Finally Took the Plunge! - Mequon, WI

Wow, I took a three week break, and what a difference in perspective! I realized that hanging around here was causing some unhealthy fixations on my breasts. This site is an invaluable resource for pre and post surgery information, but I was becoming obsessive in my consumption of its contents, and really needed to take a step back. I had never scrutinized my breasts prior to my BR. Oh, it's true that I loathed their intrusive presence in my life, but I never analyzed them as I did after the BR. I believe I have come to a healthy acceptance of the surgery, and would do it again, and recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat!
Since my last update, I no longer feel discomfort while briskly walking/jogging. I bought a sports bra that I really love (Champion 1602 in a 40D). It's very comfortable and supportive. I also have purchased a couple non-sport bras, which are either 38 or 40 C's. I guess it just goes to show you that regardless of size, bra shopping can be maddening with its inconsistencies! That being said, it sure is nice to be able to find some playful colors and sexy styles right off the rack for under $30.
I rarely experience any discomfort aside from an unexpected nipple zinger, or when laying directly on my front side. I do have itching at the incisions, especially at night when I take my bra off.
I have not been using my pricey silicone gel sheets, but my scars are healing nicely. I use an aloe gel daily after my shower, which I allow to air dry completely before dressing. I would say the scarring is minimal. The vertical incisions have lightened significantly since the beginning, and, in my opinion, look quite good. I feel like the incisions underneath have become slightly darker, but I am confident those will begin fading as well. I do wear a bra almost always, so it is possible that now that I am a lot more active than in the beginning, there is a bit more rubbing that is causing the underside to look more red (I suppose I should look first thing in the morning after my bra has been off for 7 hours).
I still prefer the look of my right breast over the left. The right is slightly fuller and more rounded, with very little side fat. My left breast has a noticeable side bulge with no clothes on. It is nothing that will be seen by anyone other than myself and my husband, so I know I will not worry over it. I am hopeful that it will decrease some as I lose a little weight, and get back into weight-training exercises to tone up. I guess time will tell, right? The slight pucker in the left breast has flattened out, so the cleavage area looks very nice.
My energy levels have also returned to pre-surgery status. I am working at my fitness, but have come to the harsh realization that after two surgeries, and nearly 3 months of relative inactivity, it's going to take a while. I keep reminding myself that I need to take it day by day with a kind approach, and I will be back in shape soon. This is a journey that is ongoing, but I am pleased to be experiencing it, and to have this community to share it with!

I made it! The journey so far has been pretty smooth as far as healing goes. I haven't hit any major obstacles, and for that I am thankful. My PS told me that at six weeks, all restrictions are lifted, but I am to see him at the eight week mark. OK, so I pushed the six weeks a bit, and did some heavy lifting on Sunday, which caused a lot of swelling, but nothing too horrible. Yesterday, however, I had a bit of a struggle with my 70 pound, rambunctious, juvenile, American Bulldog/Great Dane mix. He was being obstinate, and would not come into the house, so I physically had to lift his dead weight up the porch and in. Last night, I had pain in my left breast like I haven't experienced before. There are no openings, and everything looks "normalish," aside from the fact that there is, once again, quite a bit of swelling. I'm going to guess I pulled an inside stitch. I should say this pain is not excruciating or anything, just unusual at this point in the process.
This morning, it is feeling a lot better, but I thought it was important to note that just because you reach a magic number, it does not necessarily mean you are healed. I know everyone heals at a different pace, and that it could take up to a year to heal entirely ,so do take it easy, even when you get the go-ahead. In my opinion, a prolonged healing due to lack of insight about my own body (although I had no other choice with the dog other than to let him run), would make this whole process positively disagreeable.
At this point, I feel about 90% as far as energy level is concerned. I think part of my problem earlier was that even though I am in recovery, my kids lives continued as usual. With three of them involved in many activities that spread in all directions, I truly wasn't resting as I should have. My husband was wonderful with doing what he could, but again, work continued and he had to tend to that. But I made it, and feel pretty close to normal at this point.
I still have the feeling that my boobs are alien. I like the way they look, but they still don't feel quite right. When I touch them, they are still quite sensitive. I find myself waking uncomfortably during the night if I roll to my side, and continue sleeping primarily on my back. As I mentioned, the swelling waxes and wanes on a daily, or even hourly basis. When I walk at faster than a moderate pace, I feel discomfort (I am going to look for a good sports bra this week, just haven't had time to go bra shopping yet).
So, that's the six week update. I'll try to get some pics later. I will add that spring has sprung here, at last! I have been enjoying watching the migratory birds, and seeing the bulb flowers finally poking their heads out. This too is a natural boost to the energy level! YAY!

Just realized I did that two times in that review!