Stage 2 is officially known as the operation to remove the tissue expanders and replace them with the "permanent" implants. My mastectomy was on March 14th, so the original thought was that I would be ready for stage 2 in October/November. As you know, I've had great success "expanding." Therefore, in June, Dr. Andochick mentioned scheduling the second stage operation as soon as late August, early September. I was very excited to hear that I may be "complete" before the new school year.
On Monday, July 2nd, I went in for what I thought would be my final fill. I was previously told that I would then have to wait about 4 months to do the exchange surgery. Monday was full of surprises! First, the doctor felt the skin and said it was getting thin, and we probably shouldn't do another fill. I was okay with that, and half expected to be told that. Then, I brought up that I am leaving for California on July 20th, so we would need to work out exactly when I would get the final implants. I offered to fly back just for the operation if I wasn't ready to leave Cali.
As soon as I said that, Dr. Andochick said, "Let's do the surgery before you leave then!" I was shocked to hear that this was even a possibility. Why do they make other women wait so long if it's actually possible to do this so soon?! Nonetheless, he had a last minute opening in his surgical schedule for Thursday, July 5th! I was so happy to know I would be able to do this before going home to California. One less thing on my mind while out there enjoying the sunshine.
So, here I sit in my recliner, once again, with 2 drains, and a very tight, temporarily deformed chest! The operation went well, and the new softer mounds on my chest are actually even for the first time in my life. He actually used a LEVEL (see photos) to mark the skin and get them even across my chest. I thought he was joking when he pulled that out! Ha ha.
THE DROP!
My new softer boobs are VERY high on my chest. They are practically on my shoulders. I was told they will drop and look better, but I wasn't told how long that would take. After doing hours of research, once again, on the web, I have concluded that it will be anywhere from 2 to 6 months before they drop to a "normal" looking position. That has caused a very small moment of pouting. I was just getting used to looking "stacked" with the expanders, and although they were uneven and hard as rocks, they looked pretty cool under my clothing. :-) I can only wait and hope that these implants turn out as nice looking.
While researching "the drop," I also discovered that scar tissue forming around the implants determines a lot! There are websites which recommend massaging them twice a day to prevent excess scar tissue and keep them soft and "flowing." These websites suggest starting the massage around one to two weeks after surgery.
There are at least as many websites which recommend against massaging, because it may prevent them from settling where they are supposed to settle, causing all sorts of problems down the road.
I've also read about complications with scar tissue interfering with the "drop." All this information has honestly made me miss my expanders, and wish I could have just kept them, since they looked half decent, and my body accepted them so readily.
For those of you about to go through all this, I only have 2 drains instead of the 4 I had during Stage 1. I don't have a morphine pump for the pain, so I definitely feel the pain much more than last time. Also, last time, I didn't take many muscle relaxers, because I didn't really see a reason for them, but this time, there is a big reason to take them! I don't want to develop capsular contraction. That is when the muscles squeeze or attempt to reject the implants. From what I've seen on the web, this can be very painful and cause many complications, including follow-up operations and severely deformed boobs for life.
Also, I don't feel quite as weak as I did after the first operation. I still have trouble with opening bottles, closing car doors, etc., but overall, I can do more than I could after the last operation. The doctor said not to push or pull anything, and not to lift anything heavier than a phone book. Honestly, a phone book would hurt right now. The sutures used to shape the boobs are what hurt when I move too quickly. Sleeping in the recliner is difficult, so I switch back and forth between the recliner and the bed. I'm not sleeping well at all yet, so that leaves me exhausted during the day. I think that I will be sleeping better a lot sooner than the last time.
Clothing is an issue AGAIN. Now that my boobs are on my shoulders (okay, not quite), I have no idea what shirts I can where other than regular loose t-shirts. I am praying they drop soon!
At least I don't have to worry about pulling a Madonna or Janet Jackson! There is a definite advantage to no longer having nipples. ;-)
With all that said, I am excited to be so far along in this process. The next phase would be rebuilding nipples, but that is still debatable as far as I am concerned. My next blog will be all about my nipple options.
Monday, July 9th, I go in to have the drains removed, as long as I don't have too much fluid coming out. My fingers are crossed! :-)
Overall, after the Stage 2 operation, I am feeling better than I did after Stage 1, and my outlook is much more positive, now that MY MIRACULOUS METAMORPHOSIS is almost complete! :-)
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