Diep 2012

Linda-Ranching-in-the-mTns

Fran -- Glad you like the new PT better!

I am holding my breath -- unsure how much longer I get to go to Santa Fe to see my wonder-woman (PT)... last time she said the prescription was for "8 weeks" but I have only been going every 2-3 weeks...  so hopefully this means "8 sessions" and not just 2 calendar months...

About your 'ick' -- I am allergic to Benedryl -- it makes me hyper and gives me hallucinations! 

I would give your oncologist's office a quick call -- your doc's nurse should be able to best answer this question.

Good luck - and the small silver lining is that you can lay in bed and sleep and indulge yourself a little with some extra rest.

Feel better soon!

Linda

fredntan

Am getting better. I think I will emailmy mo to see whats good to take. Havnt been to gym in week.

Made some good vegan enchiladas. Evenmy picky eater ate them!

Got my part two sx scheduled for april 3 @prma. I think i want the oragami nipples. I want to have headlites on at all times

RonnieKay

Hi Sisters...sending all love & hope that your weekend's been restful.  We're getting ready to celebrate a 49ers victory later today..HAHA!!!   West Coasters gotta stick together!  Was going to have Superbowl party here but grandsons are coughing so daughter's keeping them home...sad

Had tx #4 Thursday and wbc was too low to get chemo so just got herceptin...BUT...GOOD NEWS...my liver enzymes were NORMAL!  A very good thing!  I had to get a neulasta shot, which has made me a bit sore, but I'll see the onc on Wed and hopefully chemo will continue.  I've never been so sad as I was to not get chemo...since I know it's working! 

So happy to hear you're all doing well!  One of my blood draw nurses had diep 5 years ago and I showed her my toobs and she was quite impressed (so was my chemo nurse...I just love them).  She said she hadn't had stage 2 and hates her dog ears and flat spots.  I told her she needs to go back & have stage 2 done & she'd be so much happier.  She's 72!!!   She looks like she's in her 50s...seriously.  Anyhoo...thinking of you all & sending hugs!

Beckers

Ronnie,



So good to hear liver enzymes are down!!!!!! Sorry you Super Bowl party was cancelled. It was a good game though. 49ers did good even though they didn't win. Stage 2 was worth it. Piece of cake compared to stage 1. Glad you are doing ok. Hope your SE's are minimal. Praying for you!!

cg1234

Wonderful news Ronniekay! Made my day!!



I have my appt to discuss stage 2 on Monday. I'm really leaning toward nips too but need to do some research. Don't want them too big and don't want them to flatten either.



Don't know if you all felt this way but sometimes I can't believe I got through those first few weeks! It's so much better now.



Hope everyone has a great week!

Dovehome

Hi, question here.  Anyone that bilateral Diep Flap ever notice that one flap is colder to the touch then the other flap?  Color of both flaps are the same and have not changed since my surgery 5 1/2 ago.

Beckers

Dove home, I have noticed skin temp differences. Because yours is new, I would run it by your surgeon though.

Jennt28

Mine are both equally cooler than the rest of my body...



Jenn

MENA1954

Just wondering if anyone who has cold hands, uses their new breast as " Hand Warmers"!

It all started when I would feel them to see if I had any feeling in them. 

I noticed that although my hands were just about freezing, my breasts felt so hot to the touch, and would warm up my hands in seconds!

If I moved my hands on another part of my body, I could feel their coldness, but on my breast ....pure warmth!

Strange but true!  LOL

Mena

Dovehome

Saw doc today.  Said that the temp of the skin closest to the surface can change.  He had no concerns.  Yeah! 

Beckers

Good new dove.



Mena, lol on the hand warmers! I'm just now making myself do self exams. The key word is "making." I've had a hard time wanting to even touch my breast and underarm area. Does anyone else feel this way?

Linda-Ranching-in-the-mTns

At first I was nervous about 'hurting' them -- or somehow disconnecting that transplanted artery -- but then I started PT for some axillary cording in that node-removed arm -- and she had NO PROBLEM digging WAY down into the breast to get to the scar tissue in muscle behind the breasts -- and even 'pinched' (hard) around every scar to break up the scar tissue to soften it.

