Taken about a month and a half after chemo so hair just starting to grow back in. This was taken 3 days before the final implants were done. During reconstruction you have what they call skin stretchers under the skin that they fill up gradually with saline until you have enough skin to place implants in. They are placed under the muscle and are filled up about every 3 weeks. They feel like bricks because they are hard and not comfortable. The new ones will be silicone implants that are made for reconstruction. They are safe now and are lighter than saline. Because I now have no breast tissue this makes it easier to deal with the weight and I can actually move my pecs like Arnold. And, since the nipples had to be removed, tattoos will follow six weeks after the final implants are put in. No feeling across my chest and probably it will never come back. For a woman, losing her breasts can make her feel less than a woman. I've decided not to let that happen to me although it does sit in the back of my mind. Losing your hair is also hard but it will grow back. My breasts will never be "normal" looking and there will always be the scars there (about 5 inches across each one) but I have life. That is what is important. I am living and am a Survivor. And, since I had to lose them, I decided I'd go larger. I did and have been happy with the results but I may have to have one more operation due to scar tissue build up on the right one. I may at that time go down a size or two. I found that big boobs aren't always easy to deal with! LOL! Remember to get your checkups.....everytime I look in the mirror after I shower I see the scars and they will always be there and I don't want anyone else to have to see those. So, have your checkups and support your local cancer society. We need to find a cure!