My Breast Reduction Story
If you have been on my side of the internet you have seen my announcement. I have finally gotten a breast reduction. It all happened very quickly and slowly. I’ve always been one to share my experiences, so there is no holding back on the newest adventure. Here is everything I have to share on the experience in hopes that is helpful for you.
Before and post op 1 week
My first consultation was in September of 2021 at Flannagan Plastic Surgery. The overall consultation left me uneasy. I was told that due to how my breast fell they were going to remove my nipple and I would lose all feeling. The feeling part was totally fine for me. They continued to explain that I would not be able to breastfeed. My partner and I were in the middle of wedding planning and had not completely decided about children yet. When I asked if there was another way, the doctor proceeded to say only 30% of women can even breastfeed. Which didn’t really answer my question, but was their way of saying no. Even if that is true, there was just not a lot of sympathy given or regard for other options.
I was planning to pay out of pocket, because I believed that my insurance would not cover the procedure. Flannagan’s office had already quoted 10k for the procedure. This sounds like a lot, but my braces were about 5k. So I was ready to take on the payment if I could do it monthly. With the information given, I kind of gave up at that moment and went back to wedding planning.
A few months later, in February 2022, I was re-telling the story to my hairstylist. She had already been looking for a plastic surgeon and had found a surgeon in our insurance network. I was amazed and reached out to the Deaconess Plastic Surgery office right after our appointment. There was a bit of a wait to get in, which was the same for the previous office, but I was feeling optimistic and they set my appointment for consultation for May and it got pushed to June. I would allow for 2-3 months before you can even get in for a consultation.
In between all of this I had been visiting Core Chiropractic about once a week up front until I only needed it once a month. This helped quite a bit with discomfort and I knew I would need some kind of documentation of the issues my breast had been causing me. I paid about $50 per visit out of pocket. I did need this referal documentation when surgery came along.
Once my consultation came around, I met Dr. Kottwittz and her nurses. She explained to me what insurance is typically looking for- being a certain BMI and being able to take a certain amount out from the breast. She went over and drew out what her typical incision and scar would look like. I told her I really wanted to keep my nipple and she said she rarely had to take them off and would do everything to avoid that.
She informed me they would submit the information and then it was a waiting game on when we would hear back.
I left feeling really optimistic, but did throw it to the back of my mind since I didn’t know when we would even hear back. I went on to purchase my wedding dress and plan things basically as if I would still have these boobs for a while.
Late August I got the call from the office that I was approved and they scheduled it right away. I had little time to get too scared, because it all happened so fast. I had one appointment the week they called and then I was right into surgery after labor day.
For the day of the surgery you have to stop eating/drinking at 12 am. You need a person there with you. My sister took me and stayed with me. For mine, I had to arrive 2 hours prior to surgery, which was 6 am. They planned for 4 hours of surgery and then they monitored you after before you could go home. The anesthesiologist did an amazing job. I woke up feeling no pain. I was starving though and ordered a lot of Panera.
My mom, sister and friend Casey were all there when I woke up. I talked for a little bit and went straight to sleep. Once I woke up again, I was walked to the bathroom and then dressed for the journey home. Post- op week one wasn’t unbearable pain- it’s mostly just all uncomfortable. You can’t lift anything and you have to sleep on your back. I am about 2 weeks post op and I am moving around a bit more and cleared for driving, but trying to take it easy. I did finally start feeling my nerves healing. It feels like weird electrical pulses coming and going
All in all, I would do it again. The emotional toll was way more than I expected. Seeing myself in my clothes and actually having room and not being at war at how my breast will fit. I still get a little teary eyed. I am also changing status in my life to becoming a wife, my business is shifting and I am getting braces off. So you may not cry as much as me.
If you have been that girl that has to alter the way you move and what you wear to be at the mercy of your breast size, I highly recommend looking into a breast reduction. The recovery isn’t easy, but it is totally worth it.
THE TIPS
having to be on my back is proably the worst part
Had so many sweet deliveries
Do homework on your doctor’s before and after and scar styles.
Once I was told I had to have my nipple taken off I just believed that was the only way! There are actually quite a few ways you can get your boobs reconstructed. It helps to go in with questions and be somewhat informed.
Save money.
