Hello Jane,
I have to admit, by the time I scheduled my mastectomy, I had 5 biopsies, three of which were cancer and the others atypia, so I was in a hurry to make decisions and get the cancer out. When I found out I had to do the double mastectomy, I jumped at the chance to have the nerve sparing option. I was really scared to get the drains out and was so relieved it truly did not hurt at all. Next, I was scared to look the first time those bandages came off. I did cry a little at that point, it's a lot to process. But I was so happy and amazed as everything healed. I did not have chemo or radiation, which I'm sure would make a difference.

I healed slowly, and had to have a very short second surgery to close up a part that wouldn't heal (which was a quick, easy surgery). Given this experience, I would think if they had done the whole reconstruction at once without the expanders, I would have had more issues. I was back to work after two months (I also had an oophorectomy during that time to be on an AI). I haven't had to take any more time off. My work involves lifting heavy boxes of paper, and I was careful. If I felt I overexerted the incisions, I stopped. I was able to do my work as long as I was sensible. Everyone is different, so make sure you listen to your body and rest when needed (easier said than done!). The expanders don't bother me. At times, it is either my scars or the expanders that get itchy, but it doesn't bother me a lot. I would be fine living like this. Once the incisions were healed, they recommended SPF scar cream (I use Mederma) on the scars, which I do daily. They have lightened considerably. I didn't know sun could go through clothing and darken the scars.

I have most of my discomfort and fatigue from what I'm guess is the letrozole. The expanders have not affected my activities. I go about life as if they are part of me. I wear normal bras (no underwires) and they fit! I only have a zing of pain when I overdo lifting, but everything is so nicely healed now. When I had the saline fills (I had 3), I was giddy happy because the inside of my arms could feel the sides of my chest again. I was and still am a size B. I could not feel anything during the saline fills, but I'm guessing others who have more feeling from nerve sparing might feel it more. After each fill, I was elated at the result.

I am waiting for the implant surgery solely for my FMLA time to kick in again.

The implant surgery doesn't worry me since going through the mastectomy. I know the surgery for the implants is much shorter than the mastectomy. They go through the incisions under the breasts. I cannot even see those looking straight on. I was told 4-6 weeks for healing after the surgery, with the same restrictions as before (reading and television watching only).

I am SO glad I did this now...but I won't say I didn't have second thoughts after the mastectomy. I felt a bit selfish for doing the reconstruction because of the work time off, but living my life today, I feel so grateful and grateful for Dr. V and her team. They really take care of you, and walk through it with you. You are in good hands. Please let me know if I can help answer anything. I wish you all the best.