness, but are not very comfortable after awhile and I have yet to be able to last the entire day. I then switch to my more comfortable sports bra that I have been wearing. I am contemplating getting the Marena B2 bra that has been recommended, but wondering if it will make any difference at this point since I am already 5 weeks post-op.
I rarely have zingers anymore, but my nipples do seem a bit tender again the past couple days. I am able to drink cold liquids again without chills going straight to my nipples, so it is evident that things are healing. I have been using bio-oil and at times the silicone tape on my incisions. Not sure if it will make a difference as I heal well, but at least I feel as though I am doing something to achieve the best possible result. And the bio-oil feels so good.
On Wednesday, my PS'a office had an open house in the evening, as they remodeled their office and they also have skin products that they were promoting. The great thing was that my PS was there. I wasn't going to talk to him about my progress, or ask any questions as it wasn't an actual appointment. But since he brought it up and was wondering if I had any questions. I did ask him about the discomfort and he reassured me that I am healing wonderfully and look great. He said we just don't realize how much we do with our chest and it just takes time for things to be back to normal. Also mentioned that it may take 2 months before the tenderness and swelling on the sides is back to normal. Don't have much tenderness there, but I can tell I am still swollen. My Mom came with me to the open house, and my PS proceeded to tell my Mom I am a star patient and he is thrilled with how well I am doing. I am so grateful for his expertise and told him so, and I so appreciate him...and how much it has made a difference in my life. He could visibly tell how happy I was. I was glowing. Although it is his profession I just wanted to express my gratitude, and it just felt like a good time to do that. I left there feeling great as he made me feel on top of the world expressing how well I have done, and I was also able to let him know how happy I am with my results. I know I have said this before but I really do love my boobs.
I am so happy I am writing this review of what happened this week, as it is cheering me up as I write. I was playing around with pictures as it is so helpful to me to are how far I have come. Well I compared my pictures from day 5 post-op to today (week 5) and the difference is tremendous. I really didn't realize that I had changed that much. I feel as though I am not as swollen but my shape has certainly changed. I am not as boxy which great, but my breasts have obviously dropped some. Then I start wondering how much will I change in the next 5 weeks and if they will drop further. I love my boobs and don't want to change too much more. I hope they don't start to look like they sag. I am hoping I still look perky. I was wondering if I am still too big. At first I had this permanent cleavage look, and that is not as evident now. Although it was a nice look compared to where I came from, I would have had a difficult time finding a bra. Then I compared week to week pictures and there isn't much difference. So then I was happy again. I love my boobs, they make me feel beautiful again and I for the most part have had no back pain. They certainly are not perfect, as I think the right is a bit bigger than the left....but that is how I was before surgery and never noticed until my PS pointed it out to me :) I guess this is a lengthy update, so hope I have kept am everyone's attention. I did not feel as though I had much to talk about...but I guess I did. I may have to update more often.
Congrats to all those that had surgery this past week. I hope that your recoveries continue to go well. I am truly excited for each and every one of you. I appreciate you all so much! Enjoy my pictures for the week :)
No wonder why....
As I was looking at the pictures I just posted...I was looking at the 5 day versus 5 week picture. I look bigger now than I did then only because I am no longer as swollen, and when I was so swollen I just felt like everything was so hard and compacted. No wonder why I felt like I was so small :) other than it being such a drastic difference.
Weekend update
It has been a good weekend overall. I was quite tired yesterday ....more so than I have been since the first week of surgery. So I took it easy, and made sure I wasn't overdoing things. My discomfort it starting to lessen and doesn't really start bothering me unless I am too active. My nipples have been a bit more sensitive the past few days, but I think I am past the zinger stage. Started taking Bromelain to help with the swelling I have. Mostly on my sides, from lipo. PS said it may be a couple months before that swelling goes down, but I figured this may help a bit. I am not sure how long it takes to make a difference. But I think it may be helping a bit. Thanks for the tip ladies! Went to the movies yesterday with my boys, and today we will be getting ready for the Super Bowl. Go Broncos!
Did I tell you how much I appreciate all of you! I do thank all of you for sharing your pics and I appreciate the ones that also show your faces, as it is nice to out a name with a face. I am not quite that brave. Thinking positive healing thoughts for all of you!
