Diep 2012

dressager

I'm thinking of you rthrift and sending you strength and peace! I'm 10 days behind you with the DIEP so will be looking for your updates.

bdavis

Ann... Yes, there are lots of women who drive... you just don't read about it because there isn't much to write about... The only suggestion the Center would make is that you need to stop every hour and get out and walk around... wearing compression stockings to avoid a clot. Also, you would be advised to have a small pillow between you and the seatbelt. That's it!!  And yes, having a car at the Hope Lodge would be helpful, and parking is free. Good luck with the insurance. I do have out of network benefits, but mine was treated sort of like an in-network, meaning I am not being billed for "above and beyond" since they are contracted with my insurance company.. very complicated stuff... make sure you ask lots of questions.

mamachick

rthrift1- will be praying for you!  I too am right behind you about 13 days.  Let us know how you are doing! You may have said, but where will you be?

Texas-hope you are doing well.

Likachickadee- Hope you are healing well also.

rthrift1

I will be having my surgery done in Charlotte,NC by Dr Robinson. I will try my best to post afterward. I actually appreciate reading about the journey of others. I know every recovery is different, but there are also alot of similarities. The wait has been very hard on me mentally and I think hearing from others does give me a bit of peace.

goldlining

rthrift, you'll have all of us supporting you. It will almost certainly be much easier than you expect. It's not a picnic but it was so much less than I thought. The first time I stood up to walk to the bathroom, I was SO weak I did not think I would make it, but in two days, I was stooped-over-walking the halls at a decent pace. Be good to yourself!

mamachick

Goldlining- That is good to hear.  I too am reading others progress and hoping for the best. I am getting more nervous the closer it gets. All you girls on here have been great to answer questions.

rthrift1

Thank you so much goldlining. The hospital just called to ask me all the presurgery questions and make sure I had the appropiate arrival time (5:30am ugh!). Now my nerves are really in high gear. Thank you again for the support and prayers.

Anonymous

Finally!  Will be having my DIEP reconstruction on 3/23 (in conjunction with my BMX) at MD Anderson.  Thanks to all the great folks on this and the 2011 forum, I was well prepared with questions and scenarios and was thrilled with everyone (BS, PS, and their staff) I saw. I will be starting a thread on the surgery site documenting all my experiences with MDA since I really had to dig for it myself.

Some interesting differences that I've seen crop up in the boards also came up in our discussion.  I'm having an abdominal DIEP and will NOT be wearing any compression garment at all following that surgery.  We discussed that and the PS acknowledged that there were a lot of differences in reference to PS preferences.  MDA chooses not to use them and have had good results.  I may or may not have a bra garment after the surgery, depending upon whether they think it will help initially.  They are making me the size I am now (D) or a little larger and will then reduce me to my preferred B/small C cup at stage 2, preferring to use all the available tissue and blood vessels.  Their general approach with someone who is a candidate for the DIEP physically is to do a CT Scan to map the abdominal vessels (getting that done tomorrow) and then let you know that, if things are vastly different than expected in regards to your blood vessel supply, to do another muscle sparing abdominal flap.  But, it appears that they aren't expecting any real surprises so I'm encouraged.

What I've also not seen talked about much (or have just missed), is the other things that go into making you a viable candidate.  I'm lucky in that my asthma has been well-controlled for almost a year and had a recent pulmonary function test to prove it--otherwise, they would have had to evaluate me for that here.  I also have sleep apnea and slightly high blood pressure that is controlled by a low-dose of Lisinopril.  And, I was born with a heart flow murmur and was also fortunate to have had a recent echocardiogram for them to refer to.  They still did an EKG on me but it was fine so that passed with flying colors.  The issue, of course, is the overall length of the surgery (particularly combined with the BMX) and your ability to be under the anesthesia for that long.  While I've been clear for the surgery, I still requested what they call an IMPAC study to make sure we haven't overlooked anything and that is tomorrow morning before my CT scan.  Basically, it's a thorough physical with an internist.  They've already done all the chest x-rays, bloodwork, EKG, etc. so he will look at that and my overall health issues and do an official "we think she'll be fine" (I hope that's what he says!!!).

For those of you in the midst of surgery panic mode (and I'm sure I'll be right there in about 3 weeks, hoping y'all will reassure me), the PS said I would probably hate him and regret having the surgery for the first 3 days and then slowly (as I began feeling better) start being really happy I had gone through with it.  No illusions, it can be a hard first 2-3 weeks for most folks (so they told me), but when it's all said and done, totally worth it.

Healing thoughts and Light to all of you.

rthrift1

I have a question for the ladies who have already had the surgery and have been through the recovery period. Can I expect to wear the same size jeans afterwards? I know I will want yoga pants and pj's in the beginning, but afterwards? I know I will be happy to finally have breast again and be able to wear the shirts I use to love, but what about my pants? I know this seems so pety compared to all the questions I should be asking, but Im just trying to keep myself busy and my mind occupied until Monday. I may end up doing a little reorganization of the closet....lol. Again, the support on this site is great. Thank you!

