Exchange Surgery

Sorry I haven't been more on top of my post but lots has been going on! For now I'm just blogging about my exchange surgery!

On the days leading up to the "big" day I felt super excited and anxious. I wasn't sure what to expect. My doc said this surgery would be a lot easier than the 1st (which wasn't that bad) so that put me at ease..... I had my pre op on the 6th and surgery was scheduled for August 9th! I met with the PA and we went over size, shape...etc. I explained to her that I wanted fullness. That was it. I was happy with size and maybe a D would be good instead of the DD's the expander's were. She agreed and said they would most likely be around 600-650cc's. I was happy with that!

Surgery Day!
The day was here...the end of all this. My final phase. So surgery was scheduled for 1:30pm which meant I needed to check into the hospital at 11:30am. I get there, register and then wait for a nurse to call me back to get me ready for surgery. The nurse comes out; calls my name and tells my husband to wait here until they have me situated. Then he can come back. We kiss and I'm off! As we walk through the doors she says that Dr C. is running ahead of schedule and I will be going in as soon as they prep me. So....things went FAST!!! That kinda made me nervous.....I really didn't like being rushed but, I didn't complain....I was too nervous...lol! Anyways, they get the IV in and Dr C. comes in to mark me .....Then...I see my wonderful husbands face and I feel a sense of calmness.....Just seeing him made me realize....this is why I am here...to live! For him and my kids. Dr C. leaves and the Dr who will put me under comes in to ask a few questions. Then gives me my IV cocktail! Yup, now I feel sooooo goooood! And as fast as that I'm off the the operating room where I get some oxygen and that's all I really remember.....hahahaha! The next thing I know is I'm in recovery. I had slight pain on my sides but that was all. I tell him I have some pinching so he gives me a shot of narcotic...yuck!!!!! I HATE pain meds!!!!! About an hour later we are released!!! I get home around 5:30pm and lay down....I feel great only I'm super nauseous from all the medications. I have no pain, no discomfort and full range of motion (I was shocked)! My aunt came to visit and I was really nauseous still so I wasn't a great host.... I tried to sleep the meds off the rest of that evening.

The next day.....Day 1
I woke up at 5am! Feeling really good. Still no pain, no discomfort and full range of motion (FYI- till this day... I have never had pain, discomfort and was able to move my arms like before surgery ) I ate, walked around and even held my baby. This was really an easy surgery. I still didn't know what he did and how much was in. I was bandaged up so I couldn't see anything!!! but, I was driving by Saturday!

Post op!!!!! Reveal Day!!!!
I'm so anxious...I can hardly contain myself....I mean.... I felt like puking, I was excited...you get the picture hahaha. I went through all this and its almost over!!! The Dr's PA walks in and examines me....takes off the bandages and I get a peek at the FOOBS!!! WOW! So high and round! I love them....Still not settled completely but boy do they look goooooood! I ask...."Sooooo, whats the final number" 700cc's!!! Wow, really!! So I have High profile 700cc Silicone Implants. Nice!

Today; 12 days post exchange surgery and 3mo since my Bilateral Mastectomy.....
I feel great! Like I never had anything done! I went bathing suite shopping today and love my body! It's perfect! It's like having a built in push up bra! Its so amazing!!! I love them! It was a LONG process and my emotions have been pushed to the limit....but, I'd do it all over again. This saved my life. No question. Through this whole process it's made me think.....how did my mom do it???? She was really soooo strong and it must have been so hard for her. We were young and I'm sure she wanted to live. I have the chance now to live a long life due to amazing Dr's and medical breakthroughs.....My life will be long and full of joy. I promise to enjoy every minute of it....We have woman fighting the battle everyday. Lots are still loosing their lives and leaving behind families. It's devastating. It devastated my family tremendously. I can't express how blessed I am.....I can't even describe how I feel. I'm grateful.....extremely grateful.

Denise xoxo!