In 2020 I was diagnosed with carrying the ATM genetic mutation. My older sister is a breast cancer survivor- she had IDC at age 39. She’s the reason I was tested. My pathology report after initial surgery showed atypical ductile hyperplasia- I clearly made the right decision. 

I had my prophylactic, under the muscle, nipple sparing mastectomy in August 2020. I had expanders placed at my mastectomy and in December I had my exchange surgery for silicone implants. I’m extremely active and running is my passion. I was so scared and worried not only how I’d look physically- but would I still be able to run and workout the way I once had. I’m happy to say I definitely can. But I will also say- I’m much more careful than I ever was in the past. I’m only 2 months post exchange and I do still worry that I could break them. Because of the lack of feeling in my chest, I just don’t want to injure them in anyway and not realize it.

 

Week one. 250 ml saline in the expanders and drains are still in. No fills yet.