I am positive for the BRCA 1 mutation and I have chosen to have prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I am writing this blog for myself and those in my same situation. It is therapeutic to discuss my situation and the steps I am taking against breast cancer. So here it is.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Inflation from 2 weeks ago
This inflation hurt just like the last one and I have had some sort of pain since. I even broke down and asked for stronger pain meds, which have helped.
I will post the video of the inflation soon, I want to edit it so there is not so much useless video. That will be coming soon.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
My expanders
My pain from my last inflation has decreased considerably but I hsve noticed, through out this whole process that certain areas on my breasts hurt more that others.
The expanders arent the same shape as an implant, its the shape of a half circle without such pointy corners. However, those corners do hurt! My cleavage and the outside breast seem to be the most painful, especially by touch. This pain will increase with each inflation.
The two weeks between inflations was a good thing, I didn't want to wait another week, but I'm not upset it delayed my progress. I will have another one this week and I will have another 2 weeks off because of the holiday. Even though another inflation is guaranteed pain, I am still looking forward to it.
Also, I rarely wear sports bras now. It feels SO much better with just a fitting/tight camisol under my shirt.
I will post more pics at the end of this weekend. ;-)
Monday, June 17, 2013
Last weeks inflation! 450cc's
450 cc's! I think 2-3 more inflations and I will be done! I'm fairly tall, athletic build, so I think my body can handle bigger breasts. Time will tell! I can always take out saline if I don't like them. :)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Staying positive through the pain
I feel like I have digressed many weeks. I get sharp pain on my right side when I move my arm above my elbow. I even needed help getting off my shirt and bra earlier and I have went back to all my button up tops and bras. I also feel pressure if I bend over to pick something up. Ibuprofen isn't really offering relief and neither did a warm bath. I hope after a day or two I will feel myself, my new self.
I will post updated pictures when I can actually take them myself. I won't have another inflation for 14 more days since the Dr. and PA aren't in the office next week. After this pain, I'm not too upset that I am putting off an inflation, it will give me time to really stretch and adjust to this new size.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Physical therapy and pain
I am enjoying how my clothes look with the size my 'breasts' are. I'm always wanting to share with people my progress. lol Even though inflations come with some pain and discomfort, I am still excited for more (not too much, though).
After talking with my sister this morning, the one that is a survivor, she was explaining to me that her implants don't feel much different than the expanders in. I hope that isn't the case. She had her surgery about 10 years ago so maybe its different. I'm going to see if I can ask someone that has had this done recently, a previvor.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Gaining momentum! Inflation Pics!
In addition to my additional 50 cc's, I had an appointment with my infectious disease Dr. and even though my blood work results were slightly higher than last time, it is still within normal limits. Whew! When I saw my results, I was so scared that the infection was coming back. The only thing that happened was an additional 30 days of antibiotics. I'm not too happy taking all of these antibiotics but the alternative is much worse so I will happily take my pill and swallow it!
At this point in my journey I am up to 400 cc's (150 I started with during surgery and 250 from inflations). I can't believe I have had FIVE inflations already! Consensus says I need at least two more! I say 3-4 haha
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
200 cc's! (Pictures)
So far, I've had 200 cc's of saline inflations and I was informed that I started off at 150 cc's when I had my surgery!!! A total of 350 cc's, baby! I've read on a few websites that 150 cc's of saline is equivilent to a cup size. That makes me a good sized B cup. lol I have another inflation tomorrow and then I will move into a C cup.. I'm excited!!
I've had some pain, but I think it is because my son is not careful around me anymore. His elbows, hands, knees, feet, and head seems to hit my left fooby multiple times a day, so I've been in pain.
Another inflation tomorrow! Usually it takes me a few days to upload pics because I have to scrub the marker ink off my skin where the Dr. is going to put the needle in for the inflation. I should just take a pic of that .. for the full effect! lol