Preventative Double Mastectomy & Reconstruction Results Update! What I regret from recovery ❤️

[@scsarah8669]

I’m brca 1 positive, I’m 36 and about to start the process of surgery. Thanks for making this video, it’s so reassuring to see people on the other side ❤

[@courtneyjennifer892]

I’m getting my double mastectomy + reconstruction later this year after finding out I’m BRCA2+. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@valerie.mccaffrey]

how did it go? 🫂

[@wz8729]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. As I type this right now my wife is in surgery for a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. My wife has the BRAC 1 gene mutation and stage 0 DCIS (Ductal Cancer). If you are woman reading this comment, PLEASE PLEASE make sure you have your yearly mammograms and perform Gene Testing if there is any family history of breast cancer. Because of COVID I am unable to be at the hospital with her during and after surgery. I just talked to the Surgeon and she told me that the removal went fine and there was no cancer detected in the preliminary lymph node examination. I was search for videos on cleaning drains and I came across your's. Your very detailed information has made me much more comfortable with handling my wives draining cleaning when she arrives home in a couple of days. Please keep posting videos with your recovery. Thanks again and all the best from New Jersey.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

You are an amazing partner for helping her with her drains & recovery!! Thank you for all the support ❤️ And yes, if you’re reading this - GET CHECKED! I’ll be wishing your wife a smooth recovery and I’m so sorry you couldn’t be in the hospital with her.

[@christinaest8975]

I am BRCA 2 positive which I found out after being diagnosed with breast cancer 3 months ago. I had a double mastectomy and currently with expanders. My next surgery will be in January 2022 to remove my ovaries, once I finished chemo. My husband and I have tried to convince for 10 years and getting my ovaries out means no more changes for us to have a baby, which breaks my heart. My last surgery will be the breast reconstruction. Still long time to go in this journey, and I pray God for strength and blessings to all those women who are going through this.

[@gabbysherrill26]

I’m brca2 pos with my sister having stage 3 lymphatic breast cancer at 25 and my other sister finding cancer during her prophylactic mastectomy at 23. So my doctors decided to start my surgery process a week after turning 20. Just had a premastectomy mastopexy and my mastectomy is in 4 months! Thank you for sharing your experiences and tips they help a ton💗

[@JenniferDeBolt]

I just had surgery December 3rd. My next one is December 14th for reconstruction. I've been enjoying your videos

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Wishing you a smooth recovery!!

[@autumnpiazza9027]

I’m 23 and am also BRCA positive. Your video is the most recent I can find that is most similar to my situation. My mom is also BRCA positive. I am planning to have the preventative surgery next year, direct to implant. During this journey, I have been told several times to wait until I’m between the ages of 25-30 to take this more seriously. But I don’t want to wait. Did you experience the same? I appreciate you sharing your story and it reminds me I’m not alone 💛

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I definitely did!! Several doctors told me to wait, but I pushed back. Be your own advocate - you are making the best decision you can for you! You definitely are not alone, and there will be a doctor who will happily support you on your surgery decision. ❤️

[@LifesLittleAdventures28]

I had my Mastectomy in Sept and just got my expanders out and fat grafting is done along with my implants placed in November. So my fat grafting and the implants done on the same day was a little rough. My grafting was taken from my sides and abdominal area. So the Part that was hard was the compressions garment that they place you well you have to unsnap the hook in the crotch area. So trying to bend and reach down was rough. But I was off the pain med in just a few days. So now I have to wear the compression garment and the same for the Bra for 6 weeks. So the grafting depends on where they take it from. And every doctor is different with what they give you to wear and how long they want you in it. Betty D

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Thank you!! This is so helpful!

[@astoldbylara]

Thanks so much for sharing. I’m preparing for a double mastectomy this February and found your tips to be helpful as well as your shared experience 1 yr post surgery 💞

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Wishing you a smooth recovery ❤️❤️

[@MrIvallena23]

Hey there. Surgery done on Dec 4 2020. I’m just past 3 weeks out and was internally stressing if I was ever going heal to the point I can get back to life. I can’t wait to be able to open the freezer door lol. I just wanted to pop in and say thank you for making these videos. It’s so hard to find information like this. I also had direct to implant and nipple sparing. Mine was technically a reduction since I was a 36N and now I should be around a C or D cup. Now I just need the patience to wait till they are done sorting themselves out to find out. Since I went down in size my nipple sparing is technically just skin grafts cut from my original nipples. They are the only maintenance I have to mess with current as for bandages and Aquaphor. The skin glue is still coming off slowly as I shower with more moisturizing soap. My biggest fear at this point is the liquid stitch popping.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I hope the rest of your recovery goes well!! The healing takes SO long I felt like, and I struggled with patience too. Everyone’s recovery journey is different but at least we’re in it together!

