Diep 2012

bdavis

1bmore....Are you saying you have always had necrotic tissue? Or has it developed recently?

texmingo.... You will need help for about 10 days, including hospital time, so if you are in the hospital for 4 nights, you'll need help another 6 or so. Are you going back to NOLA for the DIEP? And if so, you can't travel back to Cleveland unescorted... About work, you should be able to go back at 6 weeks, depending on what you do.  I think the biggest issues at 6 weeks post op is fatigue... and no lifting for a few weeks.

goldlining

cg1234 The pain control thing, I had operative site pain control a tiny thin tube that was placed on top of the ab muscle before closing the ab incision and it was fed a drip from a bulb on my chest (actually two of them, left and right) that they filled 3X per day and it just fed directly to the site rather than having to go the long way via your bloodstream. I also had patient controlled analgesia in the IV but very little need to click on that other than headache (and it didn't work on headache). Some people describe a similar operative site pain relief that is not regularly dosed but is pre-loaded with the total amount and slowly trickles in (or at least that's how I'm understanding it). It seemed like a pretty good arrangement to me.

(For me, the pain med tube was a clinical trial so it could have been iced tea for all I know, but I had a completely reasonable amount of pain in proportion to the procedure. My hospital uses the method routinely in other abdominal operations but was not the standard in DIEP and they were evaluating whether it was better than without.)

Looking forward to the post-op check-in from DFOnt! 

J-Bug

Some of you mentioned that the PS should see me. I do have an appointment tomorrow morning. He did say over the phone that it sounded like I might have a seroma that he can aspirate.

Also, he had me start taking baby aspirin right after surgery to help keep the blood vessals that had been transplanted open. I am allergic to NSAID's, but I seem to be able to handle this small dose.

J-Bug

Some of you mentioned that the PS should see me. I do have an appointment tomorrow morning. He did say over the phone that it sounded like I might have a seroma that he can aspirate.

Also, he had me start taking baby aspirin right after surgery to help keep the blood vessals that had been transplanted open. I am allergic to NSAID's, but I seem to be able to handle this small dose.

Kd6blk

I am a BMI 37 and my Diep Flap was very successful. I had minimal pain, was off drugs before week 3 and back to work from home. Week four I was driving and back to work as usual. I had no wound issues. If you want DIEP and anyone tells you your BMI is too high, that is not necessarily so. Check out NOLA and PRMA to name a few. I went to PRMA and very happy. I also had an umbilical hernia that needed fixing and still the pain was very minimal. I am now waiting to hear when I get to have stage 2. The only pain I have now are those odd nerve pain spikes in my breasts as the nerves are firing up and they are no big deal. I am wondering how long the nerve spikes last?

leesa

Hi all I'm having diep after 6 years of cancer 2006first time 2008 second time now I feel like I'm blowing up inside I'm so scared  Such a long surgery should I say goodbye to my kids and my loved ones. I used to be part of these boards but I got so depressed...Now I'm back jsut looking for someone that will tell me i'll be ok. I'm sorry to be such a downer but I'm really scared. What am I looking forward to, will I get better, What do I tell my kids, i't's like an instant replay of the second time I got sick. I'm so scared.  Leesa 

CookieMonster

Leesa,

Most of us are better off after DIEP than we were before it. There's no guarantees, but odds are definitely in your favor. It is a long surgery, but medical science has come so far that it's very unlikely that anything will go wrong. I wish I could promise it'll all be better, but I can't, I can only say that the odds are in your favor. HUGS.

BirdyRobin

I agree, I am about three weeks post diep, I think it is a long recoop, but I am feeling better day by day. I was simular to you a bit scared but I didn't say much just quietly went about making sure everything was in order. Everything went well and I was out of the hospital in 4 days. Other than bad hospital food all went well. Try to have a little faith, and some peace.

