it's been a crazy afternoon here...not related to me...it has become apparent that my neighbors are trafficking drugs. i put a call into the police and they were quick to get an enforcement team out with under cover surveillance. they made 2 arrests on site at around 9pm. my little building of 8 apartments is in a bit of a flurry. it's nice that most of us tenants have banded together and are taking action and reporting everything.
let the photo diary begin:
PRE-SURGERY
POST SURGERY - ABOUT 5 HOURS
DRAINS
DRAINS CLOSE-UP
CLOSE UP OF CHEST (LEFT) marking are where ps drew to define expander in case i needed a chest tube. he wanted to make sure the expander didn't get punctured. pink stuff is NOT a reaction. it is the colour of whatever they used to sterilize my chest.
CLOSE UP OF CHEST (RIGHT)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS 01
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS 02
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (RIGHT SIDE)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (LEFT SIDE)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (RIGHT NIPPLE)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (CLOSE UP OF RIGHT NIPPLE)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (LEFT NIPPLE)
3 DAYS POST-OP NIPPLE SPARING PBM WITH EXPANDERS (CLOSE UP OF LEFT NIPPLE)
so i was initially really freaked out when i first saw my chests. i was told and requested that my incisions be made in the inter-mammary fold. when i woke up, obviously i could tell that they did not make the incisions there. i made the nurse peel back my dressings because i was worried my nipples had been removed as well.
the ps made the call to change the incisions based on better nipple viability (less risk of rejection) and that i would have scars showing regardless of where they are. so something i still want to discuss during my follow up visit. i should have been told of the change pre-surgery or at least had the ps follow up with me shortly after surgery to let me know instead of having to find out myself.
either way, i am currently satisfied with the results thus far.
Thanks for sharing. My PBM with expanders is scheduled for 5/10 and I like to know what to expect emotionally as well as physically, so the pics really do help. I hope the rest of your recovery goes smoothly without any more complications.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel, Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteDee
My incision is very similar except mine is just under the nipple, and does not extend outward. It was the initial plan of my plastic surgeon from the get go, as it provides less scaring, and better possibility of good blood circulation. I will take pics and send them to you! :)
ReplyDeleteHow brave you are to share this - you look amazing! I have a BRCA Sisterhood group on facebook (stop by if you haven't already!) and I'm going to share this post on there - I know it will be very helpful to many others. Thanks so much for having the courage to share so openly - you should feel very proud!
ReplyDeleteRest lots and let people take care of you - hope you heal quickly!
Teri
im having the same but scars are going to be underneath running the full width of the breast.
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave, strong woman and I applaud you! Sharing this journey is cannot be easy, but what a fantastic way to support others in your position (be it voluntary or not). Best wishes on a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteHi. It's Trisha from BRCA Sisterhood. You are lovely, and I admire your courage. I pray you continue to heal nicely.
ReplyDelete