Even if you plan on using insurance you are going to have to take off work for quite a bit. Some people go back after a week or so. I watched countless youtube videos of experiences from artists and other service providers and their number one regret was not taking more time off to heal. I took 3 weeks off and I wish I would have saved a bit more to not worry about money at all during my break. I am very blessed to have a partner and a great community of people who have sent food which was a bigger help than I realized.
Be very adamant about size.
I think almost every video I watched people are relieved, but want smaller. I think my surgeon did an amazing job with the shape and scar placements. I do worry that since I will be able to move more that once I lose a little weight that I will still have big boobs. I think no one believes you when you say you want them as gone as possible because it’s not the norm. So have conversations and have your nurse put it in your notes every time you visit.
Be ready to get emotional.
It feels like you are getting something done that you have been waiting for for such a long time, but our bodies store trauma and sweet memories. You may be overcome with a flood of emotions at random times as you mourn your old body and feel excited for what’s to come.
Pangea Pizzeria | Evansville, IN
Pangea Kitchen is always on my list when recommending places to try for visitors. They NEVER dissapoint.
The branding before you even walk through the doors is foodie perfection paired with the follow through of a very cozy atmoshpere wrapped up in great service and food.
“At Pangea Kitchen, old-world traditions meld with new-world adaptations, creating a destination for those who have a taste for the unexpected. Our global soul food market invites you to sit down and enjoy the view as your food is being crafted to order using the finest house-made and imported ingredients.
Don’t stop with one trip; make your home part of the Pangea Kitchen world tour by taking home house-made pasta, cheeses, imported charcuterie, and specialty meats from our market showcase. ”
They followed up the first resturant with 2nd Language an asian fusion resturant that also is 5 stars.
We are so lucky they are blessing us with another experience. Pangea Pizzeria has now opened! I popped in for lunch with a friend, luckily for me it’s a short walk away from The Beauty Room.
For my inaugural order, I went with a couple slices from their “slice of the day” menu.
I got the Pistachio - House pistachio puree, sausage, mozzarella blend, fresh basil, finished with house Calabrian chili honey. Fun Guy - House mushroom cream sauce, fresh mozzarella blend, roasted shiitake mushrooms, finished with grated parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic-infused olive oil.
Along with a Butterscotch Blondie. I did go back and get the CCC gelato. All of them are exactly how I would expect anything coming from this company, thoughtfully made. All the flavors play nicely with each other.
Menu from Pangea Pizzeria
I left feeling so full, you definitely can’t beat a $5 dollar lunch these days. You can get the pizza by the slice (fairly big slices) or an 16/18 inch pizza. The full pizzas range from $22- $29.
I miss tha patisserie that used to be in here, but the vibe of a pizzeria where you can see the pizzas being made, big open windows to see the city and quaint seating was truly such a good fit for the space.
Once you head in and give it a try II would love to hear your thoughts on what’s your favorite below!
Myriad Coffee House | Newburgh, IN
If you’re new here, please know I’m always going to find a cute place to live out my main character arc. Did I just ruin my own life and contemplating it all? Am I a struggling artist trying to pour my heart into the next big project? Am i a corporate baddie pushing through fears aof starting entreprenuership?
Coffee shops really are a place for all people at all stages of life. Perfect movie-esqe backdrop.
When I saw that Myriad Brewery Comany had expanded into Newburgh and added a coffee house I was so excited! My budget, not as much, since now we will be there all day.
We’ve always enjoyed our time at Myriad Brewery Company ,but since getting Ziki (our dog) we’ve loved it even more since they are a dog-friendly bar.
Ziki and I finally got down to Newburgh to this morning to do a bit of catch up work. We bumped into the cutie pie owners and chatted for a bit. Honestly, aside from it being a cute place, it feels so good to support such good people. They were a hughe help to the relaunch of the Black Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and really have created a space for all walks of life.
The coffee flights I’d been seeing are what drew me in, but I could not do it on my own (4 (5oz) pours) so going to save that for a day date with the bae. I ended up with an iced vanilla latte with a dash of coconut and a blueberry muffin. I enjoyed both of them and wll be back to try more. They have hot lattes, teas and milk alternatives. Very important for my 30+ crowd.