Robin

Beckers

Texmingo - I am 4 weeks post BMX and DIEP and I don't think I would be ready to return to work at 6 weeks. I'm having trouble walking straight upright still and can't walk for very long. May depend on if you have desk job. Mine is more physical. I definitely needed help the first week. I would also suggest getting grabber and a dressing stick which greatly increased my independence with self care. I also was able to have a nurse stop by twice a week. Definitely prepare ahead of time by putting things in reach, etc. You will have 5 lb lifting restriction and will not be able to lift arms >90 degrees, no pushing, pulling, reaching behind. I rented recliner with remote control and lift for sleeping. I bought white towels and linens that could be washed with bleach and my hubby is doing a load almost daily because i dont want to reuse anything for infection control. In my opinion you will need help. Talk to your BS or PS though.

Beckers

Birdyrobin, How are you? Haven't seen you in awhile. Hopefully things are better.



Leesa, I'm sorry you are so nervous. I would tell people, "There's just no easy way out of this fix I'm in." I was fortunate that my breast surgeon was so positive and confident and it really made me feel at ease. I think we all had/have to remember to breathe and go about the preparations for surgery, but I also did my advance directive and I did write something to my son. A just in case that I honestly didn't expect would be necessary. I have read so much of these boards and not one thing about, "Oh no, so and so didn't make it through surgery." I think you will be fine. I will say a prayer that you will have peace of mind. ((hugs))



Jbug - Glad you get to see doc tomorrow.



Gnite all.

1bmore

Thanks..just putting out the question made me feel better. Hate the thought of having to deal with something else, but ......anyhoo..thank you again.

florafarm

Leesa, you will be OK! I did fine with my DIEP. Probably more ladies with problems post here than the ones that don't have any problems after surgery. And even those that are having problems...they are not life threatening, just a bump in the road to recovery. Yes, it's a big surgery, but every week is better.

florafarm

Leesa, you will be OK! I did fine with my DIEP. Probably more ladies with problems post here than the ones that don't have any problems after surgery. And even those that are having problems...they are not life threatening, just a bump in the road to recovery. Yes, it's a big surgery, but every week is better.

goldlining

Leesa, I had been prescribed Valium to sleep during the year leading up to the DIEP and I so needed it. I had the one mx but felt the other side was stalking me and hated being asymmetric and I was stuck that way for a year working through the system to get to reconstruction. The moment I rolled into the OR, a huge wave of peace came over me and I never took another Valium. (10-12 hours of anaesthesia I guess substituted for the "tapering off" you're supposed to do.) Good luck. We are all rooting for you, both your sisters pre-DIEP and those of us on the other side.

Stipey

Hi there. New to this site. I have been dx with possible DCIS in right breast back in May. Pathologist having trouble deciding whether ADH or DCIS. Have a previous dx of ADH in left breast. History of 14 biopsies since the age of 15 - now 43. Having a bilateral mastectomy to get this over and done with since I am tired and sick to death of biopsy/surgery every 6 months. Going to PS tomorrow for final consult before I make the final decision on reconstruction options. I am considering either DIEP or implants. I just don't know which way to go. Surgery is not until November or December but for scheduling two PS for DIEP I need to decide by tomorrow. Any recommendations or advice?

sandpiper1

Stip, at the end of the day I researched & had both options thoroughly explained before decision time. I went with diep because it was better suited with my recon goals & my own lifestyle. I had a umx. My recon is similar in size & contour to the opposite breast & I will only have a new nipple/areola done & minor scar revisions. (Ps is a real perfectionist)

This was my very first surgery ever. I know the anxiety that some have expressed. I kept busy working & getting everything in order.

Pre-op I wasn't too nervous due to the flurry of activity, then they start iv meds as they rolled me out the door.........out I went. Remember nothing until recovery. Good luck in your decision. So nice to see so many getting their surgery dates.

Looking forward to hearing from you gals who had surgery & follow up. Appts .........

Oh back to work at week #8. Tired but plugging on. Was able to walk since day after surgery. By week 3 I was doing 2 miles a day. Week 4 up to 3-4 miles every day.......with afternoon naps. Now doing 4-5 miles/25 miles or more per week. Will try to keep at 15-20 per week now that I'm back to work.

