6 Week Update (technically not for another 3 days, but hey)

Foreword: I totally wrote a reply to your questions Brett, but then my browser crashed so I'm gonna do a full update instead

At my hospital visit today I had swabs taken so not sure if I do have an actual infection yet. I saw a doctor who seems to think it's just fluid buildup - this confuses me, surely if it was fluid buildup it would be leaking....fluid xD not huge amounts of puss. My incisions were fully healed up, but I mentioned before that I had some pleats/ruffles/folds (never sure how to describe them) most of them flattened out nicely, the biggest one didn't, it still hasn't, that's where the original leaking was coming from. My theory is that it was just too big to flatten, so it opened up and gradually got bigger and more irritated letting in all kinds of germs....culminating in a gross puss explosion I now have at least three holes in the same area, sort of awkward to see. Before I squeezed it I had like, puss blisters? Not sure what you'd call them, big white lumps along the incision line; I squeezed - they all exploded - leaving behind quite a few holes. This was probably a mistake - if I had let the nurse do it she probably would have made a small cut and drained it properly. It was a huge relief at the time though, it got like 10 times worse than when I last posted about it but then felt instantly better once it was empty. Learn from my mistake call up straight away if you have any concerns, I'm one of those who won't go to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, if I had got antibiotics straight away this might not have happened, but hey ho! Hindsight is always 20/20

That being said though - doctors in England are super stingy with antibiotics, so that they don't become ineffective. So if I had called sooner, they might not have given them to me anyway, the nurse was still cautious with handing them over today and called in two doctors and another nurse for their opinion on whether I needed them. So no, I wasn't given any antibiotics straight after surgery.

On the bright side, the other side of my chest is healing beautifully. My nipples are better than before surgery, responding to hot and cold and I have sensation, I didn't before - very interesting. Not sure if this a psychological thing - remove the dysphoria and the nerves spring into life

I went to uni last week, I managed the bus ok but I did have to go upstairs to get a seat and felt some pulling. I don't feel comfortable trying it with a bag yet. Other than the bus it was great! For starters I can get dressed in 5 minutes now, no messing about with binders and layers and "can you see my chest in this shirt?" - I was early for the first time ever.

I'm also cold for the first time ever! I usually went outside for a cigarette without a coat, even without a coat I was wearing at least three layers and always overheating xD I went out this time, in just a t-shirt, out of habits sake and oh boy it was cold. I have one mate in class who knows I'm trans and he laughed at the fact he could see my nipples through my shirt. He said it was weird how he didn't noticed that I never had nipples showing before Also for clarification before disapproving - I switched to e-cigarettes a few months before surgery, my surgeon agreed this was acceptable I still go outside, purely because everyone else does.

I'm back to being able to do most every day activities, housework, picking a few things up from the shop, playing with the kidlet, etc. I can't quite reach above my head properly, my shower nozzle and top kitchen cupboards are just out of reach...glad I have someone else here or I would be taunted by cheerios. I haven't tried vacuuming yet, or picking the little'un up. She totally understands though bless her. She randomly comes up and asks me "how's your poorly chest?" and if my partner is making a lot of noise she goes "shhhh! Daddy has a poorly chest and needs to rest!" xD

I was starting to consider working out again before this infection kicked in. I removed some of the weights from my dumbbells to make them light enough to manage, it doesn't really feel like it's doing anything productive but I'm sure it's better than nothing, I gotta build up slowly. I'm going to leave it for a few weeks now though.

Edit: Pictures! I swear my skin in general isn't this red in person, why do cameras do that? The white dots on one of my nipples are the fishing line type sutures poking out. They have been like that for a while, not pushing out any further, I'm leaving them alone.



Y'know, it's a good job I'm not fussed about cosmetics, my chest is quite a mess isn't it? poofy bits on the inside and outside edges, incisions widening, asymmetry, stretchmarks, infection xD I genuinely don't care though, looks perfect under clothes and certainly looks and feels about a billion percent better than it did before surgery.

And the infected bit in case anyone needs a frame of reference in the future for what to look for. That red circle is where all the swelling was. It was like a golf ball =/ You can also see the fold that started it all.

