Illuminate with Natalie

 Exchange Day! Most of you probably have no idea what exchange day is, so let me fill you in. I had a few surgery choices- lumpectomy + radiation, double mastectomy + reconstruction (maybe radiation) or just a double mastectomy (maybe radiation).  Honestly, this was one of the harder decisions I had to make in my journey. I asked the plastic surgeon sooo many questions! To be honest with you guys, I NEVER planned on visiting a plastic surgeon. So, you can imagine my initial gut response to considering this option.  Long story short, I ended up doing a double mastectomy + reconstruction with NO radiation! (I felt God's presence and wisdom in making this choice). They can't just give you implants as you have nothing to hold the implant after a double mastectomy. After surgery you get expanders that are slowly filled up over time. After nearly 5 months of healing, it was time to get swap the expanders for implants. When I heard the date of 4.23.25 I immediately said yes. I w...