Made it to the Gym!
I made it to the gym tonight and I feel so good. I only focused on lower body exercises, but it was great. My hubby was ready to go before I was. Now I can focus on losing some weight and strive for a body that will match the boobs that I love. Feeling great!
Don't want to jinx myself...
Yesterday and today I have had hardly any discomfort. Not even my horizontal stitch. Until yesterday, I would go home from work and could hardly wait to get undressed and lie down. Not because I was tired, but it helped the discomfort. When I got undressed and did not have my bra last night while showering, getting dressed, etc. they started to ache. But much better than they have been. As has been the pattern, every week gets a little better. Did I say how excited and thrilled I am? :) I am hoping all you ladies have a good recovery also. It certainly has not been painless, but it has been nice to have a recovery without complications.
6 weeks Post-Op Update
How can it already be 6 weeks since my surgery? This week was a good week. I am back to work full time since 17 days post-op but this week I have worked full days without leaving early. I have not had nearly the discomfort that I was having. It wasn't significant the past couple weeks, but I definitely could see a difference. I have been sleeping on my side for limited periods of time, and overall sleeping better. I don't think my shape has changed too much this week, and still notice my right breast to be somewhat bigger than the left. But am completely okay with this as it was bigger before surgery and never noticed it until PS pointed it out. It is not very noticeable when standing in front of a mirror or when wearing a bra. I will wait awhile longer before I try on other bras. I wonder if I will end wearing 36/38D rather than DD. Although I am thrilled with my new boobs, I hate saying that I may be a DD after a breast reduction.
I have noticed my scars are looking really nice, but the redness around my nipple scars are still pretty red. I have been using mostly bio-oil on my nipples and the silicone sheets on my other scars. I have used the silicone gel on the nipple scars but not sure I like it very much. Not sure of any of the scar treatment really makes a difference but it feels good to seem to be making a difference. My scars from other surgeries always healed well without scar treatment so I think a lot has to do with genetics and our overall health. I have never smoked, rarely drink, and eating healthy.
Oh yea - I received my Marena B2 bra in the mail today. I should have ordered this long ago. I know many of us purchased the front closure sports bra from Walmart. They were soft and comfortable but since I am still a DD I did not feel as though I getting enough support after I was up and about more often. I do wonder if my discomfort wild have been less if I had purchased this earlier. It is a bit more expensive but I would definitely recommend it all you ladies.
This next week I hope to make it to the gym more and start losing weight. My daughter is getting married in October so I have to look awesome by then ...if not by summer. :)
Hoping everyone's recovery is going well. In the early stages it brings more discomfort, lots of questions, and the emotional roller coaster....but before you know it you will wonder where the time has gone. I still enjoy reading your updates and will continue to encourage each of you ladies. Take one day at a time, remember you at not alone and try to stay as positive as you can!
Low back ache...
Well today is the first day that my low back has hurt since my surgery. It was a reminder of the constant pain I had prior to my surgery. My 2 year old granddaughter spent the night last night, and I think we had too much fun. She loves running around the house and having Gma chase her. Also, at night she crawls in bed with us and I never sleep comfortably after that. I am hoping to sleep better to tonight and back to normal tomorrow. :)
The Good and Not so Good
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10 Feb 2014
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2 months post
I am now 6 1/2 weeks post-op my incisions are really looking remarkable. They have been completely closed for quite some time. The incisions around my aerolas are a bit red, but definitely looking better. Now for the not so good....although I am not overly concerned I am at a loss. Yesterday I was a bit more achy so I wore my new Marena B2 bra all day. In the evening I noticed what looked almost looked like I had a blood blister about 1 cm to the left of my T junction on my right breast. So I put some antibiotic ointment on it and covered it today. Today it opened up and it is indented. It almost looks like a sore I had a 3 weeks but worse this time. I have not been wearing an underwire bra. I'm not overly concerned as the other sore healed well and I know what the dr suggested. It does not look infected and it is not right on the incision. It is actually to the left of the T junction and above the horizontal stitch. I just wish knew what was causing this, so I could potentially prevent this from happening. Any ideas lady? I will post some picture as well as my as a couple others.
