Diep 2012

ReadingMama

sadie, sorry to hear about your infection and having to go back to hospital, hope you are feeling better soon.

mamachick

Sadie- so sorry for your ordeal.  I hope you are on the mend soon. MRSA is no fun! 

Ysa- I am a little anxious, but I am schedule for next week.  Just wish it were over and done with so I can quit the dreams I have been having about it.

TexasRose- Glad you go most of the drains out.  Hope the other comes out Friday! Cont. to feel better!

dressager

Wow, Sadie, what a scary situation! I'm happy you've got it under control now but what a fright.  

Texas, congrats on continued good progress. Drains nearly out already! Impressive.... my drains from BMx 8 days ago are still in and, judging by the output, they're not coming out any time soon. They're starting to hurt more every day.... ugh.

 Ysa, I'm with you---considering a little helfpul Xanas to get me through til DIEP on the 29th. 

Anonymous

Mamachick and dressager - sending you both lots of healing energy and peace as you go through these next couple of weeks.  Taking a collective deep breath......

mamachick

Thank you, Ysa!  Yours will be here before you know it.  Don't know if that is good or bad for you.    I am sure you will be glad when it is done though.  It is always harder for me before than after even with my BMX.  Once it was done I was okay with it, because there was no turning back.  Are you having any other treatments?

TexasRose

Sadie5254, I am so sorry for what you have gone through. Rest and relax. Take good care of yourself. You are in my thoughts.



Elizabeth, I was the same way. I've been on again/off again with anxiety ever since my initial consult in December. Well really since Sept when I made the appt. In the last few weeks prior to surgery I was very nervous mostly coming in waves. I take a Xanax at night every night. A small one. 0.25 mg. I had a lot of trouble sleeping during treatment and my onc & I found that the Xanax was enough to quiet my mind so I could sleep. Definitely let those meds help you. This is a lot that we are going through. Take the help where you can get it.



I'm one week out today. Got out of bed by myself this morning. I'm soloing today as my husband went back to work. My mom is coming out later to check on me and I'm sure my sister will stop by as she only lives a mile from me. Pain is not bad but definitely still on pain meds. The worst pain is my lower back and around the drain sites. Even the ones they took out yesterday.

I have no problem lifting my arms over my head to put on a gown but I did not have nodes removed and I think that is why.



Still no bowel movement but I think it's coming. Taking the stool softeners. Appetite is back but still don't eat much. Walking helps everything. I'm walking as much as I can.



When the PA took out my drains she loved the drain belt I had from the ACS. I loved it too. Definitely worth the $20.



No phone line since a storm Friday night and I'm stuck on my iPhone until it is fixed. Hard to follow things here but happy to answer any questions. Bottom line is this has been harder than I thought in some ways, easier than I thought in others, and I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. No regrets and I love my new breasts and flat tummy. My tummy is very, very tight!

Anonymous

Texas--it's so great to hear your progress (and it's such good progress, too)!  Can't believe you are stuck without a land line (thank goodness for cell phones).  I left Houston on Friday to come home and was thinking of you as I listened to reports of flooding and as we bumped our way through the storm on take-off.  Glad to know the drain belt was a good tool.  I received mine when I got home and thought it looked like a good thing, too.  Also happy to know you have nearby family who can check on you now that your husband is back to work.  I bet you are so happy to have some independence back!  And thanks so much for the reassurance.

Mamachick--thank you for your encouragement.  I have decided to take the xanax before bed and did sleep through the night last night so I guess that's the ticket for now.  = )  As for treatment, it's kind of up in the air.  Originally it was definitely no chemo (and rads only if I had a lumpetcomy).  Then they found a second spot while I was at MDA and we'll end up having to wait for the final path report to make the definitive chemo call.  No one thinks that I'll need rads with a BMX or else I wouldn't be allowed the immediate recon.  Other than that, just the 5 lovely years of AI.

Healing thoughts to all. = )

TexasRose

Mama chick- take those meds! It will be so much better after the surgery is over.

Dressager, how are you doing?



Keeping all of you who are waiting on the surgery in my thoughts and prayers and wishing peace and calm to everyone.

