It's been 6 months since I had the swap surgery to remove the very uncomfortable yet functional tissue expanders under my pec muscles and replace them with silicon implants. I recovered quickly from this surgery, in spite of an anesthetic hangover that lasted 5 days.

As the swelling decreased and my body settled into it's new shape my left breast just didn't look right.  Now, under high necked clothes everything looks great, but put on a swim suit or lower cut top and things look unnatural....now, you might be thinking, hello MountainGirl - it's silicon, how natural can that look?  We'll, let me tell you, darn natural.  My right breast is truly a a work of art and gorgeous. (Dad, I'm sorry, I'm sure you are blushing as you read this, so please sign off if need be....)  Dr. Hartley (aka Dr. McIronMan) is gifted, that is for sure.  

Over the last couple of months I went back in forth in my head about whether to leave it as is, or have it fixed.  One day I just looked in the mirror and decided if I've done all this work to avoid a new primary breast cancer and to be reconstructed, I might as well get things how I like them.

On Monday I go in for a procedure that will first remove some scar tissue bands that are unsightly, and to add some kind of mesh around the edges of the breast to soften the edges.  (Right now there are a few more dramatic angles than one would find in a typical breast, including my own reconstructed right one.  Yup, angles and breasts don't go together!)

I was hoping to finish up soon with the last two (let's hope it's only two) lengthy office procedures that would close this chapter on the reconstruction, but I found out I'll need to wait a number of months before proceeding.  Entering into this I knew the process would be long, but of course, it always feels different when you are in the middle of it.

Keep your fingers crossed things go well, and I will not be in a fog for a week do to the meds, that was the hardest part last time!