POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction Reviews
49yr Old, 2 Grown Kids, 5'3" 126lbs, ILC Cancer - Really??? - St. Louis, MO
UPDATED FROM sammy7751
1 year post
Finité
WORTH IT$10,000
Well, I've spent the last year tending to the scars (coconut oil and vitamin E oil, rotating usage twice a day) and also the scar tissue (silicone strips). I've also research extensively what to do about some nipples. Spoke to a few people who had nipple reconstruction and were not terribly impressed with the results. All had some degree of flattening out. Also went and met with a guy who will tatto your nipple and then implant a tiny threaded socked su dermal that you can screw a nipple onto. Pretty unique actually. If you want high beams on, you screw a large nipple into place. Chilling at home with company, screw in a slightly raised nipple. Could probably even get a barbell into one of these prosthetic nips if you wanted to get a little modern. In the end, I didn't feel that was the way for me. I started checking into 3D tattoo artists and went to meet some.
Husband found a local lady who was written about in the St. Louis Post Dispatch for the work she does with breast cancer mastectomy patients. We made a date to go see her at the tattoo studio. We connected pretty quickly. Saw a lot of her work from a Facebook page and a photo album she keeps. I'd been eyeballing several tattoos on women both with and without reconstructive tats and came up with an idea I wanted to share with this artist. She was remarkably receptive to the idea. Excited actually. We looked at some id as I found on the web and traded texts for a few days before I decided, for myself, that I wanted something unique and beautiful.
I set an appointment and arrived with my husband at the studio to review the examples that Kerry had drawn up from our conversations. I wanted to incorporate a W (which stands for warrior) and a butterfly into my tattoo but gave this extraordinary artist the freedom to design the piece herself. She showed my the drafts she crafted and I was absolutlely certain that I made the correct choice. We made one, very small design change and got to work. In three hours, the piece was complete and I looked at my uniqueness in the mirror. I broke into tears of utter joy and the anxiety I'd been carrying for many, many months left my soul. My husband was astounded and so full of pride for me. I/we had done it. I wanted to show the world! I settled for a few loving girlfriends who have been alongside me the last 18 months.
No one on this whole wide terrestrial world I call home has boobs like mine. No one at all. I share my journey and experience with anyone in need but this part is mine and mine alone. I love it and would recommend it a thousand times over. This is me. This is how I conquered and became the warrior God showed me how to be. This is my badass body!
Husband found a local lady who was written about in the St. Louis Post Dispatch for the work she does with breast cancer mastectomy patients. We made a date to go see her at the tattoo studio. We connected pretty quickly. Saw a lot of her work from a Facebook page and a photo album she keeps. I'd been eyeballing several tattoos on women both with and without reconstructive tats and came up with an idea I wanted to share with this artist. She was remarkably receptive to the idea. Excited actually. We looked at some id as I found on the web and traded texts for a few days before I decided, for myself, that I wanted something unique and beautiful.
I set an appointment and arrived with my husband at the studio to review the examples that Kerry had drawn up from our conversations. I wanted to incorporate a W (which stands for warrior) and a butterfly into my tattoo but gave this extraordinary artist the freedom to design the piece herself. She showed my the drafts she crafted and I was absolutlely certain that I made the correct choice. We made one, very small design change and got to work. In three hours, the piece was complete and I looked at my uniqueness in the mirror. I broke into tears of utter joy and the anxiety I'd been carrying for many, many months left my soul. My husband was astounded and so full of pride for me. I/we had done it. I wanted to show the world! I settled for a few loving girlfriends who have been alongside me the last 18 months.
No one on this whole wide terrestrial world I call home has boobs like mine. No one at all. I share my journey and experience with anyone in need but this part is mine and mine alone. I love it and would recommend it a thousand times over. This is me. This is how I conquered and became the warrior God showed me how to be. This is my badass body!
sammy7751's provider
UPDATED FROM sammy7751
5 months post
5 weeks post exchange
Well, here we are. Getting some things back to normal while others are slowly becoming "new" normals. I am able to lay on my side a bit more. Still using a few small pillows for support but I can spoon my husband for a little while before my side boob starts hurting. Progress being made.
It's hard for me to tell what, if any, changes have been made regarding the "drop" of my implants. They have definitely gotten softer and are moving a bit more. But I still haven't seen much in the way of dropping to create a more natural slope. Come on gravity! Never works when you want it to! Some sites and comments say changes can occur for several more months. Patience shall be my game. Plus, I have a follow up appointment with the PS next Wednesday.