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m528/Jeatyn/WP_001222_zpsb1527b9c.jpg

@ Brett:  Joe works fine, SJ, Saer......it's all good.     Saer is a Celtic derivation of Sawyer, Sayer, Sayre etc.  It means carpenter or some such.  My mission is to keep the initials of my given name (no change in signature.  Good luck with that, right?!  LOL

Here is the link from the NIH site I found.  Other information can be found in the reviews of various products found on Amazon etc.  I've decided for now to stick with ScarAway.  I'm sure I'm doing too much and and am being more active than I should be.....but it's impossible for me to totally slow down.  In many ways I feel 20 years overdue at having this done (buried myself in college and work).  At 50 and a business owner covering 2 states, I've lost so much muscle and weight from surgery time, I am ready to get on with this life!

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fpubmed%2F19440173&ei=2DzcUvXZHKHNsQTyroHIBw&usg=AFQjCNFj8bxDgnbRF8sWEOwc5Xvpm8dW9w&sig2=eB8u1Jb6bi3zEdMt7iVYDA&bvm=bv.59568121,d.cWc

I'd read a lady on an Amazon review for the ScarAway sheets that there really is no need to remove them---I suppose what I'll do is let this new set get loose for a couple days, and then wash them as directed, rotating 2 sets.  Shower, put them on and go------keeping them on for 24 hours each, and discarding after one week.  Truthfully, I'm trying hard not to obsess too much about it all.  As a type A : ) I could obsess endlessly about the symmetry and scarring.  I'm mostly so glad to be at peace with that aspect of femaleness gone---I'm trying not to get too far in the weeds about the "perfection" of this very human body!  We have to take it easy on ourselves!

Picture attached---hope the upload works. 

Regarding massage, I googled "lymphatic massage" and luckily I found a lady here 7 miles from my home that specializes in it, as well as Swedish and related sports massage.  You're probably at a good jumping off point for it (my doc said ok to go at 3 weeks post-op).  It's great to go along with the massage you might do at home.  The difference here is that for the scarring, quite a bit of pressure needs to be applied and yes, to the point of hurting.  The idea is to break up the massive collagen formations that make up the lumpiness, as is the body's response (and because the dermis has been damaged at the incision line, over-response).  At first they'll massage along the incision line, and later, across it.    I've had 2 sessions thus far, and right after it feels great, but later in the day you'll feel a bit sore (I slept like a rock).  I'm all ears to hear about your experience with it, if you go.  Please do educate yourself on it, check with your doc, and do take it at your own pace, by all means.

[img]https://www.dropbox.com/s/grjmwl0wsop32vg/4_wks.JPG/img]

Some of the lumpiness is not the outer scars, it's the inner ones. I say that because my scars nearly touch, not thrilled about this but I guess not possible not to do this since that's to keep the scars from puckering. Anyway, early on there was a lot more lumpiness than now. (I guess I am 10 weeks out). Anyway they look and feel a lot better, and I really thought that it looked like it was more on the inside anyway. Interesting that this all takes 6 months or so to heal. Interesting.

I am not doing any exercise (well walking that's it) yet. I still feel a lot of pulling along the scar line if I do anything really strenuous (such a reaching really far). I know that Dr G says you can start all that up in 6 weeks. But I think what he is really trying to do is keep the younguns from going out at week 2 and jet skiing. I've heard of doctors recommending very hard stuff like no lifting anything over a gal of milk up to 6 months. That's really hard to do, and easier to get compliance in basic care if you set the bar kind of low. Just my take. (BTW, I have wondered if the story of our inane friend who went out on jet skis at 2 weeks is some apocryphal story.   )  OTOH, I am doing all normal activities, and did almost immediately after surgery, so all the chores and so on.

Interesting about your massage, but I don't really like being touched so I think that is way out for me.

BTW, I would guess you could keep the ScarAway sheets on all the time. Not sure how well they would stick. I used a generic, but I found they really stuck a little better right after they were washed. It seems like moisture makes them not stick as well. So sweat and so on make them less sticky.

--Jay

Totally agree that the lumpiness is mostly all on the inside.  The way I understand it, it's collagen formation under the damaged outer layer of skin or dermis (at the incision).  Because I'm still very active my greatest concern is to baby this to the point I'm fully healed (doc says the internal stitches take 6 months to fully heal; I had no outer stitches or drains), while working to regain full range of motion as the body allows me to.  So...a little light yoga stretching, hand weights to keep tendons/ligaments from freezing up, a little walking and a few minutes on the Nordic track, careful to keep the heart rate moderate.  I'd say at this point my reach and range of motion is about 85%.  A morning stretch feels about 90% normal.  Am pleased this far with progress.  Nipples healed very quickly.