Feeling a bit depressed :(
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11 Feb 2014
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2 months post
I am feeling a bit depressed today. This is the first time since surgery that I have felt like crying. These spitting stitches have just thrown a wrench my mood. I feel a bit more swollen today, and more achy than I have been. I have just been doing so great and my incisions look wonderful, except where I had the sore before mostly likely from a stitch. There are also a few questionable areas that may end up spitting stitches also. Hopefully the spitting stitches don't ruin my lovely scars.
I had such a great week last week and have been feeling wonderful. I guess I am a bit bummed as I did not expect this 6 1/2 weeks after surgery.
I have come so far and done great. This is just a small bump in my recovery. I don't even see this as a complication...and then I start feeling guilty for being a bit sad. But we are entitled to a bad day, right?
Well I am going to get to sleep. Hoping I will wake up in a better mood tomorrow, and be back to my normal self with a positive attitude.
Advice regarding Insurance Denials and good news!
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13 Feb 2014
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2 months post
Thought I would update all of you ladies regarding insurance denials. I have double coverage, as I am covered through my insurance as well as my husband's insurance. Prior to my surgery my insurance denied the surgery as a Breast Reduction, but my husband's insurance approved it. So I am thrilled that it was covered at all and all I would need to do is pay my 20% co-insurance as my deductible was already paid. Well I just got my Explantion of Benefits from my primary insurance and as expected they denied the bill from my surgeon. BUT they covered the all the other expenses associated with the surgery including the surgery center and anesthesiogist bill. I couldn't believe it. So in the end that would have saved me over a $1000. So, even if you get an insurance denial still have the providers submit it to your insurance. You never know they may just cover a portion. :)
7 weeks Post-Op and doing better!
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13 Feb 2014
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2 months post
Happy Valentine's Day! My surgery was 7 weeks ago. This week has been full of emotion, which is not typical for me. After thinking I was through the hardest part and that it would be down hill from here...then to have spitting stitches really messed with my emotions. All is good and I am sure my body has not seen he last of spitting stitches. My sores are not infected so they really are not anything to be concerned about. They may leave my scars not being so pretty but I have been reassured that the scars can be fixed if needed. In the end I really care more about my perfect, perky, and the beautiful shape of my breasts than I do scars underneath my breasts that no one will see.
I have been reminded once again that I have to be patient, and I can't expect perfection. I really have come so far in a short period of time. Less than 2 months ago I had extremely large hideous breasts that I hated. It is really amazing that my surgeon can transform my breasts into ones that make me feel beautiful. I sometimes look down at my breasts and have flashbacks to what they looked like when I was in my 20's before I was pregnant. Now that is a wonderful feeling! How many 45 year old can say that have breast of a 20 year old?
Other than the spitting stitches I have felt really good. I have a tiny bit of discomfort at the end of the day when I take my bra off, but overall feel amazing and no longer reminded of the discomfort all day long. I have had a bit more swelling this week, but I think the swelling has again gone down. I posted a picture earlier this week and you can see the difference in one of my comparison pictures. And I am almost 2 cm smaller around my bust than I was yesterday.
I had fun trying on some of my new blouses today and I am getting quite good at taking pictures of myself and have even figured out how to make myself look thinner :) And ladies guess what size the picture of me in the bra is??? I am a tad squished but it as 36D!!!! Yippee! At least I can fit into some 36D's. That gives me hope that this may be my final size after all the swelling is gone. But regardless I am thrilled but just had to share that with you ladies.
I posted some more comparison pictures. I know I posted some of these before but it really helps me to see much of a difference each week can make....and hopefully this will inspire some of you.
Well I best get this posted and hope everyone has an awesome week. Sorry I have not been more encouraging this week, but I am determined to be back to my normal, positive and encouraging self. Have an awesome Valentine's Day!
I think I sacred my hubby off for awhile longer...
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17 Feb 2014
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2 months post
My husband has been scared to touch my new boobs in fear of hurting me. I keep telling him I am fine and he won't hurt me. Well he went to touch me this evening...I think I was more startled but I winced under my breathe and he heard me. Darn it! Now I probably have scared him off for awhile longer. Anyone else's hubby afraid to touch you?
