My Nipples are a Year Old!: one year post-revision (Phase 2) and nipple reconstuction!

WARNING: Graphic and/or NUDE photos of breast reconstruction are posted on this blog!

Today marks ONE YEAR since my Phase 2 Revision & Nipple Reconstruction surgery!

One Year Ago today outside the OR with Dr. Ochoa!

A year ago, I was in the OR with lots of family and friends all over the country praying for me.  I had asked friends and family to post pics of themselves wearing their #TeamJules shirts that day.  It was so uplifting to wake up later that day and read through the posts and see those pics.  

I mean really...how fun and sweet is this???

Phase 2 was the surgery I was excited about...the "make it pretty" one. And, I was not disappointed. Dr. Ochoa did an amazing job!! I was thrilled to have nipples again...made them look like breasts even without the color yet...and to have the breasts shaped perfectly.

I am so thankful for the blessings that God bestowed in my diagnosis, recovery, the amazing physicians He provided, and my supportive family and friends!

As I was scrolling through FB memory posts this morning, I figured it was time to post an update for all of you. I know many women are concerned about what things look like down the road.  Although we are grateful to be cancer-free, this surgery alters one's body forever...some good things in that and some not so good.  

As far as recovery, I have no limitations due to surgery at this point in life. In regard to scars, I'll show you.....

I should note that I am TERRIBLE about using scar cream or massaging them. I hardly ever remember to do it. So, that being said, if one was good about it, they might look better. Although, I cannot complain. I am quite happy with how much they've faded.

Abdomen and bellybutton...one year post-revision

One year post-revision: You can see the revision scar on the side...this is
where he removed the dog ears

One year post-revision: The scars are completely flat

It's pretty obvious that I've gained weight this past year but that is all me and being lazy about my food choices.  From the pics though, I think you can tell that if I ever lose weight, I should have quite a nice shape and flat tummy!

My new nipples have flattened a bit (as expected), but they still have nice projection:

Reconstructed Left Nipple ONE YEAR LATER 

Reconstructed Right Nipple ONE YEAR LATER 

The color has also faded since micropigmentation (November, 2017) and looks much more natural. You can see in the above pics that the scars underneath the breasts are hardly noticeable.  

The shape of my breasts is really natural and they "hang" like the real deal!  I still have some sensitivity to things like where the bra rides underneath, but I'm just thankful because that means I have sensation!  At the end of a long day, I have some areas that feel a little numb-ish...slightly tingly...but it goes away by morning.

One Year Post-Revision Surgery

One Year Post-Revision Surgery

Not that I go out without a bra on, but I'm quite impressed with how perky and shapely they look under a tshirt (my old ones didn't look like this anymore!):

Overall, I'd say I've had pretty great cosmetic results! The scars will continue to fade and life is good!

As always, message me anytime with questions. I'm always happy to help a Pink Sister on her journey. 

14 month Video Update and Testimonial

14 months!  So crazy.

I just filmed this Video Testimonial for my Reconstructive Surgeon's office and since it is basically a summary of my breast cancer story, I thought I'd share it with y'all today.

You can view my latest video here:


I have spoken to 3 different prospective patients recently and it has been great having the opportunity to hear their stories and share what I could to help them as they are making their reconstruction decisions.  Please feel free to comment or message me if you have questions about my story or about the recovery process.

And, if you are looking for an amazing group of talented surgeons, please check out www.prma-enhance.com. They even do Virtual Consults if you do not live in San Antonio.

Have a great week! 

Amazing Grace

This past month FB has popped up with lots of memories from last year....like today being the anniversary of my Pre-op Appointment for my Bilateral Mastectomy!

What a crazy and surreal time that was but also amazing!  I know, I know....how does someone refer to a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent life-altering surgery as "amazing"?

Well, I'll tell you.....

#1: God is good...ALL the time. (Say it with me) And, ALL the time, God is GOOD!
Even in the worst moments, He is in control.  When we don't understand, He does. Once you relinquish control and let HIM guide, great things can happen.  God put me in all the right places at the right time.