TexasRose

Well good news for me...AT&T is here to fix my phone line! I'm so glad I have this phone but I need something bigger to do my internetting on!!



Very grateful for my family. I couldn't have made it through any of this without all of them. But I'm glad to have a little alone time now! I haven't been alone since the day before the surgery.



Glad you are taking the meds. You need the rest.



The drain belt was great! I felt like a mamma possum wearing it but was glad I had it

Anonymous

What a great visual, TexasRose....a mamma possum.  Off to google for a picture to put in my journal.  That will make me laugh for a bit!!  = )

TexasRose

Wait until you have that belt filled with four drains and all that tubing...you will laugh for sure! ;-)

dressager

Hey Texas--thanks for the shout out. It's so good to read your notes--you are really on a fast track and that gives me hope.

I was thrownn a nasty curveball today. I had my pre-op appt with my PS for reconstruction next Wednesday. He asked, "has your doctor spoken to you about your ovary?" As it turns out, my abdominal CT shows a giant, and I mean GIANT, mass in my ovary. I will refrain from writing the words that have been running through my mind since noon today. I just got home from pelvic and vaginal ultrasounds. Obviously, I hope it's not Ca... but, no matter because I have to deal with it before I can proceed with my DIEP. My PS (who was really a trooper delivering this news) canceled my reconstruction and promises to make it all happen as soon as we get the ovary clear.

So, a pretty crappy day. I do feel fine physically. The drains from are not ready to come out but the little cold I caught post-mastectomy came and went without incident. 

Surreal.

TexasRose

dressager, I am so sorry. That just stinks. It seems like it's always a hard path to get through BC. It's never easy and always involves a lot more steps than we think it will and those extra steps are usually so disappointing, not to mention very scary. Sometimes it's very hard to focus on the positive. And sometimes it doesn't seem like there is any positive. But there always is. Look for it, find it and hold on to it for all you are worth. It will get better. I am so glad that your cold is gone. There's a positive! I know it's not much, but it's the little things.

I had a pretty good night. I still take two pain pills at bedtime so I mostly sleep through the night. I hate having to sleep on my back, basically in one position all ngiht long. On my back, pillows under both legs, and pillows on top of me to protect me from my very lovey kitties who I absolutely do not want jumping on me right now! I am going to call the PA soon and hope the last drain comes out today. It's down to 12. When I had my original MX in 2009, I only had the drain for 10 days and that was only because that was my followup appt. It could have come out earlier. Guess I'm not very juicy. Today is Day 8 since my surgery (not counting surgery day).  

Something my husband pointed out to me last night- I spent a long time figuring out what to pack for the hospital, shopping and loading up that bag. I never used any of it! The last day I was in the hospital, my PS came in and told me I could have a shower, put some real clothes on and feel more human again. I could have hugged him! So I did take a shower that day. I just used their shampoo. I used my own brush, deodorant, etc. But over the course of the stay, I just used the hospital gowns and they were the easiest to open and close and I had a lot of leakage. So don't worry too much about what's in that bag everybody because you probably won't use much of it. I didn't even put my contacts in, but my eyes aren't that bad so I see fairly well without them.

Anonymous

dressager--That sucks in so many ways!  Sending you many hugs and hopes for a good (and quick) resolution so you can move forward.

TexasRose--Thinks for the tips.  I had started paring down my hospital list to bare essentials and am kind of lucky that my sister will be able to just bring over from the hotel anything I might want during my stay.  May your remaining drain be but a memory in short order! 

Sadie5254--How are you feeling?  Is that nasty infection healing?

mamachick and rthrift1--How are you both doing?  Update us when you can!

Hugs and Light to all!

mamachick

Dressager- I am so sorry.  I hate that you have to deal with yet something else!! Keep us updated on how you are doing.  Have they given you any idea as to what is going to happen next as far as tests or procedures?

TexasRose- glad you are doing well.  I had a drain belt that was lent to me for my BMX back in 2010, had to give it back though. Wish I could get it again.  It was great! Thanks for the tips too about things for the hospital.  That seems to be my case.  I pack way too much and don't use it.  Unfortunately, I need to take it just in case since we will be out of town and part of that without a car to run errands.