And here are today's pics. Scars healing nicely. Lots of vitamin E and coconut oil. Three times a day, alternating each. I also massage the scar each time. Stay true to your doctors advice. With that said, the man and I are off for four days of true camping. No RV or camping trailer for this girl (yet - though we've been looking off and on for a few years). We just like it old school in a tent. We do however have an inflatable Serta Queen mattress that is ridiculously comfortable. I mean, it's nearly as nice as the bed we have at home. I'm ready for this trip finally. God bless you who have been on this journey with me. We can do it. Strength in numbers!
It's hard for me to tell what, if any, changes have been made regarding the "drop" of my implants. They have definitely gotten softer and are moving a bit more. But I still haven't seen much in the way of dropping to create a more natural slope. Come on gravity! Never works when you want it to! Some sites and comments say changes can occur for several more months. Patience shall be my game. Plus, I have a follow up appointment with the PS next Wednesday.
And here are today's pics. Scars healing nicely. Lots of vitamin E and coconut oil. Three times a day, alternating each. I also massage the scar each time. Stay true to your doctors advice. With that said, the man and I are off for four days of true camping. No RV or camping trailer for this girl (yet - though we've been looking off and on for a few years). We just like it old school in a tent. We do however have an inflatable Serta Queen mattress that is ridiculously comfortable. I mean, it's nearly as nice as the bed we have at home. I'm ready for this trip finally. God bless you who have been on this journey with me. We can do it. Strength in numbers!
Replies (5)
May 5, 2016
I share your pain. I had a double mastectomy last May 7, (hard to believe this all started one year ago and I'm not finished)..... and after 4 more surgeries , the last being April 6, 2016, I am also monitoring, waiting and hoping for a 'drop' , I do know that this takes months because my initial exchange was done Nov. 30, 2015 and the new implants only started to feel more normal after 3 months. It was at about 4 months later (April), that I returned for a major revision including new implants and correction of muscle issues. But in reality, you and I are on the same timeline as far as these latest implants.
My situation is much more complicated than yours because I had a tiny breast cancer removed several years prior with radiation. Once you are radiated, you must use other body tissue to create new muscles, blood flow and softer tissue in that radiated area. I had a Latissmus Dorsi Flap procedure done on both sides. I knew right after my mastectomy that something was wrong (on my good side). The incisions was cut so high, that there was not enough room for the expander and I was in constant pain and discomfort. After many complications (from my back surgery and infections from the misplaced incision). I had 2 more surgeries to replace expanders and finally correct the 'botched' incision. Then 6 weeks later, the first exchange surgery - implants were not the right shape for me and muscles on right side were still being pulled causing pain and contractions. Plus, the boobs were uneven - areola area off by about an inch. Fast forward to now - healing and satisfied with what now looks like perfect Barbie Boobs. Still sore in my back and front but I know that these will be the final ones. I will be having nipple surgery at the end of this month followed by areola tatoo at about 8 weeks after that.
I am anxious to close this book and move on. It's been one year of hell - same shock and emotions as you describe. I'm also thankful that I am 'fighting' reconstruction and not cancer - well not directly. As bad as things have been, there is someone watching over me and I am humbled by my good fortune. It's great that you have decided to post your honest summary of your situation. Anyone with breast cancer can certainly relate to all of what you wrote. Send more pictures as you continue to heal - I am sure you will look stunning in that topless bikini!
My situation is much more complicated than yours because I had a tiny breast cancer removed several years prior with radiation. Once you are radiated, you must use other body tissue to create new muscles, blood flow and softer tissue in that radiated area. I had a Latissmus Dorsi Flap procedure done on both sides. I knew right after my mastectomy that something was wrong (on my good side). The incisions was cut so high, that there was not enough room for the expander and I was in constant pain and discomfort. After many complications (from my back surgery and infections from the misplaced incision). I had 2 more surgeries to replace expanders and finally correct the 'botched' incision. Then 6 weeks later, the first exchange surgery - implants were not the right shape for me and muscles on right side were still being pulled causing pain and contractions. Plus, the boobs were uneven - areola area off by about an inch. Fast forward to now - healing and satisfied with what now looks like perfect Barbie Boobs. Still sore in my back and front but I know that these will be the final ones. I will be having nipple surgery at the end of this month followed by areola tatoo at about 8 weeks after that.