I know we are supposed to 'massage' the lotion into our scars twice every day -- and I was being ever-so-gentle at first -- noticing every time how the breasts felt the same as before to my hands -- but my hands defininately didn't feel the same to the breasts (the breasts have numb spots, and sort of tingly-areas that feel odd when touched). 

But after the PT got in there and DUG deep to massage the underlying muscles -- I got braver, and now, I am happy to report that all the deeper massage is helping regain feeling to the skin (almost normal sensation to most parts of the breast now!) and also (probably because I am now accustomed to the 'new normal' -- my breasts pretty much feel like 'me' without much oddness when touched.

I just keep feeling SO lucky that this DIEP procedure allowed me to have both breasts removed -- and wake up to still have breasts! The whole thing seems to have been relatively pain-less (at least extremely easier than I had anticipated) -- and here (3 months later) I feel about 95% completely normal now! (The 5% I am off is due to some continued weakness in the lymph-removed arm -- but PT now also just began including resistance exercises -- have finally regained sufficient range of motion to begin strength training (Yay!)

The weight loss I need to achieve prior to stage 2 surgery, though -- Well... hmmmmm.

I find it is no easier to lose weight post surgery than it was for my entire previous life! Down 5 -- up 5. Over and over -- just like always before.

But today -- I turn over a new leaf!

I gave up 'excuses' and 'cheating' for Lent!  

Linda

Beckers

Hi Linda. You are so fortunate to have sensation in your breasts! I had my nipples removed and repositioned and I actually wondered if one was behaving normally, or maybe it was a phantom sensation. I have been worried about hurting them, but there is also an emotional detachment I think. I feel more self conscious to show them off so I know they are mine now, instead of my PS's...ha!

cg1234

I have the same sensation of warmth mentioned, especially in the evening when I still feel a little firmer or swollen. I am still pretty much numb all around but I'm glad some if you have sensation. Most days I don't even notice the new boobs, so they feel like a natural part of me. That's what I was hoping for instead of implants!



Saw the ps this week and he wants to wait a couple more months before stage 2. I guess my Asian background means pinker and thicker scars that may still settle. I think they still look pretty good and massage has helped. I did order some scaraway though. Will report back on success.



I hope everyone else is feeling good! It's nice to hear updates!

Jennt28

So glad everyone seems to be going Ok...



This week I saw the PS to discuss Stage 2. If I had been happy with the noobs Stage 2 would have just been the day stay nipple recon, but I'm not happy that I ended up with DD/E noobs instead of the B/C ones I "ordered".



So, May 7 (his first date available!) I am scheduled for a surgery to reduce these noobs. He said it's an overnight stay in hospital and I should be back in a bra, with padding, at 5-7 days after the surgery and back to the physio 10 days after.



This now means I won't get my nipple recon umtil November...



Jenn

sandpiper1

Hugs to all. Since I saw some recent activity here thought I would pop in to say HI.

Glad things are going relatively well for all.

Feelings...reminds me of a song. I have some sensations on the side scar and the old snb site. I am told not to expect more than surface sensations.

Can't really say whether I have cold or warm extremes or even subtle differences in the recon breast-then again I have had Tamoxifen brain and haven't been focusing well on anything at all.

I gained a little weight while on Tamoxifen. So my "foob" is a little fuller than it was originally

But of course, my real boob lacks gumption to keep up.

I have pretty much completed everything. My new nipple which is the other half of my real one has taken nicely and did not flatten out. Just had my tattoo done yesterday.
It has really pulled the look of my recon together. most of the scar has faded or is almost completely gone on the breast except for the lollipop stick for which I am going to pay more attention to deep massaging and also try the silcone strips as cg mentioned. Should that help-I may take the leap and get the silcone sheets/belt for my abdomen.

Which is healing well and pretty flat- not as quick to fade as the breast incision was.

I realize it will take longer. I had a stitch pop through in Dec. so I have a bit more discoloration and a little bit of a raised area in that small spot.

I have not been able to tolerate Tamoxifen-just started my Tami holiday........then will discuss if I am going to do any further adjuvant therapy or not.

(((hugZ))) to all and wishing everyone continued sunny days

Piper

cg1234

Piper, so glad the nips went well but sorry about the tamox. Its so cool they could use your other nipple for the second. Did it affect sensation in your original one?



Jenn, I was hoping you had reduced with time as I remember how disappointed you were with the size. I'm B/C and wanted my old A back. I'll be interested to hear how reduction goes. I'm considering a little too.



