Traditionally speaking the gift for a second anniversary is cotton. Don’t be surprised if I order a new sports bra to celebrate this momentous occasion.Happy 2nd Anniversary Foobs. In someways it seems like I’ve been a previvor forever. The decision wasn’t a difficult one for me but I recognize those that struggle with the choice. In others it feels like yesterday that I was eating beignets and drinking a cajun bloody mary with permanent marker all over my body.
There are a few things I wish I’d known prior to my surgery. In case you’re reading this about to go into surgery, just know, you’re brave and beautiful and I’m proud of you.
- It’s ok to take it easy after surgery. You don’t need to bounce back right away, or start walking, sweeping, cooking or cleaning. Healing is your most important job right now. Focus solely on that and the sound of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
- There is going to be an adjustment period. You might not think you were emotionally attached to those breasts and stretch marks. You were. It’s weird because while my stretch marks made me so self conscious before surgery, I miss them. They were physical reminders that four giant babies grew inside of me. My new foobs are great, so is my tummy (point excluded) but it definitely took me a whileeee to recognize myself when I got out of the shower or saw a photo of myself.
- Don’t be in a rush for the next stage/phase. I waited 12 weeks almost to the day to have my second surgery/revisions. There’s a little part of me that wonders if I’d waited until things settled if the point would exist and if lefty would have the weird flatness that occurs. Maybe in my haste to get through the phases I didn’t allow myself enough time to heal? Maybe I could have been stronger if I’d waited a little bit longer in between? Heck, hindsight is 20/20 but I’ll always wonder.
- Don’t buy new bras…yet. Wait. I know it’s super tempting to get into regular bras and clothes but just wait. Wear that horrendous surgical bra until the swelling is gone. Then buy all the bras and bralettes. Save your money sis.
- Ask for help. People want to help. They just need to know how.
It’s been so amazing to look back at various social media posts from two years ago to see how much support I had then and still have now. From my Tata to the tata’s party to facebook posts asking for thoughts and prayers, flowers from my online friends, presents to keep me busy while I was trying to recover. I’m forever grateful and humbled by the support. I have no regrets when it comes to having my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. None what so ever. I’m beyond thankful that I was able to reduce my risk of breast cancer from 87% due to my faulty gene.
Happy 2nd Anniversary Foobs! Glad to have you.