melsamei's Cancer Blog
March 26, 2008
| Final Stages of Reconstruction | Views: 5828 |
I had my final stage of reconstruction on Monday. The nipple reconstruction. I can not imagine how I will look with the nipples. I am used to seeing myself without them. Also, I can not remember what I used to look like. The surgery was pretty simple however, I had a bad nurse that could not run the i.v. in my foot on the first try. It took her several attempts. Also, I was originally scheduled for this procedure as in office with local. I had to request general. I can not imagine being awake for 90 minutes watching the doctor.
It is amazing how quickly a year goes by. Last year, I was trying to decide on what type of surgery. I had not even considered mastectomy, let alone bilateral. Now, I have to concentrate on losing the 20 pounds I gained last year.
Where did the weight come from? It is extremely difficult to take off. I have been watching my diet and exercising but the scale does not budge.
I have been watching everyone else’s blogs even though I have not posted in a long time. The emotions have finally caught up with me and I am having a difficult time resuming life. The new normal is hard to accept. I now have some physical limitations. I have to be careful with my right arm. These are the things I never considered during treatment and I have to accept.
One day at a time.
Final Stages of Reconstruction, 
3 comments)
06.22.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
congrats on the new set of nipples. Hug sherri
Yes, breast cancer and chemo is rough on your body especially with the Adriamycin. I am glad it didn’t damage your heart muscle as it did mine. It works on your emotions also. I don’t know where the weight comes from either but it is hard to get off.
Hang in there. You have my prayers for a speedy recovery. Love and hugs, Joyce
I’m so glad to hear you’re in the final stages of your breast reconstruction. I have a long way to go since I had opted to do radiation and now have to wait a year for my skin to heal. I just had a prophylactic mastectomy about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Now, I have nothing! It’s pretty sad. Oh well. I’m looking forward to getting some cleavage someday. How did the whole process go for you? I had a lot of discomfort with the expander they put in on the right side. Does it get much worse? You can tell me the truth! Anyways, glad to hear you’re almost done with this phase of your life. Now the “normal” part is the next trick to get under control. I personally had to go and see a doctor because I was in such bad shape. Physically – I’m fine, mentally – I was falling apart over what’s happened to me in the past year. I am taking effexor (which doesn’t cause any weight gain). Anyways, don’t know what you think about this type of medication – but it does take the edge off and I’m living a much easier life now.
Take care and keep us posted Melissa.