DIEP 2011

IowaSue45

Good luck and prayers to the ladies having DIEP. I hope you have a speedy recovery like me!!! 4 weeks out today, I can wear a bra now LOL. Victoria secret here I come lol. I hope you ladies that have recently had surgery are doing good. Speedy recovery to all!!!

zogo

I just read Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale starts today.  Good timing for you IowaSue!

SAMayoFL

You all may remember, me, Xrayest and LadyM are bi-lateral girls.  All three of us only had one breast going into surgery.  I can't help but to tear up thinking that today Xray and LadyM will both have two breasts AND cleavage.  Woohoo!!! 

LadyM and Laura, you were my first thought when I woke up this morning.  I hope all is well with you both and that today will go smoothly and your recovery will be speedy.

Sue, I can not wait to hear how your bra shopping goes!!!  Please send us all the details!!  I am dreaming of red lace, push ups and plunging necklines!

I so love the fact that we can talk so openly and freely on this thread.  Anything from the horizontal hokey pokey to frankenboobs to farting.  This thread puts a smile on my face every single day!

Susan

alexanjb

Yes, I get full faster.  I eat mini meals.  I hope it lasts, I would like my ass and thighs to slim down. 

I had my eyes closed, and I think I just majorly passed gas when I opened my eyes to my PS smiling down at me!  I had trouble getting anything else moving until after the first day home. 

Has anyone else experienced a flesh odor?  I think everything is ok, but then I start worrying that the noob is decaying or something.  I've showered everyday.  I don't scrub on the noob or tummy incision of course.  Did anyone have concentric type circle marks on the belly, almost like suction cups or something?  I'm sure they will fade away but what in the world?  Maybe an instrument used to position things?

treesprite

I had a doppler wire installed - sounds different from everyone else on this thread. I had a thin wire that emerged from between my boobs which hooked to a longer wire that hooked to the doppler machine. The business end had been placed right next to the graft area (inside my chest). I was on the doppler the entire time in the hospital and its gentle whoosh whoosh was like a lullaby to me. When I needed to leave the bed, I could detach and reattach myself. On discharge, they just snipped the wire, leaving a small tail that they taped to my chest for later removal after the graft had time to strenghten. They pulled it on my two week (10 day?) follow up, no tugging, it just slid right out. They did a physical check on my every hour, feeling to make sure everything was warm and pink with a good 'blanch' refill rate on the new skin that formed my new aureola.

No weird smell or circles that I remember. Almost three months out and my tummy still feels odd, like it is sort of bloated and hard and my poo refuses to get in a nice long line and be like a torpedo like Dr. Oz says it should be! I'm starting on metamucil to see if it is a fiber issue, although I eat a lot of fruits and veggies and other natural fiber. The feeling is definitely returning to my tummy . . that was interesting the first time I realized I had sensitivity on the surface, but the underneath still feels odd. I see my PS on Monday and I have a nice list of questions. It is my stage 2 consult.

Anything that concerns you, call your doc. It is so easy and such a nice relief when they tell you it is all good!  I tend to be bad about this one myself . . . why do I think I need to have the answers before I call? Or that it needs to be 'serious' . . .how would I even know what is or what isn't? And if there is an issue, better to catch it early. 

I eat smaller meals but I can do a lot of damage during my evening snack fest . . .that is my nemesis!! Everyday I swear I won't the next day but I do anyway . . .I'm weak when it comes to crunchy, chewy, muchies! I'm reading "women, food, & god" - Oprah's new fav for eating, so when I finish reading it, all my food issues will disappear!

IowaSue45

OOO and I can wear deodorant now too, but i have been wearing is since we had those 100 degree days because I could not stand the smell of me. I have beed using the natural deodorant. Yes I am the one who usally break all the rules except the bra for 4 week, I liked not wearing a bra!!! Plus no more binder.

SAMayoFL

I am so happy to report I just heard from Ladym's sister.  She is out of sugery and everything went well.  Ladym, you may not know it yet but you have twins now!!  Woohoo!!  I can't believe bilateral surgery in 6 hours.  WOOHOO!!!!  I hope Laura is doing just as well.

Still no news from Lori.  Please continue to send positive vibes her way!

