Unplugging and Reconnecting Before Your Breast Reconstruction

I recently enjoyed a brief but very relaxing vacation with my husband. We visited the Olympic Peninsula in the beautiful state of Washington. Two of our favorite stops were Rialto Beach and the Hoh Rainforest.

What we did not know was the lack of internet connectivity in various places on the route. Knowing this was part of our trip, we rolled with it and laughed saying we were “off the grid” hoping we took the correct turns and freeways to reach our destination. This reminded me that unplugging and reconnecting before your breast reconstruction can be a valuable exercise for you.

My Thoughts Turned to those Considering Breast Reconstruction

There was very little conversation while we were at Rialto Beach. It was an overcast day with thick fog rolling in. We arrived close to high tide in the afternoon. The waves were cresting high and crashing down on the beach. I sat on a large piece of driftwood, closed my eyes, and listened to the sound of the crashing waves. My husband captured the photo. I told him it reminded me of the “oceans sound” white noise I chose to help me sleep some nights. He agreed but thought this was even better.

My thoughts turned to those considering breast reconstruction. How often do we unplug, disconnect our phones, turn off our laptops and sit quietly with our thoughts? There is so much noise on the internet and not all of it is soothing and helpful. How can you begin to know what your preferences are for surgery if you don’t take time to assess your own personal needs?

I felt calm and peaceful sitting on that log. There was no internet connection on the beach. I only used my phone to take photos and videos. Sit with me for a moment listening and watching the waves crash.

Reconnect and Assess Knowing Your Body Will Change after Reconstruction

Consider going to a quiet place away from people, family, and the distraction of your phone or the internet. You don’t have to invest a lot of time in this. Carve out three to four days that could be done in one week or over a period of a couple of weeks. Nature is one of the best places to do this if you can. Consider a quiet walk in your neighborhood, a park bench, nearby nature trail, walking around a lake or pond, or time in your garden.

What is most important to you as you consider your reconstruction? Is it size, projection, the ability to return to work, your activity level, lifting your children, sensation in your breasts, cleavage? You deserve time away from everything to sit quietly and think about this.

Perhaps when you watch the video above you’ll notice the tiny rocks popping up like popcorn as the waves crash to the shore. The rocks on this beach are smooth with various lines and coloration throughout the rocks. The change occurred over time. I thought about how those considering breast reconstruction have no idea how their body will change or what it will look like after full recovery and breast reconstruction. This is why it is important to consider your preferences and keep your expectations in mind knowing your body will change over time as you recover.

Prioritize Time Alone Before Your Breast Reconstruction

I have purposely put very few links in this blog post to minimize distractions from the message I want to send you in this blog post. Unplugging and reconnecting before your breast reconstruction can be a calming experience preparing you for your consultation with your surgeon.

I highly recommend finding a place in nature. If you have never heard of or read about the Nature Pyramid I encourage you to read this article from Psychology Today. I experienced the restorative effect of sitting quietly in nature during my time away from my phone, internet connection, and my computer.

Use the moment you prioritize to assess and focus on your preferences and carry those thoughts with you to your consultation. As you sit in the waiting room to be called back, close your eyes and visualize that quiet moment and the list of preferences you came up with. You are steering your own ship and are the captain of your own journey. The time you took to connect with nature teaches you that things will change, seas might be rough, but like the rocks and pebbles on the beach new and interesting lines and shapes will emerge.

Disclaimer

References made to my surgical group, surgeon and healthcare team are made because they are aligned with my values and met my criterion after I did research of their practices and success rates. Any other healthcare provider that displays the same skill, compassion education and outreach to patients will be given consideration and recognition on this website.  The information contained on this website is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician for medical advice.