From the other side of reconstruction...
 

Well ladies (and gents) I'm on the other side of my proph mastectomy with bilateral DIEP reconstruction - WOW what a ride! That surgery is not for the faint of heart, it is no picnic. But NOW, I'm already feeling so much better (1-week post-op) and just on Tylenol for pain. Hoping to get my last 3 drains pulled today, which will make life much easier. Already loving the results, and got the pathology on my "good" breast - no cancer, all normal breast tissue - YAY! Still glad it's gone though. Ended up bigger than I went in!
Anyway, just wanted to share with some of you that are thinking of recon.Glad to be back in the land of the living and catching up with all of you.

Jener8er,
did you use watson?

Jen,

I am also in Cal. Who was your surgeon? I am glad to read that you are doing so well!!

Lexi

Thanks for the update--and insight. I am glad to hear that you are doing so well. I have just been advised late last week that my surgery date is scheduled for July 24th. After much thinking and researching, I've decided [I think] that I'm going to do the same--proph bilateral. I admit I change my mind regularly, but that is my intention for the moment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sherri

Hi girls, my breast surgeon for the mast. was Dr Books at Revlon UCLA and my PS was indeed Dr Watson at UCLA - I love that guy, he's amazing! Fire away with any more questions you have.

Diep
 

I too had bilaterals. One proph. Had DIEP reconstruction at same time. You're right, not for the feint hearted but totally totally doable.

I had my surgery in Baltimore. Dr. Chang now at Mercy Medical, previously at Johns Hopkins. He's been doing this surgery for quite some time at JH and I was very very disappointed to find out he left there. So happy I was able to track him down at his new hospital.

Good luck to you as you continue to heal.

Ginagce