Hope all of you have a great weekend!

Jennt28

Cindy, my PS said it's a pretty straight forward surgery. I have lollipop scar to the side and he said that he will just use the previous incision lines again. Will remove extra flesh and skin and they will look smaller and lifted. The donor site ovals will be a bit smaller but still enough to do the nipples later in the year.



I think about these noobs being too big every single day and everytime I look in the mirror. Am having some depression problems that I think are Tamoxifen related so it's really important to me (and hubby) that I am happy with my recon.



Here in Australia our insurance does not cover as much as for you in the US and there are much higher copays. We are now waiting for the quote to come in the mail in the next week...



Jenn

fredntan

here is what I have noticed about my scars.

I have been putting a scar treatment on my abdomin scar.

I was told not to worry about the scars on breast since doc would go back in those scars for my part 2, so I didn't put anything special on them.

the left boob behaved perfectly and didn't need any massage(it was just prophalactic removal)

the right boob went through rads and that one needed lots of massage and has just softened up.

guess which scar looks the best?

the right boob. the one that I massaged with whatever oil I had available-I used coconut oil a lot. But I believe it was the massaging action that has made the scar on that boob look so good.

sandpiper1

Great Fran. I have been told the deep tissue massage is very helpful. Of course tonight don't you know I have more deep sensation on my right stick incision probably  due to it's location-being closer to the side of my chest and ribcage.

CG-My PS did state that there was a chance sensation in the donor nipple could be affected. However, I had two reasons to proceed. 1) I knew that any other flap would never match the nice shape and perkiness of the good side, therefore I wished an actual reduction of that nipple as I was a little put off by the lopsidedness.

2) even if the actual nipple had diminished sensation-I knew the remainder of my breast and areola would not be affected.

To be honest since I had the nipple done, I have had sensation moving from the stick incision over to the nipple.

It has been occuring steadily since December. I thought it was phantom feeling but now with my tattoo done I am noticing another increase in those surface sensations.

Each procedure requires a little deeper de-epithilialization (Puleeze excuse the spelling of that word. LOL)

Anyhow-the area gets prepped for blood flow for the nipple and again with the tattoo they have to create a sort of abrasion for the "dye" to take into the skin. The aesthetic tech said most people require 2 sessions.

And to boot she and the practice give all of their recon patients a facial (worth  $100). A bonus I didn't know I had to look forward to.

It is too bad about the Tamoxifen. But, I have options and will reevaluate taking a different SERM (Fareston), trying Tam again, delaying adjuvant therapy until such time I can take an AI or just take my chances and decline adjuvant therapy indefinitly. Just want to see if it is indeed the Tam mucking with me...

I have already noticed that my eyes are a little less red/watery/goopy and my feet/hip doesn't hurt as much. The reflux and bloating just plain suck. The mental fog/blues/crying/fatigue will take longer to determine if it is lifting.

I was a mess on the medication. My QOL in the last 4 months has declined significantly. I felt better 1 month out of surgery than I do now. I feel like a complete failure at this adjuvant therapy thing. But it's just my own personal experience. I am so fortunate in so many ways. And as I read all of your stories I so admire the strength and fortitude of this group of special women.

xoxoxoxoxo

Piper

llr010200

@Men a I lol'd when I read your post because I do exactly that all the time!!! Texas whether is crazy...hot or cold at any given time even in the Winter but when it is cold at night and I'm in bed I always know how to warm my hands. Lol

Beckers

I was never given instruction about massage. What exactly were you told and why? I don't want to miss something important, especially if it may help with any sensation. My scars are thin and flat. What is the silicone strips used for that you mentioned? Thanks!

fredntan

Piper,



I didnt know you where feeling so crappy. Have you hadvit D checked? Are you getting exercize? I know you have fatique.



Beckers

One my PTs told me most about massaging. I have been doing it for this boob that has hard area. The scar there isvirtually invisible in some areas. My PT said to reduce scars you go back and forth across thescar. Stretching the scar out, if that makes sense.

cg1234

Rebecca, my scars are still pretty purple. The ps said massage helps them flatten but it's moisturizing that's most important. I read about scaraway on other threads. He said it will probably help them lighten faster or I could use mederma, but moisture was most important.