8 Week Post-Op Update & Need Advice
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20 Feb 2014
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2 months post
It has been 8 weeks post-op and I am still so happy and thrilled I had my breast reduction. I am hardly feeling any discomfort anymore and can wear most bras without discomfort. The past couple days I am no longer bringing 2 bras to work just in case I have to change. I am still wearing my Marena bra at night. Tonight I noticed I am either less swollen or my bra is getting loser, as I had to tighten the hooks on the tightest ones.
So ladies, I need your input and/or advice. For a couple weeks now I have been noticing that my incisions seem to be much redder than a few weeks ago...even more red than let's day week 3. Especially the incisions around my areolas. This past week it seems as though my scars even seem to be widening.
I have been using Scar Away Silicone sheets and I just wondering it I am having a reaction. When they are not on I use bio-oil. I tried using some 3M paper tape, but it left red marks outlining the tape on my skin after wearing it for 8 hours. Even after a couple days I still notice some red marks.
My other theory is that I am feeling so much better that now I am focusing on the little details. Before surgery I remember telling the PS that I was not concerned about the scars. I have always healed exceptionally well...so that was the least of my concerns at the time. Now that my surgeon was amazing and so very talented by making my breasts beautiful and perfect (at least I think so)....that now I also want perfect scars too. I am not as worried about the scars underneath as I am the ones around my areloas. My right areola also seems to have almost an indentation on the bottom. (I am attaching a picture). I have heard that some have scar revisions...but what does that entail. I know they won't always be so red, but why do they seem to be more red and getting wider? Is it from the swelling decreasing? Is there anything I could be doing now to help this? So what do you think? I would really appreciate your input and advice.
Hope all is well for all ladies that are recovering. And good luck to the ladies that will soon have surgery. I so excited for each and every one of you, and hope it has changed your life for the better like it has mine. :)
9 Weeks Post-Op
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28 Feb 2014
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2 months post
It has been 9 weeks since surgery. It has been a good week. I don't think the size/shape has changed for a few weeks. I am still so very happy I had the surgery.
I did try to sleep without my bra one night. It did not work out too well. I would wake up and not feel very comfortable and almost achy. I will be wearing my bra for quite awhile still. But how I am use to it, so we will see if I become comfortable without one in the next few weeks.
Although I love my size/shape, I am still not thrilled with my scars around my areola incisions. I know they will lighten with time, but they have seemed to widen too. I am attaching pictures. My scars were so thin and pretty...not so much anymore. Not sure why that happened. I see the PS on March 10th so I will talk to him to see what he thinks. I am thinking I will need a scar revision but not sure what that entails.
Hope everyone is doing well. Good luck to all the ladies that are having surgery this week. There seems to be a quite a few. I am so excited for each of you. It truly is a life changing surgery and I get so excited for each of you.
Have a good week and happy healing!
Doing great at 10 weeks Post-Op
It has been great week and I still love my boobs:) I wonder when I won't be so obsessed with them.
I had my post-op appointment scheduled for next week, but they called and told me PS was in surgery that day so I was lucky and was able to have my appointment a week early. PS is very pleased with my result, and said I am healing wonderfully. He didn't know why the incisions around my right nipple is so much redder, although he did not seem concerned and said it can take up to a year for fading to take place especially since I am so far skinned. He said just keep doing what I am doing. There are tiny dog ears on my inner incisions near my cleavage. They have gotten much better with time, so PS recommends waiting 6-8 months and re-evaluate to see if this needs to be fixed. I so have some swelling possible dog ears on the outside of my incisions. I was wondering if this was still swelling from lipo but PS doesn't think this will get much better. Said I could leave it, or have a scar revision if needed. He explained that there probably was not enough lipo done in that area, and it is difficult to tell at the time of surgery with all the swelling, etc. Since I am so incredibly happy with my surgery results I am wanting to get those areas fixed. He explained that it would make my incision about an inch or two longer. So I will be doing that in the near future. I will attach a couple pictures of those areas. I am so grateful for my surgeon's talent. He is amazing! I gave him a card as a small way of showing him my appreciation, and thank him for doing such an amazing job.