If you like a quite place for computer work or a nice place to read while you have your coffee give them a try. The seating is nice for groups, but there is also places to duck off in a corner if you’re alone. The patio wraps around and has FANS like every outdoor space should. If you’re feeling spicy go closer to 5 pm and you can go straight from coffee to an ice cold beer.
Sounds like the best of both worlds! In additon to already being a pretty cool spot they have food trucks all the time. Give them a follow and plan your next visit.
New Dog Adventures | Evansville, IN
Dog Friendly places in Evansville, IN
To everyone in my life’s surprise, we got a new dog!
Last Monday I was scrolling through instagram and saw a very familiar face. Ziki happen to belong to one of our friends. I had no idea they were even thinking of rehoming him. I reached out to her after I saw this post and asked if it was silly to have a trial. She thought it was a great idea so within a few hours of seeing the post, I went to scoop Ziki up.
I have NEVER been an animal person. Like zero percent. I’ve always respected coming into their spaces and I’ve even lived that veg life before. I’ve always respected the lives of animals, but have never been interested in having one. I’ve also been mildly allergic to pet dander. I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Jake has wanted another dog since we’ve met. His last one he did not get to take in his break up and he still talks about that dog (Rose) every week.
I was thinking maybe after the wedding we would give it a try, but time is funny of course.
When we were on our way home to surprise Jake, I was so scared he was going to lose his shit and bite my face off. He didn’t, he was just a scared baby. You can see how the surprise went here.
Jake has been loving having a running buddy. Ziki really likes new doggos and people. He’s very sweet and loves all the snuggles. I am excited to find new ways to have fun and places to go with him. Here are a few places we have visited so far in the
Evansville Area.
Sixth and Zero
Give A Dog A Bone
Honey Moon Coffee Co
Bayard Park, Woodmere, Audubon State Park
Myriad Brewing Company
We’ve gotten a few things ordered from Chewy , since Ziki’s new doggo friend sent him a gift card. The customer service has been amazing. He was put on a grain free diet when we got him, but I am very interested in exploring fresh food. We’ve gotten books to read and I have been watching videos like crazy to make sure we continue to train him. He knows how to sit, stay, shake and is potty trained- thank sweet baby Jesus. I would love for him to bark sometimes, because he never does. Which some say is awesome, but to be honest I would like him to be a little scary if we ever go camping.
I am feeling very emotional and a bit overwhelmed on this journey. I am so lucky to have friends and family give a healthy dose of advice and support. I would love to hear your experiences and any advice you have for new dog moms in the comments below!
If you want to help support us in our process of rehoming Ziki, ( because y’all left out the part that having a dog is $$$) you can send him a treat on my KoFi page.
Failure to Launch | & Other Musings Around My Travels
I think my true lust for “escaping” Evansville started about 2 years ago on my road trip to LA for a dear friend’s wedding. I took the whole month of June off in 2016 which now seems very ironic as I find myself ending this journey in the same month this year.
Most of you have heard, deducted from social media posts or have asked me directly about Louisville. Well here is the scoop from me to you with all the words I can gather about this experience.
I think my true lust for “escaping” Evansville started about 2 years ago on my road trip to LA for a dear friend’s wedding. I took the whole month of June off in 2016 which now seems very ironic as I find myself ending this journey in the same month this year. I traveled to LA with a friend I mostly knew from social media and had met in person twice. She was headed out West for an internship and casually posted that she’d love someone to ride with her. I love "almost" strangers & I was interested in seeing some more of the world so it was a no- brainer for me.
We stopped in Lincoln, Nebraska I met a white guy at a sports bar that night, go figure, that I talked to for about 2 months after that happened to know me from his cousin that worked at a news station IN EVANSVILLE. That was such a small world moment, but also felt like such an accomplishment in my world to somehow be known outside of the only bubble that I had lived in my whole life.
We stopped in Corrales, New Mexico. This was pre- passport life for me. I was so enthralled being so close to leaving the country. Our Airbnb was the most beautiful stucco house on acres of land with cactus with occasional coyate sightings. Our hosts were so woo woo it made my heart burst. All natural EVERYTHING.
