3 Months Post Op Results
So many of my new Courage friends are dealing with new expanders and are a little concerned with the way they look. I wanted to take a minute to let everyone know I’m doing okay, while also comparing 2 weeks post op to 3 months post op so that you can see that although there is still a long way to go, the results improve dramatically after a few months.
GULP. Wow that was hard to watch too. Bless your heart. I can not imagine the fear and the bravery it takes to do this daily. I know you said in your video this is not your body. It will be eventually, AND think about the risk factor that you cut by what (huge!!!!) percentage. Keep that in mind always. You are beautiful. I am so proud of you. I have to go now, I tear up thinking about this. love you.
May 13, 2010 at 10:56 am
Michele,
Thanks for sharing your video blogs! Did you have a simple mastectomy or skin sparing? I am 43 years old, married, mother of 3 teenagers, and live in the Dallas area. I am a Registered Nurse, working in Labor and Delivery, and I’m completing coursework in preparation to become a certified lactation consultant. Having studied the breast and it’s function for the past 3 months, I thought it was ironic that I was recently diagnosed with ADH/borderline DCIS in my right breast (initially seen as increased microcalcifications on mammogram). When they “didn’t get it all” on the second biopsy, I rethought my treatment plan and decided to have a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy. (I also have bilateral scattered microcalcifications). I am told only my nipples will be removed, not my areola or skin. I will also have expanders placed. In 3-4 months I will get my implants and new nipples made. I find the whole surgery process fascinating and I enjoyed researching the different treatment options. However, it was still a difficult decision to make. I feel at peace with my decision today after having consulted with the plastic surgeon. Your frank and concise explanations (with video)of your surgery are very helpful. Thank you for your boldness. I don’t think I could do that. I am sorry you have to wait for your second surgery, but hang in there. You are inspiring the rest of us. My surgery will probably be the second week in June. One positive thing is that I’m hoping to go from an A to a C cup! (gotta look at the bright side)
May 13, 2010 at 9:14 pm
michele,
please share my website with lisa above as i was less than an A cup hoping to go to a full B cup. i am currently doing expanders however i also kept my nipples. http://losingtheboobs.blogspot.com/
crazy about your body not absorbing the stitches. i worry about this too as i had to have my dissolvable exterior stitches removed as they were not dissolving. are they going to leave additional scarring as they work their way through the skin?
you are absolutely stunning btw.
rach
May 18, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Michelle,
Watching this last video of yours was hard. I hope all of your current issues get resolved quickly for you. Since my last comment on your website and sending you the pictures. I have gone back to surgery and had my right, flap reconstructed, breast removed and an expander placed. The flap failed, the skin was necrotic, fell off and exposed the fat and muscke that was moved from my tummy tuck. The surgery happened on May 26, 2010 and they put in 120cc of fluid at the time of surgery. Since then, I have gone weekly and had 120cc put in each week but one, it was tight and they could only get in 60cc that day. Then this past Friday they put in 180cc of saline. I know this seems like a lot, but from the photos I sent you, you can see that I have about 800cc of tissue in my left breast. I now have 720cc of saline in my right breast. It is still not quite the same size as the left one, but they are much closer in size right now. I pushed the doc to expand it quickly because I have to be able to fill out my “mother of the bride” dress for 7/31/10. My daughter is getting married in the Seattle, Washington area at Fort Lewis that day, her father’s birthday. She chose that day to honor his memory. He passed away last year on May 23, one day before our 29th wedding anniversary.
Anyway, best of luck to you with the next stage. I should have another fill this next Friday and then I have to decide if that one will be enough to suit me. My ps is making me wait four months before the implant exchange. He says it will give my tissue a chance to adjust better and prepare for the exchange. Maybe having to wait for your insurance is not all bad. Kath
July 5, 2010 at 1:08 am
Hi Kath!
Thanks so much for letting me know how you are doing! I have removed your last name from your posts, and I’m working on getting new pages set up for you and others that have so much to share. It’s taken longer than I had hoped, and I’m sorry, but it will happen soon.
I can’t believe all you have had to go through this past year. I am excited for your daughters wedding, and it definately shows that life goes on, doesn’t it? I can’t imaging getting so much fluid added to my expanders in one day, 60cc each side almost killed me! Funny how we are all so similar and yet so different, huh?
How are you doing on the inside, Kath? Are you making it ok? I wish I could give you a big hug, and just sit and have coffee with you, so that you know that you have a new friend beside you.
July 5, 2010 at 8:21 am
Hi Michelle,
I am 47 and in January of this year I also had a bi-lateral masectomy and reconstruction. Second stage and I am BRAC positive. I also had the negative 3 cancer. Chemo and surgery-no lymph nodes needed to be removed-no radiation. I am was teary eyed watching your video. Thank you for showing and sharing your progress. It makes me feel not so horrible. It is the process. I was told that doing reconstruction would make my healing process longer. What I did not know is how uncomfortable It would be at times would be. Not unbearable but not natural.It probably wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t get a staph infection a few weeks after masectomy. The one had to come out-wait and then a 3rd surgery to replace it. Refills again! I go in for the final August 26th. Thank God! I am a bit drained.My Range of motion has been extremely limited. I am hoping it will return fully after surgery and some PT. Thank you again,wonderful blog and just when I needed it! Can’t wait to hear again of your progress.
Annette
July 31, 2010 at 9:30 pm