Everyone is different. I'm a huge walking fanatic.......it's my vice.

& helps with the anxiety big time

Kd6blk

Leesa, you will be fine. I am six weeks out tomorrow. I been back to work for three weeks. It does whack you back but if you are strong and healthy you will bounce back quickly...if not so strong recovering is somewhat longer. We are all different. The first two weeks were hard. Once my drains were gone, I was able to feel like me. Surround yourself with loved ones. I am going to look very good when all is said and done. Who else gets to be rebuilt for the cost of insurance? I am very happy with my results so far. Hang in there. Cry if you need too, that is fine. Get a pill to relax if you need too..this is big stuff. BIG HUGS.

Lisa

Stipey

Thanks for the info, Sandpiper. I appreciate it. I keep feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions. I keep busy, but I tell folks I have two topics of conversation - boobs and work. The recovery time seems daunting and I work out every day. Glad to hear you were up and moving quickly. Very lucky that I can take plenty of time off with pay. Thanks again and good luck.

Beckers

I wish so much I was one who bounces back like some of you. I'm 4.5 weeks post and still only walking like 4 min 4 times a day. I still get hunched over by the end of the day. Heavy sigh...

howhm02l

Stripy - I am 40 (at least until next week). I had bilateral DIEP almost 2 weeks ago. The first week post-op in the ospital was pretty awful. Once I got home, I really started to feel better. I am very pleased with my results so far, and I still have stitches! I knew that I did not want implants because I wanted to use my own tissue.



I have 1 drain remaining and hope to begin working some from home next week (maybe this week). Once I am working fairly regularly from home, I plan to go into the office several days a week for partial days. I think stamina will be the biggest issue with returning to work full time.

cg1234

Goldlining, Thanks! It sounds like my pain management plan will be similar to yours and I'm happy you did well with it.

Sandpiper and Kd6blk, you are both amazing!  I hope all of us pending surgery will be moving as well at just a few weeks out.

It is scary, exciting, sad, and a relief all at once to be preparing for this. So many emotions, but all the advice here does help with the unknowns. I've ordered my lift chair, enlisted my support team, and started planning my packing. Now to just get caught up at work and organize the house in the next few weeks!

Good luck with your decisions Stipey and Leesa!

texmingo

Thanks bd and no not going back to Nola, back in 2005, my appt with dr L was VERY disappointing, I found him to be rude with regard with weight - he turned me so off of the practice. I know that woman love the work they do but he wasn't for me.

Now 7 years and down 80 lbs I am ready! In fact, my ps told me not to lose anymore weight! Who would have thunk that!

Thanks for the time frame, I was really hoping that I could be home sooner.

Beckers - thanks for the towel idea, how many would you go through in a day?

Beckers

Tex - i go through 1 bath, hand towel and wash cloth daily. I also live in men's v-neck t-shirts (3 sizes too big) because they are easy to put on/off by myself and they are not restrictive anywhere, as arm pits are sensitive and my left upper arm had nerve damage and tricep area was painful to touch (resolving). They can also be bleached with towels.



Congrats on the weight loss!! I have 50 to lose.

BirdyRobin

Mmmm, I am recooping 3 weeks post diep the hospital was ok once they got me on some pain meds that worked well for me. I have my same bellybutton and the new breasts are healing well,except for one open area on my right breast and the left radiated side is much firmer. Belly has some ways to go it still has an oozing sore open area about one inch by four inch. Ps said no infection and it will heal. Still tired a lot, off pain meds except tylenol or Ibuprofen and walking a bit slow, for short periods of time. I really liked my ps, he has a great irish accent.

I appreciate everyones kindness ty all

Robin

mags20487

Here I am again with another dumb question.  Did any of you ladies change pant size after your surgery?  I am scheduled for Nov 1 in NOLA and was just curious if what I have now will work for the trip home.

