Surgery #3 is Tomorrow - Silicone Implant Day

Tomorrow - July 30, 2015 - is surgery #3. I'm going in to get my tissue expanders removed and replaced with silicone gel implants. I'm very excited, but I am also trying to keep my expectations at a realistic level. I know that I might not be 100% thrilled with the outcome. They won't be perfect. They definitely won't look like my original breasts. But they'll be breast-shaped. I'll feel more normal. And I'll be on my way to resuming my life. I never lose sight of the fact that I am lucky, and that there are no guarantees - ever. No guarantees with the outcomes of surgery, and no guarantees in life at all.

I'm excited and a bit nervous too. But I'm definitely ready for an improved side view.

At my pre-op appointment with my surgeon, we talked about the placement of the silicone gel implants. I'm going to get shaped implants that are flatter on the top, to help compensate for the way I've expanded. My surgeon told me he thinks I'll be pleased with them and with the final placement, compared to where the tissue expanders sit on my chest.

My last saline fill was July 13, 2015. After each fill, I'd have 3 really sore days, then 3 pain-free days, then I'd head back to the surgeon's office the next day for my next fill. Today is my 13th pain-free day. I'm lucky that I've felt like preparing things and getting things done around the house to prepare for my recovery from surgery. I've spent most of this week trying to do preparations around the house. I've pre-scheduled all of the August household bills to be paid at the appropriate times. I've done all of the laundry. The dishes are done too. I sorted through some of the boxes left over from the move and tossed out some stuff I don't need any longer. I've tried to eliminate some of the clutter that's started to collect around the house. I've done school supply shopping. I even got my hair trimmed and washed today. I've got my anti-bacterial soap to shower with tonight and again in the morning. I don't have any polish on my toes or fingers, as instructed. My pain medication prescription is filled. I think I'm physically ready.

I also took some photos of my tissue expanders so that I can compare them once my swelling is gone. My tissue expanders have ended up being really high on my chest - too high to be natural breasts. They start expanding about an inch below my collar bones. My surgeon has assured me that he's not concerned about correcting the placement in my surgery. I can't wait to see the outcome - with realistic expectations.

Please say a prayer for me, and for my family, as we gear up to go in. I'll keep you updated.