Life after reconstruction

ClaireFraser

I had a unilateral MX on the left in June, and an implant & lift on my right. I was b/w a B & C on my left, and B on my right, so I opted to a full C on both. I'm not sure if I'm still swollen after six months, but I wish I had gone with a B. I do love my right, but I still have some "side boob" on my left. Does it eventually move or am I stuck with where it is now?

As for nipple reconstruction, I have opted for a nipple tattoo by Vinnie. I thought about doing reconstruction with my PS, but decided I am done with hospitals. I sent Vinnie photos and have been given the green light, so I'm almost at the end of my journey. I have an appt. scheduled with my PS, but I'm going to cancel. He talked about doing more fat grafting, when he did the nipple reconstruction, but I've decided enough is enough. I'm 52 and will not be modeling bikini's any time soon.

I feel blessed that my BC was caught at the earliest stage, but I really miss my old boobs. Because it's winter, my left is often cold (I haven't noticed it with my right). I don't know if it's the Tamoxifen or pre menopause, but I've been feeling down the last couple of weeks...

Claire

Trvler

I am sorry that you are feeling down. I don't know how to advise you since I am new here. I have implants and they are colder than natural breasts so maybe that's why.

Miss_Vesta

The first two winters after my surgery and reconstruction my chest and back got cold. Some times it would just ache so. I made a point of wearing a polartec vest to keep everything warm. This is the third winter and I am not noticing the cold so much. I think it was an adujustment for me.

I had mastectomy on the left and a latissamis dorsi reconstruction. On the right I had a lift, this past September I had the right reduced a bit, the plastic surgeon did warn me it would grow, it did. When he reduced the breast he also removed that side boob. That was the best surgery I did. And it was so easy compaired to everything else. I knew I needed it done, but tried to avoid it until it became a real issue for me. I caught my arm on my breast while riding my bike and almost crashed. That decided it for me. And like you I was avoiding it because I had had enough doctoring. You can have that side boob removed if and when you are ready.

You know, I hit depression about the time that you did. I think all the hard stuff was over. I had jumped all the hurdles and suddenly I had time to stop and think about things and it just brought me down. I think it's the natural let down after all the 'excitement.'

This was the period I started riding my road bike again, which really lifted my spirits. And I started getting a massage every two weeks. I found someone who did scar work, that really improved my mental state and the look of my reconstruction. the plastic surgeon was shocked by how much better everything looked after she had worked on it. And she improved my range of motion.

I just felt so much better after the massage. It released so much tension and frustration. You have been through a really tough time in your life. Of course you are feeling down.

robinblessed54

Wow, I am awaiting my exchange on 3/5/15.  Pretty tired of the TE.  They are so hard!  But I have had a great experience, no problems at all with the TE or the fills.  I am at 420cc in each TE.  I was a B cup before.  I am 60 and agree that I am not going to be posing for bikini pictures either.  I am going to do a 3D nipple tattoo as well.  Don't want to hassle another surgery for an unknown outcome.  I have had huge nipples all my life, looking forward to not having to buy padded bras to cover them up! 

I will stay in touch after my surgery. Robin