DIEP 2011

Joanie207

@brigadoonbenson - it's been ages since I've been on this site, but thought I would check in. I saw your question about Stage 2 timing. Dr. Tobias did my PBM with DIEP on March 29, 2010 and on Nov.5, 2010 I had Stage 2. Since I live for summer here in Maine I didn't want to be healing during this precious time of year. Wishing you well. And tell Dr. Tobias and Maria I said "hello"!



Joanie

www.breastcancermom.blogspot.com

brigadoonbenson

Joanie - You're breastcancermom!!!!  I read your blog a dozen times and passed it on to friends who asked about the procedure and to fellow travelers on here.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

c8ndygr1

How far out post-op were you able to walk with normal posture and not hunched over? I'm 12 days out.

brigadoonbenson

c8ndygr1 - for me it was about 3 weeks but I did get a backache after awhile.  I had one drain for a long time and accommodating that was my biggest pain as I was always catching a stitch. 

SAMayoFL

Well ladies, one month from today I will be in SC being DEIP'ed.  I have been running around like crazy for the last two weeks getting things done around my house and yard.  I have already started a little stash of stuff to take with me.  My rationale is that if I stay busy enough I will not think too hard about the surgery.  LOL!!!

On a really sad note I have worked for two attorneys for more than 25 years.  I started with them fresh out of high school.  One of my bosses has a son who has fought a brain tumor for about 7 years.  He just celebrated his 40th birthday a week ago.  On Friday evening he lost his battle.  My heart is so heavy and sad every time cancer takes away someone we love.  Please remember his family in your thoughts and prayers.  I have been really sad and weepy.

We have girls on the calendar for July!!  Woohoo!!!  I can't wait to hear from each of you!

Susan

Sherryc

Susan so sorry to hear of your bosses son loosing his battle.  It too always makes me sad when someone looses that battle.  Will keep them in prayer.  Good Luck with your upcoming surgery

mspradley

Can I poll everyone on tamoxifen to find out how many days prior to surgery you went off of the medicine and how many days post-surgery until you went back on. My PS and oncologist differ in opinions. Thanks! I have my stage 2 and wound revisions the day after tomorrow! Woot!

Sue4LSU

Misszed, glad to know you're doing so well!  I'm scheduled for surgery in 2 weeks, so I'll be following your progress!  One question--everyone's mentioning wearing Spanx--isn't it hard to pull these things on??

Happy 4th to you, too!

Susan

Sue4LSU

Okay, I'm sorry, but I have to say this....I've heard of "high-beams", but not really having your headlights on! ;-)

c8ndygr1

Re: Spanx - Advice I got from a Nordstrom hosiery dept manager, Spanx thigh shapers run small. For example, if you think, according to the sizing chart, that you would be a Size B, chances are a Size D could be more like it. We want to compress, not kill.

bdavis

mspradley.... good question. I am starting Tamoxifen a couple weeks after Stage I but will have this issue for stage II... I do know that my MO wants me taking baby asprint 3 times a week while on tamox... and since that is stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery, I will probably stop tamox two prior as well...., but don't know.

caltex_catlady

I was told to stop taking tamoxifen, aspirin, and ibuprofen 7-10 days ahead of my DIEP on Thursday.

misszed

Sue4LSU - The 2 weeks will go by fast, just go with the flow, it gets better everyday. The Spanx  are just hard to deal with in this hot humid weather....but it's only for 2 weeks...and yes a size bigger is good, I also use the "Assets" from Kohls or Target...they work just as well as Spanx.  Good luck with everything! 

treesprite

I needed my husbands help with my compression undies for the first few days . . .might need the help longer if you are bi. Someone on this thread said they had a compression that was open on the bottom, so didn't have to be pulled up or down for potty breaks.

I used cheapies from walmart/target and my doc's nurse was very happy with them  . . . it is important to have the waist be high enough so it doesn't bind anywhere near the surgical area. Sounds like some PS's don't recommend them at all, but it important that you follow your doc's recommendations. 

I'm about 3 1/2 months out from my uni delayed DIEP . . . sometimes my belly feels super tight and bloated. My DH says maybe it is the feeling after eating 'cause I'm used to so much more 'insulation' between my insides and my outside. I also had a pain in an odd place . . . I'll give the nurse a call tomorrow and ask . . I always feel better knowing.

Happy fourth to everyone! I did a bunch of gardening yesterday . . .just a bit sore from crouching under the trees getting things planted but otherwise, no problem. 

I'm am super looking forward to stage 2 (aug 17) . . .especially looking forward to being past the surgical side affects and restrictions AND getting used to my new bod!

Happy 4th!!

Kathy

SAMayoFL

Sue4LSU, what is your surgery date?  Mine is August 3.

Hey Kathy!!  August 17 will be here before we know it.  I so hope that when you have stage 2 I will be feeling so much better from stage 1.  I can't wait to hear all the details.  Have your hard spots gone away?  Do you know what all he will be doing for stage 2?  I miss talking to you!

