Category: Post-Op Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

Thank you Frank

I just wanted to post a quick note to publicly thank my husband Frank.  Whether it is the bed he moved down the stairs himself for me to sleep in so I could avoid steps, or ensuring there is always something in the fridge for me to just grab.  Maybe it is his helping to empty the annoying drains or keeping the girls busy so I can nap.  It could be the back rubs or the handling of daily activities. Mostly it is having to deal with the roller coaster of emotions that fly his way at any given time of the day…(the tears can come out of no where for no reason at any time…totally out of my control).

I realize that it has not been easy but like everything else these last 14 years we figure it out and get it done.  Thank you Frank for everything…I love you!

No Bra

So when I was at the doctors the other day he reaffirmed that I am under no circumstances to wear a bra until at least the next time I see him in 3 weeks.  No Bra…last time I can say that I could get away with walking around town (not that I am going anywhere right now), without being ticketed or poking myself in the eye was like maybe when I was 12?

Heading into the surgery I was a 40DD.   I had thought about reduction for a while but once this process started it was like “all in”.  We agreed that we would be going smaller but he could not guarantee a size per say and that we would need to “tweak” the initial work which would be done at the time of the nipple reconstruction.

So the no bra thing is really is not a problem at all for a few reasons, first they are still so swollen they are like annoying (yet non moving) bricks on my chest.  Second, I am not going anywhere fast right now, and third they are well, not at all “boob” shaped.  They are clearly different sizes and I swear they point in different directions. They strike me as more square.  I will need another small procedure probably in about 4-5 weeks back in the main hospital OR.  my Surgeon say it will be about a 2 hour process where he will hide the flap, build new nips and liposuction the new bricks boobs. The plan is that since I was so large anyway, to utilize the extra skin that would have been cut away in surgery.  Instead of having to harvest skin for the new nips, he will gather what is forming around the new flaps as the swelling goes down and make the nip out of it , at the same time hiding the flap and  creating a nice “boob” shape.   The doctor says they will be lovely when finished and not to worry.  Honestly, I am not at all worried.  I fully trust in my plastic surgeon and the “boobie vision” he has painted for me.  For now I have been hanging out in a tank top which I pin the last drain to but then put a baggy button down over top.  It works.

Anyway, yesterday was a down day.  I really spent the day just lying around and napping.  Frank took the girls out for a few hours in the afternoon which was great.  I had no real energy or inclination to do anything more than hang out in my size smaller bike shorts. Sleeping is improving (still with assistance).  Almost made it through the night.  Closest I have come anyway!

11 days post BPM

Good Friday morning and just amazed when I look at a calendar to realize it really has been 11 days.  I could try to say they have been a breeze but that is not true.  It has been a bit of a roller coaster over the last few days. Some tears, laughs, mood swings, yelling oh hell just like normal right?

So where are we so far today?  To start with not nearly as cranky as I have been able to sleep better the last 2 nights.  Thank you valuim.  Next I have been wearing my biker shorts, hmm do not remember if I blogged about that.  When I was at the follow-up on Wednesday, my hubby asked about an abdominal binder.  The doctor advised that biker shorts would provide the same service cheaper and easier.  He stated that basically the tighter I could handle being bound the happier I would be with the end result of the tummy side of our surgery.  It is fascinating, I had to send Frank out for the next size down which I will move to today.  Even with who knows how many stitches in, it is the flattest my stomach has been since at least prior to child-birth!

I am still very sore but the pain is settling for the most part.  I am almost able to lift my left arm completely above my head with a slight strain my right is a little behind.  A little every day.  I will not need any type of rehab for this just time.

I still struggle to get into and out of bed.  I can get in with no help just a LOT of moaning but getting out sometimes I feel like a turtle stuck on my back.  I can eventually find my way out but a slight tug from anyone going by is often a welcome assist.

My girls have been wonderful!  Running the laundry, running and emptying the dishwasher and just being so great keeping my water full etc!  I feel bad that they are cooped up with me.  Yesterday my sister came so they were able to play in the pool while I napped.. a big win for all!  They will have a sleep over with her next week.  She lives down the shore and loves the beach.  I find the beach to be a big disgusting mud pit so it will be the first time my girls will ever go. It will provide me with some quiet and them with some much deserved fun activity!

That’s it for now.  Going to go enjoy my morning coffee.  Everyday gets better.  To sum it up, I wish I could be running around doing my normal daily things.  But, I can’t.  To look at where I am 11 days out of such a massive surgery..well it is amazing!