The ScarAway strips are stickiest right out of the liners, so I thought I'd try the online reviewer's suggestion of leaving them on until they loosen, just for grins.  They are a little looser on this second day, and tomorrow I will take them off before showering for work and wash them (you're right, always stickier when new or freshly washed).

While I'd love for these scars to be near invisible in 6 months, I'll be ok with whatever this body can do.  I respect the natural healing process, and the kind of assault this surgery is on our bodies.  After the first week, feeling how strongly the chest seem to pull me "down", my concern turned to the range of motion, something I really hadn't considered.  Reading several sites about mastectomy and how many women suffer muscle soreness and even damage, and sustain permanent mobility issues, my focus turned to both aspects.  My fear is in babying these scars too much to the point I wake up 3 or 4 months out with beautiful scars, only to realize my reach has been diminished to the point of pain.  So my approach I guess, is in slowly balancing the two goals; mobility and reduced scarring.  I am surprised doc says motorcycling is ok at 8 weeks.  I can tell you I'm not sure that's the best advice, and will wade very carefully back in, taking a short hop or two....none of my 100 mile down and dirty runs.  That would be crazy!

Very nice chatting with you, Jay, and Brett.  Very nice to meet you guys, and also the Brit.  Such a cute story about the "kidlet" and her reactions to Daddy's surgery. So cute!

By the way, did the picture link work?  I was only able to open it (on an iPad) by highlighting the https address only, without the "img" info.

Cheers, all!

I think mastectomy patients have *many* issues that we won't have. You have to remember that most mastectomies are for cancer, so that to prevent cancer from spreading they actually remove the lymph nodes and sometimes even parts of the chest wall and so on. So the pain, stiffness and so on, is mostly caused by that. They have a MUCH harder time with recovery. I have had friends who have had them and I am doing MUCH better than any of them-- due to a much lesser procedure. (As well as not having cancer and being happy instead of sad at loosing the chesticles.) I am pretty sure you would have to almost stop using your upper arm muscles and so on, to get stiff as the only case I ever heard of is the one Brett mentioned (not sure which thread). I think looking at youtube top surgery patients would give you a better idea how we typically do. I should post my next video here.

I'm not doing exercises but I am also not limiting my movements at all and have pretty much normal range of motion. But I can feel pulling or something. But it is when I do long reaches or something like that. I am pretty sure that is 100% normal. I think that I have heard this is the case at 6 months or so (or perhaps longer). Mostly I am taking the dog for long walks. I am pretty sure I will be hiking sometime soon. It has been very nice and warm lately, this requires me to use a hiking stick, so that would be the first upper body exercise I've really had. (I am in the foothills.)

I have no illusions about how my scaring might be. I expect that given my age, lack of pecs, and lack of body hair I don't have much to hide them. But they still are nice and thin and have lightened up quite nicely, I imagine thru the use of silicone products. Dont' really like the strips. So now onto my third product (now Scaraway serum). I don't think the applicator works so so well, so might try one of my Amazon.com choices.

Your link did NOT work. You can go in after you post and check them out. it's what I usually do.
I think there are several of us going thru this in very close proximity so it is kind of fun to watch this. Jayr also, well he and I met in Fl. But I don't think he posts too much.


--Jay

Joe, you make no sense to me.   

You put out the money for massage but are going against the suggested use of the Scar Away strips in order to save a couple bucks?  Yes, I read the amazon reviews as well, but how could changing out the strips and washing them frequently NOT be good?  The "washing" of them rejuvenates the silicone (that is why they are sticky again, just like when they come out of the package).  It is the rubbing of your thumb with clear soap that does this.  Quit wearing them in the shower!  What the hell?  Do what the damn package says! lol If you want to wear them 24/7, excellent.  Just run two sets at a time and put on a dry set after each shower.

I looked into the massage in my area and I have a name/number to call tomorrow.  Thanks for the tip!  I had read about it, but didn't really consider taking the step.  Although I don't have the same sensory issues as Jay, I don't really like being touched by people.  I have never gotten a back massage due to this, so I am not sure if I could tolerate someone touching me on my chest.  Even if breasts aren't there anymore, I haven't even let my partner hang around there, yet.  I'm going to call and find out about it, but not sure I can follow through with it.