CookieMonster

rthrift1 - my pants don't fit me right anymore. I had ample belly fat and now it's all gone. I'm still wearing them, but will eventually get new ones. I can't imagine your pants will be too small. They might be too big. For me it's weird, they just don't fit me correctly anymore. I think I just need to find differently shaped pants. I hate shopping so it's going to be a struggle to do it. I'm going to wait until after all my surgery is done - and I also am working to lose a bit more weight before I buy them. We'll see how that all goes.

Elisabeth - I'm comforted by your going to D cup for now and then reducing later. I went into this as a G cup (Yes you read that right) but wanted a large C or small D. I only had a uni MX and the PS went bigger than I wanted, because they didn't know if I'd need radiation. We'll reduce the MX side and do a reduction and lift on the other side so that they'll match. It's good to know that doing a reduction on the MX side is not unheard of.

Take care ladies!

-Judy

Del11

You might go down a size, you might not, but you'll definitely want to wear a different style of jeans. Lower cut (if you're not already wearing low cut).  Without a round stomach normal jeans will come up too high, and slide down easily. 

 Your current jeans will probably be more comfortable to wear at first though since they're stretched out.  Lower jeans tend to sit right on the incision.

c8ndygr1

Re: Jeans - I went from a Size 8 to a Size 4. Post-DIEP, I bought stylish super comfortable JAG pull-on jeans at Nordstrom. No buttons, snaps or zipper fly waistbands to bother incisions or sore lipo sites. 

goldlining

I found that my jeans (just cheapo Old Navy "Diva") fit the same, as do my Ann Taylor suit trousers, although I can now also wear the "Modern" cut as well as the "Signature" cut trousers due to my snappy flat tummy. My belt fastens to a smaller notch, but I have not had to (or been able to) size down from initial DIEP surgery alone. I think for any change of pant size for me will take either harvesting of the hip fat for touch up surgery, or more exercise and less food, or both. 

ReadingMama

My jeans are currently a little big, but I still have swelling from DIEP, so am not planning on buying any new clothes yet.  I also had started walked alot over the summer before 2nd dx and was losing weight and pants were getting a little loose.  So I will make do for now. 

I only thought the 1st day was really bad, the first thought I had was I can't believe women pay for this (the tummy tuck), but the pain was gone by the next day (helped by the pain pump, I'm sure!).  It will not be as bad as you think, esp. if you already had you MX.

puce

My jeans fit the same but all my shirts are too big.  Went from a size C to a B (I think), although some of my old bras still fit.  Not enough fat they said.  Went from a L to a M but still seems like there is too much space under the arms, on chest, before the breasts (my arms are tight in the sleeves though).  I thought I would get perkier breasts, but no.  I think I got the hamburgers someone was talking about earlier.  I'm a little concave in upper chest above my boobs. PS said he will try to add fat there. Anybody has/had fat necrosis?  Did they take care of it stage 2?  PS said he would lipo dog ears and hips to add to left breast for stage 2.  I asked for a lift, but he said it would look weird with nipple placement.  Hummm....

I just took off my binder after 3 months (that's what they suggested) and my belly is so weak!!!

On another note, my upper body just feels altogether weird.  I think my DH would like some "you know what soon" and really, where is he supposed to touch me for it to feel good?  Anybody willing to share?  I just hate anything touching me there...

redninrah

Puce- binder 3 months???? Wow

puce

At first I hated the binder but now I feel lost without it.  It was my protection!  I don't like the feel of my clothes on my belly.  Go figure.  I thought I would feel better as time passed but now that I can feel a little, I hate it, it's always nagging.

TexasRose

Hi everyone!



Just checking in. My surgery was Tuesday and I feel pretty good. The first few days were rough but so much better now. Had a lot nausea and had just enough of a fever to feel bad. Much better today on day 3. Everything looks good and sounds great on the Doppler. If I still feel ok this afternoon, they are going to let me go home. Off the pain pump and the pain hasn't been bad at all. Had a shower this morning and put my real gown on. Very tired. I'll check back later.

dressager

Yay, Texas! I was just checking in to see if you had posted yet. So happy all went well and you're feeling reasonably well. Home four days post-op is remarkable! Sleep well...

tamlyn110

Mary- That is awesome news. I am so happy everything is going so good for you aside from the nausea/fever. I had them both too. I cant beleive you might be going home already. Keep us posted.

TexasRose

I did get to come home and I'm so glad! I'm very tired. The nausea and fever are gone. I am surprised there is so little pain. But I didn't have any nodes taken this time so that helps. From what I can see, the new boobs look awesome! My PS did an amazing job. I am going to attempt sleeping in my own bed. Our bed is pretty high, so it might be difficult but I think I will sleep so much better there. If I can get in it. Lol



Thanks for the well wishes. Despite the last few days, I would do this again in a heartbeat. As my PS, said the first few days are miserable. No getting around it, but it will be worth it.

dressager

Welcome home, Mary!

