Hey there! I'm Shel, a 27 year old bookmobile driving, Middle English-reading, animal wrangling freak - and I hate my boobs.
I've been uncomfortable since puberty. All I can describe it as is a deep, unrelenting shame. I'm constantly aware of them - no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I can't help but focus on the fact that they exist. I have put a lot of work into loving my body, but this is the only part of it I cannot come to terms with. On top of the emotional discomfort, I have physical complications due to being well-endowed - rashes underneath no matter how clean I keep it, straps digging into my skin, physical pain, etc. But, between physical struggles with an autoimmune disease, mental health struggles with OCD, and general life circumstances, I was unable to do anything about this besides wearing minimizer bras that damage my ribs or tape that rips my skin. Finally, though, after years of therapy and reclaiming my physical health, my healthcare team and I have all agreed that I am in a position to go through surgery and finally be free of my discomfort.
I have chosen a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Haruko Okada, who is experienced in the results I need. I am going for a radical breast reduction; this differs from a standard breast reduction in that a LOT of tissue is removed. The amount of tissue being removed is my preference anyway, but especially necessary for insurance to be covering it, which I am thankful for. But there are still out of pocket costs, and as much as I adore my job, I'm just not paid enough to handle them.
Surgery will be this winter and final payment is due two weeks before my surgery date. Funds raised here will be used towards these costs, and ONLY towards them - they will not be withdrawn until I need to use them. The cost total may be adjusted in the next few weeks, as we're waiting on my insurance to solidify the prior authorization.
Help me make this happen! It's this, or I go to Claire's.