With my weekly pics that I am posting, I also decided that I am going to post a picture of what I look like so all of you can place a face with all if my posts. I will probably remove it in a few days...as I don't want anyone from work coming across my pictures. I am still feeling great and so happy that I had surgery. Happy healing to all those that had surgery this week :) Thanks to everyone for being great Realself friends. I feel like I know each of you all so well, and appreciate you so much. Thanks for being so supportive and encouraging! Hugs to you all!
Here are the side views
Here are the photos of the side views showing the areas that will be revised in the near future.
11 Weeks Post-Op
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14 Mar 2014
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3 months post
Another great week! I decided take a break from using the silicone sheets this week to see if some if the redness would lessen. I might see a small difference, but nothing significant. I am not sure if any of scar treatment is really making much of a difference...and time is all I should wait for.
I have had a sinus infection the past couple weeks...just so happy I did not have this right after surgery. Now I am getting ready to go on vacation in a couple weeks for Spring Break. We are going to Chicago for about a week, then to surprise the boys with a trip to Disneyland. If you have any creative ideas of how to surprise 14 year old boys...let me know. I am so excited, but still need to look for a new swimsuit. Also quite excited to take lots of pictures as I probably look so much better than I did last year when on vacation. I am still amazed at the transformation.
Still wearing a DD...but if I don't think about the size I am quite thrilled with my shape/size. I actually am not sure I would want to be much smaller. I don't think I have much swelling at this point. Some say you don't reach your final size until 6 months. Wonder how things will change in the next few months. Hoping not too much...now that I am use to my be me. I am still so very happy I had the surgery. Now that I am over the first couple months of recovery and no longer have any discomfort to speak of....I do notice little imperfections so I am quite excited when I don't have to mess with all this scar treatment stuff. I am anxious for the day when I don't think about my boobs. But I guess that is okay - as I love them even with their imperfections.
Wishing happy healing thoughts to all you ladies that have had surgery recently. I am so very excited for you, as I am sure it will change your life as much as it has mine.
Comparison Pics
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14 Mar 2014
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3 months post
I really love these comparison pictures. I should I done this before I wrote my post....just when I didn't think I was still swelling or changing much....I guess I am.
12 Weeks Post-Op and feeling great!
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21 Mar 2014
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3 months post
Hi ladies! Hope everyone is having a great week. Can't believe it - I am 12 weeks post-op. Still seems like yesterday. Don't really have much to update. I am getting ready to go vacation next week. So, I will be looking for a new swim suit this weekend. That shall be interesting. Today I wore a pink sweater that I hadn't worn in years. Felt so pretty! Then I want to one if our work locations where I haven't seen many of them since surgery. One of the ladies said "you lost so much weight". I just smiled and said yea, I have. At first I was so afraid of co-workers comments, but I never did have any comments that indicated anyone noticed that my breast size was different....they just think I lost weight. Actually. I am at my pre-op weight now. Seemed to gain my boob weight back from not being as active as I usually am. But I will be walking a lot on vacation...so hopefully with eating out I will not have gained any. That's my goal, and then I can get serious about the weight loss when I get back.
I haven't noticed any changes this week with my breasts. I am pretty much pain free with no discomfort anymore. It has been awhile since I have come straight home from work to change bras, etc. I am still wearing my bra at night, but I have pretty much gotten use to that now and just feel more secure. It is nice to be able to sleep comfortably on my sides. But, amazingly almost every night I wake up and find myself sleeping on my back. I still have no back pain, or shoulder pain. And I am oh so excited that I won't get those painful rashes when it gets warmer.
The swelling on my outside incisions have not gotten any better. I am waiting to hear back from insurance and the PS office to determine how much will be covered, etc. PS said he could do the revision in the clinic, but I didn't really ask what it entails regarding restrictions, and if I will have to be off work, etc. I guess in the moment I didn't care as I really want to have the revision done. I do love the shapes if my breasts and am very grateful that I had an easy recovery.. I just know that if I didn't do this, I would probably always regret it.
I am totally use to the new ME now and it is hard to believe that my breast use to be almost double the size. I am still so thrilled that I had my breast reduction. My hope for other women contemplating a BR....is to realize how much it truly can change your life! Hope everyone is healing well!
4 Months Post-Op
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26 Apr 2014
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4 months post
Hi Ladies,
Haven't posted in awhile. I will be 4 months tomorrow and can't believe how the time has flown by. I would say I am fully recovered and have not seen many changes for quite some time. I have full sensation in my nipples but still are not very reactive to touch it cold.