[@valerie.mccaffrey]

I'm having my mastectomy in a week and they're putting in tissue expanders. Thanks for you video!!!

[@햎희-m7g]

Hi there :) thank you so much for sharing your experience ! My mom is Brca1 positive. she got her oophorectomy and she ‘s going to have prophylactic mastectomy in May. She and I know it is the right choice but we are very scared and worried about it. Watching you getting better and doing very well makes me and my mom relieved .. still it’s pretty scary ,, anyway thank you for you videos and I wish you upload more videos !!

[@FindingInnerPearce]

It is scary, but she’s making the right decision ❤️❤️ You are so amazing to support her through it!

[@aliannavelez1043]

I found out I was BRCA 2 positive earlier this year, I am 27 and reason I found out was because my grandfather had breast cancer twice so the second time he got it which was last year they told him to get tested and than after he was positive my mother got tested and came back also positive so honestly I was kind of prepared for the results I knew deep down I most likely would have it , so when they told me I honestly wasn't in shock! It felt like it was a Blessing in disguise! I thank God for these tests . . I just seen the breast surgeon and cosmetic surgeon and I feel I am still nervous about this. I know I want to do it like 100% but for some reason it still scares me ! I think more of the not having much sensation scares me the most because I still have a 2 year old 😢 but I rather NOT have breast cancer . Thank you for all your videos , they help me so much ! Not a lot of people talk about this & I am glad your channel is for this ! Makes me also feel that I am not alone ! I haven't booked the surgery yet but the earliest they do have is January . I do have a few questions for you , *What size were you before surgery ? Did you decide to go bigger when chosing the implant? * How long did it take for your implants to settle and come down ? * When were you able to lay on your stomach after surgery? * Does it feel uncomfortable to lay on your stomach after having this procedure? * Do you love your breasts more than before ? Like do you feel they look normal ? * Does your breast feel fake ?

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I totally understand that feeling, it is so scary even if you’re 100% sure you’re gonna do it!! Before surgery I was a 32C, and I went bigger! I’m now closer to 34 D or DD. I honestly LOVE my boobs way more now than before! I never loved my originals, so personally this was an upgrade. It took about 3 months for things to start shaping up, and a full 6 to be done adjusting. After 6 weeks, most people are cleared to return to regular life! I honestly didn’t realize how much swelling I had for the first 2 months until I looked back at photos. I can lay on my stomach now, but it is a bit uncomfortable because the implants don’t move to the side, they kind of just stay there like balls/rocks 😂 but it’s not painful! They do make pillows specifically for laying on your stomach too ( look into billow). I had to sleep on an incline on my back for about 4 weeks - that was one of the hardest parts of recovery. But with the right pillows you’ll make it through! I didn’t even try to lay on my stomach for 6 months, but that would be a great question for your doctor! I’m guessing it will be at least 6 weeks. As far as feeling, they definitely don’t feel the exact same as natural, but they are soft and squishy! You should be able to feel an implant at your plastic surgeons office and that’s how they feel. They do feel cold to the touch sometimes, like sometimes ice cold, but not always. I have a bit of capsular contracture so mine feel a bit more “fake” in certain areas, but that may have been preventable if I had massaged properly.

[@Lookwhostalk]

I had a double mastectomy October 21 with expanders placed. Haven't experienced any pain only discomfort.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I hope your exchange surgery goes well!! And glad to hear you haven’t had any pain 💕

[@HennyCranberryy]

I had a breast reduction on Nov 20th & unfortunately developed a hematoma & had to get surgery again on Dec 2nd. Unfortunately, my breasts were so big I couldnt do direct to implant. I have to do 1-2 nipple delays once I heal from the reduction THEN my mastectomy with implant. I have a long road ahead & im only 28. I want to thank you because you inspired me to go through with this & hearing that a year later youre still doing well makes me hopeful & optimistic about the future. Also, in regards to fat grafting, ive been told it doesnt last in the breasts and it doesnt really give much of a size augmentation. However, since you only need it for contour irregularity, I think itll be a great option for you. If you do decide to go through with it keep us updated! Again thank you & best wishes💕💕

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Sending you so much love! I’ll be thinking of you as you continue your journey 💕 Thank you for the kind words, they made my day!! For fat grafting, that definitely helps to hear! I’ll def keep you updated.

[@laurencain5497]

May I ask more about your story. I’m waiting for my genetic test results but I’m trying to find out as much as I can. I’m a DDD and in my mid 30s. I’m not sure what that could mean for me.

[@emesass5959]

I am getting a Double Mastectomy but NOT reconstructive surgery. I can't imagine the pain reconstructive surgery being worth it.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I can understand that! For me, my breasts are part of my gender identity & expression so reconstruction was something I felt worth it - I totally understand it’s not worth it for everyone though! Implants are definitely not easy. I hope your recovery goes well! Going flat is valid and beautiful!!

