Ongoing Nipple Sparing Reconstruction, DIEP Flap, Fat Transfer, and Possibly Implants - Mount Pleasant, SC

I am about to celebrate 7 years cancer-free. I am so very blessed, for without Dr. Beatty and Dr. Hahm, I may not be here today. I would have missed the birth of my 2 grandchildren, my daughter's wedding, she and her husband buying their first home, then their second, watching their love deepen and grow. I would have missed seeing my son start his own business and become the wonderful man he is. I would have missed meeting the amazing woman he is living with now, and missed them buying their first home together. I would have missed a tremendous healing and spiritual growth in my own life, leading to a path of certification in EMDR and as a CSAT, leading back to working with adult survivors of trauma.

I look back on some of my entries and I cringe. They are so self-centered and attention-seeking. I wish I could remove a chunk of them. The woman who wrote those is not the woman I am today. My recovery and healing journey has also led to healing so much in my past, and allowing me to find my authentic self. I love helping others, and if I could, I would re-write so much of this to be able to truly help those who are seeking information. I may yet find a way to do so.

Here is what I will say. Get your preventatives. They truly do save lives. Dr. Beatty and Dr. Hahm are fantastic physicians and I highly recommend them. They are kind, helpful, professional, and their work still looks wonderful after 7 years. I am healthy, happy, and healed - physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and I am looking forward to the next 43 years of living - I do plan to live to be 100, God willing.

Front view - I am only able to post one photo at a time. Not sure why. This is not the best outfit to show how nicely everything turned out, but hopefully, you get the idea.

Well, the final reconstruction was December 3rd of last year, so it has been a bit over one year. My boobs had their first birthday. LOl So, 2016 has been the year of healing and leaving breast cancer in the rear view mirror. I am delighted with the results. Here is a quick photo of me today. It is not the greatest outfit, but I thought it might be helpful. I appreciated all of the ladies that came back 1, 2, and 3 years later to share their journey. Maybe this helps someone.

I love my new breasts. They look wonderful and real. I love them so much, I am splurging on beautiful lingerie. I have two Simone Perele bras on the way as a celebration. I have stayed a 32F. After surgery, my band size decreased. Some was the 35 pound weight loss, but I think some was surgery too. My waist has stayed at 25", and my stomach flattens more each month.
The scar on my stomach is now starting to turn white, which has made me really smile. The scar is from DIEP. It stayed a deep pink for the longest time, and now it is quickly changing color. The scars under each breast are slowly fading too. All scars are lying flat. I have full reach and flexibility. I think stretching really helped, so I do not have frozen shoulder and my arms go all the way above my head without issue. Exercise has not been negatively affected. I work out 4 - 5 days per week. I have not had to give up any equipment. Overall, I feel great, have my stamina back, as well as strength, and feel like I can take on the world.

If anybody has a question I have not answered, please feel free to ask.