Susan

SAMayoFL

I just realized after going back to read Ladym's post that I misspoke.  I thought she was having bilateral but I was wrong.  She just had to have one side reconstructed.  Oh well!!!  She is still doing great!

Susan

SAMayoFL

Hooray, I just heard from Lori!!!  I am finally breathing a huge sigh of relief!!  She is doing better but is still in pain.  I am just glad to hear that she is OK and is on the road to recovery!

Susan

alexanjb

Susan,  I have no idea how you can keep track of us all like this.  I try but if its not in the signature line, I just kind of act like Tiny Tim and Say God Bless Everyone.  It is not like I'd what to exclude anyone. 

It is interesting isn't it how so many things differ in our experiences, not only because of Bi/Uni, delayed/immediate but because of the different hospital procedures and equipment? My doppler was a handheld device about the size of a penlight attached to a radio looking thing that was on a cart with wheels and the whoosh, whoosh was peaceful but when it was first turned on and tuned in, it sounded like SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

I am not sure about the odor I think I sometimes I have, but I have pretty much determined that it is not coming from the noob.  I thought that I had an odor during chemo and radiation too and no one else could smell anything.  Maybe its a gastro thing.  I am doing ok without the pain meds and have not even been taking the tylenol as often as I can.  My hips feel on fire from the drain tubes but everything else is ok most of the time.  My potential lymphedema arm gets a bit achy.  Nothing new about that.  I was wondering about feeling returning in the tummy.  To me, it feels like I have a thick bandage around my middle and on the noob but I don't.

IowaSue45

Hi DIEP Sisters.

     How do you all get checked for breast cancer now? I don't even know. I don't think I have been since I have been done with chemo. I have a onocolgy appointment the end of the month. To tell you the truth I haven't seen her since Jan. and I'm still on herceptin.

pupfoster1

Hi girls,

Re: the caffeine thing---it's just for a week or two post surgery they told me.

Crimson, you cracked me up about the gas thing.  I've had issues with constipation ever since chemo.  It was terrible then and it was again while on the pain meds after my surgeries.  It's amazing how a thing like pooping we take for granted, and can now look back and maybe laugh about. But I remember literally crying it hurt so bad at times and it was most definitely NOT funny then. 

Alex in reference to the coughing I would suspect it could be from being intabated during surgery.  I had a terribly horse voice and was scratchy for several days post surgery.  Did they give you one of those plastic contraptions to exhale into while you were in the hospital?  Supposed to help open your lungs back up.

Take care all,
Sharon

SAMayoFL

Hey Alexan, how is your daughter today?  Did she get any news post-op?  I had every intention of sending her a text today but lo and behold chemo brain kicked in yet again!!  She was sooooo sweet when you had your surgery.  I will be sure I send her a message tomorrow.  Please let her know that we are all sending hugs her way too!  We are all sisters bound by the common frailties of being female!

Gosh Sue, that seems like a long time to go without seeing your oncologist.  I didn't see mine from October, just before I began chemo, till the middle of March, just before I finished chemo.  Two weeks after chemo he ordered a PET scan.  I had tumor markers done in March and again this week.  I will see him and have blood work done every three months for two years.  

Misszed, LadyM and Laura, I hope you are all resting and on your way to recovery.

We have another big week coming up!!  I think there are three set for the 21st.  I can't wait to hear all the details and to know you are all safely resting on the other side!

Susan

misszed

Hello Everyone!!! I got sent home at 11am, today and so happy to be done with the surgery.  My belly is still quite tight 5 days post surgery.  My surgery took 8 hours and seems like 5 minutes to me, l stayed in ICU all 5 days, a nice roomy private room with a nice recliner and comfy futon.  I was hooked up to the oxygen and heart monitor the whole time. my bp was checked every 3o minutes the first 2 days then every 2 hours along with the breast doppler. I packed a bag but only used my button down shirt & pink pocket  (came home with 3 drains) and needed my ipod coz it was really loud in the ICU with all the beeping and stuff. Im almost walking upright today, took a 10 minute walk outside, was wiped out from that. I have not had constipation yet, l juiced a few days before and was on clear liquids only 3 days post surgery so l think that helped. Has the pain pump for Saturday them moved to pecorset since Sunday, not much pain so lm hoping to get off it by Friday.  I have compression socks on teh whole time, probably will for another few days when  l walk longer.  I have my post op this Thursday and hoping to get more drains out.   Im so sleepy most of the time...time to empty the drains and try out my bed - Gnite all.