Ysa- I hanging in there. Still a little anxiety, but I am sleeping just fine with Benadryl, so that is good.  Just wish it were here already.  Have just a teensy tiney cough left from my cold.  Praying it goes completely in a week.  I feel great, no sinus anything. How are you doing?  Sleeping? Oh and I had a BMX so I was told I did not need radiation.  I did have 6 rounds of TAC though.  Hope you don't need the chemo, but it too is doable.  Just told myself that it will end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Have a good day everyone!  Hope those of you recovering are doing well!

Paljo

Well.....I am one week post surgery and so pleased with everything. I was prepared for the worse and was pleasantly surprised with how well things went. I had a Diep reconstruction on my left breast and reduction on my right breast. I had surgery on the 16th and was discharged on the 19th of Feb. Aside from my usual reaction to anesthetic, the surgery went well. I did not even have to use the pain pump. I did not fill my prescription for pain killers but use tylenol before i go to bed just in case. I found the hospital stay very uncomfortable due to the elevated temperature in my room as ordered by my PS. I overpacked for my stay.....ended up just wearing hospital gowns. I am still amazed at how things went as i was prepared to feel like i was "hit by a truck" the first few days. I made sure I got out of bed a couple of hrs after surgery and was walking around on day 2. I think this is  a must.

So ladies, I was hesitant about having this surgery, esp being stage 3c, but I feel and look so well. My breasts are amazing and the tummy tuck ain't too shabby, either!

I encourage you if you are thinking of having this procedure, to definitely explore the option. Good luck.

Mom2JJ

Dressager, thank heavens they did the ab ultrasound to catch whatever is happening in your ovaries. With no node involvement, you certainly wouldn't expect a spread from BC. We will all be thinking of you.



By the way,I haven't had any PETs or ultrasounds of any part of my body other than my breasts, which concerns me now as I read how so many women have the rest of their bodies thoroughly checked. Sounds like I should be doing the same.



I'm not to DIEP yet. Having second chemotherapy today (despite a BMX) (and I am of course wide awake from steroids at 1 a.m. in the morning). I have TCx4@3, then rads, then, finally a DIEP. I will be a bit behind most of you on this thread, but will certainly follow the posts and learn from you as I go.



Dressager--hang in there!

redninrah

Ladies, I'm 6 weeks out, and a small section of my scar on ab opened up....this was 2 days ago, I put a gauze on it yesterday and some fluids were leaking, on a small amount, no blood. I tho I'm going to see ps today as an open wound ain't good, anyone else this happen to?

bdavis

Red... this has happened to a lot of women... They are instructed to keep it DRY, using betadine and compression.. It will heal, but it takes time.

bdavis

Mom2JJ... Before your DIEP, they will do a scan of your abdomen... mine came back clean except showing some fluid buildup so I needed a D&C... all fine, but they many times avoid the scans if you are early stage because so many things can appear bad and need further exploration, but aren't bad...

redninrah

my ps, said keep it dry, and use polysporin and cover with dry gauze.....not serious issue..

scary though....

Del11

I've had a few open spots on incisions. I suggest using something like this between the wound and the dry dressing: 

http://www.amazon.com/ADAPTIC-DRESSING-STERILE-5551-EACH/dp/B001V9FPFE/

It'll keep the gauze from sticking when you change it, which will happen even if you're using ointment. Sticking = pulling off new skin, so you want to avoid that (unless you're doing a wet-to-dry dressing, which you're not).  I've found it also helps the wound heal more cleanly.  It's expensive but you won't need more than one box, and you can probably find it (or something like it) at your local drugstore.

TexasRose

I am 10 days out today and my stomach is still so tight! How long did it take for that to loosen up a little for those who have had the surgery?

I did get my last drain out, so I am free now. Getting stronger everyday!