Thanks you very much for the study.  Very, very interesting.  I am going to see if I can find more on it.

As an aside, I found at least 2/3 studies comparing the strips to the serum/gel.  It was determined that they had the same level of efficacy.  However, they did find that people are more apt to finish the full treatment if they use the serum/gel.  People quite earlier if they use the strips. 

Jay, what isn't working with the applicator?  I just pump the tube and then gently roll the serum on (I hold up a mirror to my chest when doing so to make sure I got the whole incision line), and it's done.  What is it you are having problems with?

Joe, right, picture didn't work.  Ask the wife for help, maybe?

I love my clone, he is so darn direct.

"I don't get you... follow the darn directions, what the heck is wrong with you? Are you flipping lazy?" LOL.
True. Nothing silicone is cheap. Unless you want to get lube. Lube will work but it will get on everything. The idea of getting two sets is actually a good idea. I think they are a pain to use, but I think they are a really good idea. Seems like everyone goes for them for awhile.

I do like touch but totally on my own terms. Kind of like a cat. I will never ever get a massage. Yuck. OTOH, "don't yuck my yum" might apply.

Yeah the applicator isn't always applying gel. Sometimes takes one pump, sometimes two or three. I have read that comment in the complaints/comments btw. The stuff is good though when it comes out well. It doesn't seem to last as long as the invicible (but oh well, not going down that street again). But it doesn't come off all over like lube. I'm sorry but I am on the quest for the perhaps silicone product. Wish me luck.

If you want to take off the [img] brackets, it might load as a website? I've had trouble with those brackets before.

--Jay

The image didn't work because you missed off one of the brackets at the end ^_^

I'll have to say, Jay and Brett, you two crack me up with the lack of desire to be touched?  It's a therapeutic massage, not an appt with a hooker!  : ). My better half is afraid to work on them because she's out of her realm in terms of technique. 

Brett---to each his own on the path forward with the scars.  You've posted at length about your changing protocol---I've just shared something I'm trying.  Of course take it for what it's worth!  I shower under a "rain head", not a wall mount type shower, so no direct spray on the chest area at all, and I use non-lotion soaps and shampoos.  The point of the silicone sheets is to keep them sticky enough to stay on.  The "reactivating" you're speaking of in terms of washing is to reactivate the stickiness of the silicone.  On day 3 of having them on, I regret pulling them off before this morning's shower because they were still uber stuck! 

The strips are expensive, but I didn't get to a place where I could pay cash for all of this by being lazy.....or cheap, right?!  I work 55-65 hrs/week, so little time to mess with it!  I'm not a big fan of waste, so the time saved in leaving them on is great for the morning rush, and why not save a couple bucks along the way, a personal thrill.  : ).  Just a personal peccadillo like not liking massage.

I wish everyone luck with their results!

On radical mastectomy/cancer patients: I understand fully the difference between removal of nodes etc.    Lymph nodes, nerves and muscle CAN be damaged in any surgery/mastectomy.  The muscle cramping that prompted my first post was reflective of this concern.  The sensation felt far different than simply nerves starting to "re-fire."  Hence, the reading about the issue.  My left incision is wider than the right, and I have more pulling in that arm.  So....my goal is to work toward full mobility and baby the scars along the way.  So far, so good.

The pic was posted twice, from an iPad....and placed exactly inside the brackets.  I was able to download it when highlighting the hyperlink within the quotes.  I'll try it today from the office on my PC to see if the forum links get any happier with it.  I'm sure the world is fascinated to see an old chest, LOL?!

Hope everyone has a great week.

Quote from: SaerJoe on January 20, 2014, 06:10:21 AM
I'll have to say, Jay and Brett, you two crack me up with the lack of desire to be touched?  It's a therapeutic massage, not an appt with a hooker!  : ). My better half is afraid to work on them because she's out of her realm in terms of technique. 

Brett---to each his own on the path forward with the scars.  You've posted at length about your changing protocol---I've just shared something I'm trying.  Of course take it for what it's worth!  I shower under a "rain head", not a wall mount type shower, so no direct spray on the chest area at all, and I use non-lotion soaps and shampoos.  The point of the silicone sheets is to keep them sticky enough to stay on.  The "reactivating" you're speaking of in terms of washing is to reactivate the stickiness of the silicone.  On day 3 of having them on, I regret pulling them off before this morning's shower because they were still uber stuck! 

