Diep 2012

ReadingMama

I found Scargaurd worked well to help my scar fade.  But you should find out if your PS will open your scar for Stage II, cause if so, you should wait.  Mine did not need to, so I have been using it on and off and Mederma on the lipo scars (when I can find them, they are so small)

Beckers

Tomorrow is my day. Going in for SN injections this afternoon and then meeting my son for dinner. I don't think I will be able to sleep a wink. Nervous but ready to get to the other side.

Galsal

Beckers!  All will be well.  Know you won't have any pockets in the OR but you'll have good thoughts with you.

Hoya03mom

DIEP ladies...I ended up with SNB both sides, bmx and muscle sparing tram on 7/25 Dr. Au = PS and Dr. Lannin = BS at Smilow Yale new Haven, CT.  Two weeks into recovery...just posted this on the July board but since not all go there thought I would include here:

Greetings all...one thing I didn't anticipate was how hard it would be to get your brain to transmit letters to your fingers so you could type without constantly backtracking!  They told me side effect from the anestesia 12 hr surgery and morphine afterwards.  off pain pills so hopefully things will get better.

First the GREAT news....saw BS today and SN on left was totally clear...took 3 on rt side and all clear....and all breast tissue was analyized and although they found several more dcis and pre cancer spots none were invasiver...SO...NO chemo, rads or hormones!!

Again I want to stress to anyone with upcoming surgery...if you feel a sore throat...after day one when it may be from the tube...and if you see white stuff on your tongue, mouth...take a small mirror with you to look....INSIST that they make sure you don't have thrush which is a very common side effect from the antibiotic.  I diagnosed myself on friday the 27th but no one would listen to me until Sunday ...and it really set back my recovery.  I couldn't swallow, eat, blow in that stupid ball tube...also effected whole digestive system...finally after 12 days got things moving again...not pretty...extremely painful (and that was taking 6 colace and 2 laxatives a day!)  But I am getting there...4 drains out...two in hips to go and then I can shift to my side now and then to take pressure off the real painful area!  I miss my bed, but they say two more weeks.  No binders like some people mention but maybe cause I had so much fat to donate.  All incisions doing fine and MD's are very impressed with "the girls".  Not too much brusing.  Stopped taking percoset 2 days ago...just tylonol now and then and did take valium today to make it to MD office...1 1/2 hrs of bumpy roads!  All in all I think things went pretty well.  Have to say, typing, reading etc is just so exhausing...so won't be able to respond to PM and e-mails....but send and eventually I will reply. Now off to afternoon nap.

Speedy recovery to all who have had surgery and good luck to upcomers.

Kathy

Anonymous

Hi, DFOnt. We can wait together. I'm nervous too.

Thanks for the encouraging words, Chris.

sandpiper1

Hoya seems we have ahd some similar problems. I am just now getting some relief from post op inattention disorder and beginning to focus better.

I also had terrible constipation and a bout of thrush-but after my 2nd admission to the hospital when placed back on abx. 

Welcome future DIEP folks. I have to tell you I am in awe of my new breast. Had no idea it would turn out half as nice/whole and 'real' as it did. 

My BS and PS are very talented surgeons and gave me a sense of completeness where I had thought it was impossible.

BS did a  wonderful skin sparing MX and PS created amazing symmetry in size, contour and even positioning so I could avoid surgery on the opposite breast.

Very interested in seeing how they propose to match up my 'headlights'. Discussing nip recon in Sept.

Beckers-thinking of you tonight

Hoya03mom

How long after initial surgery do you have stage two I.e.fixing any blips or doing nipples? Could I do before year end? Needless to say I capped out on the out of pocket expenses but start back up in Jan

christina0001

Dumb question: is DIEP pronounced like the word "deep" or do you say it another way?

Galsal

You are correct.  Diep = "deep"

Downey30

Hi, I had Diep surgery about 8 weeks ago.  I was doing great and then all of a sudden I have pain (moderate) around my new  belly button.  It better in the morning after sleeping and then gets worse during the day especially after I eat.  Has anyone experienced this?  Thanks

sandpiper1

Downey,

Hoping your belly is feeling better. You only mention the pain and I am hoping there are no other symptoms like redness or swelling at this site and it has healed well.

