How I Found Gratitude in a Second Surgery

One year ago today, I had my second breast-cancer-related surgery: a reconstruction revision. While no surgery is easy, I went into this one more prepared and optimistic than my first.

A year earlier, I’d had a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction—an intense surgery that was both physically and emotionally challenging, with a long but successful recovery.

But over time, my implants stayed firm instead of softening. My breasts felt tight, uncomfortable, and unnatural. 

My surgeon explained I had capsular contracture.
Scar tissue formed around the implants as my body tried to protect itself. 

The fix? Another surgery, much sooner than expected.

But there were positives:
a shorter recovery, no drains, and I’d be able to get my chemo port removed at the same time. 

And thanks to the U.S. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA, 1998), any reconstruction and revisions would be fully covered by insurance.

Like so many pink sisters, I learned healing isn’t always one and done; it often takes many steps to feel whole again. 

I’m grateful my second surgery was a straightforward revision, not a recurrence, and even more thankful for how much better I feel today, inside and out. ❤️‍🩹

Photo credit: @dr.philippe.spitalier

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