Maggie

cmbear

Good morning ladies, been reading and been awhile since I posted. I am 3 months and a week out from my Diep and i go in for my stage 2 tomorrow. They will be fat grafting (by lip of the hips), fixing the ab incision where there has been an opening since surgery and evening out the size of the breasts. The radiated side is firm and perky while the other side is larger and has less fat. He will be trimming down the that side to match the other and adding fat to the radiated side. I have been telling everyone that I am going in for a nip, tuck and fluffing. Not crazy about having the scars reopened, especially since I have had this opening. It has ALMOST  closed, about the size of a pin opening. However, it is still oozing--the PA said its still as big inside, its just the outside that has closed up. GREAT. I'm hoping that I won't be hunched over like I was with stage 1, that took quite awhile to get over for me. Mainly because I was one of the group that developed severe back pain. For awhile my back pain, out did anything from the surgery. 

For all those with coming up surgery: you can do it! The surgery part is the easiest part. Everyone is different for sure, how you handle anethesia or pain killers. How your stay in the hospital stay is--my nurses were outstanding and really made my recovery smoother. My one advice is to try to move as soon as you can. My back prevented me from moving sooner, but once I got moving, I started healing soooo much faster. And I felt better about the whole experience. Just remember the outcome.  

301724

Mags20487 -

Not immediately because of swelling, drains, etc. In fact, I was horrified when I put on my clothes to come home - kangaroo pouch for the drains, abdominal binder, etc. But a few weeks out - yes. Definitely smaller.

Hoya03mom

cg1234 - I had a pain bulb in stomach incision that they removed prior to leaving hospital....it must have worked cause I never had stomach pain..it was a pain itself to drag around with me.  Was afraid it would be painful when they took it out, but other than tightness feeling no real pain.

Leesa....I went back and forth about if I should write a "just in case" letter but in the end decided my PS and BS were skilled and I would be fine. I was under for 13 hrs, but wore up just fine.  I did make sure I did a "while Kathy is gone" document for the office (I work with my spouse) just in case.  Things are so much more advanced each year, and the things they can do are just amazing.  7 weeks out..and feeling pretty good...getting out and about...just worried about germs...work with a lot of parents and with school just starting everyone is swapping germs! 

Stipey...I talked with 20+ women who had gone through it, and it seemed that most of the ones with DIEP (or muscle sparing TRAM) were the ones who were the happiest in the long run.  It has been a much longer recovery...I had bilateral and muscle sparing TRAM....but I am so happy with the results.

Mags20487.....initially, especially if you have hip drains you want very loose pants.  I didn't even want elastic....I bought scrubs at nursing supply store and that worked fine.

My time at home is coming to an end....will be heading back to the office next week...will be week 7 1/2 and have felt pretty good.  Still a few areas not healed, and still some swelling, but overall things have been going well.

Someone had mentioned if they could do it themselves when they came home from hospital....and especially if you have both sides done at once with reconstruction...you will need help.  If no family close by, maybe friends?

Beckers

Maggie - there was abdominal swelling, a binder, drains. I wore a sundress home.



Cmbear - good luck. Please do keep us posted. I will be interested to see how the recovery is for stage 2. (I'm definitely not bouncing back fast from 1 st surgery.)

curveball

@Stipey, I haven't had my reconstructive surgery yet, so take this with a grain of salt. I am leaning toward flap reconstruction vs implants because of the likelihood implants will have to be replaced, perhaps more than once, during the rest of my life. The possibility that my implant might deflate or I might get a capsular contracture or some other complication, and require additional surgery at an advanced age, is one that does not appeal to me at all!

When I was first diagnosed, I was given a video to view about the types of reconstruction. It described flap reconstructions as generally stable and trouble-free once healing is complete, and implants as having a higher rate of complications which can occur even years after surgery.

Best wishes on your decision. One thought...what would happen if you tell them tomorrow you want the DIEP, and later change your mind? Would that be a big problem with your insurance, or would they just re-schedule one of the two surgeons to do something different and the other to do your implant surgery?