On 11/13/13 I had my DIEP surgery with my right breast mastectomy. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days. I don't remember much of that time. My Aunt took me that morning for the surgery and it lasted about 10 hours. I did really good and I love my plastic and breast surgeon. They are the best. That Friday my beast friend came into town to give my Aunt a break and stay with me. I love Paula. She was the one who told them to up my pain meds at night then back them off during the day so I could get around. She even helped bathe me, now that is a true friend. Richie came once when I was there and it was pretty awkward. At this point I knew I didn't want to be married anymore and had told him so. Once I came home I only had one drain in and it came out pretty quickly. I am so happy that I decided to go to Duke and have this surgery. Once I was cleared to drive I started to get around but became tired pretty quickly so I learned to listen to my body and sleep when I needed to. Tyler of course did excellent with my surgery and was very sweet with me.
The left breast got pretty damaged with the radiation so they weren't able to give me a breast that was a good size to my body so I will have to have another surgery in February with a tissue expander. So a couple of more surgeries for me but my stomach looks awesome. I am so happy with the results.
Now I just wish my personal life would come together like this did.