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Annie13's avatar
Annie13
Member
13 years ago

Two new boobs...

So on Monday 15 July I went into hopital to get my new boobs. Expander out of the left, exchanged with an implant, mastectomy on the right followed by immediate recon with an implant and some sort of 'mesh' to hold it up.

Recovery has been long and slow. Rather than the couple of days I thought I was going to be in hospital (my first mastectomy I was only in for 2 days!) I was in for 10 days, with 3 drains. I managed to get 2 drains out before I came home, but one remained in for another week. Total pain in the butt. So in total it was 3 weeks off work, and just a really drawn out process.

The boobs are starting to settle. Expander exchange on the right looks amazing - really nice shape. The left is still a bit all over the place - swelling up the top, the mesh settling on the bottom and my nipple is completely off centre! My plastic surgeon tells me it will all settle down and that he'll reposition the nipple in about 6 months - who knew something like that was so easy!!

Yesterday I finally got the last of the dressings off, and I have to say I was a bit upset. Now I have two massive scars - one right across the middle, one underneath - a nipple on one side which is off centre and none on the other. I guess just in general I feel the whole thing looks a bit scary for want of a better word. I'm not sure how my partner feels about them, but I'm thinking he surely can't find them attractive anymore :(

I find myself thinking about children more and more at the moment. This blasted situation has forced the issue I guess. I have the option of going off the Tamoxifen in about 18 months and giving it a shot - I'm thinking I might do it. Big life change, but I think we're ready.

Anyway, back at work now, and back walking in the mornings which makes me feel better. Off on holidays to Thailand in 8 weeks which I seriously can not wait for - a celebration of everything that's happened over the past 12 months. It will be great :)

14 Replies

  • Thanks for the feedback Annie. I guess I just expected them to look great as soon as I had them! Nice to know it does take a little while to settle down. I'm sure in 12 months time once it's all settled, I've had my nipple centred and a reconstructed nipple on the right side that they will look good. Everything in this journey is a waiting game I guess so I just have to be patient!

  • Thanks for the feedback Annie. I guess I just expected them to look great as soon as I had them! Nice to know it does take a little while to settle down. I'm sure in 12 months time once it's all settled, I've had my nipple centred and a reconstructed nipple on the right side that they will look good. Everything in this journey is a waiting game I guess so I just have to be patient!

  • Annie, you are loved, I am sure your partner and children will love you no matter what.  Give yourself time to get used to your new bits.  

    It is good that you are thinking about your children, they are what makes all the pain worth it. Because of them we never give up.

    You will love Thailand, when you are sitting on a boat looking at the magnificent  amazing scenery, BC will not exist.

    Happy thoughts only.

    VivW

     

     

  • Hi Annie,

    Ive ben down this track and I know you were very upset when they took the bandages off. You expected to look fab and you looked a mess.

    Be patient dear girl, Ive had my implants in for just over 12 months and they are now looking good. Nipple Reconstruction makes a huge improvement . Im booked for tattooing in Sept.

    Sorry but its all going to take longer than you think. Take care and look long term.

    annie58

  • Hi Annie,

    Ive ben down this track and I know you were very upset when they took the bandages off. You expected to look fab and you looked a mess.

    Be patient dear girl, Ive had my implants in for just over 12 months and they are now looking good. Nipple Reconstruction makes a huge improvement . Im booked for tattooing in Sept.

    Sorry but its all going to take longer than you think. Take care and look long term.

    annie58