17 Weeks Post-Mastectomy
It's nearly 4 months since my mastectomy surgery, and almost 4 weeks since the implant surgery. It doesn't sound like a long time, does it? But it feels like so much more...
I was looking forward in my calendar this morning, because I needed to plan some work commitments. When I got to November, I found a note I'd written to myself to schedule my annual mammogram. I felt an odd contradiction of happy and sad that I'd never have to do that again.
The Implants
I'm still getting used to the implants - the "new normal". I wonder if there will ever come a time when I don't notice how different they feel from natural breasts. It's been an interesting anatomy lesson, because every time I use my arms, especially in ways which require a bit of strength or force (which I do frequently in my work) I am conscious of exactly which chest wall muscles contract correspondingly - I can feel them squeezing the implants (remember that the implants were placed under the muscle). Although much softer than the tissue expanders, it is still not comfortable to lie on my stomach. This is not a position I adopt regularly as I do not sleep that way, but I do it in certain yoga positions.
My Other Life
I am exhibiting at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach (I design & make jewelry) through all of July and August, which means I currently have an insane schedule. I am not exaggerating when I say that, during the show, I work more than 90 hours a week. So... no more posts until September, unless something newsworthy happens. If you happen to visit the show, please look me up in booth #223 and say "hi". Medically, I am at the point where both my surgeons are content to leave me alone until after the show, when they want to see me again for check-ups.