So this is all before I made it to the actual destination in Redondo Beach area. It was chaotic, it was beautiful, it made me believe in love again. Even through the heartbreak I was having during a a huge blow out during my #steadmanchronicles. I stayed a few days after the wedding and met up with a former Evansvillian to party. WEHO, also known as West Hollywood, blew my mind. People did what they wanted, without hurting anyone else. They didn’t really care what your job was, they didn’t really feel the need to insert their opinions on you AND they didn’t ask what high school you went to. Strangers were so nice! One woman that I met in a post office took me to all the surrounding beaches the next day, just because.
This was my first taste of what felt like FREEDOM to me.
Following this I flew out to see my gay husband in Seattle. I had met Carlarans doing “city stuff” in Evansville. At the then Babel (now High Score Saloon). I had casually said hi, as it’s always nice to see another person of color out in Evansville. He pretty much stuffed a piece of sushi from his plate in my mouth all while saying “Try this”. It was love at first bite.
It had been about a year since he’d left for greater opportunities out West, so we had so much to catch up on. We jumped in all the trouble like he never left. Bar to bar, restaurant to restaurant no stone left unturned. I realized in watching my friend around town that he was most certainly GAY. Sounds weird to say, but back home he was out and we all knew. It’s just this new environment gave him the liberty to express that in any way he felt versus having to “tone it down” in Indiana. This was one of the times I realized that, I too, may be stiffled.
When I flew back in to Louisville, I could not bear the thought of going home. I cried, I extended my stay in Louisville just to have a taste of anything more city related. I just did not want to go back. I remember how hot my tears felt on my face as the wind of reality smacked me in the face on the ride home in a little red convertible.
I got home. I lived life again. Everything was business as usual.
For those who don’t know, I had a magazine at the time in addition to my spa business. I did so much to make the most of Evansville, so if I ever left I could say without out a doubt “It’s you not me”.
2017 hit and Laurel Whole Plant Organics was having its first Holistic Retreat for it’s estheticians and I was off to California again. This time to a much milder part, Sausalito. My breath was taken on multiple occasions from all the gorgeous views. This trip wasn’t any less mesmerizing. I met beautiful holistic practitioners. I partied with some random people from Holland. I loved soaking up air that was so clearly drenched in sea water. Again, it felt like all judgment had left me and the people around me.
I flew back in to Louisville this time with different eyes. Could this be my big city?
With a few trips, a love affair and hosting a skin care class at one of the city’s cutest shops...I was determined this would be the place I would start all over again. It had new places opening up every time I turned around, it was central to everything AND maybe I could find someone to date without kids.
I couldn’t just leave my business so I logically decided for 3 months I would try to transition. Low and behold, word of mouth helped me find a place to stay for that duration happening right when my lease in Evansville was up. Even better the owner of the new place also owned a newly opened downtown Louisville bar.
I hit the ground running making contacts, finding a networking queen which I mostly chalk up to good karma. I filled my trips with seeing all the things, meeting all the people. I found a job that I love and really felt a part of a team, that for once I didn’t have to create or dictate.
Not long after the first month, I began to run into people that I had met or talked to someone who knew someone and started to realize there was a huge lack of diversity.
Mind you, these were major reasons I was looking to relocate.
Every week I would drive to Louisville and back again to Evansville to make sure I was working this job and servicing clients. The first few weeks I had all the fun. As I approached closer to the 3rd month I was completely depleted. I remember getting off the road, heading straight into my Beauty Room for a client and as they got comfortable I sat on the bench and cried. I had absolutely nothing to give them. This was when I knew I needed to make a choice. I couldn’t though and kept going.
Here I am now 20 days after my 3 month timeline is up. I’ve decided that more than anything I crave stability. I want adventure, but not without roots. I love the newness of cities, meeting new people really absorbing the culture and city's offerings. I will never stop craving that. What Louisville did help me realize is that I can have that...from Evansville.
I still have some loose ends to tie up and will be continuing to make quite a few trips. I am looking to make even deeper roots in Evansville, IN and restore my sense of peace within the city. I don’t quite know what this means yet. Louisville has been an extraordinary experience for me. The city, the people that I’ve met and the things that I learned are invaluable. They just ended up not being what I truly needed to continue to up root my story completely.
Although on a certain level I feel like I’ve failed to launch...I have learned so much about myself, my needs, my wants, my non negotiables and that roots and wings can co exist. There is no balance in it though only ebb and flow.