Diep 2012

Beckers

Thank you Sabrina. Hopefully it will be less pain. I would think so. This 1st surgery was like 3 in 1 for me (BMX, tummy tuck, reconstruction). Anything should be a piece of cake compared to all that. Will your salpingooopherectomy (big ol word) be vaginal vs. abdominal incision? For my stage 2, my tummy has healed well but I had nipple sparing and will need touch up for one of them possibly and breast incisions fixed. One breast is smaller than the other. I'm recovering from infection of the larger one so I'm hoping it is swelling.

cg1234

Thanks for all the advice for hubby! As for surgery, I decided to get an appt with the ps who can do Oct 24.  I hope I still like him as much as the other one, but at this point, I just want to get it done.  It feels like a while to wait, but then I have so much to get done at work and home...it's overwhelming! (I'm picturing a lot of online xmas shopping this year during recovery!) 

Beckers, how are you feeling at 1 month out?

Howhm, hope the transition to home has gone well! (and not sure why my dx isn't coming up, b/c I marked it public...I have DCIS 1.5 cm, grade 3, er-/pr-) 

I remember about 5 wks after my c-section, suddenly turning a corner and feeling pretty normal.  I'm wondering...does that happen after diep, and if so, when do you experience it?

Beckers

Cg1234 - I'm feeling much better at one month, but PS said I will feel a lot better in about 3 more weeks. I did get some infection and I'm sure that made it tougher and I have some outside circumstances that have weighed on my emotions, which has negative effect I'm sure. Im definitely not one that is off pain meds in a couple weeks. :-) but....I have no regrets. Hoping to turn that corner any time now!!

J-Bug

I have a question for you ladies. I have an area under each arm that opened up a little. I have been keeping them covered with diapers taped down because they ooze a little. Tonight when I went to change them, they were both oozing thick bright red blood. Has anyone experienced any of this?

Every time I call my PS with a new development, he tells me that it is normal. I have never called a doctor so many times. I am so grossed out by how this looks, and I am not the one in our family who does that. My husband and son both pass out from medical situations, so I am the tough one - but this is taking it all out of me!

Beckers

Are you on blood thinners Jbug? I came home on blood thinner shots and they told me to watch for bright red. That was in drains tho.

J-Bug

I am just taking baby aspirin each day. I gave in and called the PS again. (I have called him about 4 times with questions like this in the last week. It is embarassing! I have never bothered a doctor so much!) He sounded a touch frustrated with me. But he said that this is fine and just keep the areas clean and covered and that the blood vessals are not going to fail at this point - that was my main concern.

bdavis

j-Bug... It is understandable to be concerned and want to call the doctor.... this is a big surgery and a lot rides on success of the vessels... so don't feel like you are being judged by your doc. Thats why he/she gets paid the big bucks.

fredntan

finally have my diep scheduled for oct. Traveling to PRMA. DH will be my caretaker. He is kind of queezy. Will he have to look at the new boobs post sx? he still hasn't looked a the site with TE.

Galsal

Personally, I had one Friend who helped with wound and drain care once I was at home.  She helped me with showers too.  My sister can't see or hear about drains unless the Dr speaks of it and I don't let my Son do so despite being an LPN.  Surgery was 7/9 and sis still refuses to see.

It's different for every scenario although it's a good question since he still can't look at your TE.

littlesara11

Hi Beacher4029,

i am new to the forum, was diagnosed in June 2012 with DCIS. Had a lumpectomy on July17 and clear margins were not obtained. Because I am small breasted I did not want a reexcision as I felt it would be too deforming and would still have to have rads.

I met with a wonderful PS from the Brigham in Boston last wed. and he feels I have enough tissue for a DIEP reconstruction. Had to go for a CAT scan to the abdomen and then he will give me his final decision as to whether I am an appropriate candidate. 

