Preventive Mastectomy: 9 Years Later

Posted April 28, 2025 by Prairie Wife -

It has been fascinating and a bit challenging to sit down this month and reflect on the last nine years of life that I have lived since I chose to undergo a Preventive Mastectomy 9 years ago.

Some of you may be aware that in November, and last month, I underwent two revision surgeries that changed my original preventive mastectomy from implants that are under the muscle to over the muscle. You can find more details in this post if you’re interested.

When we underwent the first surgery, I was told that every 10 years or so, surgery would likely be needed, but at the time, that seemed so far away…but as they say, time flies when you’re having fun! And sooner than I wanted, we were sitting in the doctor’s office again, listening to how to empty wound drains and receiving a packet of information.

I have absolutely no regrets about undergoing revision surgery. It was 100% the right decision for me.

I am so much more physically comfortable now, and just like before, I am pleased with how my body looks in clothing. I do wish that the fat grafting surgery had been more effective, but we knew that we would only be able to harvest a small amount!

The hardest part about the last year has been preparing mentally to undergo surgery again, I knew what I was facing with weeks of recovery ahead of me. 

Even though I was prepared from the first round of surgeries…The feeling of guilt as I sat on the couch for over a month straight watching The Cowboy and Cowkids doing my “job” was heavy to bear. They were all forced to handle the cooking, grocery shopping, running all the errands, and cleaning, while I sat, feeling useless. I take pride in caring for my family, and it was a struggle mentally to force myself to rest.

I was prepared for the challenge of getting back in shape after each surgery. The pressure was on after my surgery in November because I wanted to be as strong as possible before I went back into the operating room in March.

It was humbling to go from running a marathon in September to using all my mental and physical strength to tackle running a mile without stopping.

But one good thing about this revision surgery is that I’ve been here before. I know what it’s like, I was prepared for the struggle, and I know that I’ve been #strongenough to push through in the past…so I can do it again.

The Cowkids have already returned to the old routine of coming home from practice to a warm meal ready and waiting for them. However, they are definitely more appreciative after having had to tackle the task themselves so often over the last few months.

The Cowboy is grateful that he is no longer stuck putting laundry away. How one woman can wear so many clothes when all she did was sit at home is a mystery to him, lol!

I’m already back up to running 3 miles and have set the goal of running a half marathon by the Fall.

Because of my new ability to lift heavier weights and feel more comfortable working my upper body with the new placement of my implants, I have decided that I want to work towards being able to do a pull-up. Something that I have NEVER been able to do ever in my entire life…I’ll keep you posted on how that goes!

Each year, as I write these reflective posts, I think back to my original purpose for undergoing a preventive mastectomy. When my oncologist asked me more than 9 years ago why I was sitting in his office,  my answer was simple.

“I want to live.”

Looking back over the phenomenal life I’ve lived over the last 9 years…celebrating amazing moments with my 5 Cowkids, climbing mountains, growing the Prairie Wife Brand, a family trip to Italy, working to make changes that will benefit the entire state of Wyoming, and all the beautiful little day-to-day moments that seem so insignificant at the time…but are truly what it’s all about…I feel confident that we have accomplished what we set out to do.

I am truly living my life in a way that makes me proud when I look back at what The Cowboy and I have created together.

I am excited for the future and the adventures that are waiting for me.

Undergoing a preventive mastectomy was a life-changing decision.

And I can see now that with a whole lot of grit and grace, it was life-changing in all the right ways!

Categories: Preventive Mastectomy, Support

Tags: , breast cancer, breast surgery, implants, mastectomy, preventive mastectomy, revision surgery, Women's health