My incisions are getting better with time, but are still fairly pink. I don't worry about that too much any more, and not too worried about imperfections. I think in the recovery process there were so many changes that you can easily become obsessed with how they look.
I am going to have a revision on my outer incisions. They kind of stick out a bit, and still have somewhat of extra side boob. Once I get this fixed it is very possible that I will then be a 36/38D instead of DD. Hopefully I will be able to finalize when the revision will be this next week. I don't think I will have to wait too long.
One of my inner incisions has soften so much it now feels like a stretch mark versus a scar, and it has widen a bit and bulges out. Kind of strange, so I will see if PS can fix that also.
I am still thrilled beyond belief that I had my BR. I am now use the new me and sometimes it doesn't seem possible that my breasts were twice as big as they are now.
Hope everyone is doing well, and that your breast reduction has changed your life as much as it has mine.
Revision scheduled :)
My revision is scheduled for May 9th. I am very excited. I love my new breasts, but am excited to have the outer incisions fixed, and get rid of some of the side boob. It isn't anything major, but since everything else looks perfect I figured I would want to have it fixed. I had a minor dog ear on my incision. Now it seems to have widened and looks more like a stretch mark than a scar. I am going to are if he can fix that too. I don't anticipate the revision setting me back at all...so we shall see. It is being done in the clinic, and I will not be having a general anesthetic. I am posting a couple pictures of the areas that will be revised. Not very good pictures, but hopefully you'll get the idea. Hope everyone is healing well.
Scar Revision Complete and Feeling Good!
Hi ladies! Now that I took a small nap...thought I would update my experience with my scar revision I had done today. The nurse said the revisions look great. I have not looked at the incisions yet, but I am sure I will be thrilled. I posted some photos the other day of the areas that were going to be revised. PS said it happens quite a bit with a large reduction. He said I could have left them as is, but since my size and shape is perfect... I figured I wanted to get this fixed, as I really don't like having anything that looks like a "side boob" to me. I may even fit into my bras a bit better.
PS just cut out some extra skin and tissue from the sides and extended the incisions a bit going towards my back. PS also fixed the inner incision at my cleavage (left side). I wasn't sure if he would be able to fix that yet, but he did so I am happy. It started out looking like a "dog ear" but then as it healed it stretched out. You can see it in some of my earlier photos if you look closely.
The procedure was done in the office under a local anesthetic so I was awake the entire time. It was actually kind of neat being awake. I did not get queasy at all. We all talked during the procedure, and they (PS and nurse) got to know a bit more about my kids, where they go to school, some of their interests, etc. He really is not only an amazing PS, he seems so very kind and caring. We were talking about how I am so thrilled with having the BR, just wish I would have done it years ago. Then he said, but then I wouldn't have been able to do your surgery. He just moved to Colorado and joined the practice last year. And he is absolutely right...he did an amazing job, and I just will never know if I would have liked the results as much from a different surgeon. He really did an amazing job, and I truly believe things happen for a reason. So after all these years of suffering, it was worth waiting for the perfect surgeon. :)
Since I did not have a general anesthetic I did not have to deal with all the drowsiness that went along with that. And although I will be somewhat sore, I am sure I will be able to tolerate the soreness with Tylenol if needed. As I am sitting here typing this after my nap, I have not felt any discomfort or soreness. We will see how well I sleep tonight.
In terms of recovery....I have to wear my surgical bra again, no soaking in bath for a couple weeks, and no pulling or putting my arms above my head, etc. He said to be very careful not to overdo things, etc. I will be sore, but I won't be very swollen and not nearly as sore as I was before so it will be easy to open up the incisions if I am not careful.
I will post pictures again when I get a good look at the incisions. Hope everyone is doing well, so glad to be able to share this experience with you all!
Day after scar revision
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10 May 2014
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5 months post
I woke up being more sore than I anticipated, but doing very well. I was not sore at all last evening when just sitting watching movies. The local anesthetic was only suppose to keep things numb for about an hour, but it must have lasted a bit longer. Today, I am taking it easy to be sure I don't pull, reach, or stretch my incisions. I was able to go shopping without too much discomfort or soreness. I have only needed to take Tylenol which makes me happy. I am posing a few pictures of my incisions. These were taken less than 24 hours after revision. There is some swelling so I am not sure if you can tell the difference in the pictures....but I think I will be thrilled with the final result. Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend, and Happy Mother's Day!
