Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 11:45:26 -0700

From: Dana Currence (by way of ilena rose)

To: Recipient List Suppressed:;

Ilena,

It's me again, I've had my explant and mastopexy surgery on Friday with Dr. Huang (she is amazing) and am feeling pretty good today. I have been taking it easy and have been able to order my husband around which is a great side benefit of this surgery. I tell ya what, I was pretty scared going in, got a little weepy the night before thanks to PMS because of course I always have perfect timing. But on the day of the surgery I was fine and just wanted to get it over with. The surgery went fast, a couple of hours, had a little setback in recovery, the anesthesia did a number on me so I couldn't get up till the next morning to leave, but I was lucky enough to not have enough pain for drugs. I have been just taking a few Tylenol and napping to get through it. I was afraid to look down at my breasts, but had to when I got the bandages off yesterday, it looked pretty good. It's weird, I hated my breasts with silicone, they were so hard and painful and in the way and causing all kinds of problems for me, and I was so glad to get rid of them, but ya still mourn for the old ones, don't know why that is, it's stupid. Well, I'm looking forward to getting up and getting on with my life. I'm hoping that the numbness and tingling in my legs and knees, and the continuous aching in my knees and feet will eventually start to fade over the years. If not, at least I'm pretty sure it won't get worse and develop into the horrible illnesses that I hear about from all of the wonderful women that I have met here in the last few months. The suffering of my fellow survivors makes me sad and of course, you never get over the disbelief that this shit is still going on. You women have saved me and I am so happy and grateful for being able to wake up out of my stupor long enough to actually find out about the silicone link to my symptoms and get the support, understanding, and encouragement to take the next step. When I first realized that it might just be my implants that had been in for 20 years, I was numb and in shock for a while before I got busy and started the research. At first, I was so afraid that I would almost have to have my breasts cut off or something, that I would never be the same again. Well. it's true that I won't be the same, but I am better, and I will get better and better as I go along. And believe me, I realize how very lucky I am that even though it's been 20 years, I got them out in time. If I only knew then what I know know............. I wonder how many women there are out there who are suffering that haven't "gotten it " yet. I am gonna get back to my movie marathon for the day and my husband is going to go to work to get away from me, he's smart. All of the hard part is over and it feels so good. Thank you all for your wonderful caring support, you are unbelievable.

Lot of love and thanks, Dana 

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