[@emesass5959]

@@FindingInnerPearce Thanks. Is it a painful surgery, any tips? My mom had a left Mastectomy and her only regret was not getting both removed. I can still hear the Surgeon starting to tell her about reconstructive surgery and she stopped him after hearing about graphs etc.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

@@emesass5959 I will say surgery has come a really long way in the recent years! I didn’t need any grafts, just had implants. It’s was painful but manageable with pain medication in my opinion. Especially now with over the muscle implants ( mine are under) I’ve heard it’s an easier recovery. There are a few options such as fat grafting with implants or DIEP flap surgery which are other reconstruction options worth looking into.

[@claudiapodestaampuero5646]

Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience! Do you know how much does the surgery cost if the insurance doesn’t cover it?

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I’m not sure for everyone, and it depends on the surgery details - but they billed my insurance over $30,000. Most insurance covers the surgery if you have a gene mutation though!

[@PeartFan76028]

I had fat grafting! Let me know if you have any questions about the process.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Thank you!! I may reach out in the future when I’m looking more into it 🤗

[@brendacrivari3539]

I had direct to implants and both my breasts look different, may need fat grafting for left side..I be interested in knowing how your procedure went along with the recovery. Thank you

[@PeartFan76028]

@@brendacrivari3539 👋 Hi Brenda. I underwent preventative double mastectomy at 27. I had tissue expanders and then implants 3 months later. After that healed, there was some rippling on both sides, so my surgeon suggested fat grafting which took place 7mo later. It was not a fun time, but it heals so much faster than the other surgeries. Meds made it manageable. I was out of work for 1 week. I live alone and didn’t struggle to take care of myself. The fat was taken from my sides, so I had to wear spanx for several weeks. I had a couple small stitches where they took the fat and no scar at all. No complications, everything went great. The bruising was nuts and takes a long time to go away. Definitely don’t regret it though, because I’m really happy with the results. It evened them out, made them fuller on top and took care of most of the rippling. My surgeon is recommending another round because there is still some rippling (it’s normal to need more than one round) but I’m not going to. I am just happy that I had the opportunity to be proactive about my health tbh Hope this helps!

[@wem-c9f]

@@PeartFan76028 I am not looking forward to liposuction for my phase breast reconstruction. It looks so brutal and yes I heard more sore and bruises 😷

[@wendyinnis1975]

Will you make another video? I love your channel.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I definitely can! What are you interested in hearing? Another update?

[@wendyinnis1975]

@@FindingInnerPearce Yes, I would love to hear an update. Whether you like your implants or not, do you have any side effects from the surgery, etc. Thank you.

[@mrsdiaz614]

I’m 31 and brca1 positive. After thinking about it, I think I’m going to go with prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction. My only issue is health insurance. I have Medicaid and I don’t think they would cover the surgeries.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Sending you love! It’s a huge decision, and I’m so sorry insurance is being difficult. Many insurances cover preventative care, and this is considered part of that since you are BRCA 1 positive. If definitely talk to someone if you can! I’ve had issues with high deductibles recently and it’s unfortunate - part of why I haven’t had fat grafting yet.

[@mrsdiaz614]

@@FindingInnerPearce thanks! I actually called my insurance and they said they would cover the surgery, if my doctor deems it medically necessary and gives authorization

[@hrivers728]

Thank you so much for posting

[@jennifercole3079]

I am getting ready for a double mastectomy and i am wondering can i pick my cup size if i go right to implant. My whole family has had breast and other cancers. including me. i also have a son with downsyndrome and i am trying to find a silver lining i have always been small and think it would do great things for my selfesteem if i could go bigger.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I was able to go bigger! A few cup sizes. Definitely talk to your doctor about that option

[@polarbyrd23]

Im having my mastectomy in 2 weeks. Were you able to wipe your butt? im terrified id need my boyfriend to do it for me 🥺. Also how long after recovery could u work out? like yoga or bike riding?

[@lorrainesjourney9152]

Omg lol I have that same concern I'm having a masectomy next week I made a KZbin channel to follow my journey but this is a great question .hope your surgery went well

[@mrsdiaz614]

How was it?

[@leaharaee]

I am BARD1 not BRAC1. But because of my family history and Breast cancer hasn’t skipped a generation yet and we know as far back as my great great grandmother and her sisters. My gma has had it 2x and now my mother also. My aunt only 1x So because of that I am meeting with a surgeon and taking the steps to double mastectomy with reconstruction. Can I ask you where your scars are?! Also do you know the type of B-Cancer your mother & gma had?! Was it the estrogen fueled or the triple O??

