Hi Ellie, @El.mumof2 I have always loved my breasts too - next to my eyes, they were the favourite part of the physical 'me'. They breast fed my two boys and were just lovely!
And then when I had my mastectomy and insertion of the tissue expander, my left breast looked like a wrinkled prune...even when it was most expanded (I think the aeroform expander leaked a lot). So although I got used to looking at it, I never liked it. And I would 'hide' it from my hubby.
Well, about 10 days ago I had the DIEP Reconstruction - using the flesh from my lower tummy to build a new breast. And I LOVE it! I am so proud of it - it looks real, it's soft and warm...and although it doesn't have a nipple (and it is numb) I keep showing my husband to let him know how it's healing. He agrees how natural it looks too. Things have certainly changed in terms of how I view my breast (and my now very flat tummy).
I still miss the original me....but the last 12 months has been a journey of more than the physical and I'm much happier with the new 'me'.
I am so pleased you feel like you've found a surgeon you're comfortable with - nothing more important than having a team you trust, who listens to you and who has the expertise to be able to deliver your vision for the new future.
My team - from GP to breast surgeon, breastcare nurse, oncologist, gynaecologist and plastic surgeon - have been AMAZING.
Thinking of you Nikki xxx