I am anxious to close this book and move on. It's been one year of hell - same shock and emotions as you describe. I'm also thankful that I am 'fighting' reconstruction and not cancer - well not directly. As bad as things have been, there is someone watching over me and I am humbled by my good fortune. It's great that you have decided to post your honest summary of your situation. Anyone with breast cancer can certainly relate to all of what you wrote. Send more pictures as you continue to heal - I am sure you will look stunning in that topless bikini!
May 6, 2016
Wow! You've been through a ton. I am so glad to hear that your final results are approaching perfect boobs. That gives me comfort. You've obviously experienced much and shared a great story with me. Thanks!
May 6, 2016
I've lurked on RS for several months now, trying to research for a tummy tuck, among other things. .but today, I found your post in my inbox, and was compelled to read it. Today, I learned my 16-yr-old son likely has Hodgkins lymphoma. He's a brave, exceptional young man, and he's already been through a lot; I guess we both have. That's why we're pretty tough already, imo. But after I got him in the bed, I started to let the blues sink in. I needed to read something about someone like you, who's facing this with spirit, and humor, and realism. That is what I have to show my son. So thank you for your post. God bless you in your healing. I'll be following along.
May 6, 2016
Thank you so much. This site is will always have some darkness but it's vital that we share the light when we experience it. At least hat is what I want to do and what I want to see/hear when I'm feeling down.
May 7, 2016
Hi rs community! I'm curious when of if you have been able to return to vigorous physical activity, such as gym or running ....I had radiation and lumpectomy previously, and recently learned I am BRCA2 and CHEK2 positive. I unfortunately was not tested at time of diagnosis or would have gone straight to mastectomy then! Anyway, I am meeting w the few and very back logged surgeons in my area to schedule prophylactic mastectomy, I want to enjoy my summer activities, and be able to snowboard in winter. First surgeon said I could, but from my obsessive reading on this site (thanks everyone!) I'm not too sure...thoughts anyone??? Don't meet w second option til June, 5 1/2 weeks after called!
May 9, 2016
That is a really hard question to answer. To me, there are so many different factors that play into it. I was very fortunate not to have radiation or chemo. So, after two weeks of my exchange surgery, my doctor was clearing me to do what I felt my body was ready for. I had to ease back into it. I teach preschool gymnastics and I was way more tired than I thought I would be! Have to build my endurance back up. Since my job is so physical I haven't gone back to working out, just walking. But I am getting stronger each week. Was in pretty good shape to start with. Talk more with your doctor, you have different circumstances that I have not experienced. I will keep you in my prayers and keep me posted.
May 10, 2016
Thank you, I'm having difficulty trusting any doctors honestly, after my experiences during the cancer thing..but that's a whole different story! I will see what my sec opinion doc has to say...I so appreciate everything everyone has shared. It's helpful and a relief to know there will b support there after!
June 9, 2016
I had a double mastectomy with DIEP and implant. I was caught early, so I did not need radiation or chemo. In between each surgery, I was allowed to go back to working out. It would be a slow start, but then I would gently get back up to speed. Now, I am really done with all surgeries, and I am completely back to what I was doing. It is full steam ahead! I hope all goes well for you.
May 10, 2016
Hello Sammy!
Checking in again as I am approaching my exchange surgery this friday. Yup, my big day is Friday the 13th.
I am so glad things continue to slowly get better and as always, I too keep looking forward. I am finding that this surgery has brought with it much more anxiety then my first two, but I am excited for this to happen as well. It is currently 1:15am and I am on the couch attempting to sleep as sleep is still quite uncomfortable. The expanders continue to cause me daily pain and I cannot wait to say good bye to them in just 3 more days.
I am unsure of what my results of the exchange surgery will be as I gave up on my expansions early due to the pain involved but I know that whatever I end up with, I will accept and learn to love as the new normal, the new me.
Life has brought around many changes in our house recently as both my 23 and 26 year old adult children have moved back home for a short while. My son has not lived at home since he had left for college 8 years ago and he has brought with him my adorable grand doggy who I love beyond words and is a world class snuggler! It is fun to have noise and
activity in the house again even though it is an adjustment for us all. We shall see how
things go after this surgery and how much fun I am to be around.
I cannot wait to hear all about your camping adventures and am glad you are sounding happier and less anxious.
My husbands birthday is this Thursday so we will spend Thursday night celebrating him and then on Friday we will start on this next step in my journey.
