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dande10277 
4:47pm Thursday
That is one of my favorite quotes. It is from Frank Herbert's book 'Dune'.
I had my first reconstructive surgery in July - it was a delayed reconstruction. I was afraid of a lot of things - of pain, of infection, of 'complications'. Considering all the complications I had with chemo, the feasr was not unreasonable.
I am very happy to say that I have had relatively NO pain. The surgery was initially a little more painful than the mastectomy; however, I only took two of the Norco pills they sent home with me and didn't need any more.
I have had 3 fills with my next one scheduled for September 21st. I started with 200 ccs in the expander and have had another 200 added (60 ccs, 60 ccs, then 80 ccs) with 260 to go before we reach the maximum limit of the expander. I can sleep on either side or on my back with absolutely NO discomfort. When I'm up and about I can barely feel the expander. I guess this bodes well for how I will ltolerate the implant after the next (and final) reconstructive surgery.
Fear is definitely the mind killer. Enough fear and you can't think rationally about anything. I only wish I had known this was going to be so easy and go so well. My next (and final) surgery will probably be in January or early February. It will involve a slight reduction in my left breast as well as replacing the exander with an implant on the right. They used the largest expander on the market for my new right breast; however, even at the maximum, my left breast is larger, so they will do the slight reduction to achieve symmetry.
I'm sure I will be scared right before the next surgery. Any time they put you under it is frightening because there are risks; however, I'm hoping to remind myself not to be afraid and to just look forward to completing this chapter of my life and to focus on the future, not the past.
If fear is the mind killer, then hope (or faith) is the mind saver or freer. I intend to focus on hope and banish the fear.
Comments
D - I am so glad that you are doing so well. When I was facing possible mastectomy (I ended up with a lumpectomy) I was telling myself I wouldn't get reconstruction. I happy to hear that reconstruction can go so well. I'll think of you on the 21st and hope all continues to move along well. Thanks for being here on DS. Smiles to you, Chris
Overwhelmed1203
Chris,
I hope the lumpetcomy does the trick and you never have to face the question of whether to reconstruct. I have a couple women friends here at work, one who chose to reconstruct and one who chose not to. They both seem pretty happy with their decisions and outcomes.
The way I look at it, some people go on vacation in the summer - visit the Grand Canyon or some such thing. Me? I grow a new breast. It's a kind of weird science experiment that is turning out better than I expected. It is definitely interesting. Being pain free is just a tremendous bonus.
I opted for reconstruction because I want to be able to wear 'regular' bras and swimsuits and not have to worry about fussing with prosthetics. Plus, I think I will feel better with the reconstruction and my other breast could certainly use the lift and tuck at the 'advanced' age of 48. Gravity is a bitch and NOT my friend. ;-)
- Diane
dande10277
You are a strong person. I am so glad that the surgery went better than expected.Your focus on hope and not fear is inspiring to me.
hope39