If all looks good I should be scheduled for the end of Oct. It was a difficult decision as I dread the longer recovery as compared to an implant but, I want a natural feeling breast that is alive.  He said I will have only 3 drains as it is unilateral and he insisted that I have a visiting nurse come and check them each day.

That's about all the info. I can give you for now.  Hope that helps. Let me know how you are doing.

Janet

Chris13

BDavis, right on about the docs. It's their job to answer questions.

RonnieKay

Have missed a few days here.....JBug: I think you should make an appointment to see your ps (will insurance pay?).  Your emotional well-being is just as important as the physical healing, so I think even if all is normal, he needs to put your mind at ease. There may be other issues that you're able to ask him about as well.  I stopped taking my baby aspirin 2 weeks before surgery and didn't take it again until 6 weeks post-op.

I gave my husband a silver bracelet to celebrate him as my "caregiver" (this was after my first round w/bc). He'd never worn anything but his wedding ring so I wondered if he'd wear it, but people comment on it all the time and he's proud to tell them it was a gift from me, and why. That opens up so many conversations concerning bc...and he's become quite a confidante to many people.

I'm on the wrong page to see who had hematoma (don't want to lose post), but I had a hematoma on my mx side (other side had mx a year ago). It was an unbelievably large, black bruise, all under my arm.  The ps said it would take a few months to subside and had me very gently massage it, using a finger pressing, not circular motion.  It probably took 4 weeks before the bruising and most of the swelling was gone. It's 11 weeks and there's just a slight bit of swelling (which may really be fat). The area where they stitched the flap down on that side seems to be a bit hard...which may be necrotic tissue.  He said it'll be fine after stage 2.  Don't you think stage 2 seems like some kind of miracle????   Now that I'm feeling good, I'm wondering if I should've postponed stage 2 from Oct to Nov?  Oh well.

When I went to PT, the therapist said my blood test from surgery showed very anemic and said I should talk to the dr about a new blood test.  When I had my blood test, my hematocrit had returned to normal but I was very, very low on B-12.  I had many of the symptoms that come from low B-12 (dismissed by me as being post-op fatigue). I had a shot and am taking supplement and can honestly say I feel better. 

Wishing all a happy week

cg1234

It sounds like there will be a few of us having surgery in October. I hope it goes as well as everyone before us.  I'm sure it's frustrating to have some of the complications like infection, hematomas, etc. It's helpful to know what to look for in advance, but I agree that it's better to call the dr or nurse than wait too long on something that's bothering you.  It's a big surgery, and  I'm sure they're used to it. Hang in there and healing thoughts to everyone!

sandpiper1

Ronnie-nice gift.

JP-when is your next appt?

With all the drainage I too think the doc should eyeball you. Imho.

welcome Janet-every surgery has risks. You know......a lot of the gals with te 's have their own set of issues.

I am 2 months out & extremely pleased with my new breast. It is completely void of feeling but so soft & natural looking.

I have to say the witty bitty tummy is nice too but I didn't have the surgery for that reason.

sandpiper1

not a witty tummy. Itty .......

DFOnt

Hello ladies...I am checking into the hospital at 6am tomorrow for my Diep surgery!  Just trying not to think too much about it.  Hoping all goes well with my daughter's care and friends that are offering to help her and I.  I don't have a husband to support me or be my caregiver anymore, we are separated, so it will be a challenge, but I will be so proud if I pull this all off!  He is staying with my daughter this week at least.  My sister will be taking me and waiting around all day then hopefully staying over somehow until Tuesday.  Hopefully I will have some sort of internet access when I am awake and able !  It's really encouraging reading the positive messages of those that have had it done and say they are glad they did. I know it will be a struggle but I can't wait until it is all over and done with and I can get back to "normal".  All my best to all of you!!!