Kaseymomto2boys

redninrah- I am having issues with opening incisions also. I am sooo frustrated. My right breast has an area that opened up 3weeks po and seems to have gotten bigger and bigger. I can FINALLY tell it's healing a little. I've also had leaking issues from my abdominal incision and it's finally opening this week. Wednesday I was 5 weeks post op. Sometimes I feel good but for the most part I'm still sooo, sooo sore. I just wonder what makes some people breeze through this surgery and others have such a difficult time? I am not and have never been a smoker however I am overweight. I've had to ask this week to extend my time off before returning to work : ( I breezed through my BMX with expanders then having them removed 2 weeks po BMX because cancer was more extensive thus I needed radiation. I knew implant failure rate with radiation. I keep sending pics to my PS and hope this week they will see me...There is talk of maybe needed in office debridement?

 Good Luck and sending healing vibes to everyone having healing issues.

For anyone have leaking issues how long did it last and was your cultured? Based on pics and symptoms PA says I seem to be infection free but been oozing from ab incision since 2.5 weeks postop. Today is 5weeks 2days po. They keep saying it can happen and cont for a while I'm just wondering if I should insist on a culture?

redninrah

My incision that is opened up is quite deep and I think wide. Because my stomach isn't flat, the part above incision is the muffin top so no wonder it's opened up.

Green yellow disgusting stuff is. Oozing out

ReadingMama

Dressager - so sorry you have to put off DIEP, but glad they found mass now.  Will hope it is b9 and sending gentle hugs and prayers your way.

Mamachick - what day is your DIEP and where are you traveling to?

Re: pants, I am almost 3 months out from my DIEP and my ab area, esp. under the scar line to groin is still swollen.  I also find it swells after activity and after eating. 

Texas Rose -it took a long time for my stomach not to feel tight.  When I first started really walking, I felt like I was 8 months pregnant as it had the same tight, stetched feeling.  So mine lasted at least a month and probably more.  It just gradually got better and, unfortunately, I didn't really notice to write down when it stopped feeling tight.

Kaseymomto2boys

At least by my standards I don't have a muffin top so unsure why mine opened : ) ? Are you taking an antibiotic? Mine is just a clear/yellow liquid with no odor but unsure how I can tell about fever or infection because I take Tylenol and Motrin round the clock daily. At night I still take a pain pill and haven't noticed a fever. Green/yellow discharge may warrant an antibiotic? Hope you heal fast.  

bdavis

Kasey... My breast incision opened up and got bigger and bigger, so they did a debridement and a wound vac... then a few days later they re-did that side. It was leaking so much it got distorted... and the skin had necrosis... big mess.

Meegan.. you are swollen BELOW the incision?? I was never swollen there, but I am bloated above the incision, not a muffin top, just distended.

Red... sounds infected. In your pictures, your skin looked red to me.. was that just the photo??

Mary.. I also can't remember when the tightness went away. I was in the hosiptal for a week (only due to travel issues) and then still out of town another 3 days... when I got home at the 10 day post DIEP, I was still quite tight. I was told I looked like I was upright, but I knew I was still hunching a bit....everyday gets better... and by week 5 I was at my high school reunion, dancing and having a great time. 

RetiredLibby

My belly incision opened after about 3 weeks. We think it was because the binder was above it (because of the drains) and my yoga pants, which were turned down, kept riding up and rubbing against it. At first, the PS had me keep it moist with antibiotic ointment and covered. That turned out to be the wrong thing for me to do, because the incision simply came unzipped. It just kept getting bigger and bigger. In the end, it came open in 2 places -- the largest was about 4" long, 1/2 inch wide and about 1/3 inch deep. The smaller one was separated by about an inch of closed incision (no tunnelling) and was about 2" long and 1/4" deep. They did not ooze anything. They were just chasms in my belly. The PS had us pack them 3 times/day with wet-to-dry dressing - gauze moistened with sterile saline and covered with another gauze and an abd pad. My surgery was on August 23 and we finally were able to stop packing the wounds on November 16. They oozed a little bit of pink every once in a while for another couple weeks. I took antibiotics for about 6 weeks in the beginning, but we finally had to stop them just because we didn't want to create resistance. I never did get an infection. (I had stage II a week ago today and he revised the belly scar ...it is now only a little pink line.)



That was my experience ... Hope it is helpful to you.



L

redninrah

I think in this case they are probably going to have to rstictch me..anyone else bee restiched