Dear readers, in the latest installment of my health journey, I share with you the tale of an explant surgery that brought both relief and revelation.

On the right, the breast implant was removed en bloc—a term used when the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together. This, thankfully, was straightforward, but what followed was an eye-opener. The implant’s shell was encased in calcification, as tough and unyielding as the struggles I’ve faced. To think of such hardness within, it was a stark reminder of the resilience both my body and spirit have shown.

The left side, however, told a different story. It was a vivid landscape of inflammation, painted in alarming shades of red, an indication of the silent battles my body was waging. As the surgeon made the incision, the inflamed capsule could no longer hold its charge. The implant, as if desperate to escape the scene of its crime, leaped out from its confines—a visceral manifestation of release.

The adhesion to my ribs was another unexpected chapter, with both implants being carefully separated from the bone. What was anticipated to be a 2 to 2.5-hour procedure stretched into over three, each minute outside like an hour for my husband, each minute inside a careful step towards reclaiming my body.

Surgery, like life, is unpredictable. My body, in its wisdom, had reacted in ways that no one could have anticipated. It was a poignant reminder of the intricate connection between our physical selves and the emotional beings that reside within.

I emerged from surgery with a duality of feelings—concern for the unknown ramifications and immense gratitude for the problem being uncovered and addressed. I also felt a profound connection with my partner, whose worry paralleled the careful untangling of the past that was occurring within me.

This experience, while arduous, has underscored the importance of trust—trust in the medical hands we place ourselves in and trust in the strength and resilience of our bodies and partnerships.

As I heal and reflect, I hope my story can illuminate the oft-hidden intricacies of such procedures and the emotional rollercoasters that accompany them. Let it be a beacon for those undergoing similar experiences and a testament to the enduring spirit that carries us through.

To wellness, to discovery, to the unwavering love that sees us through our longest hours—this is the essence of our journey.

Warmly yours and hope,

🦋