Good bye and Good riddance to the cement "globs"!!
Hugs and prayers to you and happy camping!
Checking in again as I am approaching my exchange surgery this friday. Yup, my big day is Friday the 13th.
I am so glad things continue to slowly get better and as always, I too keep looking forward. I am finding that this surgery has brought with it much more anxiety then my first two, but I am excited for this to happen as well. It is currently 1:15am and I am on the couch attempting to sleep as sleep is still quite uncomfortable. The expanders continue to cause me daily pain and I cannot wait to say good bye to them in just 3 more days.
I am unsure of what my results of the exchange surgery will be as I gave up on my expansions early due to the pain involved but I know that whatever I end up with, I will accept and learn to love as the new normal, the new me.
Life has brought around many changes in our house recently as both my 23 and 26 year old adult children have moved back home for a short while. My son has not lived at home since he had left for college 8 years ago and he has brought with him my adorable grand doggy who I love beyond words and is a world class snuggler! It is fun to have noise and
activity in the house again even though it is an adjustment for us all. We shall see how
things go after this surgery and how much fun I am to be around.
I cannot wait to hear all about your camping adventures and am glad you are sounding happier and less anxious.
My husbands birthday is this Thursday so we will spend Thursday night celebrating him and then on Friday we will start on this next step in my journey.
Good bye and Good riddance to the cement "globs"!!
Hugs and prayers to you and happy camping!
May 11, 2016
Wonderful to hear from you! I did send you a message a few days ago. Did you get it? I was asking how you were doing as things got closer to your exchange date. You pretty much answered everything in this post though. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow and am looking forward to that. I pray you have a quick recovery and much success. You've got the right attitude going in (even though we may question ourselves often) and I believe that is a big difference maker in our journey.
May 13, 2016
Good morning, not much sleep but Friday the 13th is finally here! Excited and nervous all at once. Not looking firwRd to a third surgery today but very much looking forward to getting these ricks out of my chest. Very worried I didn't stick with my expansions long enough and I will be disappointed in my new normal. So many thoughts!
I did not see your message but I will go look for it. How are you feeling? Have things softened up and are you feeling better, more "normal"? How was camping??
I did not see your message but I will go look for it. How are you feeling? Have things softened up and are you feeling better, more "normal"? How was camping??
May 13, 2016
Hey Ronnie! Things are good. Yes, things have softened up quite a bit and I saw my PS yesterday. He said they will continue to settle a bit more and soften also. I was pleased to hear that. Camping was a gift that I needed. Hopefully going again next weekend with some friends. More normal type of activities for us so I a, getting there. Still emotional but we believe that is the side effects from Tamoxifen. Just going to try and keep monitoring that.
I'm excited for you! You will make it through this just fine. I believe you will be happy with the implants. Mine are actually bigger than I anticipated but we did the best we could with the info and body type that I have. A little smaller might have been good but I'm just grateful for what I have -a body rid of cancer. That's what we really need to have our gaze on. That is the prize. Let me know how things go. Peace to you and those with you.
I'm excited for you! You will make it through this just fine. I believe you will be happy with the implants. Mine are actually bigger than I anticipated but we did the best we could with the info and body type that I have. A little smaller might have been good but I'm just grateful for what I have -a body rid of cancer. That's what we really need to have our gaze on. That is the prize. Let me know how things go. Peace to you and those with you.
May 19, 2016
Good morning. So, here I am, 6 days from exchange surgery. It went well. I had less pain then I prepared myself for but have plenty of discomfort none the less. Good news, my implants are already much softer then my expanders and the expander pain is gone!
The implants are smaller then my precancer size but I gave up on expansions as I could not handle the pain so I was aware this would most likely be the case. I have 525cc implants.
My biggest hurdle is the issues I have from my lymphatic webbing/cording. My arm and muscle pain and limited mobility has increased. I will return to PT after 2 more weeks and hope we can get me back to full use of my arms and pain free.
The sports bras I now wear 24/7 take getting used to as I had been flower child like and gone braless since December 18, 2015. A small problem to have!
Hope you are feeling better and better. The weather is starting to improve as well and I look forward to enjoying my summer!
The implants are smaller then my precancer size but I gave up on expansions as I could not handle the pain so I was aware this would most likely be the case. I have 525cc implants.
My biggest hurdle is the issues I have from my lymphatic webbing/cording. My arm and muscle pain and limited mobility has increased. I will return to PT after 2 more weeks and hope we can get me back to full use of my arms and pain free.
