Whew! What a whirlwind of a couple weeks it has been! I was overwhelmed by the response to my last blog and was again reassured why I chose to be so transparent and vulnerable with my journey. It was surreal and nostalgic to hear from “BRCA sisters” from years past and friends both new and old. And I was absolutely astounded when I was fumbling around with the new blog app to find this:
WHAT?! My blog has been visited over 110 THOUSAND times by 62 thousand different people?!?! That took awhile to process!! I’m still shocked but am so grateful to know that for as therapeutic as it has been for me to share, it’s also out there helping others going through a similar journey and I’ve been able to pay it forward like others did for me.
The week before Thanksgiving was kind of a blur getting everything ready for surgery and wrapping up loose ends with work and school, while also celebrating this wonderful season of gratitude and the final pumpkin-themed everything of the year. Oh, and then decorating for Christmas so I would be holiday ready by the time I got back home! And let’s be real, getting in as many rounds of BodyCombat and spin classes as I could, complete with a “SquadGiving” ride! It’s only been a week since I’ve been “banned” from the gym and I’m already going a little stir crazy – ha! My amazing work family sent me off in the most wonderful fashion and I was enveloped in love from every angle, for which I am forever grateful! I also appreciate our shared sense of humor! 🙂
As for the actual surgery, I was first case last Monday (November 25) so it was a super early morning, but the benefit of the 0530 arrival time was I was back home at my parents by 10 AM! My team was awesome and everything went perfectly – Dr. Teotia (my plastic surgeon) was amazing as always and I am the proud new owner of Natrelle Inspira SCF-695 (smooth cohesive), round, silicone implants. My old/recalled implants were removed without any problems – Dr. T did say there was some fluid around them, but nothing to be concerned about and the pathology report was negative, thank goodness! So that is a huge relief to have behind me. My left side was ornery per usual, which required a revision to the pocket and a little more work (and associated pain!) than expected, but they look and feel fantastic. As anticipated, they are definitely a different shape and infinitely softer than my previous textured teardrop implants, which I am slowly but surely getting used to.
I was given strict instructions not to raise my arms above my head whatsoever for 72 hours so everything would settle and nothing would be pulled, so I embraced peak lazy! My parents never cease to be incredible and made sure I had everything I could possibly need, and more. We made the most out of a dreary weather week catching up on shows and watching holiday movies. I am so grateful for them both! And for my ferocious little guard dog who took “protective instincts” to a WHOLE new level. Bless his little puppy heart he never left my side (really my lap!) and made sure everyone knew he was ON ALERT!
I had my post-op appointment with Dr. Teotia this morning and everything looks great! My incisions are healing nicely and the new implants will continue to settle and go through the “drop and fluff” process over the next few weeks and months. The strict orders to do as little activity as possible for the 6 weeks after surgery were again reiterated and lest everyone around me think I can’t follow directions and be a compliant patient (#rude), I know how important it is (trust me, I do!!) While of course I’m counting down the days until I’m cleared to return to activities in early January, I’m still a little sore and get fatigued more easily than normal, so my plan is to take things day by day, hour by hour, and enjoy the holiday season… distractions welcome! My next follow up appointment is in 3 months – woohoo! I’m so glad to be “on the other side.”… again.
I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly grateful to each and every one of you that has been a part of my story. I am so overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me in the form of visits, phone calls, texts, gifts, flowers, coffees, and food, to name a few! Thank you for supporting me through this unexpected detour in my journey – while I can’t wait to put it behind me, I am again humbled and reminded of the beauty of the human spirit.
Happy Holidays and Cheers to 2020!