karensimone

Hi Everyone. I was diagnosed in July 2011 with stage 1 breast cancer, had 2 lumpectomies to get clear margind. Did 4 rounds chemo followed by radiation. I had a lot of trouble with radiation (burning swelling, ) .  I finished everything March 2012. Went back in July for my follow up and more cancer dcis in the same breast.  I was very discouraged. It did not show on the original mammogram where the other was found. I am planning on having a double mastectomy and  I would like to do tram flap but am not sure if I am candidate due to being about 30 lbs overweight. Wondering if anyone else had a reoccurence so soon after finishing treatment and also if anyone was able to have the tram flap even being a little overweight. Thanks

Jennt28

Hi karensimone - I am due for a bilateral muscle sparing free TRAM flap at the end of the month. I am in the overweight category and my PS said I was perfect for the operation :-) I am 47 and apart from this BC am healthy with no other comorbidities...



Jenn (in Australia where DIEP is not accessible yet for most).

CookieMonster

karensimone - I'm about where you are with weight and had DIEP no problems. I've heard of people being too thin so there wasn't enough fat to build the new breasts.

florafarm

Best wishes to you DFOnt! Looking forward to hearing you made it through well.

Beckers

Best wishes DFont for a smooth and speedy recovery!



Karensimone - I was at BMI 31. My PS even said not to lose any weight before surgery because I had just enough for bilateral DIEP recon.



Jenn - I posted when you were questioning why to keep breast and do rads. I see you made your decision. I had my DIEP 4 weeks ago. Glad to see you here.



Sandpiper - my tummy is smaller for sure, but still swollen. How long did it take your swelling to go down? All my stretch marks are gone! Yippee. I had a 10# baby at 20 via c-section and have hated my tummy ever since so I will appreciate my new tummy so much.



Ronniekay - I'm glad your B12 shot helped. I wish I could find some energy somehow! 4 weeks out and I still get so tired!



To everyone else, good luck with preparations for surgery or with healing if you are on this side. ((gentle hugs))

Dutchy

Just wanted to find out if there are any ladies out there who need tattooing of the nipples.  I have a fantastic lady who is out of Tustin, CA.  She lives in New Mexico but flies out here once a month to do nipple tattooing and permanent make up.  She is awesome.  At the time I was getting my nipples tattooed I asked her how much it would cost for my permanent makeup to be retouched on my eyebrows and eyeliner and she said it was free to her clients finishing their reconstruction process.  Then when she was done with the nipple tattooing process she took me to Blondies' Boutique and the owner of Blondies gave me a new bra with bling on the straps.  What two fantastice ladies and what a way to start the finishing of the whole reconstruction process. The owner of Blondies also lost her mother to breast cancer and continues to be an activist in the breast cancer causes.  Jeanine's telephone number is 505-204-6500 to set up nipple tattooing.

 Just an update on getting my insurance to pay for the nipples.

It has been well over 4 months since the tattoos were done and the insurance still has not paid Jeanine for the tattoos.  As a matter of fact, my insurance, which is United Health Care, previously known as Pacific Care, has denied to pay but I am appealling and will take it all the way to an Independent Medical Review just like I had to do to get them to fund the DIEP.  I will win this for all the women who want to finish the breast reconstruction process all the way to the end.

Jennt28

Thanks Beckers :-) Yes, the day I handed back my gown and walked away from rads is the happiest I remember in a long time! It was the best decision for me and I am feeling very good about the surgery coming up.



Just quietly reading here since I am not having a DIEP since it is not available to me. My PS is extremely experienced and very successful here in Australia so I am more than happy to be in his hands for a muscle sparing free TRAM.



Went and did the CTA for my PS today and had my pre-surgery appt with my BS. Feeling like this is going to happen. Although I did also do my 3 monthly MUGA heart scan today as well since I am on Herceptin. Just hoping my heart is still OK...



Jenn

sandpiper1

Wow Beckers- how good does it feel to have those stretch marks gone? My neighbor had a tummy tuck but still has some of her stretch marks. Of course with our surgery they take a big flap. In regards to swelling........

I did have celulitis due to an infected jp during week 2 after surgery.