Mspradley, hey!!!  How are you doing?  How do your wounds look after your second surgery?  My PS recommends stopping Tamoxifen/Femara two weeks prior to and two weeks after surgery.  Also, as some of the girls who are already on the other side have discussed, the PS is very proactive about the BM problem.  I have to start taking Metamucil or an equivalent two weeks before surgery and will continue until two weeks after.  Adding to the conversation about caffeine, he recommends stopping caffeine for the same period of time.

I have to go back and look now, other than Sue4LSU who else is coming up in July?

Xrayest, have you tried to wear jeans yet?  For all of you June DIEPers, how are your incisions doing?  Are things looking better?

Susan

ladym13

Susan, I'm 3 weeks out tomorrow and I wear jeans all the time, even with the binder, it's not uncomfortable at all.

I have my post op appointment on thursday, looking forward to some insight on stage 2.

grdnslve

susan--so sorry about the bosses son.

omg--jeans??  can't even imaging.  but only one week today.  super roomy sweats, or soft pj bottoms rolled down. after my shower today i felt like upgrading the top.  went with wife beater with dh duck hunting vest over the top to hold the drains.  not too pretty, but the tubes are more comfortable.  the worst pain i have is back spasms.  started in hospital..think its related to the belly pain.  maybe i'm trying to cut back too much on the meds.

my ps didn't have me stop caffine, but did on my own. he also hasn't mentioned a binder, but that may come at followup??  except for steri strips  i have no bandages at all.  lots of blisters from the tape (whats up with that???)   dog is finally calming down, dh is going crabbing, so life is good.  and have i mentioned my new breast???  keep peeking cause it looks so familiar except for the no nipple.  i'm so happy.

hope everyone else had a nice 4th..wasn't in the mood myself...just wanted to sleep, but sadly, not happening.  neighbors were having quite the party all night interspersed with yet more fireworks going off.  sounded like a war zone.

SAMayoFL

Grdnslve, I am soooo happy to hear from you!!  So, at one week out, how are you feeling?  Are you getting around on your on and such?

Ladym, have you gone back to work?

Hope everyone is well!

Susan

grdnslve

susan-  i think i'm doing well.  so hard to tell.  with the pain meds everything tends to get fuzzy.  i have an appt for f/u on thurs, so he can shed some light on where i am.  not going for any long walks at this point, yet no problem getting about the house, up & down stairs, etc.  i had been so focused on getting the poopage going that may have cut the pain meds back too far.  maybe that is why my back is in spasms.  don't know. everything looks good to me.  a little redness about the relocated belly button, but not enough it concerns me.  steristrips on the surgical lines, but from what i can see, amazed at the way it looks.  can imagine very little scarring barring problems.  love looking at my old friend, but is it me, or do you all have this 'uh..' moment wondering where the nipple went to?  still bending over when walking, but the belly isn't hurting as much as i expected.  still can't imagine getting stuffed into spanx..any thoughts??  so looking forward to losing the drains.  they aren't putting out that much.  good sign??

relax to those up next--who & when btw??  it was so much easier than i thought it would be.  best hospital stay i've ever had.

carberry

Have not been here in awhile ...just checking in...looks likes everyone is doing well.  Had my diep on mar 31 and finished with the rads and now doing the tamoxifen.  Saw the PS last week and he says no stage 2 till Nov.  wants all the skin to heal from the rads, so looks like a nice long break from any more treatments, just the herceptin every 3 weeks.  I asked the PS about the tightness in my abd muscle on the right side that tends to "grab" me every once in awhile and he just brushed it off like "yeah duh, thats where all the work was done"  Said to expect it for quite  awhile, otherwise I am kicking butt, doing everything!  My DD was home for the 4th (she is a fashion major) and bought me the cutest sundress that I belted (yahoo to the flat tummy) Everyone kept asking me how much weight I have lost, said  I was looking fabulous, but funny I have not really lost a lot of weight, maybe 10 lbs, but the flat tummy makes all the difference. 

Hang in there ladies, it is so worth the trip.

c8ndygr1

One third of the 21 Club here checking in at 2 weeks post-op.  Got the last drain removed this morning (free at last! no more tubes, lanyards or safety pins). Stuffed into a snug pair of Spanx and am off pain meds (other than Tylenol).  Still dealing with the constipation issue - Ugh. Feel good though. Still need a nap here and there as I get tired out if trying to do too much too soon. Still camped out in the too comfy recliner nest at night. Too hot for jeans but could wear them. Lost 10 lbs since surgery. Waiting on a late Sept-early Oct Stage 2 surgery date. 21 Club Suz and Lynne, how are you two fairing?

To you pre-ops coming up, the first 2-3 days post-surgery are rough but steady pain meds will get you through. Get moving as soon as you can. After that, it gets better by leaps each day. I am so thankful DIEP was an option available to me. And after Stage 2, I will be ecstatic. No regrets from this June DIEP-er.

Thanks to all who went before me and helped fill in the information gaps. Knowing what to expect really helped ease some of the fear and anxiety.

