[Westcoastgirl]

Hi Ladies,
I thank you for responding. I have digested all you have said and feel easier in my mind.

Today was of course my "big" day. My portacath was removed and it feels as though it marks the end of all the major treatments. I was not at all uncomfortable during the procedure, I love my surgeon, just a few pricks for freezing and then not too nice a smell I guess, but not too bad, as he cauterized. He showed me everything that came out. I almost felt a breath of air as the catheter tube came out, odd feeling but nice. I felt free. I am quite pleased. I would often put my hand to my upper chest, cup the portacath, feel the heat and protection. There is nothing to cup there now. He said my scar would be pretty and it would flatten quickly. I am surprised at how well I feel. This is the first time I have allowed myself to truly celebrate during all of this so we went out for a nice lunch near home.

As I was leaving the hospital this morning I ran into my plastic surgeon and I told him I would be coming by for an appt so he could answer my questions. I like my ps as well and had him talk to the surgeon before the mastectomy surgeries. I am 5'6" and slim but had C cup breasts before. The surgeon left as much skin as he could from the mastectomies and my ps thinks he can go directly to implants without expanders. I want to go small (A) so the "good" side has extra skin and will have to be removed. I just want to look a little more feminine. It scares me to have the implant under my pectoral and I know I am more at risk for contracture after radiation. I also know I am unwilling to have any other type of surgery so I suppose will have to ask a lot more questions and weigh my odds with implants. I am going to take 6 months to make my decision and in the meantime concentrate on being happy, healthy, fit, strong, and flexible. Have I missed anything? Thanks again, Carolyn