[@FindingInnerPearce]

So glad you are considering a preventative mastectomy! Definitely make sure to chat with a couple doctors until you find the best fit. My cars are under the breast in the crease, and my family had triple negative breast cancer!

[@wem-c9f]

Did you have the implants over or under your pectoral muscles? What cup size were you originally? I am going to decide about this in few months time.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

Under the muscle! I was a 32C and am now 34 D or DD

[@wem-c9f]

@@FindingInnerPearce ah ok.. i dont have much breast tissue but most likely going with prepec... isn't animation a problem with under the muscles? I mean when doing workout and if the chest muscles contract, it does not show?

[@FindingInnerPearce]

@@wem-c9f it does! And it’s not super comfortable either. I personally don’t mind it too much since I’m not super athletic

[@wem-c9f]

@@FindingInnerPearce That’s good to hear. Thank you 😊

[@faithintheunseen1294]

@@FindingInnerPearce Hi, I’m having my surgery in November. (Nipple-preserving, no tissue expanders, under pec) Contemplating going a little smaller so as to prevent stretching / pain. The (plastic) surgeon’s assistant said we can discuss this @ pre-op & there will be a variety of sizes to choose from & the nurses will translate the cc’s into cup sizes so it’s easier to relate. I used to be 36C @ barely 5’ tall they were too big for my body. Had Reduction surgery in 2020 to a 36B & I only got one year w/ no “false positive” w/ breast mri biopsy. Strong family history. Would love your thoughts on the sizing topic; if going smaller might benefit in some way since I’m such a small frame.

[@angiecruz8707]

Having tissue expanders are no joke. As for me it’s the most uncomfortable thing .

[@lisadugum3699]

Do you recommend mastectomy if someone is not BRCA positive?

[@kcbooks1354]

I did the surgery because of crazy family history. There are more than just 2 genes involved so you may be positive for those.

[@munajedski]

Hi Danielle, did you have any issues with lymphedema? Also, is it an issue taking blood pressure or having blood draws?

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I did not, but I did keep all my lymph nodes so these are not an issue.

[@user-wy2ly2zl2p]

How many cc's did you get? I am recovering from a DMX and getting expansions weekly. My last one is this week coming up. I don't want to be to big or to small. I want to be a full c.

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I have 500 CC! Some of my friends who had expanders have said that the implants feel smaller than their last fill.

[@user-wy2ly2zl2p]

@@FindingInnerPearce Thank you so much! That is what I have heard as well. Your videos have been very helpful to me with this process. It is so hard to find other videos on here, so thank you for making this content💞Stay well and stay safe😊

[@FindingInnerPearce]

@@user-wy2ly2zl2p I’m so glad to hear it helps! Thank you for the support, I’ll be wishing you a speedy recovery from your DMX & exchange!

[@mustardalilseed6448]

I woke up from surgery with HEAVY pain from the tightness of the bra. Did anyone have to wear such tight bras for a month???

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I had to wear a tight bra, but it didn’t feel toooo tight. Listen to your body, if something feels wrong definitely as your doctor.

[@wem-c9f]

Oh my gosh I feel like a heavy bag is upon my chest and tummy a week post op… so tight and heavy.. wearing a soft bra which is 2 sizes bigger but still feeling that. Nurses says it’s normal. Sometimes I loosen the bra to get a bit of relief.

[@kellyvandiessen4939]

You do look like a different person. You look so much stronger and confident now :D Ahh haha, my sleep naked question is answerd haha. Thanks :) I am curious about the nipples. When i get my reconstruction they will make a fake nipple from my own left over skin.. I will also get a 3d nipple tattoo so it will look very real. I am curious how it will feel for me. They are making my new foob with my own belly fat. Can you tell us about the first few days after surgery?

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I personally kept my nipples, but have friends who had fake nipples from their skin and love the results! I also have friends who did DIEP are are so happy with the results. For me the first week was hard, but all worth it. I definitely needed help getting out of bed and I slept a lot! I spent the first 2 days in the hospital.

[@kellyvandiessen4939]

@@FindingInnerPearce Thanks again for the reply! So good to hear the results are very good! For me this is all totally new. I don't know anyone who has breastcancer/ masectomy etc. so this is a relief to hear :) My husbands works shifts and we have a 4 year old so i think it will be best if he is at home to help around for the first week then...

[@hrivers728]

Did you do chemo or radiation ??

[@FindingInnerPearce]

I did not! Mine was preventative

[@hrivers728]

Oh i see. Thank you for your reply :)

[@wem-c9f]

I had breast cancer few years ago had a single mastectomy and just finished with a DIEP Flap done. Next stage will be implant into the healthy breast and liposuction to even out both breasts. Body is still recovering ❤️‍🩹 hopefully very 🔜.