XRAYestInMA

Week 4 follow-up was today...I officially have "no restrictions" (wink, wink), and can exercise as I did before without limitations, sleep anyway that is comfortable, wear almost any bra (still no underwire), pretty much anything goes. My progress as far as the healing has been great and I feel almost great - still a little sore in the trunk area after a day of doing anything and everything. SAMayoFl, yes, I can wear and fit in my jeans, but find them a tad uncomfortable in the front of the abdomen (scar area). That's OK by me as it is 90 degrees here today and def. not jean weather. My incisions are healing great, but I will need some revisions to the abd. scar/ belly area.My condolences to the son of your boss - I feel for his family. CANCER SUCKS and I HATE it !!!

My next appt. with my PS will be in 4 weeks - when I will be 8 weeks post-op. He said we can talk Stage 2 then. I'm psyched !!!! They look so good now that I can only imagine in my wildest dreams how much better they can look !!!

Off to VS to look for sexy bras sans underwires, =O

alexanjb

I had the SIEA on June 8.  I was scheduled for surgery tomorrow to "debride necrosis" but it seems that I am now improving and the surgery was cancelled.  Apparently there is blood flow and it does bleed when poked with a needle.  My noob is very hard around the outside circumferance.  The PS said it could possibly stay that way and it will be up to me if I want to live with it or not.  It is not as hard in the inside elliptical shaped part but the overlaying skin on that blistered and came off and has not healed yet. It all looks pretty nasty.  I guess this is a very unusual case. I still have confidence in my PS and hope for a good eventual outcome.

ladym13

Susan, not back at work yet, they gave me 5 weeks off, but I will be returning very soon. I am moving, getting the keys to my new house tomorrow....w00t!!

SAMayoFL

Aw man, LadyM, I totally forgot that!  I remember now that you were moving and DIEPing all in very close proximity.  You totally rock girl!

Alexan, I am glad things are looking good enough to cancel surgery.  It sounds like you have a lot of necrosis.  I wonder how much they could fix with stage 2?  Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Suz and Lynne, we would all love to hear from you!

I hate cancer too.  I am pretty bummed out tonight.  Tomorrow is the funeral of my boss's son.  This disease is so unfair.

The breast surgeon doing the mx and the PS doing the DIEP have both confirmed my surgery date.  Please keep your fingers crossed that we get into the Hope Lodge.  We won't know until about a week before surgery.  The rental car is costing about $700, the flights home were $500 plus whatever I end up having to pay for copays and stuff.  A hotel for the 10 days or so we will be in Charleston is going to be tough if we don't get into the Hope Lodge. I am so, so hoping the lodge works out!

Susan

pinksea

To bind or not to bind... That is the question. The official word from my ps was wear the binder one week after the last drain came out and then be done wearing it. However, I have heard of others wearing the binder for longer and/or spanx. I am all for doing anything that will help my belly be as fla as it can be. I'm three weeks out now.

Dutchy

Hi Ladies, 

For my nipples, it  took 15 minutes and I was able to shower on day 3.  I forget already how long I had to protect the nipples. I want to say a week or less.  But now adays I forget so much.  I think my life is just filled with so much and too much multi tasking.

The fight with the insurance company was a year long process but well worth it in the end both mentally and physically.

daisy4ever

C8ndygr1: I had a bilateral NSM with immediate DIEP on June 21st. Those first few days were tough, but I feel great now. I will get my last 2 drains out Friday. My PS wanted to take them out today or tomorrow, but I couldn't make it to his office. How much fluid was still coming out of your drains? One of mine still has about 30 cc's in a 24 hour period. I will be so glad when they are out! Did you wear a binder at all? I woke up with one on, and will be wearing it for a month. I had bought a pair of spanx, but I guess I don't really need it now? One good thing about my binder is that they used a piece of Velcro and looped the drains through it. I thought that was clever. Are you driving yet? How much walking do you do at one time? I am eating prunes to help my bowels move. I also eat flaxseed with my yogurt and eat apples. It finally worked. I had stage 2 a few days ago. Each case is so different. For me, the belly transfer was larger than what they had removed, so part of my abdominal skin was still exposed after the initial surgery. During my stage 2 they removed the abdominal skin, and closed the incision to make one line. Do you have any of your abdominal skin still showing? This whole surgery is amazing. In my case, it was the first time the doctors had worked together.

alexanjb

Does anyone have any helpful hints on dealing with that period between Stage 1 and Stage 2?  The noob is up high and tight and the boob is low and loose.  Any suggestions for looking normal?  I don't think I can wear a regular bra yet because of the skin problems I am having on the noob....

ladym13

Alexanjb- I also have one hard tight perky 19 year old boob and one saggy hanging (larger) 36 year old boob and I have mastered the look in a bra- my PS said I could wear  bra now, so I put a little padding in the smaller boob and the other one is held up by the bra, it looks almost perfect....hmmmm with no bra, maybe you could get a cami with a shelf in it. I know what a pain eh? I can't wait until stage 2