Friday, May 19, 2017

Time to Build the Nipples: Planning PHASE 2

                         WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC/NUDE POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.
Plastic Surgery Post-op Visit at 10.5 weeks
Today was my post-op visit and Phase 2 consult with my fantastic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O.  I am sooooo ready and excited for Phase 2 surgery!  This surgery is the "make things pretty" one and I'll get my nipples!!  Double yay!

Overall, I've had a very "easy" recovery and I'm happy with the results and the way that my body has healed.  There are a few things though that need to be tweaked in this second surgery.


You play with SnapChat filters while
you wait too, don't you?
I've mentioned before the "dog ears" at the ends of my abdominal scar that will be removed. To me they are my "mini muffin tops"!  (I showed them to y'all in the video I posted last week.)  Not only do they look funny, but this past week they have become a little annoying. My waistbands sit right on them now and it rubs throughout the day....especially annoying in my scrubs on my 12 hour shifts.  Be glad to see them go!

The other issue is that my breasts seem to be a bit "droopy" now that the swelling has subsided and the tissue has settled.  They both have flattened on top and the right is a bit flatter on top than the left...not super noticeable but noticeable enough.  Dr. O said they both require a little "filler" on top and a bit of a lift.  However, since I am wanting them to also be a bit bigger overall, he will do more fat grafting and that will basically provide the lift I need in addition to the larger cup size.
Can you see that one side is a bit fuller on top? The other
is flatter and they both need a little lift and fullness.
Plus, I will get to be bigger overall!

Dr. O will be doing liposuction on my abdomen but said he will have to use fat from another area in order to get enough to increase my bust size. I asked about putting my hated double chin in there, but alas, it was a no-go!  Oh well, it was worth a try!  :)  Happily, he will be getting it from my thighs!! I've certainly got plenty to spare there!

This is also the procedure where he will build my new nipples!  Really excited about this. Right now, my breasts look a little.....undecorated.  It's super cool how they build them, so if you are interested, here's the video from PRMA:


The visit went well and I am happy with the plan.  Honestly, I was a bit nervous about making my feelings known.  Kinda hate to "complain" to a physician about the amazing work he already did.  The thing is though that this is the body I will live with the rest of my life....prayerfully a long life thanks to now being cancer free!  Please don't hesitate to be honest with your providers about your feelings and your desired outcomes.  I'm so glad I did today, because I know the final outcome will be in line with what I want and will make me feel more like "me".

On another note, just wanted to give a shout-out to the awesome staff at PRMA and the PRMA Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group!  I went to my first event last night and it was fun.  We met at an Origins store for mini facials and just to visit.  Nothing like going to meet new people and having all of your makeup removed when you get there!! Ha!  I met a couple of very nice ladies and my skin looked fantastic!  I'm looking forward to participating in more events in the future.

Now to wait for insurance authorization and then we get a surgical date!
Enjoy your weekend!













MY TIMELINE:
12/22/16  Routine Screening Mammogram
01/18/17  Repeat Imaging and US of left breast; LUMP found.
01/20/17  Core Needle Biopsy
01/24/17  Biopsy results positive...Stage 0 DCIS, left breast
01/25/17  Meeting with Breast Center Navigator and Genetic Testing
01/30/17  Consultation with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K
02/08/17  Consultation with Plastic Surgeon
02/21/17  Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse
02/27/17 Pre-op Labs and Testing
03/05/17 Lymph Node Injection
03/06/17 SURGERY DAY!
03/10/17 Home!
03/16/17 10 day Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery nurse
03/20/17  2 week Post-op Appointment with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

04/07/17  1 month Post-Op w/Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O
04/16/17 Returning to work!
05/19/17  Appointment with Dr. O to schedule Phase 2 Surgery!

Friday, May 12, 2017

Sharing my Story on LIVESTRONG

My breast cancer story was shared this week on the LIVESTRONG blog and social media accounts! A little surreal to see it out there but very cool.

Here's the link:  https://blog.livestrong.org/sharing-my-breast-cancer-journey-a56f6392278

Be sure to check out their website....tons of great resources and info!

Sunday, May 7, 2017

It's Tummy Time! 9 Weeks Post-op Update

Tomorrow is 9 weeks post-op!  It really is hard to believe how quickly life is moving on.  


Me with my friend (& NICU Manager)
getting ready for the NICU Reunion!
I've been back at work for 3 full weeks and things are going very well there.  I feel stronger every shift and was happily able to participate in our annual NICU Reunion yesterday! It was so much fun to see all of our NICU Graduates so happy and healthy and to catch-up with their families.  We all look forward to the event every year!

Those of you who follow me on Facebook (@bosomthing) know that I could stop wearing the abdominal binder at week 8.  So, this past week has been a bit of an experiment in how it feels to be without that extra support. Overall, it is better than I expected.  For now, I will continue to wear it to work...just because I feel more secure with a little extra support on those long, busy shifts.  On my days off, however, I am going without it and it's been nice. It is definitely cooler without that extra layer; especially since we've had some really hot days here lately!  That's South Texas for you!

I was very concerned about the amount of swelling I would have when not wearing the binder and have been pleasantly surprised to find that it is not bad at all!  Like everything else on this journey, it seems to improve each week!

Here is a 2.5 minute video to show you the progress on my abdomen:
(I realize I do not have makeup on for this video, but I'm learning through this journey to be less concerned with all of that...or at least trying to be.)


Have a great week!