After spending the winter without breasts, I’d actually become used to seeing myself flat chested. There actually were even some advantages. Some of my shirts fit better, I could sleep on my stomach easier, I’m gueassing if I still golfed my swing would have improved. However, I knew I still wanted breast reconstruction.

On February 10, I began the process of breast reconstruction. Because of my MS, I was not a candidate for a flap procedure. Therefore, implant reconstruction was chosen and tissue expanders were placed.

Tissue expanders are used to stretch the muscle and skin after mastectomy to prepare the site to accept the implants. Expansion is done over a period of time by injecting saline into the expanders weekly or on a schedule that fits with your body and it’s response to the process. I’ll be frank, it’s not fun. While my non-radiated breast was much easier, my breast that had been previously radiated was beyond tight and well, it was simply painful to endure. Now you may be picturing a nice little vaccine sized syringe being used for these injections. Think again. For the horse people out there, think of the syringes you find in the barn. 50 cc and yes, it’s full. No, they don’t numb you.Got the picture yet? A magnet is used to locate the “fill port” and then they inject through the skin and muscle. Today I finished my 6th set of injections.  You may be thinking there’s got to be a better way! There just so happens a new expander called “The Air Expander” that just received FDA approval and is slowly making it;s way into use. Thank God!

The best part of the process was when my plastic surgeon came in to my 3 week post op visit to tell me he was retiring. BEFORE my reconstruction would be complete! WHAT?! There were so many issues to sort out! Insurance, our plan we’d put in place from the time of my mastectomies, finding a new surgeon. My head was spinning! Oh, and I was receiving my first fill injections. My first thought was to rush the process and have him try to finish what he could. I knew it wasn’t sound but, emotionally I just wanted it done. Once I calmed down, I began the search for a new plastic surgeon. Two actually turned me down citing that they didn’t like the idea of finishing another surgeons work. That actually is quite fair.

I reached out to my breast surgeon who referred me to a plastic surgeon in Boston. His secretary was amazing and understood my situation. I booked an appointment. I did however, have reservations about having surgery downtown.

Enter my cardiologist of all people. First, I have an amazing cardiologist. I’ve always loved him and now even more. During my regular checkup he inquired how everything was going. I told him about my plastic surgeon issue. He asked if I’d like another opinion. “Yes!” He explained there was a wonderful husband and wife team across the hall. Would I like him to text him and see if they’ll see me? “Yes!” He proceeded to text him my story and received an immediate reply. Of course they’d see me. He said when we were done he actually  walk me over and introduce me. He did and they saw me the next day!

I met with him and immediately felt comfortable and confident in his abilities. The downside was he was honest and explained the process would really require 3-4 more surgeries to achieve the best results. While I understood why, I’m just so ready for this to be finished. However, I do want the best result and the previously radiated breast does present it’s own set of challenges. I’ve honestly been so very fortunate thus far with no complications because we’ve proceeded slowly. Why push it now? Future surgeries will include fat grafting to restore tissue over the implants and “smooth out” any imperfections. Unlike breast augmentation, after mastectomy there is no tissue on top of the implants other than muscle. Fat grafting restores some of that.

The next step will be exchanging the tissue expanders for the final implants. That will hopefully happen in the next 4-6 weeks. The interesting aspect is the ability to somewhat select the “breasts” I want. Size (I don’t plan on working the pole so not too big), shape and even manufacturer.

If there is anything I would recommend after going through this, it would be do your research and be your own advocate. Ask questions, get second and even third opinions. I’ve been shocked to learn how many women didn’t know about nipple sparing mastectomy. Many surgeons apparently still don’t even discuss it as an option yet, it may be a great option for some women. There are many options for reconstruction. Each with it’s pluses and minuses. Explore your options and find what’s right for YOU. While yes, this process has not been a walk in the park, I expect the results will be well worth it. It’s so important to remember it’s YOUR body. YOU need to collaborate with your doctors when making decisions. If you’re truly not comfortable communicating with your doctors, get a patient advocate to assist you. It’s YOUR body and YOU need to be a part of the decision making.

I fully expect to be at Mardi Gras next year flashing “The NEW Girls” 🙂 and having all of this merely a faint memory. It always looks better in the rearview and this definitely will.

#Breastcancer #Mastectomy