Some of you know this, but I was not even supposed to be in San Antonio at the time of my diagnosis. If things had gone according to plan, I would have gotten married the Summer before and moved out of town.  Obviously, having my heart broken and a relationship ending was NOT something I saw as a blessing at the time!  But, in hindsight, God knew where I needed to be, who I needed to be with, and what catalyst it would take to get me there.  That relationship ending gave me the push I needed to leave my job and get back to work in the NICU that I love.  If I had not changed jobs when I did, I would have had an entirely different course of care, physicians, etc. Because of my job, I was in position to work with one of the top surgical oncologists and a renowned plastic surgery group who performed a "gold standard" type of reconstruction!  I was also surrounded by a team of people I love and who love me and supported me throughout the whole journey.  God knew....even when I didn't....amazing!

#2:  You never know how you will be used.
As a nurse, its my job to help people. I think that most nurses feel some inner calling to do just that...just part of our nature.  As a NICU nurse, I never in a million years thought I'd have anything to do with oncology...breast cancer in particular.  Because of my diagnosis, I have met so many people...other women touched by breast cancer, family members and friends.  I have friends now that I would never have met. By sharing my story openly, other women have been helped.  I've volunteered as a patient advocate with two groups and am always willing to lend an ear to another fighter/survivor.  Who would have thought I'd be

walking in breast cancer 5Ks, attending breast cancer awareness events, and blogging my personal life for the world?  My son grew a lot throughout this past year and has participated in events with me too. I believe he will have a better compassion and understanding for others in his life now. Even though this isn't the path I would have chosen, I am happy and blessed that God has allowed me to be used through it.  It is amazing is it to be able to help others!

#3: Grace is typically defined as "the free and unmerited favor of God".  My

breast cancer was caught early (Stage 0) and was contained (DCIS, non-invasive). I got my biopsy within days of the ultrasound that found it. My surgery (within 2 months later) was successful. No other locations were found and my lymph nodes were clear. Yes, I had a bilateral mastectomy, but I woke up CANCER-FREE....no chemo, no radiation.  My recovery was certainly not a breeze, but it was relatively complication free. My revision surgery gave me exactly what I needed and again was complication free.  My overall results (all completed within 1 calendar year) are wonderful. I was significantly blessed!  I know this even more than ever before in my life. I am grateful for things..little things...more than before. I  found out that I am as strong as I hoped I'd be in the face of a scary thing and happier than I imagined I would be again.  And, I surely feel HIS amazing grace in my life.

Here's hoping you feel HIS Amazing Grace in your life this week!

6 months Later....Surgical Oncologist Follow-up

September 06 was officially six months since my Bilateral Skin-sparing (non-nipple sparing) Mastectomy with Immediate DIEP Flap Reconstruction.  My 6 month follow-up appointment at the Surgical Oncologist's office was yesterday...at almost 7 months actually. It doesn't seem real that it has been that long ago!!  

So, here's the lowdown....

My appointment was with the Nurse Practitioner, Rebecca.  She is super sweet and a fellow breast cancer survivor.  Having personal experience with the reconstructive process and the

journey, she is an awesome resource!  

Because my cancer did not require any chemo or hormone therapy, I am not followed by a Medical Oncologist just the Surgical Oncologist.  Therefore, they will conduct all of my labs and breast exams.  Rebecca stated that I will need 6 month visits (basically a manual breast exam) for 2 years and then annual visits for 3 years....a total of 5 years surveillance. Labs will be drawn annually.  After 5 years, my annual OB/GYN breast exam will suffice.  

Big notes:  
*No mammograms ever.
*If any physician ever finds something "suspicious", I am to contact my NP immediately for an ultrasound and she will follow-up on it.

Rebecca was very complimentary of my cosmetic results.  It was nice to hear the opinion of a fellow reconstructive patient.  She said that everything looks great and that in another 6-12 months I'll be amazed at my results and how much the scars will have faded!!  Her exact quote was: "You couldn't have asked for a better cosmetic outcome!"

After my appointment, I ran some errands and made a new wreath for our front door...something special for October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October Breast Cancer Awareness Wreath

Then, I got to have dinner with a bunch of old friends. We caught-up and had a lot of laughs!! Everyone needs a night out with friends once in awhile.  :)

Love these gals!

