6 Weeks and Counting - Jacksonville, FL

Excuse me while I briefly vent. 33 years ago, my PS told me that my Dow-Corning implants would last my lifetime. Since then, I've seen my OB-Gyn yearly. I've had a yearly mammograms from age 40 til present. Not once has anyone suggested I have an MRI of the breasts to check for rupture or that implants don't last a lifetime. Wouldn't you think that when you go somewhere that's focused strictly on breast health, where you're asked how long you've had implants, it would be mentioned? I blame myself also, I should have been more pro-active. I figured they looked and felt the same/normal and no one said anything different. So now I've had the implants removed. My PS says they had been ruptured for at least 25 years. There was so much calcification, no mammogram could have ever picked up cancer. Luckily he did many biopsies which were all negative. But, what if they weren't?

I saw my PS yesterday and had the drains removed which was a relief. I tried to keep my expectations realistic for how I'd look but, after the bandages came off, I was shocked. My breasts are sunken in above the nipples significantly. The doctor said to try not to be depressed about how I look now that in 4-6 months there would be a lot of improvement. Physically, I feel fine and don't regret having the surgery. Both implants were ruptured and apparently had been for many years. There was silicone all the way under my armpits and a lot of cleaning out to do. Trying to focus on being healthy and staying positive and not looking under my compression bra every 5 minutes.

I had the explantation yesterday morning. Went into the surgeon's office at 6:45 and left at 11:45. Everyone in the office I came in contact with was super nice and caring. I don't remember too much as I had general anesthesia. The doctor told my husband it was a real mess, thick calcifications that would have prevented a mammo or MRI from being able to spot cancer. I've got drains that are supposed to be removed on Monday. I was in a lot of pain yesterday and pretty much slept all day and night. This morning I feel much better, more sore than pain. Never did have any nausea, thank God. My husband is the best, waits on me, worries about me and loves me unconditionally. The worst is over, now I can concentrate on healing. A big thank you to all you ladies who have so honestly shared you're experiences. You're the reason I got up the courage to do this.