The strips are expensive, but I didn't get to a place where I could pay cash for all of this by being lazy.....or cheap, right?!  I work 55-65 hrs/week, so little time to mess with it!  I'm not a big fan of waste, so the time saved in leaving them on is great for the morning rush, and why not save a couple bucks along the way, a personal thrill.  : ).  Just a personal peccadillo like not liking massage.

I wish everyone luck with their results!

On radical mastectomy/cancer patients: I understand fully the difference between removal of nodes etc.    Lymph nodes, nerves and muscle CAN be damaged in any surgery/mastectomy.  The muscle cramping that prompted my first post was reflective of this concern.  The sensation felt far different than simply nerves starting to "re-fire."  Hence, the reading about the issue.  My left incision is wider than the right, and I have more pulling in that arm.  So....my goal is to work toward full mobility and baby the scars along the way.  So far, so good.

The pic was posted twice, from an iPad....and placed exactly inside the brackets.  I was able to download it when highlighting the hyperlink within the quotes.  I'll try it today from the office on my PC to see if the forum links get any happier with it.  I'm sure the world is fascinated to see an old chest, LOL?!

Hope everyone has a great week.

Hey, Joe.  I think my delivery did not indicate I was seriously just teasing you!  If you hadn't mentioned getting massage (thus putting out cash for that), I wouldn't have busted your balls about it!  What is toughest about deciding on our approaches is that we really can never know what it is that "really" worked with our treatments, as time lightens scars as well.

I hear you about waste and saving money.  My behavior is quite incongruent.  On the one hand I rarely order anything but water at a restaurant because I think beverage prices are insane.  I make sure I always buy those select-a-size paper towels so that I don't use more than I need.  Yet, I will spend thousands of dollars modifying my car.  Go figure.

I would like to see you chest, Joe, but it sounds like it is more hassle than it is worth!

Jeatyn, thanks for the 6 weeks update.  I am glad that they decided to give you the antibiotics.  It sounds like you are taking these complications in stride!  It is also really interesting about the nipples (the hot/cold you mention).  Also, yes, it is colder out without the heavy binder!  As I recall, you wore more layers than I did (I just wore one binder and one t-shirt), so it must be really noticeable to you!  I also know exactly what you mean when you talk about getting dressed in the morning.  Sometimes, especially when I am in a rush I notice I forget and have that moment of <pause>, "Ok, wear is my binder and I am ready for the struggle", and then I realize I don't have to worry about it.  I didn't realize I used to have this almost sinking feeling right before I got dressed when I had to choose a binder.  Glad you are managing without having to bring a bag.

Yes, please post a picture at next dressing change!

As Joe said, have a great week, everyone!  Where is Jack?

I'll always keep trying.  Went through the same copy link/paste process, but this time from a PC and not an Apple production.  Geesh, right?  If it shows up, this is a photo from 29 days post-op. 

And I, too, wish Jeatyn a speedy recovery.  Sounds like some bumps along the way, and he's rolling with the punches well.

Cheers to every one for a great week!

last attempt to post photo from DropBox!

Quote from: SaerJoe on January 20, 2014, 06:10:21 AM
I'll have to say, Jay and Brett, you two crack me up with the lack of desire to be touched?  It's a therapeutic massage, not an appt with a hooker!  : ). My better half is afraid to work on them because she's out of her realm in terms of technique. 

Well I can't speak for Brett (though why not, being his clone and all?). But I am on the autism spectrum, specifically I'm Aspergers. It has nothing to do with what kind of touch it is-- casual is maybe the worst because I can't prepare my brain for it. It has nothing whatsoever to do with sex. I can pretty much take it in a medical procedure but massage is actually an extended thing, which I'd find difficult. Having these issues has ramifications for what I wear (haha fun binding with this!) and sex too. But the condition itself is called "tactile defensiveness". This is most likely a LOT more than you wanted to know. Hehe, I am so good at that.