Hope y'all have a blessed week!

Checkin' Those Nipples! Two Week Post-op Visit

                                WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC/NUDE POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

This afternoon was my two week post-op visit with my Plastic Surgery Nurse, C.  It was a quick appointment and easy.  C started by just asking about how my recovery had been going and if there were any issues.  Then, the good part....she took off all of that surgical tape from my incisions and removed those annoying little sutures in my chest!!

Remember, I had five of these little holes where he did the fat grafting?  Each one had sutures that were sticking out.  They were a little sore, they scratched if you rubbed past them, and you could see them sticking out through my clothes.  So happy she removed those sutures!  I was instructed to start massaging them this week with Cocoa Butter w/Vitamin E or scar cream to soften and flatten them.

There are a total of 5 "holes" from the fat grafting on my breasts.

Close-up of one of the fat-grafting sites

She also removed all of the sticky surgical tape from my breast incisions.  Again, she was impressed with the healing progress and I can start putting cream on those incisions by the weekend.  

Right abdomen at two weeks post-op Phase 2

Left abdomen at two weeks post-op Phase 2

Abdomen at two weeks post Phase 2 Revision Surgery

The nipples still have the dissolving sutures, so I am to avoid putting anything on them for now.  Hoping those dissolve over the next couple of weeks.  There are a couple of spots on my breast "lollipop" incisions that are thick and raised but I know with time and massage they will go down.  The cool thing is that I see the potential!  They look like breasts with real nipples and once the color tattoos are there....it's going to be something!

Right breast at two weeks post-nipple reconstruction

Left breast at two weeks post-nipple reconstruction

Until then, I must continue to wear the nursing pads (with holes cut out of the center) in my bra.

Each side of my bra has to have 3-4 nursing pads
with a hole cut out of the center in order to keep my
new nipples from being "smushed" down by my bra/clothing.

If you look at the above pics and the one below, you can see that the right breast doesn't really have any bruising, but the left is bruised all over.  It is a green-ish hue so that usually means its healing; however, C wants me to start massaging them both but focusing on the left breast.  She told me to keep an eye on it and let her know if it changes or gets firm....don't want it to turn into a hematoma!

My new breasts and nipples....
5 months post Bilateral Mastectomy w/Immediate DIEP Flap Reconstruction
and 2 weeks post-Nipple Reconstruction and Fat Grafting

Btw, they look huge in this pic but they really aren't that crazy looking in real life!  My nurse told me today that I am most assuredly a "full C" or even a "small D" now!!  That's crazy.  Before I had my son (and then got fat), I was a small B.  Prior to surgery, I was a big B....a C was loose.  I'm actually excited to go bra shopping when this heals!

C said that the liposuction areas will continue to be a little tender for awhile even though the bruising has faded.  The compression garment still needs to be worn 24/7 for another month.  C also commented on how nice the one I purchased was...and it is a lot more comfy than the one they gave me!  I highly recommend it if you are still looking. Since I have to wear it for another month, I stopped at Walmart and picked up another one on my way home for $19.98.

I can start sleeping on my sides again next week...woohoo!  I hate sleeping on my back.  And, being able to massage and put on the cream will make things softer and more comfy too.

Next up will be to get my tattoo session with my nurse scheduled for this Fall!  Insurance requires it to be three months from the last surgery so I'm hoping for end of October or early November!

I head back to work tomorrow and on that note....

My Tip for this Phase:

Those of you who have been following my Facebook updates know that I originally intended to return to work last week at 9 days post-op.  The truth was that I was NOT READY!  Physically, I was still tired by afternoon, still feeling queasy with too much exertion, and my brain was foggy.  As a NICU nurse, I felt unsafe returning to work in a fog.  Thankfully, I have an awesome workplace and understanding boss who had already sensed it and I was cleared to wait to return until tomorrow...which will be 15 days.  So, as a note to those of you making this decision now, go ahead and plan for two weeks!  Honestly, I was stressing myself out about it and was not sleeping.  As soon as I spoke with my boss and she said not to come in, I took a two hour nap!! And, I slept almost through the night that night for the first time since surgery!!  

