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Prophylactic Mastectomy- six month update

Actually, it has been about seven months at this point since I had my prophylactic mastectomy.  The last surgery was in January for the reconstruction, and I am feeling human again.  The recovery from my mastectomy was rough, but all of that is over, and I am here to tell you shit gets better.  If you read from this point, you are agreeing to my updated privacy policy and my use of commissioned links in the post.

Immediately after the surgery was hard. Very hard.  I couldn't believe everything I was putting my body through, and when I woke up with no boobs (just skin expanders), I was very upset.  Read that hot mess express here. It was supposed to be one surgery and done, and instead I was facing months of skin expansion, and then another surgery.  Another surgery with all of those risks.  All of that has passed.  Surgery went well, and that one was so much better than the first.  I was on my feet much more quickly!

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My boobs right before surgery

It has taken some time to get used to the reconstructed boobs, but they are starting to settle down.


What do I mean by that?  Well, they basically lived at my chin for a month or so.  Kidding, kidding, but the surgeon did something called a "hand in glove" where the implant was slightly larger than the tissue (and expander) that he took out.  They felt large and in charge (but in reality were only a few cc's bigger than I started with).  Minus the sagging.  I don't miss that part!

They have dropped a bit, and the best compliment I got (from a lady facing a mastectomy soon) was, "YOU LOOK NORMAL!"  Yep, that was the plan.  I didn't want anyone to see me and think boobs.  Just, person.


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really raw pic, first shower, post reconstruction

I don't have a lot of feeling.


Sadly, I don't think much will ever come back.  I have more on my right side than my left, I can feel about midway from the top of the implant to my nipple.  (Yes, I have those.)  On the left, feeling stops about an inch from the top of the implant.  This part is hard to get used to.  I don't really like to be touched because the sensation is odd (or I can't feel anything at all).  Sorry hubs, who wants to touch the new boobs. It is tricky with clothes too.  I may have accidentally exposed myself in a bathing suit, because I couldn't tell that the strap had fallen.  OMG peeps, if you ever see me ANYWHERE and shizz is dangling, do me a solid, and tell me?  As a result, I use a lot of tape.  That double sided wardrobe tape.  (linked below) When I went to Austin for my fancy clothes conference, I used most of an entire container.  I can't feel it-and I don't want it to slip!

Nipples


I know I mentioned that I have them, but they are different.  Like most women who get breast implants, my nipples are always somewhat erect.  Its a freak show, and I don't know how to solve it. I have tried the tape, and bras, thus far.  I still can't wear underwire, and can I just complain that NIPPLE COVERING WIRELESS BRAS ARE NOT CUTE.  Its awful.  My hubs hates nude-colored underwear, but I can't find anything else.  I don't need the lift anymore, but I need a little modesty padding.  Dude.  The cute little bralettes kill me, because I want them all.  Sigh. I linked the only one I like below.


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Recent boobs

Scars.


Oh yeah, I have them. Ermergrd, I am going all in to show you. They are under my breasts (in the crease) from about halfway, until directly under the midway of my armpit.  Then I have these nice round holes from the drains.  Ugly.  It makes me a bit self conscious when I am choosing what to wear.  I have this dress that I love, but it shows my scars.  I'm just not confident enough yet.  One day.  One day, I will do it.  

I think that is all I have for you.  If you think of any questions, please feel free to ask.  There isn't a lot of information out there from ladies like me, talking openly about this type of surgery.  I am happy to help.


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A little bit of my scars...


Also ladies, stop using conventional deodorant.  It causes breast cancer.  Here are some options.


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6 comments

  1. Hello. Thanks for all the info. I’m 3 yrs status post DCIS left breast. Yes Cancer. I was 45 when diagnosed. Since then I’ve gone through 36 rounds of radiation and a medication called tamoxifen I could not take. Made me sick,sick, sick!!! I’m at my 3 yr mark and have an extensive family history of cancer. Plus personal history. My first breast surgeon left me completely disfigured. So I have decided to undergo the prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction. This will be happening within the next month. Doing all pre op testing and such now. So finding u today was sorta a blessing for me. I’m not a Facebook person and I avoid google at most cost. Reason is I work for a vascular surgeon practice. I know the deal. For one reason or another tonight I just wanted to research a bit of my unknown! Like you I just want to “look normal”. In a bra a bathing suit. Infront my my husband. Who has my back through and through. Regardless if I ever fix what is disfigured. I just want to tell u thank u for ur courage and information and simply putting shit out there the way it is. I know this will not be easy. It will be hard. But it will be worth it in the end. It’s my time. I’m so ready. So thank u again. I believe it helps to listen to other people’s thoughts that going through the same things that u are can be very helpful.

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  2. Thank you for finding me!! It will be hard, but in the end you will be great!! I look normal now!

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  3. Hi, I have BRCA2 and have just had my ovaries removed and am about to have prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction next month. For me it's a no-brainer because my risk for breast cancer is 60-80% and ovarian 20-40%. Thanks for sharing your story

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    1. I also have a known pathonogenic BRCA2 mutation. I've been doing surveillance MRIs and mammos for three years. I think I'm ready to take the plunge and begin the discussions with my Dr about a mastectomy. The only thing is I had an augmentation done nine years ago and am finding zero info on mastectomy and reconstruction after augmentation. Going back under the knife is so scary but im honestly more afraid of what things are going to look like when all is said and done. Hope all goes well for you!!

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