As for difference between top surgery and a mastectomy-- well it's true that the lymph nodes COULD be damaged with the surgery, it's true I suppose. I have never actually heard of this though. Somewhere in the 5% of cases where there are complications, is SOMEONE with this issue (maybe). I think what is more likely to happen is that IF someone is unusually absorbed in not wanting the stitches to stretch, they could keep their arms down and kind of get frozen that way. I don't think with normal tasks (I mean I do a hundred things a day where I move my arms out from my sides), that's going to happen. I just don't think it is a real concern. I think initially you are stiffer but as you move it goes away. The condition that I described happened to one of Dr G's patients. But it could happen to anybody I suppose, I just think that this is not the typical thing to happen. You are earlier in your recovery than we are and no doubt a bit stiffer, but I can assure you this does go away in a normal situation. 

Also it is REALLY typical to have a lot of twinges and shots of strong pain and so on. It's I think because your nerves are really confused. They just cut into them (nothing at all to do with the lymph nodes) and the nerves are kind of mixed up. There is also kind of healing pain and so on. I had them up to a month after surgery, and don't now at all (10 weeks).

BTW, love my iPad, but I do have trouble during certain kinds of things. It doesn't work too well doing two things at once.

--Jay

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffi4mawd17plb2q/1month.JPG

thanks for sharing your experience regarding Asperger's.  Am familiar, and surely understand. 

As for the links to DropBox--not sure what's up there.  Tried to post it twice from a PC---I see the link in the reply form, and yet it doesn't show up in the posted msg.  I might try it from my Mac again tonight.  It's the only device I haven't tried it from.  I would have thought the PC would work.  I'm sure it's just the one magic button I haven't tried, so I'll keep hammering.  If DropBox doesn't do it, I'll download PhotoBucket and fill up more hard drive space there.  : )

Don't mind the blank posts, and by all means, don't fall on the floor if you see the pasty white skin in Tommy John's hit your screen.  : )

1 week post op.

Your chest looks great already Alex! Your nipples look especially amazing for only one week. Had a momentary chuckle there, this must be the one place you can casually compliment another guys nipples. 

I updated my post above with pictures.

I am indeed taking the complications in stride, I'm pretty laid back in general (since starting T anyway) - I figure worrying about it won't fix it any quicker so why waste the energy. It's much better already, swelling has gone way down and there's much less leakage. Still quite a lot though, I have already changed dressings twice and the one I have had on for only a few hours is all gross already =/ I was only given four changes, so for the moment I just have regular gauze being held on by the dreaded compression tube I'm gonna save the proper stick on dressings for when I'm going to uni. I figure I should be keeping it as clean as possible, not letting the dressing with all the ickyness on just sit there.

Edit: Forgot to mention RE: photobucket. You don't need to download anything to use it, you just sign up and then drag photos into the browser to upload them. Not sure why drop box isn't working, the tags seem fine, the pictures are just acting like they don't exist!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffi4mawd17plb2q/1month.JPG

Edit: Forgot to mention RE: photobucket. You don't need to download anything to use it, you just sign up and then drag photos into the browser to upload them. Not sure why drop box isn't working, the tags seem fine, the pictures are just acting like they don't exist!
[/quote]

Thanks for the DropBox feedback.  I've never had trouble with it before, so not sure.  I've put the Photobucket app on my PC and will attempt again later from there.  Some apps are happier than others, depending on how this site was put together.  Onward and upward, right?

Thanks again for the assist Jeatyn--a speedy recovery to you! 

PS:  I've noticed too that on T I am much calmer.  Love. it.!

I can't believe how great your chest looks after just 1 week, Alex.  That's amazing.

Jeatyn, you do seem to be humming along.  You do well at taking things in stride!

Joe, fantastic looking chest (and body!). 

Alex, glad you came into the thread and posted your pictures.  As Jeatyn says, your nipples look amazing!  Is there some sort of clear material over top of them?  Hard to tell from the picture.  When do you get it all removed?

That is a fantastic job, Alex!  Who was your surgeon?  My nipples looked like a train wreck at one week.  By the third week they looked ok.  Sensation back for the most part, right more than left.  Surgeon told me that one breast was slightly heavier than the other and that was the reason for the longer incision on the left.  I never noticed though. 

Thanks all, for sharing your stories and photos---I look forward to following progress and sharing more experiences.

The trick for any other unlucky Dropbox user:  drop the [img] gizmos that bracket the link before hitting save or post.  That's all it took.

Jaetyn, Alex, Brett and Jay---nice to know ya!  Be cool!