Good luck Lady M

nicurn4222

LadyM and Laura you have both been on my mind constantly. I am sending good vibes for your comfort!

Misszed thought about you all week. So glad you are home and doing well!

Thanks to all those who are on the other side. I love hearing that it is going to be ok. Thank you for all the suggestions and advice!! 6 days and counting! One more day of work, garden is in, house is clean, and flowers will be planted tomorrow...almost ready.....

Lynne

alexanjb

Sue, don't know the answer on mammogram or something for the Noob(s).

Susan, my daughter is waiting for lab results............she is being quite positive about it and I am proud of her for that.  I have to believe it will be ok.  Seeing her hold her own baby is a major goal for me.

Re:  constipation.  I have been plagued with this for years.  And yes, it brought me to tears when I was on chemo.  I take fiber capsules.  You can find them in most store brands at the pharmacy section.  5 per day, and if my system has been messed up from anti biotic or something, I take Acidyphollis tablets daily for a couple of days.  I bought mine at GNC.  I believe it is the same pro biotic found in many yogurts.  It seems to work for me and the theory also makes sense to me.  I don't remember excactly where I heard about it.  The fiber that you dissolve in water makes me gag and it doesn't work because........I avoid taking it.

JustLaura

Surgery yesterday and I'm waiting for breakfast now. I know I have a lot more to go, but it is starting out well.

carberry

Yeah misszed to being home your doing awesome, all good things from here on out!

JustLaura, enjoy those little perks ...like waiting for bkfst....ha ha glad you are posting and obviously doing well.  Once they let you walk, try to get those little strolls in a few minutes at a time and you will be so much stronger when you get home.  My nurses never pressured me to walk while in the hosp and I wish they had.

slg2130

Laura - Glad to hear you're feeling well enough for breakfast!  Hope the rest of your recovery goes well - I'll be watching! 

SAMayoFL

OMG!!!!   Laura, you had surgery yesterday and are posting today!!!  HOLY COW!!  Another Wonder Woman!

LadyM's sister said that she is up walking today and is doing great! 

Misszed, I am so happy to see you back on the boards.  Can't wait to hear all of the details.

Joy, I hope you see your daughter with her own baby as well.  That makes me want to cry!! 

Susan

grdnslve

misszed--so glad you are doing well.  wish they hadn't changed my appt so i could be done too, but oh well.  soon enough.  getting excited.

wonderful how encouraging you all are.  thanks so much.

XRAYestInMA

Back from an 18-hour bilat DIEP !!!

Hello everyone....I am now 8 days post-op from the LONGEST surgery this gal will ever have! When I ever woke in the PACU and was told I had been out for 18 hours, I was sure that I was having a dream - and not a good one. I was told that there were no complications and the entire case was textbook - it just took longer because my MX side was so tight and firm (never had Rads), but it had been 6 years, so there ya go. One of the first faces that I saw was my DH, and the look on his face was one of pure relief. I remember my arms hurting like mad, and my fingers were very swollen, as were the lymph nodes in my neck (I could feel those too). My lips felt puffy and when I coughed, it was like shear hell. Not my best moment for sure. 

I spent about 12 hours being constantly monitored in the PACU. I wore some compression leggings on both legs that blew up every so often - not annoying at all, and a blanket with warm air blowing thru it. The air in my room was also kept pretty warm for a few days.  I was lifted into a recliner around 10 a.m. that day - which was about 8 hours after the sx. When the nurse informed me that I would be sitting up that day, I must have looked at her like she was crazy. Once I was in the recliner, I was given ice chips as my "reward". Let me tell you - ice chips had never tasted so good before. My life on the recliner that day ended at 3 p.m. when it was time to get back into bed - another difficult feat, and then onto the SICU - my new home until discharge. I was on a Morphine pump for pain relief - but it only worked while I was able to push the button. I pushed it, dosed into a Morphine haze type of sleep, then woke in pain. My flaps were monitored by Doppler every hour for like 48 hours, then every 2 hours, then every 4 towards the end on my stay. That "whoosh whoosh whoosh" was true music to my ears. The flaps were also monitored by some apparatus called Vioptix - it was 2 wires that I think were in the flaps, connected to a machine that checked the percentage of O2 in the tissue. Whatever it took to make sure my B's were sticking around was good with me.