Write when you can. 

puce

Hi Mary,

I used my daughter's foot stool to get into my bed.  She uses it to brush her teeth at the sink. 

bdavis

About pants... I tend to wear low rise and they are now slipping down all the time.... I have bought one new pair of pants, but am waiting to buy more... BUT when I wear something that goes around my midsection, it is too tight. I went skiing yesteday and my ski pants would not fit properly. I am really bloated in my upper belly and any pants I had that went above my belly button are too tight (oddly enough) now that I have had lipo in that region. So.. I am fine with low rise, but not regular pants. Although I do have a couple of pants that do fit well... I continue to show photos to my PS about the belly... everything else is good... and I am wearing the same size bra as before (36C)... but will need a little fat grafting on one side. waiting til 2013 for that.

LuvRVing

Mary - I have a very high bed and after one night in my recliner after my BMX, I bought a wooden stool from Bed Bath & Beyond, along with a boomerang-shaped pillow.  I was able to step up and onto the bed, then scoot myself into position without using my arms to support my weight. 

I am glad you are doing well and I wish you a speedy recovery.

TexasRose

Had a good day today. Pain is tolerable. The binder helps a lot. Nausea and fever are gone. I did get into my bed. I had planned to use a step stool for that but didn't need to because our bed has a frame and I could sit on the side, put my feet on the wood frame and push myself up. Lots of pillows around me to protect me from my loving kitties. And pillows under both legs. I'm just amazed at how good my boobs look! I did come home with four drains but see the PA on Monday morning and expect to lose at least two of them. Maybe three. They sent my PMX to pathology but PS said it looked normal. Still pretty tired. It was a rainy day here so Sleeping was easy.

TexasRose

Three of my four drains were removed today and the PA said she thought the last one would come out by the end of the week! Very happy about that. Still on pain meds. Feeling better everyday!

sadie5254

Back from the hospital.........again.  Was home about five days managing fairly well.  Husband and I had the drain stripping down to a science.   For me, the drains were the worst part - the most painful part of the whole procedure.  Finally had to go to the PS office and had the nurse pull the three drains that were outputting nothing.  Groin drain swollen and painful.  About six hours later, I had a fever of 105.  PS said not to come back to the hospital - he would call in some antibiotics.  By the next morning, I could hardly walk and the infection was pouring out of the skin. (I'll spare you all the grosser details   Husband called an ambulance and I was admitted for five more days.  Blew out all the veins in my arm, so they had to put in a picc line, which kinda freaked me out, but it wasn't bad.  I'm home now, still with the picc, and will have the IV until the 28th of this month.  Possibly picked up infection in OR, but no one will ever know.  It's MRSA, and I was so upset since we took really strong steps to avoid any infection.  But, each day, I'm feeling a bit stronger and though I'm still sleeping in the chair, I'm sleeping better at night.  Husband is doing all the IV work.  Thank God for him. 

Thought after all this though, I wouldn't even do the reduction on the right breast, but my family says it's too early to say that now.  Just don't think I can stand another drain.  However, the surgery was a success in terms of my other healing.  Good stomach incision, really nice breast. 

Was told today the ER was positive.  Don't really understand that or what that means.  I guess I'll find out on Friday. 

Taking everything one day at a time.

goldlining

Oh sadie5254, what an ordeal. Glad you are back on the road to recovery. Just to reassure you, a straight-up reduction probably has no drain, at least in my experience quite a few years ago. :-)

Anonymous

sadie5254 - What a terrible experience!  Sending you healing thoughts.

Thank you, everyone, for continuing to share your progress and experiences.  It all really helps!!

So, I thought I wouldn't start getting nervous until just before the surgery but have found myself awakening in the middle of the night with vivid fears about being anesthesized (I've had other surgeries with general anesthesia so it's not like I don't have some positive frames of reference) and  the length of the surgery.  I only slept about 4 hours the night before last and woke up after 5 hours last night.  Finally got up and took some Xanax and eventually got back to sleep for another couple of hours.  Not at all worried about the recovery (even with potential difficulties)... all the fear is totally centered around the anesthesia and the length of the surgery (and that last part seems to be more about my body not handling it and something bad happening).

I'm keeping busy during the day and am just a little amazed that I'm this panicked this early and why.  Anyone else have that experience?  Does it go away for a bit before it starts up again?  (Can't imagine another 4 weeks this stressed...and just when you think the worst of the waiting is over because you now have a plan in place).  I guess I should take the Xanax more prophylatically--especially at night--but I was hoping I wouldn't have to use it much for the next couple of weeks.  Sigh.  Thanks for listening.