2 Months Surgery Update

 2 months today since my prophylactic double mastectomy.

Healing is generally going well. I was cleared two weeks ago to go back to driving, swimming/baths, regular exercise, dog walking, intermittent fasting and lifting more than five pounds. My stamina continues to improve slowly every day. I went back to yoga last Saturday and I was able to do more than I thought I would be able to (and I listened to my body and did not push it). Holding off on bike riding for now.

My range of motion is still not back to normal.  I have to be conscious of moving my shoulders back and down because they just creep up without me even realizing it. While I have no “pain” and much of my chest is still numb, I continue to have the “iron bra” symptoms: a lot of tightness in my chest wall and under my arms (my scars extend to my back). This often gets worse towards the end of the day. I’ve continued to do my stretches at home and I started physical therapy yesterday. I’ve also gone for a couple of massages to help loosen things up.

I’m doing ok with the body dysmorphia right now. My body is still swollen some so there aren’t a lot of clothes in my closet that fit right or are super flattering. Giving myself some more time to heal before starting to re-evaluate the wardrobe.

I am just a year younger (48) than my mom was (49) the first time she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Honestly for the peace of mind I have right now about my health, I wish I’d done this surgery a few years ago.