I got Heparin shots in my (poor bruised) thighs every day and that really sucked. Foley came out on day 2 - after I had already started walks around the floor. Switched from Morphine to oral Oxycodone in day 2 also. Had NO appetite, but that got better as the week went on. Showered on day 3 - not easy nor enjoyable (I don't usually shower with 2 nurse's aides- at least they were women), but it was another task on my list of things to do before I could go home. I had no trouble sleeping while in the hospital, despite the constant monitoring and checks of my flaps and abd. by various "teams" of surgeons (BIDMC is a teaching hospital). I had a private room with a private bath and all the amenities. My DH drove back up ( 3 hour drive back and forth) pretty much every night and stayed with me after tending to the children and dogs. Truthfully, the week was harder on him than it was on me - he is a godsend to me.  

Of the items that I packed, I only used my Burt's Bees lip balm, my own shampoo and conditioner, 1 magazine (which I hardly remember looking at) of the 7 that I brought, my Tevas (flip-flops instead of slippers),my comb/brush, and my own toothpaste/toothbrush - oh, and I had my cell phone and charger with me. I never used my IPod, my new super-cute navy bathrobe that I bought for the occasion (why get drain fluid on it = gross), make-up (just what was I thinking on that one???), or any other of the un-necessities that I thought were so necessary before the sx.

Re: the constipation. Seems like I was constantly asked if I was "passing any gas" while I was in the hospital, and when my "last BM" was. Well, I have been given Colace all week along with all of my other meds, so there was gas on occasion, but the BM didn't show until this past Sunday - so it had been one week. I never felt bloated or crampy - and was happy about that as my abdomen doesn't need any additional aggravation that it has already gone through. I have been drinking A LOT of H2O, eating fruits and veggies, and even a few prunes a day. That seems to do the trick. I am not "regular" yet to say the least, but at least my bowels are waking up.

I went home without any binders of any sort, including nothing covering my new B's (except a shirt of course), a script for a 10-day antibiotic (I have no infection, I think it's to ensure that I don't get one), a 30-day course of 2 aspirin a day (sure beats the dreadful Heparin shots), pain meds, and colace. No caffeine or chocolate for 2 weeks post-op (and CANNOT WAIT to drink an iced tea and/or iced coffee next week), no driving or bras for 3 weeks, no under-wire bras until who-knows-when, no lifting of anything heavier that 5 lbs for 4 weeks, no lifting my arms over my head except when washing my hair. I went home with 4 drains, and 3 were pulled yesterday at my 1st post-op appointment. The 4th will be pulled next week, I was told. One is way more tolerable than 4.

So, how do the Noobs look? Well, I think they look super! As does pretty much everyone who has seen them, it seems. They are round, even, very symmetrical - the right is a smidge bigger than the left, but I am still swollen so time will tell on that. They are not flat like pancakes or foot-ball shaped, nor the shape of a candy kiss. They kinda look like my 13 year olds young and perky breasts - just a lot bigger, LOL.  I was told my remaining breast that I had weighed 1100 gms (they weighed it in the OR once it was removed) and each DIEP boob was placed with 900 gms of tissue, so they are pretty close to the size that I had - a full C cup. Not too bad at all. My abdomen is still very tight and tender, but is flat. The scar is from hip-to-hip - but so far is healing well and is pretty even. My abdomen looks like 'wow' from the front, and 'WOW' from the profile. Hard to believe it looks this good so soon.

 Question for anyone "put back together" with Demabond glue (as I was) - I was told the glue will slough off during the next several weeks while showering and such. The scars seem a little lumpy, but it's actually the glue that I am feeling. Then there is this one area on the scar line of my right breast where it looks a little different - not anywhere near an open wound - just a little lumpier. Of course I didn't notice it until after I saw the PS yesterday, so now I'm concerned. He said everything looks super when I saw him - so not sure if the lumpy spot happened after I saw him, or if it was already there. DH noticed it too, but can't remember if it was before or after the appointment. To anyone who did have healing issues - does that sound how your opening started? I'm so afraid to get this far only to have an issue develop. I do not see the PS until next week - June 21st.

