I went back through my blog and reread about my entire experience and I was astounded at how quickly I was able to heal and get back on my feet. Since I had never had an operation before, I didn't know what to expect in terms of the healing process so this was a completely new experience for me. Looking back, I remember the discomfort from the tissue expanders the most and the grogginess from the valium. Getting out of bed in the morning took more than just a deep breath and popping ibuprofen became an everyday occurance. Overall, I have to admit that it was uncomfortable but very manageable.
I wanted to capture a few pros and cons about this surgery in the following bullet points to those that may be considering this as an option. I enjoyed talking and emailing those who have contacted me the past year after receiving the news that they have been diagnosed with LCIS and were trying to decide which approach to take. These may help summarize the ordeal:
- Con: The tissue expanders are uncomfortable and feel like an iron band around your chest. Make no bones about it. Sleeping on your back becomes the only way to fall asleep. However....
- Pro: They only have to be in there for three months (normally) so there is an end date to the uncomfortableness. Also, bras were unnecessary and I finally saw cleavage on my body for the very first time.
- Con: I gained 6 pounds and I cannot get rid of it. I tried to convince myself that it was the weight of the new implants but I know it is not. I am definitely back on my exercise routine but, for some reason, I lose 2 and then a month later, gain them back.
- Pro: I never have to do a pushup again....according to Dr. Bucky.
- Con: I have some scarring around my nipples and on either side of my boobs. They are pretty slight so I am hoping that, over the years, they will become less and less which seems to have happened in the last year alone.
- Pro: My breasts look like I had them augmented and not "replaced". In fact, at my 25th college reunion this year, my friend (male) was looking at me and I blurted out across the table, "Oh Steve, I forgot to tell you I had a preventative mastectomy which is why they are bigger. I didn't want you to think I had a boob job." Too much to drink? Perhaps...but I didn't want him to think I was vain enough to have a boob job. However, the vanity part has sucked me into plastic surgery big time on the next two pros.
- Pro: LOVED the eye lift surgery that I added at the last minute!! I get so many compliments from people saying I look younger! I promise you. It's the eyes!!
- Pro: Loved the removal of the "over 45 tummy roll that appeared out of nowhere" after the fat grafting was done. This is where vanity and I become best friends. I am now "all in" on Smart Lipo sometime in the near future if my thighs continue to not pay attention to exercise and reduce themselves.
- Pro: No more mammograms.
- Pro: Hopefully, I will never have to undergo chemotherapy or take any drugs because of breast cancer.
- Con: I lost my natural breasts and I am aware that there is something different on my body.
- Pro: I look and feel really good.
I will finish with one final story. All my life, I bought clothes that looked adorable on smaller breasted women since that was my body type. When I tried on clothes recently, especially sweaters and dresses, I would sometimes get annoyed that I was looking too "fat" since my breasts were so large (for me) and it gave the appearnace of a larger frame. Yesterday, I went out to celebrate the Boobie Birthday by purchasing some new clothes. My husband knew of my dilemna and suggested a new approach. "Honey" he said, "Think outside the box and try on clothes you never, ever would have considered wearing in the past. You have nice breasts so show them off" Good thinking!!!!! It was like "What Not To Wear" and I had to rethink my look since it had changed. I ended up buying a halter top dress and a strapless holiday gown; two dresses that I would never dreamed of wearing on my tiny, barely A frame.
So...thank you LCIS. In a weird way, you saved my life and gave me a whole new "look".