The area around my belly button remains oddly sensitive. Mostly due in part from the JPs that had tunneled up to that area. I developed acid reflux (bad) during my second admission to the hospital. Could be coincidental or one of the antibiotics I was on, the constant nausea, pain meds or constipation. Truly was uncomfortable. None-the-less aggravating and I have been taking Zantac regularly since. (Was on Protonix in the hospital-Pepcid did nothing for me). I have also found that I can no longer eat a larger meal as it will cause ....excuse me for being so open-actual regurgitation-l call it overflow-YUCK!

I eat smaller meals now spread out over the course of the day. I noticed caffeine was quite bothersome and had to eliminate coffee for 2 1/2 weeks following surgery. Not offering a medical opinion of course but had read that often times with this type of surgery involving the abdomen and resulting tightness, some people notice changes like distention of the stomach causing various amounts of discomfort. There are the usual dietary triggers like caffeine, soda, increased sugar or fat content and for some dairy products. (increased fiber can also affect people especially if not enough fluids are taken in). Perhaps look at any recent changes in dietary habits, change in types of activites/exercise and perhaps too if your bowel habits have changed. Could be something that simple that is either causing abdominal distention or perhaps a sudden increase in a certain type of activty-did you recently return to work???

As always defer to your health care practitioners should you experience an increase in any unusal symptoms or pain.

I am only going off of my limited experience dealing with this type of surgery. Perhaps someone who has been out from surgery much longer than I, will chime in to correct me or add to the conversation. 

Nice to see ya Hoya....hope you are recovering well. I am discussing stage two with my PS at the end of Aug. (changed appt from Sept due to Short term disability requirements-PIA) Not sure when actual nip recon will be done. Like you I have met my deductable for the year and would like to get it all done prior to when it rolls back over in Jan. Not sure if realistic but at this point PS constructed my breast to mirror it's twin to avoid having more surgery to tweak that side. I am hoping there isn't much left to my process

Downey30

Thanks sandpiper1,  You are so right about all of the changes we go through post surgery.  I spoke with Dr. Massey and I am going to have an ultrasound of that area just to make sure everything is good.  Thank you so much for the all the great info.  Jamie

Galsal

My own experience is that the tummy part has put pressure on the bladder.  Already had issues with that before surgery so guess I shouldn't be surprised.  What with all the water drinking these days, have yet to be able to sleep more than four hours without needing to get up for the bathroom.  Almost feel like the pelvic floor PT did that helped greatly flew out the window.

damoen

I am interviewing PS for TRAM/DIEP in Minneapolis area.  Anyone have a suggestion on how to find the best PS in my area?  There are so many, how do I find the one that I can trust? My sister had a horrible experience with implants and has lasting nerve pain under her armpits.  As a result, I want to be sure I'm finding the best I can. I'm really turned off from implants too, hers are so hard and have no natural shape to them--they stick out unnaturally and she is only a B cup.  I don't want/need more than a B so I really feel like TRAM/DIEP is the way to go.

Chris13

I think DIEP is what you want; the tram can cause abdominal flexibility issues since they take some muscle during the tram. Ask the surgeons about their experience with the DIEP, ie how many they did. You want hundreds done, if not more. And they shouldn't say it will be either a DIEP or tram--will know during surgery. You should have the assurance beforehand it will only be DIEP.

 Best wishes for a successful search. 

damoen

That is interesting to know!  I've met with only 1 PS so far and that was exactly what he said "won't know if it's DIEP or TRAM til I'm into the surgery."  Wow!  i just thought that was the way it worked.  I suppose the ideal scenario is a PS with a lot of experience and skill would be able to make that statement.  Is that your experience?

Katiejane

   Hi Ladies,  I am looking for info on Marena girdles/compression.  Has anyone out there had experience w/ this brand of compression garments and if so, which style did you find to be most comfortable??