Okay....that's it for now. Big plans for tonight is a shower and a walk - outside! The sun is shinning and the weather is fair and clear. I'm walking outside for some fresh air. Not getting stir-crazy yet, but it's bound to happen if I don't get out soon.

Take care to all and healing thoughts to all who just went thru the DIEP!!!

~Lori 

momtomygirls

glad to hear everyone is doing well!!!

Cheryl

5 days and counting

alexanjb

Congrats to the newly noobed!  I have my follow up with the PS tomorrow and I think my belly button is infected so I am glad it is tomorrow.  My wife beater was spotted with blood this morning so I think the scab came off or something.  It's hopefully, and probably not a big deal.  I cleaned it with gauze soaked in epsom salts and will probably put a little antibiotic cream on it tonight.  I don't know what else I can do.

Lori!  You had quite the event.  18 hours is unbelievable.

nicurn4222

Wow Lori! Wow!!  Thank you so much for writing all about the experience. Going into it with eyes wide open is much less scary for sure. I'm so glad you are doing so well! I can't wait until I'm where you are in a couple of weeks!

Laura I can't believe you are writing the day after surgery!! What an inspiration!! When I found this discussion I was so uptight about going through all this. Everyone here has made me feel so much more at ease. Almost excited about it! Crazy!!

Joy I hope your daughter is doing well. Both of you going through surgery at almost the same time! Yikes!!

5 days and counting!! This part of the 21 club is almost ready!!

Lynne

c8ndygr1

Thanks, Lori, for the nitty-gritty details we pre-ops really want to know about. 18 hours, whoa! Every surgery is different tho. Glad the worst is over for you now and that you are on the mend.

JustLaura: Can't believe you are eating breakfast and back on-line ONE DAY after surgery. Amazing! What wonder drug did they give you? lol

So great to hear back from all the recent Noobies - Brenda, Lori, Joy, Susan, Laura, Mo and others who have gone before who check in once in a while to lend support to us. Thank you so much.

Momtomygirl (Cheryl):  You are up next on Monday. Get some exercise, fresh air and rest over the next few days.

21 Club:  I had my pre-admission appointment today at the hospital. Made me a little nervous. I had to keep telling myself, 'Get a grip! This is not a heart transplant or brain surgery you're having.' lol  The RN told me that I wouldn't need to bring anything ~ they provide all the toiletries including shampoo, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, slipper sox with non-slip soles. I still plan to bring my hairbrush, a hoodie, lip balm, sleep eyemask & ear plugs. Lynne and Suz, we are almost there. Eeep!

CrimsonQ66

Does anyone else have a major ache between the boobs? I understand that sometimes they remove some rib bone when reconnecting blood vessels. Honestly this feels like my sternum, right between the girls. I can't even put the tv remote on my chest because it aches too much. I see the BS tomorrow and plan on asking. Just wondering if anyone else feels it too.

mrsnjband

I am going to see  PS on Friday about doing the D.I.E.P.  This is the way I was kind of leaning toward & the last PS I saw confirmed my direction.  No rush to surergy but have many questions. NJ

ladym13

Hi girls,

Its 3:00 in the morning and I can't sleep, thought I'd jump on here and let you all know I'm doing great.

My surgery was only 6 hours and they are telling me it was a slick surgery no problems.

Yesterday I was up walking a few times and I'm able to get up by myself albeit SLOWLY. The cathatar is coming out this morning so we shall see how I do.

Well what can I say the 'girlz' look good, it was SO emotional for me having lived with one breast for a year and waking up to a beautiiful (bruised and puffy) but still pretty boobie. I cried tears of joy with my sister and boyfriend and team of nurses. I feel like I've been hit by a truck about 10 times, but I don't care, I feel like me again in a wierd way.

I'm getting sleepy again, will post once I'm home on sat.

Lori, so happy for you..xo

Mo

MRDRN

Sue that is a GREAT PIC !  (((Hugs)))) to all you strong ladies recovering...looking forward to getting my 3D tats in Aug with others from this board !