It has been over three years since I started this process. On January 22, 2013 I underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy to greatly reduce my risk of developing breast cancer and started breast reconstruction. Since then, I had a few complications, due to which the process took much longer than planned.
On March 1, 2016 I had my 9th surgery. Fun stuff!
Honestly, at this point, I’m tired of talking about it (and feel like my friends and family are tired of hearing about it too). I figured I should at least tell you boys and girls, since it is part of my process and well, this is what the blog is for: to document my journey.
What I thought was my last procedure was in July 2015, when we swapped the expander on my right with an implant. After that surgery, I received IV antibiotics for a month (see post: PICC life). Things cleared up and three months out I went on vacay to Mexico, where I finally was able to wear a bikini without an expander! I enjoyed being done and was very much relieved.
Shortly after, I noticed a bit of a divot above my right side. At the time I thought: no biggie, things take time to settle and it wasn’t really that bad. Over the next couple of months, the divot got deeper and the implant dropped lower. By January I knew that the implant had bottomed out and surgery was the only way to fix it. After consulting with my plastic surgeon, I scheduled the procedure. Over the next two months I went back and forth on whether I would actually have it. On one hand, I was displeased with the outcome and did not like seeing it in the mirror; on the other, I have experienced multiple complications and was afraid of the possibility of more issues. I had it. The PS did a pocket revision; easy surgery and super easy recovery.
Although the tone of this post may not be entirely positive, I am in a good place. I feel great and still have no regrets about having the PBM. Somebody told me that it wouldn’t be easy and they were right. Totally worth it, though. However, I won’t say I’m done, because I’ve already declared that a couple of times and was wrong. We shall see where this goes. So far everything looks good.
Saying NOPE to Breast Cancer 
Aw, and here I was hoping that from not having heard anything everything was in the clear for you! Is it sad to say–even as a reader–I feel I should have known better? *sigh*
Crossing my fingers for you, Mogatos. You’re nearing the finish line, even if you haven’t crossed it yet!
Thank you, Lannis! I’m looking forward to being on the other side of that line. 🙂
Bless your heart! ! ! Hope you do not ever have to have another one! Glad to hear from you, I had been missing your post
I am hoping so too. Thank you, Beth. ❤
First, I am sorry you are still dealing with these inconveniences. I really hope it is your last one (and I agree this is all worth it!). Secondly, we never get tired of hearing you out. This is our safe place.
Thank you for the update. May you continue to feel great always! xo
Thanks for the well-wishes. Really appreciate the note.
I am sorry you are going through this, but I am just so relieved right now to find someone else with the same issues. I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders put in immediately in March 2015. I have had several complications and several returns to surgery, including removing an expander all together, and just recently (last week), putting one back in – my sixth reconstructive surgery. (May I just say, I effing hate the drains?) I was doing okay, feeling good, feeling like I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and then I had my follow-up visit yesterday. Apparently, there is a risk of infection (again) and there is a spot where it looks like a corner of the not-so-inflated expander is pushing on some very thin skin (again). I have been pretty positive and strong throughout this whole ordeal, but yesterday when I heard that, it felt like I was starting all over again. Ergh! Sigh. Tears. Lots of tears. Sigh. Thank you for your post – at least now I don’t feel so alone. And thank you for letting me share my story. My fingers are crossed for you!
Hi Kate, thank you for your note! I’m so sorry that you have to go through all of these complications. I know that the setbacks are devastating. Each . and . every . single . one. It’s hard to keep that positive outlook when you’re having what you think is your worst days. Hang in there. Focus on healing and one thing at a time. You’re in good hands with your docs, I’m sure. They will take good care of you. ❤