The Exchange

The final step in my three-part process of becoming a Previvor is finally here. On Monday I will have my exchange surgery where I cash in these lovely expanders I have been living with for the past three months for some natural feeling implants. Hooray!

Sometimes my prophylactic double mastectomy seems like decades ago and other times it feels just like yesterday but let me tell you I am ready to be done with hearing the question “and when’s the next surgery again?” THIS IS IT BABY!

Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful for having the chance to be proactive, but this last year in a half of spacing out surgeries can be exhausting. I also love my check lists and getting things organized before surgery because God forbid I just clean for the heck of it. I love going shopping for new self-care products. I love that I am taking preventative measures for my health. However, I am ready to cross off SURGERIES from my check list and start enjoying my less worrisome life without having another surgery hanging over my head.

People keep asking me if I am ready for this last surgery and honestly, this time around I haven’t done too much to prepare. My check lists were weak, and I have been extremely busy during the week and on the weekends that I haven’t had time to think about anything related to surgery besides showing up on February 11th.

Not knowing from experience just word of mouth, I kind of feel like this last surgery is like when people have their the second or third child. I’ve heard the second go around with having a baby isn’t nearly as stressful or scary as the first one. You already know what to expect. You kind of know the ins and outs of how to handle most situations, so that’s how I am mentally handling this last surgery. Fingers crossed my analogy is correct :)

This isn’t my first rodeo. I have already dealt with wearing only button-ups and zip-ups for days and weeks at a time. I have learned how to sleep on my back as opposed to my stomach which is always preferred. I have learned how to ask for help. I have learned how to live life with T-Rex arms, so I don’t rip a stitch. Plain and simple – I don’t think there’s anything else that could prepare me more for my final swap out surgery than having a breast reduction followed by a prophylactic double mastectomy.

So bring it on! Let’s get this exchange transaction started!

#bralessnflawless #brca2 #breastcancer #theexchange

- Jenna