Before/After Revision (1 day after)
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10 May 2014
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5 months post
Here are a couple photos that show what the revision accomplished. Keep in mind the before pictures were about 4 months after BR, and the revision photo was less than 24 hours after the procedure. Once the swelling goes down I will definitely see a more drastic difference.
Is this the tape?
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11 May 2014
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5 months post
IttyBittyTittyComitty,
I am posting a photo of the tape I found....is this the same tape that you found?
Doing good after Scar Revision
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17 May 2014
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5 months post
I am doing really good after scar revision. The first 2 days I was sore, but there is no comparison to this soreness and what I had with BR. The 3rd day after revision I woke up with hardly any soreness. Even though I did not have much soreness I was reminded that I was still cut open...I went to pick something up off the coffee table and YIKES! I guess I had reached too far and it really hurt. I went to the bathroom to look any the incision and would not have been surprised if it opened up. But all was good and no blood. It was a good reminder that I still need to be very careful. Had a follow-up appointment yesterday. The nurse was amazed at how well I had healed in just a week. She said I looked magnificent. PS was also pleased. I am very happy I had the revision done. There is still some swelling, and I bruised more after the 2nd day...but what a difference a week makes. I can now do light activity, no regular bra yet, and I will go back in 3 weeks. Hope everyone is doing well and having a nice weekend. It is quite beautiful here so I am going to enjoy some sunshine.
5 Months Post-Op
Already 5 Months Post-Op since my BR and 3 1/2 weeks since revisions. Things are healing nicely from the revision and I go back to PS next Monday.
Things are mostly back to normal. I have a rash between my breast in my cleavage area now that it is getting warmer. I was hoping I would be done with the rashes, and will ask PS about this next week. I almost have a permanent cleavage, and with a bra there is not much breathing room at the cleavage. I know a funny thing to be concerned about. Maybe I will be able to find a bra that separates the breasts more...let me know ladies if you have suggestions. I did try sleeping without a bra last week and although wasn't as uncomfortable as last time I tried, I woke up with discomfort quite a few times. So I will be sleeping with a bra for awhile yet. Also not very comfortable without a bra for any significant amount of time without feeling tugging sensations. It isn't that big of a deal, but I am quite suprised by that at this point in my recovery. I am still thrilled beyond belief, and never for a second do I regret having the BR. I look at myself and constantly think this is what we are suppose to look like...without obnoxiously large breasts. I am looking forward to summer! Hope everyone is recovery well and are as thrilled as I am with their results.
6 Month Update
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28 Jun 2014
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6 months post
Today it has been 6 months since my BR. So hard to believe. Sometimes I still can't believe the incredible transformation, and can't believe half of my breasts were removed. No wonder I was in so much discomfort. Things are back to normal and I don't have any discomfort. I still sleep with a bra most nights, as it is more comfortable. Might be a subconscious thing, but if I don't wear one I feel more achy and don't sleep as well. Incisions are very faint, except the ones around my areolas. But they are getting better. Wider than I would have liked, but that is just the way I healed. The redness of the Incisions definitely got worse before they got better. Hopefully when they fade more it will be less noticeable. If not, I really don't care as no one else besides my hubby will ever see me. It isn't like I am going to become some nude model or go to topless beach.
I am so happy that I have this behind me and life is back to normal and busy as ever. I still read reviews once in awhile, but just don't have the time to post as often. But please know that I am so excited for all the new ladies starting this journey and hope it changes your life or the better as it has mine. I am posting some photos; including some comparison photos. These really helped me see the changes throughout the weeks/months. For those that wonder if there are changes until 6 months, I really have not noticed much shape difference for at least a few months. My size has not changed since week 3. Still wearing a size 36/38DD. The only changes that I have really seen are the scars fading. Thanks to all my Realself friends that have helped me through this journey. I encourage each of you to "pay it forward" and off support and encouragement to one another as you have time. Take care and happy healing!
