It's Breast Reduction Time at 56 - Eustis, FL

July 24 is the day. What am I most looking forward to? The heaviness to be gone, the strain on my neck and upper back, to be rid of the under boob sweat, itching, rashes, gouges on my shoulders. Ready to fit into a button down shirt that isn't two sizes bigger than what the rest of me needs, wearing something that isn't meant to hide my chest, feeling attractive and comfortable in my own skin. I am officially going to clip the boobie fairy's wings and kicking her to the curb. She decided to campout on my doorstep since I was in my early 30s but she has worn out her welcome.
My journey started about six years ago. I kept thinking about my boobs. They were uncomfortable, finding a bra was a nightmare, my boobs kept growing. This year I had to go to the DDD. That's when i finally had it. I started doing research. I researched how to find a dr. Checked out so many before and afters I began feeling like a perv. I wanted to make sure I chose a board certified surgeon by an accredited organization. Found just the one. Told my husband in February I wanted to look into it. I wanted to get this done. He said "you' talked about this three years ago what's stopping you. You're miserable with them. Do it." I have the best hubs. So I made the appointment with my chosen ps for march 12.
Then our lives changed. March 2nd my beautiful 27 y/o niece with a five week old baby was diagnosed with stage 3 aggressive inflammatory breast cancer. Treatment had to start immediately. My family was in shock and devastated. After spending a week with them I told my husband I was going to cancel my appointment. How could I do this when she will be going through hell and eventually, after months of chemo, be getting a double mastectomy and still may not live. He told me I needed to go. One had nothing to do with other. I needed to hear what the doctor had to say. I went. My thought was if the insurance company said no I would drop it, it wasn't necessary. When I started to tell the ps this background I burst into tears. He like my husband said one had nothing to do with the other. He was also very kind. When he saw my breasts out of the loose shirt and minimizer bra he said "wow you hide them well". Pictures taken, he made note of the grooves in my shoulders and questions answered. In less than two weeks the office called, I had approval. Decision made. I still feel guilty. I can't show them off when I'm done. My niece's surgery is two weeks after mine. No one knows but my husband. I know my mom will notice, but I plan to wear my big t-shirts there and hope it goes unnoticed for a while. I'll feel better, my back won't be hurting and clothes will be easier to find that's what's important.
This forum has been very comforting for me. I can share my secret and talk about it and the anticipation. Thank you all who have shared.

Just two more weeks, though I worry about another glitch. Not usually a pessimist. Monday the 13th go in to sign all the papers, Monday the 20th go in for the pre-op bloodwork, markings on Thursday the 23rd.
To keep my control-freak self going I am prepared with the compression bra and pretty compression wraps I bought after reading a review here. Just bought two front latching sports bras. Got soft ice packs, comfort food, a prop up pillow, button front shirts and jammies. The posts I've read on realself have been invaluable in prepping.
I don't worry about the surgery itself, I'll be fine. I'm more concerned with the recovery phase. I have so many things to do. Two weeks and four days after my surgery my niece has her double mastectomy. I have to be over there to sit with my parents, mom will have the baby. My husband will be with me so he'll make sure I don't over do it. It is what it is. What I'm doing is nothing compared to my niece's battle, it's just the timing sucks.
Getting some handwork ready to pass the time. Quilting and painting are passions. Hoping I can focus. Well, those bathrooms aren't going to clean themselves. Have a healthy day.

So went in today to sign papers and meet with ps. I was given my post op Rx, percocet and phenergan supposities. My ps doesn't use drains and wrappings and surgical bra will stay on till my follow up six days post op. He said i won't need the compression bra & wraps. Interesting. I feel like a prepper. Bought a wedge pillow today and a front snapping house coat and cranberry juice, already have the musilex. Preparing for every possible scenerio. T-minus 11 days and counting. Next monday bloodwork and ekg then markings the 23rd then friday surgery.