The sports bras I now wear 24/7 take getting used to as I had been flower child like and gone braless since December 18, 2015. A small problem to have!
Hope you are feeling better and better. The weather is starting to improve as well and I look forward to enjoying my summer!
May 19, 2016
Yay! So happy to hear from you. And, they will get even softer and softer. I've been laying on my side more and more. Just a bit at a time but it's getting better. I'm the opposite of you now. I'm finally sleeping without the sports bra. Same as I used to. My husband is grateful for that as we have slept sans clothes since we were married.
I bet the PT wil have your range of motion back pretty soon. Mine returned pretty quickly by following the directions of my doc and doing my excercises. My implants are 540's and plenty big for me. Do you feel small? I bet they are fine.
Feeling a little better. The mental/emotional side effects of the Tamoxifen has been a [RS bleep] but we are working on it. Heading out camping again this weekend so I'm pretty grateful for where I am at at this moment. Onward and upward for both of us!
I bet the PT wil have your range of motion back pretty soon. Mine returned pretty quickly by following the directions of my doc and doing my excercises. My implants are 540's and plenty big for me. Do you feel small? I bet they are fine.
Feeling a little better. The mental/emotional side effects of the Tamoxifen has been a [RS bleep] but we are working on it. Heading out camping again this weekend so I'm pretty grateful for where I am at at this moment. Onward and upward for both of us!
May 24, 2016
Hoping you had a great weekend of camping! Feeling pretty good here and hoping to sleep in my bed tonight for the first time since exchange surgery. Still hating these sports bras... Women actually choose to wear these??
May 24, 2016
I am 3 months out from breast life surgery. I still can't get used to the sports bras. Most of the time I go without when I'm at home. Not sure it's a good idea, but I'm bought tons of bras and they all rub on the scar and it's irritating. If anyone knows a good sports bra that doesn't fit right on the scar I would be interested.
May 25, 2016
Pt P,
I have the exact same problem! I have found one, at Walmart, it has a longer length to it. It is made by fruit of the loom. However, finally having the expanders out took pressure off my chest and now these sports bras just make me feel bound again! Ugh!
I'd be interested in others recommendations too.
I have the exact same problem! I have found one, at Walmart, it has a longer length to it. It is made by fruit of the loom. However, finally having the expanders out took pressure off my chest and now these sports bras just make me feel bound again! Ugh!
I'd be interested in others recommendations too.
May 25, 2016
I've been buying the zip front Danskins from Walmart. Not my ideal but they are cheap. If I wasn't oiling my boobs every 4-6 hours, I might not wear anything at all but it keeps my shirts from getting the oil on them. I use vitamin e twice a day and coconut oil twice a day. Keep those scars moistened.
May 26, 2016
I need to start doing that also! I was using maderma and aquaphor from my December and January surgeries. Need to start up again.
I too have a couple Danskn zip fronts from Walmart. What worries me is that when I remove the sports bras my boobs are flattened at the front! Hoop that doesn't stick!
I too have a couple Danskn zip fronts from Walmart. What worries me is that when I remove the sports bras my boobs are flattened at the front! Hoop that doesn't stick!
May 26, 2016
May 20, 2016
God bless you. I was reading your profile. You are a strong women. You had a long journey and you held your own. I had my ba done on April 25th 2016 I have my good days and I have my bad days. After reading your profile I'm going to try to have more good days
UPDATED FROM sammy7751
4 months post
Sunday - 10th day post-op
Not a bunch to say today. Feeling a little melancholy. Not so much about the exchange surgery. Just, well, everything. My 22 year old son is just sort of in limbo right now. Part time student, part time employed, full time not sure what he wants to do with his life. Husband is Mr. Cranky. I'm just in a post cancer funk again. Who knows. Maybe it's the crappy weather. Whatever it is, I know I'll break out of it. Just gotta find the next right wave to get on and ride.
Anyway, here's the latest pics. Hard to tell much has changed. Some upper swelling has reduced and the squishy sound is almost gone completely. Follow up appointment with surgeon early tomorrow morning. Hope there is more dropping and settling. Things look a bit square on my right side especially.
Anyway, here's the latest pics. Hard to tell much has changed. Some upper swelling has reduced and the squishy sound is almost gone completely. Follow up appointment with surgeon early tomorrow morning. Hope there is more dropping and settling. Things look a bit square on my right side especially.
