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Post by KikiPea on Apr 11, 2024 0:37:02 GMT
Hi, y’all!
I just wanted to give a quick update on the last year. Recovery is definitely the hardest thing that both DH and I have been through in our marriage. So glad we got through it! Everything has healed perfectly. I was supposed to have my last checkup this past Tuesday, but the Dr called and we chatted about how things were going. She said since I wasn’t having any issues, I didn’t need to come in, so I didn’t.
The only extended recovery “symptoms “ I am having is a rare moment of discomfort. My back and neck feel so much better. My clothes fit better (although now I’m dealing with trying to lose weight I gained taking Gabapentin in 2022, as well as a few lbs I gained during recovery. I’m really struggling with that at the moment. Getting old makes doing pretty much everything more difficult. UGH
The only annoying thing that I’m still dealing with is the bra strap on my right side still falling off. The great thing is, now I can wear more racer back bras, but they don’t work well under everything.
One of the best results of the surgery is no more underwires!!! We took a trip last year, and I can’t tell you how much more comfortable I was sitting in the car/airplane for long periods of time. Best feeling ever!
Anyway…that’s it! I cannot believe that I was able to finally go through with it, and that I’m already a year post-op! Crazy!
I want to thank all of you for your support, that helped with all of my questions, and shared your stories. You all were part of what made me decide that it was worth it, whether insurance paid for it, or not. (They did NOT. Grrr)
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Post by quinlove on Apr 11, 2024 0:55:21 GMT
That is wonderful to hear. I know it’s scary to have elective surgery, but you made the hard decision and followed through. And, it all turned out great. Please don’t beat yourself up over a few extra pounds. You are a beautiful person - just the way you are.
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Post by Lurkingpea on Apr 11, 2024 0:57:15 GMT
Great update! I think it is ridiculous insurance won't cover it, but glad you got it done and feel better.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Apr 11, 2024 1:04:57 GMT
Technology is so much better than when I was 16. I was the surgeon’s youngest patient. Healing young is much easier. I do know everything you are going through and am thrilled you are pleased with your results. That is just so exciting. Remember no big stretching.❤️
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Post by Zee on Apr 11, 2024 1:12:12 GMT
I'm glad you're seeing the benefits!
What made it hard on your marriage, do you think? I guess my husband is just used to be having surgeries by now but he loves being the caregiver when I'm incapacitated so it seems to bring us closer rather than being a strain.
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Post by KikiPea on Apr 11, 2024 1:28:29 GMT
I'm glad you're seeing the benefits! What made it hard on your marriage, do you think? I guess my husband is just used to be having surgeries by now but he loves being the caregiver when I'm incapacitated so it seems to bring us closer rather than being a strain. It didn’t really make it hard on the marriage itself, it was just tough on both of us, as we’ve never had to deal with anything that complicated. He was working from home, while dealing with our dogs, all meals, ME and my drains. 🤪 It was just a lot, and sometimes I felt bad, like I was a burden, even though I know I wasn’t. We’re all good, and he took fantastic care of me! |
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Post by Zee on Apr 11, 2024 3:19:43 GMT
I'm glad you're seeing the benefits! What made it hard on your marriage, do you think? I guess my husband is just used to be having surgeries by now but he loves being the caregiver when I'm incapacitated so it seems to bring us closer rather than being a strain. It didn’t really make it hard on the marriage itself, it was just tough on both of us, as we’ve never had to deal with anything that complicated. He was working from home, while dealing with our dogs, all meals, ME and my drains. 🤪 It was just a lot, and sometimes I felt bad, like I was a burden, even though I know I wasn’t. We’re all good, and he took fantastic care of me! Aww I'm so glad the worst is behind you now! I remember after my mastectomy not being able to wash my hair or open the sliding back door. That was definitely hard. He had to get in the shower with me and wash my hair, help me take my bandages off, and help me put on and take off my compression garments after a fat transfer (part of the later reconstruction). I didn't feel like a burden though because I'm usually the caretaker and i know he secretly loves to be needed and probably enjoyed the turned tables despite the circumstances. Lol. It all feels like so long ago! I don't ever want to be so dependent on someone ever again. The not washing my own hair was the hardest. |
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Post by Lexica on Apr 11, 2024 5:10:42 GMT
My sister had it done several years ago. She was a nurse and said the recovery period was so much more painful and lasted much longer than she had expected. She ended up sleeping in her recliner and said getting up to pee was horribly torturous. She even remarked if someone would have brought her diapers, she probably would have used them.