I would appreciate any info you could share!  Thanks,   Katiejane

Beckers

Hi there. 3 days out. I think I will love my perky foobs and flat tummy. Not an easy ordeal but Im sure I will have no regrets. In hospital still. So far so good.

bdavis

Katiejane... I bought the stage II variety that just pulls up... No zippers. I had lipo on my knees so mine went to below the knee, but you can get the one that is just above the knee and goes up to breasts... Google a coupon to get 20% off.

bdavis

Damoen... Yes, if they have the skill they can guarantee a DIEP. I traveled to New Orleans from NJ as I couldn't find what I wanted even in NYC or Philley.... My surgeon has done thousands, and I did not sign anything that said he might convert... He just never does TRAM, and it's a guarantee.

sandpiper1

I am always amazed when people write that physicians state "we won't know until we get in there." There are so many unknowns with surgery however my PS always does a pre-op CT scan to check all of the vessels chest (mammary) and pelvis (perforators). This could be a question you ask of a PS. Mine never wrote or stated that he would switch the type of recon. PS is an absolute perfectionist and came highly recommended by my BS who is also very much a perfectionist & wanted me to have the best possible choice for a natural feeling recon. Everything was explained thoroughly & any questions or concerns were met with confident & honest answers. It is tough finding a doc in a sea of so many.

I am lucky we have a Ps group that is so experienced in microsurgical techniques.

Yeah Beckers. Welcome to the other side. Speedy recovery girl.

Chris13

Absolutely with the DIEP only. My PS (head of Penn PS, who pioneered DIEP) looked at me like I had 2 heads when I asked if TRAM would be a possiblity. Of course he has done hundreds, if not thousands, and knows what to do. I imagine less experienced PSs might need to compensate once they start surgery? Not sure if DIEP is more difficult than TRAM?

 
Good luck in your PS hunting. What's going on at Mayo....is it too far from you? BTW, we have friends in Winona.

cmbear

Damoen, the thing to remember when looking for a ps is if he specializes in microsurgery. A lot of of PS do tram's, very few are skilled enough to do dieps. My understanding is a diep ps won't even suggest tram, its old school to them. 

Katiejane

Thanks for getting back to me bdavis!!!!!  And thanks mentioning the 20% coupon on google-these things aren't cheap!     katiejane

ttay

BDavis: Do you only need the Marena garment after Stage II or Stage I as well?

Ttay

Chris13

Also, if you have no one local, check the posts from bdavis who went to New Orleans, where they seem to have a "home away" surgical program.

atv

Hi Dltnhm,

I was at Dr. Loren Scheter office last Friday to schedule for my DIEP next Tuesday, 08/21 and they want me to sign the consent stating DIEP vs. TRAM vs. SIEP. Did you have to sign the same consent? They said 99% it will be DIEP but this is just in case if they have to change to do TRAM or SIEP at the last minute. This makes me feel even more nervous.  

Thanks!

atv

Chris13

Did you ask them what the circumstances would be to keep you from getting the DIEP? Sounds like they are covering their butts so to speak.

 I think others here can explain more about the differences among the 3 procedures and any reasons why DIEP woud not be possible. I do know extra fat is necessary, and some slim women here have mentioned issues with not having enough available. I sure did! But if this is not an issue for you, what would be?

atv

Thanks for your response Chris!

When I first met the PS in February this year, I asked him if he has ever converted from a DIEP to a TRAM because I want to do DIEP not TRAM and his answer was "NO", he also said that I should have enough fat for both of my breasts; therefore I was so surprised that last Friday they gave me the consent stating DIEP vs. TRAM vs. SIEP to sign so I asked to talk to the PS and the PS said there is no way to guarantee it will only be DIEP until I am into the surgery. I asked how often has to change from DIEP to TRAM and he said about 2 cases / year which is about 1% of his surgery so 99% it will be DIEP but there is no guarantee. Did your PS give you the assurance beforehand that I will only be DIEP?

littlesara11

Hi, I am new to this forum and I just read that you were having the DIEP recon. with Dr. Stephanie Caterson from the Brigham. I hope your surgery went well and you are happy with the results.

 I recently had a lumpectomy at the Faukner but they did no obtain clear margins. I am now thinking of choosing a mastectomy on that breast with immediate reconstruction.

I spoke with my oncologist yesterday and asked about a consult with Dr. Caterson and she said that she is going on maturnity leave until the spring. She then suggested Dr. Matthew Carty from the Brigham.

Have you heard much about his work??  I have a consult with him on Sept. 5 and intend to do some research before hand.