Replies (5)
April 14, 2016
Your story has helped me thru the dark many times so starting off with a hug for you and hoping your melancholy has improved.
I've wanted to ask if the heavy, tight and uncomfortable foreign feeling of the expanders has subsided with your exchange surgery. I am about 30 days away from surgery waiting anxiously.
I've wanted to ask if the heavy, tight and uncomfortable foreign feeling of the expanders has subsided with your exchange surgery. I am about 30 days away from surgery waiting anxiously.
April 14, 2016
Hey Ronnie! Working through the emotional stuff. The cancer center at my hospital has a psychologist that I took advantage of seeing for a few occasions over the past few months. They were covered by insurance so I figured why not. While i was going through all the expansions and stuff, I saw him a few times and it was a place to vent. All was good and I kept busy trying to reach my goal which was the exchange surgery. So, after the surgery happens, I fall to pieces. Why now? I think because I was so busy before getting through the diagnosis, the mastectomy, the biopsy results, the genetic testing, the fills, the physical therapy, etc... I barely had time to breathe!!! Then I got to the exchange surgery and that was that. Not that it ends but I am out of the tunnel so to speak. The rest should all be downhill, right?
I think I finally reached a point where I could let the full weight of the cancer wave hit me. Pushing me face first into the sand. Knocking the wind out of me a bit. I've been very emotional and don't see when the episodes are coming. Just kind of blindsides me. My husband tells me it's okay to feel this way. The psychologist told me the same thing yesterday. My PS told me it on Monday also. And God has been surrounding me since day one. I'm only now coming to understand that it is okay. Mom does not have to be Superwoman all the time. My husband said, even Superwoman gets sick every once in awhile. Guess I'm coming to grips that I'm not bulletproof. And that is okay. I need to appreciate that I'm not bulletproof and that I need others to express those feelings. "I'll be here for you and you'll be here for me" is not normal for me. I've always been there for others but I've never really been on the other side. The clouds are parting now, the sunshine of my spirit is rising, and I'm getting my strength (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) back.
So, about the implants. Yes, the tightness is going away. Much more comfortable than the expanders. Way more easy to move, shave (yeah - no more gorilla hairs that I couldn't reach), sleep, etc.. I've almost been able to sleep on my side the last couple of nights. The weight is different. It's better than before and seems more like carrying boobs around. Still foreign but I know it'll take time. My PS said the shape and dropping can occur for a few months so I'll keep updating as things go along. So far, I'm just freaking blessed all around. I need to be comfortable with that also. My journey, though difficult, is nowhere near where so many less fortunate women have gone. I'm going to be fine. I know it. Now I just have to work on accepting that. Keep reaching out. Keep no feelings inside. Use any resources you can find to let these things out. I think that is crucial. Hope I can make the path easier to see and travel on for the next person.
See ya!
I think I finally reached a point where I could let the full weight of the cancer wave hit me. Pushing me face first into the sand. Knocking the wind out of me a bit. I've been very emotional and don't see when the episodes are coming. Just kind of blindsides me. My husband tells me it's okay to feel this way. The psychologist told me the same thing yesterday. My PS told me it on Monday also. And God has been surrounding me since day one. I'm only now coming to understand that it is okay. Mom does not have to be Superwoman all the time. My husband said, even Superwoman gets sick every once in awhile. Guess I'm coming to grips that I'm not bulletproof. And that is okay. I need to appreciate that I'm not bulletproof and that I need others to express those feelings. "I'll be here for you and you'll be here for me" is not normal for me. I've always been there for others but I've never really been on the other side. The clouds are parting now, the sunshine of my spirit is rising, and I'm getting my strength (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) back.
So, about the implants. Yes, the tightness is going away. Much more comfortable than the expanders. Way more easy to move, shave (yeah - no more gorilla hairs that I couldn't reach), sleep, etc.. I've almost been able to sleep on my side the last couple of nights. The weight is different. It's better than before and seems more like carrying boobs around. Still foreign but I know it'll take time. My PS said the shape and dropping can occur for a few months so I'll keep updating as things go along. So far, I'm just freaking blessed all around. I need to be comfortable with that also. My journey, though difficult, is nowhere near where so many less fortunate women have gone. I'm going to be fine. I know it. Now I just have to work on accepting that. Keep reaching out. Keep no feelings inside. Use any resources you can find to let these things out. I think that is crucial. Hope I can make the path easier to see and travel on for the next person.