I still have some fluid accumukation. Midsection below my belly button & around my suprapubic area. I have a little on my left side following the line of the jp drain.

The mid section swelling became a little more pronounced about 3 weeks ago. Cannot attribute it to anything other than redistribution. I walk & that relieves any discomfort.

I still wear abd support. Especially at work. Seems to have improved over the weekend. Mds said it could take some months. But I am just so ready for this to be done. You know what I mean!?!

Beckers

Jenn - i too felt instant relief when I made plans for BMX. I still have no regrets. My PS ended up taking an inch or two of muscle with the blood supply and he put mesh in there. I believe that is the free TRAM?? I had previous abdominal surgeries so I knew ahead this was a possibility. He said they had no problems in surgery and when they took the clamps off the vessels, the breasts immediately "pinked right up." I'm glad you are on your way and happy with your decision.



Sandpiper - I do know what you mean! It is a lot to tolerate. I had nipple sparing and my right one is black, which I am told will fall off and be pink underneath. I can't shower unless I can figure out how to keep it dry. I don't want to take a chance at getting infected again though so I still haven't showered. Yuck! Me n my basin are best friends. ) I will look for some compression spanks for when I return to work as I have a physical job. Hard to imagine doing it now but I know I will feel much better by then.

Hoya03mom

Karensimon & Jennt28....I was definitely overweight..244 when I was diagnosed in Feb...around 236 when I had surgery 7/25 (started eating really healthy foods and mostly fruits, veg and protein smoothies!  Now I am around 215 and hope to lose more.  So weight was not a problem for me.  I started out with DIEP, but surgeon I finally went with usually does the muscle sparing TRAM and I have to say I am very pleased with results.  Since I did have quite a bit of "donation material" he didn't have to pull skin tight, so I was able to stand up straight right away and stomach is healing very nicely.  So far no issues there at all.  It is so nice to have the whole lower stomach flat...now just have to work on the midsection and hips.

Also, I know several others who have ended up with muscle sparing TRAMs have posted here, since most all the issues are identical and I don't think there is a muscle sparing tram thread.

DFont...will be thinking of you and hoping for successful surgery and swift recovery....glad you will have some help as it is much needed in the beginning.

Kathy

1bmore

Hi everyone...it has been quite awhile since I have posted, so forgive me...but I am hoping that someone can offer some help. I had a double mastectomy with DIEP almost 3 years ago.  Since then I have been noticing hard ridges around both of my breasts and my range of motion has been limited.  I saw my oncologist who told me that it was necrotizing tissue and was a surgical issue. I cannot find anything (that isn't scary or written on a PhD level) that can help.

Is anyone familiar with this?

Thanks,

Chris13

Not sure why tissue would die three years later. Your BS/PS should be able to address this.  Why don't you check over on the lymphedema threads, too?

texmingo

Ladies,

I am 7 years post mx, mx 6/05 in nola - katrina messed with recon, then moved to cle the next year-and scheduled for diep on 10/10. I am single and very bull headed, so, what are the chances of me being alone at home once discharged? I have family I can stay with, but don't want too😣

Also how realistic is it for Me to think I'll be back at work in 6 weeks? I was back to work in a week after mx

My apt with ps is next Monday and have my list, but now starting the "freaking out process", cause I really don't have anyone totalk to about this.

Thanks!

cg1234

Wow, one day and I had a lot of catching up to do; you all were busy! Btw, I met with the other ps today and am happy I'm set for Oct 24th. He has more experience and said surgery would only be 10 hours vs. the 12-14 I was expecting.  He also uses the abdominal catheter (I forget the correct term) for extra pain control.  Did any of you have that? I'm really looking forward to starting the healing process soon! 

DFOnt, we'll be thinking of you! Good luck!

Karensimone, if you have 30 lbs of extra weight, that's perfect for diep. The ps should be able to tell you what size breast is reasonable given your physical attributes.

1bmore, I have not read anything on late problems like that with diep, but have you talked to your ps too?