The Aftermath...... 6 Months Later

So, I have done a lot of explaining what to expect before and just after a TRAM Flap surgery, but I haven't really covered how it feels. I am just over 6 months out from my surgery and all of my other issues aside, I feel great ! I am back to work, pretty much like nothing has happened. I have noticed  little bit that my stomach muscles are not quite what they used to be. For example, if I am going to sit down in a chair, it is more of a drop and less of a graceful motion. :) I am not sure if that is due to the hernia, lack of toning or if that is just how it is going to be. I think that once all of this other business is taken care of and I can exercise a bit, the muscle will (hurt) begin to tighten up and won't be so loosey-goosey. I still have the fluid build up going on, so my tummy is not as flat as I would like it to be. I might go back to the massage after this next surgery and see if that might get things moving. My stomach is still a little numb, mostly around my belly button. My surgeon fixed that area when he removed the scar tissue, so that may be due to the repair more than the TRAM surgery.

As far as my breasts go, they look AWESOME ! I literally have my "20 year-old" boobs back ! I am very pleased with how they look. The scars are fading quickly. I think that after another six months or so, they will be really hard to see. Not like I am going to be showing them off or anything, but they are looking more "normal". They are still a little bit numb in some areas, my right side more than my left. Overall, I am getting the feeling back in them, meaning that if I pinch myself or scratch myself, I feel it, but it is not painful. It is weird because sometimes I will feel an itch and I literally can't scratch it ! I try, but I can't really tell what I am scratching. There is no sensation in my breasts or nipples when they are touched. Not that I expected anything, just confirming that all of the info that you may have read is true.

What I have been through I *hope* is not typical. I think that most people would be feeling pretty close to 100% at this point. I had no issues, I think that I would be there too, just all of these pesky complications keep coming up and setting me back a little bit each time :)

Pink and Blue Movie

Recently, my family members were asked to participate in a documentary being filmed called Pink and Blue Movie.  BRCA affects both females and males. When we think of breast cancer, we mostly think of women, but men can develop breast cancer too. Please check out the movie's website and "Like" the Facebook page here to keep up with the progress of this awesome project !!!

The "Worst Case Scenario" patient

Side Effects:

Swelling...............................Check
Seroma.................................Check
Delayed Wound Healing......Check
Lymphedema........................Check
Scar Tissue...........................Check
Hernia...................................Check

What's left ?

OK, so remember that "bulge" in my abdomen ? I was having some pain and discomfort and the ER doctor said that it was a hernia. Great. My doc ordered a CT Scan and then I saw him the next day. He said "Good news. No fluid collection and it is not a hernia, just weakened muscle". Unfortunately, there is no way to resolve this other than going back in for surgery again. This is a total bummer, but I was expecting it, so no big surprise. I would be sooooooooo happy if this gets resolved and I have no further issues. It would be so nice to get through this and then move on with my life.

I feel like I have been in a holding pattern for the past 6 months. Once I get through one thing, there is always something else to get through, then something else. When I am feeling down about how long this recovery is taking, I just tell myself that it will be so worth it in the long run. My chances are so much better because of this surgery. Yeah, it really sucks right now. All that I want is to feel normal again. No more aches and pains, no more bulges. I'll get there. I'm trying to be patient, but sometimes that is easier said than done.