I didnt crumble when I received abreast cancerdiagnosis.
I felt brave, confident, and determined to be well.
She recommended removal of that breast and informed me that I couldopt for a double mastectomy.
Branislava Zivic / Stocksy
I made the decision for aggressive treatment quickly and without hesitating.
She was great, and prepared me as best she could.
But its one thing to read a pamphlet and another thing to put that pamphlet into practice.
The writer after reconstruction.
I learned a lot on my journeyknowing these things ahead of time would have made it easier.
I didnt quite realize how limiting that would be until I got home and tried doing normal things.
Youre really not supposed to do anything, not even lift your purse.
I “ordered a double.” (Get it?)
Some physicians will not let you shower at first, limiting your bathing to a tub.
Even if you’re able to shower, you cant lift your arms to wash your hair.
Its a little nerve racking to be expected to know what help youll need.
Heres where you’ve got the option to put them to use.
I started with the chores at home.
Some things can be absorbed by your family members, but not all.
There will be people who areoverzealous in their attempts to be helpful.
Be honest with a well-meaning friend if what she is offering makes you uncomfortable.
Dont feel guilty for saying thanks, but no thanks.
Reconstructionis a more complicated procedure than a standard augmentation and tends to require several surgeries.
Picture a pillow in a pillowcase.
Breast augmentation is like adding an extra pillow, filling the pillowcase until the seams are stretching.
Though they seem similar, expanders andimplantsserve different functions and look and feel different.
They are hard and stiff compared to implants, which will feel and appear more natural.
Simple solution: Have your armpits waxed pre-surgery.
It makes me think of waterbeds that are freezing when their respective heaters arent working.
Speaking of cold, most surgeons remove the areola and nipple as part of the mastectomy.
I find this an advantage of the surgery and that most women agree.
It is possible to keep your ownnipplesand areola.
It can take a while to get them where you want them.
The doctors tell you this but there is never any way they can completely understand what you envision.
Dont let the results on day one of the new implants scare you!
I looked lopsided and was very upset.
But they settled in evenly, yet smaller than I thought we had agreed on in the pre-surgery consultation.
Ask a lot of questions when you see your doctor and write down the answers.
Long after youve healed, you may feel some discomfort when you go to bed.
It has a medium level of supportsimilar to a bra for yoga, not for running.
If the sleep bra is not enough or not comfortable, usea body pillow.
When I lie on my right side too long, my sternum hurts.
A thin, soft pillow placed just along my side mitigates that pain for better rest.
Men are not so comfortable.
They want to lookits natural.
But trying to behave like gentlemen, they nervously resist.
Or they venture to get in a furtive glance.
Simply keep moving the conversation along without pause and they will regain composure quickly.
I am happy to give them a brief chance to find out the answer.
I am grateful for the women who went before me and endured far more invasive surgeries and prolonged recoveries.
Research has led to incredibly better treatment that continues to improve.
Ask for the specific help you need and dont quit asking until you are satisfied.
Thats what your recovery is really all aboutbeing nurtured andputting your health, and yourself, first.
Watch: The Realities Of Breast Cancer Treatment Nobody Ever Talks About
