Journal entry by Amber Daye —
Heya! Everything seems to be progressing relatively normally. My pain continues to recede, and my mobility increase. I’m having some swelling, especially on the left side (you’ll see in the pictures, though I think the lighting makes it look worse than it does in real life), but so far no signs of infection. Swelling isn’t abnormal at this stage of recovery, although I’ll keep an eye on it. The fluid in my drains looks just like it is supposed to and there’s no redness or heat or pain.
The Place My Boobs Used to Be is basically numb. The surgery cuts and damages the nerves, and I won’t get full sensation back, though it will probably improve somewhat over time. This is why I chose not to keep the nipples - I likely wouldn’t have been able to feel much, if anything, and there are healing issues (they can DIE from inadequate blood flow and dead nipples frankly sound worse than numb nipples!), so what was the point?
My right side is healing beautifully! The left is still looking pretty ugly and angry, but again no signs of infection, and it was the side where the cancer was and a lymph node was removed. You’ll see in the picture it almost looks dirty - but I swear I’d taken a shower right before I took the picture! It’s just bruising and swelling. I’m keeping an eye on it. But not worried yet. The difference is pretty remarkable though!
Im feeling more and more like I want to postpone reconstruction and give breast-free living a try. I honestly am totally fine with my body like this, so far at least. Dating may be more of a challenge...but have you met me? It was already a challenge! Lol. And truth be told no one who was interested in me before was after me for my boobs...so...
The Place My Boobs Used to Be is basically numb. The surgery cuts and damages the nerves, and I won’t get full sensation back, though it will probably improve somewhat over time. This is why I chose not to keep the nipples - I likely wouldn’t have been able to feel much, if anything, and there are healing issues (they can DIE from inadequate blood flow and dead nipples frankly sound worse than numb nipples!), so what was the point?
My right side is healing beautifully! The left is still looking pretty ugly and angry, but again no signs of infection, and it was the side where the cancer was and a lymph node was removed. You’ll see in the picture it almost looks dirty - but I swear I’d taken a shower right before I took the picture! It’s just bruising and swelling. I’m keeping an eye on it. But not worried yet. The difference is pretty remarkable though!
Im feeling more and more like I want to postpone reconstruction and give breast-free living a try. I honestly am totally fine with my body like this, so far at least. Dating may be more of a challenge...but have you met me? It was already a challenge! Lol. And truth be told no one who was interested in me before was after me for my boobs...so...