Jenn, thanks for the info. I have the same type of scar so it's good to know they go back in that way.



Piper, my step mom was diagnosed the month before me and hated tamoxifen so much that she's already quit too. I hope you're feeling better soon!

netty46

Bernard Chang did a diep on meand left my old tissue behind. I had problems from beginning. Stomach busted from hip to hip. He left a hole in my breast in middle. Alot of necrosis developed at bottom. During 5 yrs I emailed I'm. I begged him to help cause it was getting painful. He always said it will get better it's not cancer. I went 5 yrs with no mammo on that breast cause he said I did not need it. Finally 2010 a surgeon in Florida tried to help me only to discover that dr Chang never removed the old tissue from my chest. Dr Chandler thought he did but then admitted to my doc on the phone he did not. I was sick with worry . Well here I am that necrotic piece turned up cancerous 12 yrs later chemo again, Masectomy, radiation, and severe sadness and depression. What did Chang say? Sorry to hear this but I'm sure your in good hands.

fredntan

wow I'm sure glad I didn't go to him. that sucks

Beckers

Netty, I am so sorry to hear that. Oh my. I sure hope you are in good hands this time. I hope you get counseling and find love and support here on these boards to get you through this time. ((hugs))



Thanks for the info on massage girls!

sandpiper1

Beckers, only recently did the topic of massage come up. I have healed remarkably well, however, I was remarking about a few spots here and there and the plastics aesthetician recommended a deeper tissue massage and possibly using the silicone sheets. I had already heard of doing these things but realize I am not all that far out from everything. The aesthetician said a lot of people just don't massage deep enough, doing mostly surface rubbing. I have been good about constantly moisturizing all of the sites. I am using a silcone sheet on the one part of my breast incision that is slightly more raised and still red. It can take 8-12 weeks to see marked improvement, And that is if you are faithful with wearing the sheets for that time frame. So I am experimenting with that little scar to determine whether I will try to apply the sheets to my abdomen as they are so expensive. Granted I have been assured that I am healing very well. However the scars on the abdomen is discolored toward the middle and slightly raised but not keloid like.

TY CG-I am so not a quitter so it was very hard for me to be defeated by a seemingly inconspicuous white pill.

I tried to do all of the right things-diet, exercise, rest, blah blah blah.I thought the fatigue, fog and depression was lifting only to experience a the symptoms ten fold in the last month. I am so gald I went for a second opinion and was taken seriously about my SEs. Some of the mild SEs have lifted a little. I no longer have my Tamoxifen red-watery eyes and my feet and hips are not hurting or aching. I am hoping in a few more weeks the brain fog, blues/crying and sadness will be lifting and my GI issues will resolve as well.

Fran I did have my D levels checked last July and was WNL but I have seen some information regarding supplementation and increasing levels in those who have cancer. I was taking the minimal supplement but switched to 1000 units a day. This last week I have been taking 2000 units a day due to working the off shift and not getting outside for my walks as often as I like. I will walk outside as long as it is above freezing.

TY for the encouragement and kind words.

Excited to hear how things move forward Jenn

Oh CG, My nipple sensation was not affected in the least. PS did tell me it was a possibility to lose some sensation, but I had a nice amount to share and knew it would probably be near impossible to match the projection on my unaffected side, therefore the sharing was a win/win for me, Reducation (HA HA) of the left and adding to the right. The aesthetician said she was amazed at how well it has maintained it's shape and size as so many of the flaps tend to flatten out.

The tattoo is looking good. Will probably have that touched up again in a few months. as it usually needs applied twice.

(((Ronnie)))) Yeak for good liver enzymes and minimal SEs with your txs.

Yeah Linda for having feeling.

Speedy healing Dove.

((((netty)))))

xoxoxox

piper

Beckers

Piper, is the main objective to break up scar tissue?

sandpiper1

Sorry, not that kind of deep massage just a firm tissue massage. LIke I said, my breast incision is mostly flat and well healed. Just the "stick" is a little elevated and of course the middle of my abdominal incision is slightly hypertrophic......as opposed to a keloid. I had a psot operative infection in the abdominal donor site and a stitch wormed it's way out in Decemeber which is probably the reason for a little of the slight elevation and minimal wideneing compared to the rest of the incision.

Hope that makes sense.