We often put too much pressure on ourselves...at least I do.  So, I would recommend that you plan for more and if you feel okay at one week then go back early.  There is no sense in potentially extending your recovery because you pushed yourself too hard.

I've had the opportunity to chat with several women this month who reached out to me via FB and have enjoyed getting to know them all. If I can answer questions or you just need a sounding board, please feel free to message me any time!

Enjoy your week!

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!

07/13/17 Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse; Pre-op Labs/EKG

07/25/17 Phase 2 Surgery!!

08/08/17  2 week Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery Nurse

Got Nipples?? Phase 2 is done!

                             WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC/NUDE POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

Yesterday was my Phase 2 surgery with my amazing Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O.  Not as much preparation needed for this one since it was outpatient and such a big difference in recovery.

My sweet son is such a trooper getting up at
0430 to go with me to the hospital!

I had to be at the hospital at 0530 with an 0730 start time....we pretty much started right on time.  The whole surgery took about 4 hours and I was home by 3pm.  Only negative was that I got nauseated and was vomiting from the anesthesia afterward....no fun!  I was still sick all evening off and on but finally took a phenergan and tried to sleep it off.  Thankfully, I woke up early this morning feeling more like myself again.  No nausea!

I am really not in pain, just very sore.  My breasts are tender, but the flanks and thighs where he did the liposuction for the fat grafting is where I feel the most discomfort.  As I am typing this, my flanks feel sore but not painful; however, it is quite painful to get up and down from sitting position.  Once I'm up, I can walk with only that sore feeling.

Since I was sick yesterday, I didn't really eat but a few bites.  Had a small breakfast this morning and so far so good.  Just dropped a pot roast in the crockpot for tonight.....definitely wasn't working in the kitchen after last surgery!

Let's get started!  Dr. O with me just before surgery.

He marked me up all over....secret language of Plastic Surgeons!

Now for the part y'all have been waiting for....the surgery and results!

Dr. O built my new nipples (3D nipples!) from the skin flaps from my abdomen that he placed during my initial reconstruction in March.  There are sutures all around the edges and on the nipples.  It looks rough today, but I am so VERY HAPPY with them!  My breasts look like breasts again!  

Look at that dimension!

Gnarly looking today, but once they heal and have the
color tattoo, they will be practically perfect!

He also did liposuction on my inner thighs and along both flanks....these are the sore areas today!  Dr. O said I will be bruised pretty badly all along there and even maybe the back of my legs.  The fat he got from there was used to "plump up" my breasts and give me the size and lift I needed.

Hard to get a good pic of my inner thigh, but the top right is the "hole"
from the lipo cannula.
Thighs are sore, but maybe I'll have a bit of a high gap after!!  :)

My abdominal incision looks great so he did not revise any of it.  He did however cut off the overhanging skin ("mini muffin tops" or "dog ears") from each end of the abdominal incision. Again, thrilled with the results there.  Even though I am swollen and look Sponge-Bob shaped again, you can tell it's going to be great once the swelling goes down.

Incisions on both sides where Dr. O removed my "dog ears".
Love not having that overhang!

 I woke up from surgery with the ugly surgical bra on and a tight compression garment that goes from just under my breasts to my calves.  That sucker is a beast to get on and off!  The spare one I bought only goes to my knees and seems to slide up easier.  I think both will be better to get in to when I'm less swollen and sore to the touch.

I am supposed to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every 8 hours....which I probably will just to stay ahead of this soreness (don't want it to turn into pain).  I am also on an antibiotic every 8 hours.  Otherwise, my instructions were regular diet, light walking, and to sleep!!

Sounds like a Netflix day in bed is called for!

Look at the difference!  First photo was yesterday morning when I was getting
ready to head to the hospital. The second photo was this morning, less than 24 hours later!

All in all, I am thrilled with the outcome.  I love my new breasts...nipples make all the difference!

I asked my friends and family to send me pics of them wearing their #teamJules t-shirts yesterday while I was in surgery.  It was so fun to scroll thru my FB feed last night and see all of them!!  I have the best group of friends, co-workers, and family!

Have a blessed week!

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!