To Nipple or Not to Nipple?? -- That is the Question

Upon entering Dr. M's office for my post-reconstruction check-up, I presumed he would check out his handiwork, feel around for my "cord", and send me on my way. Little did I know I would have yet another decision to consider.

He was extremely pleased with how both of my incisions were looking and encouraged me to keep up with my downward massage which aids the implant with dropping into place within its pocket. After several minutes of examination, Dr. M pronounced my cord to be gone ... cured ... no more! I guess that's why I hadn't noticed any discomfort for quite some time. Dr. M went on to explain that loads of research has been done on this so-called "Mondor's Disease" and no conclusive answer has been found. Perhaps this is why I seemed to get varying answers when I was initially investigating as to what the rope under my skin was. Some schools of thought are that the cords are indeed veins, while other professionals feel the cords are part of the lymphatic system that has been disturbed during surgery. Whatever the case, I was overjoyed that my two cords have strummed their last chord, and have exited stage right.

Next order of business -- do I want a nipple (sorry guys!!)??

Apparently, about 50% of women choose NOT to worry about a nipple post-reconstruction.  Within the remaining 50%, about half of those choose actual reconstruction of a nipple created by making a small incision and pulling a bit of muscle tissue through the opening.  To my way of thinking, the major issue with this type of "nipple" is that it NEVER goes away! It wouldn't just be noticeable when cold, etc., it would be noticeable 100% of the time.  NO THANKS to that option!!  The other half of the 50% opts to have a 3-D nipple and areola tattooed onto their reconstructed site. What for? I simply don't get it. Since I have a chosen profession that I quite enjoy, and don't plan on posing nude anytime soon -- NO THANKS to that option, also!!

By default, I'm in the 50% of women who choose not to worry about a nipple. I've breast-fed four babies, so that cancer-filled, life-sucking nipple has done the job it was created for and can now be gone forever. 

Easy decision!!