WARNING mastectomy pictures below.
Initially I decided against doing breast reconstruction. I heard stage 4 and honestly thought I wouldn’t be alive to see my 40th birthday. I mean really, if I’m on my death bed why would I opt to have another surgery!? Well, it’s almost October and I will be forty on October the 17th! I’m alive and I feel good! So I figure it’s time to get me some “foobs”! I thought being flat chested would be fine, but I’m not flat chested. I have indentions on each side of my chest. My clothes just no longer fit right! I do have these lovely prostheses that help my clothes to fit the way they used to. They are so darn heavy! I don’t even wear them anymore. So it’s reconstruction time for me! I’m ready to reclaim myself!
You can see the indentions on each side in the picture above.
This is the aftermath of my mastectomy. Sure I’ll always have the scars, but my clothes will fit right!
My surgery is scheduled for October the 9th. I’ll have expanders placed to stretch my skin. It’s an outpatient procedure so I’ll be home the same day. Everyone I tell about this asks me where I’m having the surgery done. Utah, Denver or Texas seems to be the expectation of most. I’m actually doing it right here in Grand Junction. My plastic surgeon will be Dr. Swelstad at Regenesis Plastic Surgery and Skin Care. I felt very comfortable with him. He was knowledgeable, informative and personable. I’m comfortable with my decision to have him do my surgery. He will be posting before and after pictures on his website. You know what that means right? It means he has to do a great job! I’m excited! I’ll post new pictures after my expanders are in.
Tammy Carmona 
Tammy! Thanks for the kind words about Dr. Swelstad. He’s not only an amazing surgeon and doctor – but as an individual he’s incredible, too. You’re in really good hands we’re glad we can be here to be alongside you in this process. You’re a champion, keep up your positive attitude and the beautiful smile on your face!
Thank you! You guys are awesome!
You are one brave lady. I only had a single mastectomy and decided not to do reconstruction. I wear an underwire bra with the push up pads in it. No one can tell one side is empty. I hated the prostheses they gave me too and a swimsuit was impossible! I found Hapari swimwear online and they have a great prostheses I wear in the swimsuit. No one can tell! I do miss having cleavage but I wasn’t brave enough to do all those surgeries. You’ll be in my prayers.
Thank you Michelle! This summer I just wore a one piece without anything! We’re going to Mexico next summer and I just want to wear my cute little dresses! I’m really not into the surgeries either! I figure it can’t be as bad as what I’ve already been through!
You go girl! Happy birthday to you! I’ll be looking for my own boob man soon enough.
Thank you! I’m going to keep posting pictures of my progress. Maybe it will be so good that you’ll want to use my “boob man”! 🙂
I’m so proud of you !!!
Thank you Shirley! Love you!
Shirley
I’m very proud of you Tammy! Your a strong person and you are beautiful anyway! Love ya
Thank you Sandy! Love you!