I have to say, for being a nurse, my sister has always had zero compassion for anyone suffering in any way. I was so surprised that she went into nursing. Well, except she confessed years later that she was really planning on dating every single doctor. She did end up marrying one too. And after having this procedure and experiencing a surgery, her first surgery ever, she quickly developed an understanding that yes, her patients really were in pain, not drug seekers, and yes, a few were traumatized to the point of tears from whatever surgery they had received. She thought she would be back up and doing normal things by the third day. I think it was very fortunate that she had the surgery, not only because her breasts were causing a great deal of discomfort, but she developed empathy too.
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Post by christine58 on Apr 11, 2024 10:05:03 GMT
KikiPea. Yay! I think your experience is a little bit different than mine. I had 10 pounds removed and did not have drains which was wonderful. My recovery went really well, but I would say after about three weeks things got a lot better. My insurance paid for it because I met the whatever scale they use. I had to try on quite a few different bras to find the one that I really liked.
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Post by liya on Apr 11, 2024 17:57:40 GMT
I am so happy you are happy with the results. I think a year ago I might have posted on your thread that I was thinking about having surgery also. I still have not. I just got an all clear from a second breast cancer scare. I have the referral for a plastic surgeon so I just have to make the call. Someone push me to do it. LOL.
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Post by KikiPea on Apr 11, 2024 18:22:42 GMT
I am so happy you are happy with the results. I think a year ago I might have posted on your thread that I was thinking about having surgery also. I still have not. I just got an all clear from a second breast cancer scare. I have the referral for a plastic surgeon so I just have to make the call. Someone push me to do it. LOL. I’m so sorry about the scare, but happy to know all is well! Do it!!!!!! |
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
Posts: 5,521 
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Post by jayfab on Apr 12, 2024 0:07:10 GMT
Holy Toledo it's been a year already lol. Time sure flies. I'm glad you're doing well. Keep trying bras, you'll find a favorite I'm sure. My faves 1.5 years after surgery are Warner and Honeylove. They are so comfy for me, I barely feel them. Before surgery I would tug and pull at my bra all day.
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Post by KikiPea on Apr 12, 2024 1:14:14 GMT
Holy Toledo it's been a year already lol. Time sure flies. I'm glad you're doing well. Keep trying bras, you'll find a favorite I'm sure. My faves 1.5 years after surgery are Warner and Honeylove. They are so comfy for me, I barely feel them. Before surgery I would tug and pull at my bra all day. Yes, can you believe it??? I waited SO long for it to happen, that I am just in disbelief that it’s been a year already. I need to try Honeylove. It’s been on my list to try, I just haven’t yet. Bras you can’t feel are the best! |
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Post by christine58 on Apr 12, 2024 11:06:35 GMT
I am so happy you are happy with the results. I think a year ago I might have posted on your thread that I was thinking about having surgery also. I still have not. I just got an all clear from a second breast cancer scare. I have the referral for a plastic surgeon so I just have to make the call. Someone push me to do it. LOL. My plastic surgeon was in the Pittsford NY area. He is well known among many other doctors. When I mentioned it to my dentist who was doing the surgery, she knew exactly who he was. I know you’re near me in the Rochester area. His name is Stephen Vega. I went to him, my cousin went to him, my niece went to him(notice a pattern lol) |
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Post by liya on Apr 12, 2024 14:46:16 GMT
I am so happy you are happy with the results. I think a year ago I might have posted on your thread that I was thinking about having surgery also. I still have not. I just got an all clear from a second breast cancer scare. I have the referral for a plastic surgeon so I just have to make the call. Someone push me to do it. LOL. My plastic surgeon was in the Pittsford NY area. He is well known among many other doctors. When I mentioned it to my dentist who was doing the surgery, she knew exactly who he was. I know you’re near me in the Rochester area. His name is Stephen Vega. I went to him, my cousin went to him, my niece went to him(notice a pattern lol) Thanks! I am in Rochester. My cancer surgeon (just had a lumpectomy-so still have giant breast-LOL) referred me to Dr. Kubiak but I can check them both out  |
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Post by christine58 on Apr 12, 2024 15:59:09 GMT
My plastic surgeon was in the Pittsford NY area. He is well known among many other doctors. When I mentioned it to my dentist who was doing the surgery, she knew exactly who he was. I know you’re near me in the Rochester area. His name is Stephen Vega. I went to him, my cousin went to him, my niece went to him(notice a pattern lol) Thanks! I am in Rochester. My cancer surgeon (just had a lumpectomy-so still have giant breast-LOL) referred me to Dr. Kubiak but I can check them both out I was pretty sure you were in the Rochester area. The guy went to is well-known in the breast cancer reconstruction community too. Apparently I’m sure either one is good |
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