See ya!
April 21, 2016
Just wanted to add, although much better than the expanders, sides still alittle sore. Still a little tighter than I expected, and are taking a little to get use to. Scars healing very well, so I'm understanding still a lot to healing and change for a couple months.
April 15, 2016
You look as fabulous as your spirit. Things will change a fair bit over the next few months on the outside as well as the inside. I admire you for being so brave sharing your story, your pics & some intimate details of your life. It's beautiful to see a strong woman who isn't afraid to show her vulnerable side & you just might be my hero. Your husband sounds pretty amazing too! I will continue to say little prayers for you as I have since I started to follow your story back in February. God bless and thank you for sharing
April 18, 2016
Thank you (blushing) for being a part. Gotta share or I'll collapse into my own self. Like a black hole. There is light out there so I have to not only go to it but also be it. Like others have done for me.
April 18, 2016
Dealing with cancer and trying to replace breasts are difficult items to deal with. But I think you are doing well and your new breasts will continue to improve. I had stage 1 breast cancer and I still see improvements since my mastectomy and implant replacement. As my plastic surgeon used to always ask me: how do they look in a bra and a swimsuit -- would anyone even suspect. I've had both nipple reconstruction and areola tattoo which makes the breast even more natural looking and made me feel more whole and put back together. I wish the same for you!
April 18, 2016
I'm just wondering if these suckers are going to do some more dropping! I know it's not like an augmentation but they are still riding pretty high. Did yours do the same and will they drop? Doc tells me they will move some over the next month or two. What's you experience?
April 19, 2016
Dropping is not an exact science. I had one breast of a slight augmentation and it dropped into position within the first 3 months. The other breast with the mastectomy and implant did not drop much in the first 3 months due to my being very small 34A, athletic, and it had small knot in it that kept it from moving. I just recently had the knot release and started doing exercises to try to get it move down. It has dropped closer to the level of the other breast during the last 6 weeks. I'm going to give it 6 to 8 weeks to see if I can get it to match the other breast a little better. I actually think it is a continual process.
April 21, 2016
I think your doctor is right and they will drop and fluff. Patience is the key. Keep us informed of how things go.
April 21, 2016
Keep the faith. I think it's probably time for me to update my profile as well. I started this whole process in 2013 and my boobs look better now than when I was 30.
April 19, 2016
I am amazed at how many of your words and feelings resonate with me. I am now 33 days since my final fill and expected to be feeling better and more comfortable as I wait for my exchange surgery and I heal. Not the case. I do not know if they are settling or shifting but the pain and burning sensation, especially in my arm pits is more intense then it was weeks ago. Sleeping is difficult and I dread nighttime. I keep your words in my mind and remind myself of how blessed I am and how different things could have been.
On a humorous note, I realized I chose to have surgery on Friday the 13th... Testing superstition but that is alright. I do not wish to wait one day longer then I must to keep moving forward in this process.
Hope this finds you better each day!
On a humorous note, I realized I chose to have surgery on Friday the 13th... Testing superstition but that is alright. I do not wish to wait one day longer then I must to keep moving forward in this process.
Hope this finds you better each day!
April 19, 2016
Darn right! I'd have taken that day also. The sooner, the better. You're not testing superstition, you are proving it doesn't exist! Rock on Ronnie. I'll try to get an update in this week. Things are going well for me. Went back to work yesterday and on the path to make what we call our new normal. Not sure what it is yet but we've already decided that it will be good. Screw the darkness!
April 21, 2016
Hey Ronnie, I use all shade of pillows to help me sleep. I found a travel u shape one that helps my arms from pressing on the sides. Actually recliner is best, but want to be by my husband too.
April 20, 2016
Your beast look great!!! You're a strong person and the more time goes by the better you will look and feel... You're 99% done :-)
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Your nipple tattoos look great! Looks like we've come to the end of our journey. You handled all of this like a champ. I have also complete my breast reconstruction as well. My hair is growing a back fast chemo.
You have truly been an inspiration to me while we both endured tissue expanders and numerous surgeries at the same time. Please stay in contact with me! I don't know if you Facebook but I will send you my credentials via message.
Still not used to the numb breast though. I guess it will take time to adjust. I continue to mourn the loss of feeling.
I am happy I'm cancer free though. I'm on tamoxifen to keep my estrogen levels low.
Bless you and thank you for sharing your journey with us!