MY DECISION TO UNDERGO A PROPHYLACTIC SKIN SPARING BILATERAL MASTECTOMY

After much discussion with my husband, I finally came to a decision about which type of surgery I would have.


I decided to go with the breast implants.

Basically-the option of using my abdominal fat and tissue was just too risky and the recovery was too long.  I have a heart condition (WPW) and I we were concerned with how my heart would handle 8-10 hours on the operating table.  In addition, I have 4 kids at home, how could I possibly be out of commission for 12-16 weeks. 

Not only that...I forgot to mention that option 1 (using my abdominal tissue) would require a hospital stay of one week.  I would be given an epidural that would remain in place for 3 days minimum to manage the pain, plus a pain pump.  This really freaked me out!  How could I have an epidural for 3 days straight!  Toooooo Risky for me!

Option 2 (Implants) was a day surgery, no overnight hospital stay at all.  I was assured that I would wake up with new sexy breasts, stay in recovery for a couple of hours and then go home with some good drugs!

I went back to see the surgeon to let her know what I had decided.

We went over the pre-op, and post-op care.  She said that I would be in bed for 1 week, then getting up in week 2.  By week 3 I would be starting to help with kids lunches and light duties and by week 4 I would be driving them to school and preparing light meals.

She advised that I would need a care giver for weeks 1 and 2.  I would need to someone to bathe me, dress me, and administer my narcotics for pain relief. 

After the surgery we would wait about 3-4 months before reconstructing and tattooing my nipples.  This is so my breasts have time to settle into place and I have time to make sure I am happy with the size.

My husband took 2 weeks off from work to care for me and our 4 children.

I am going to tell you that we were 100% not prepared for what would happen next!



Previvor