Same shit different day: week 2-3 post op from my double mastectomy

If no one told you, the first 2 weeks post-op suck. You're in pain, or sore, or uncomfortable, your drains always feel like they're in the way (even with holders), and your mind is mush.(be prepared for poor punctuation and spelling errors) Hysterically, I truly believed I would be productive while healing. HA! I have all the time in the world (yes I'm childless, so, for all the mamas out there going through this, you are SUPER HEROS) but, I can NOT seem to do anything. I find myself mindlessly scrolling Instagram, while watching television at the same time, while trying to read, but really cant do any of the above. Before I had surgery I asked everyone I knew how long I would be miserable for and everyone had a different answer. I'm here to tell you, 2 weeks of awfulness await.

One thing I wasn't prepare for...drains are so irritating!!! I have drained 75-40 cc of fluid daily for the first two weeks (for my girlies that want to know) and while I have holders, even wearing clothes is challenging. Sweatpants and zip up or button up shirts have definitely been the most comfortable but I LOVE these (cute to go out in public but still functional) I'll be doing a full blog on this but the most helpful gift I received especially during the first 2 weeks of healing was DEFINITLY this recovery bundle from Brobe. It's pricier but I can assure you, I used everything and the robe was amazing.(reviews recommended you size up and I would agree) You can also see the drain through your skin.(not cute)

As I rounded into my third week I finally started to feel like a functioning human and guess what?! My drains were moved today!!! I truly don't believe I've ever felt such an immediate shift in energy and hope as when they came out of my body. Pulling up my shirt and buttoning my pants without them being in the way for the first time was truly amazing and gave me a crazy sense of relief and hope for the first time since surgery.

Okay lets talk tissue expanders...

Tissue expanders are devices used in breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. They are temporary implants that create space for a permanent breast implant The process of using tissue expanders typically involves several steps:

• Placement: The tissue expander is usually placed during the initial mastectomy surgery and is positioned under the chest. This was true for me. I'll be honest, they are awful and the worst thing PHYSICALLY about this procedure. You can feel every inch of the expander in your body. I usually tell people, "Its like nails on a chalk board but in your body" You can also feel and hear them outside of your body.(think crinkling of a think plastic bag) I am currently enjoying seeing the discomfort in everyone's face as I force them to touch them haha (you have to find the humor and fun in this somehow) Below is a video of what they look like.

• Inflation: After the initial placement, the tissue expander is gradually inflated with air initially and ultimately saline solution(which I will start Friday)in a series of appointments. This process allows the body to adapt and create space for the final implant. The inflation is typically done through a port in the expander, which is accessed with a needle. Thankfully I don't have much feeling in my chest YET ( I will talk about this more later) so the needle doesn't hurt at all, just pressure as it expands.

• Monitoring: During the expansion process, you'll have regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to monitor progress, adjust the expansion, and ensure that you're comfortable. I've gone weekly to monitor and inflate my expanders. First week: 30cc 2nd week: 60cc Today: 60cc. Due to the expanders being filled with air vs saline for the first several appointments I have found they deflate as the week goes on (its normal)

• Exchange: Once the desired size and shape are achieved, the tissue expander is typically exchanged for a permanent breast implant in a surgical procedure. This can usually be done as an outpatient procedure. Also known as reconstruction and I will have mine November 9th!

I'm reminding myself daily how lucky I am to take care of this before it took care of me and telling myself this was the right decision when I have doubts. Tits up buttercups! Feel free to ask questions or share your story as well!