DIEP 2013

Anonymous

Dvygrl- sorry I don't think I answered your question....Coobie is very soft and stretchy and I step in and pull up.



Nihahi-looks like they do ship international....number for questions is 1-888-789-1037. If you add something to your cart and then go to checkout a link pops up that has shipping policies. And thx for appreciating my current tag line...came across that shortly after diagnosis....been one of my mantras.



Geralyn -frankenboobs...good one....made my 26 inch incision hurt I laughed so hard!



I overdid it today too. Sigh. Back to recliner.

Morwenna- sorry to hear about your week. Some of them start to feel like stones after a while. you never have to do this week again.....hope next week is better!



B

kuka21174923

Just went online to look at the coobie bras. I have the same ones, but they're no boundaries and only cost $5 each. I get them at Walmart. They're the most comfortable bras ever! I have one if each color and love them. The only part that I don't like is that the padding on it is removable, but other than that they're great!!

Holy crap shechirple you've been busy today!! Take it easy. I'm known for not taking it easy and now I'm paying for it. My shins are still killing me and just had DH rub some aloe Vera on them and took some ibuprofen.

Morwenna, so sorry you've been having such a bad week. I hope your day is much better tomorrow.

I ha a question for the ones that already has stage 2. I asked my ps about doing lipo on my thighs but he said he doesn't really recommends to lipo thighs because a lot if the time you can end up with fat pockets. Did you like the results of the lipo on your thighs? I would just want to do the upper/inner thighs. Nothing drastic! But don't want to look worst after lipo than I do now:)

nihahi

Hmmm.....thanks Kuka, maybe I'll check out Walmart. Usually, shipping and customs costs make a good deal....not so much! I have been wearing ahh bras, which I think are similar, but the straps are more "industrial" looking than what the coobie ones seem to be. Look after those tender shins....aka BEHAVE YOURSELF

Morwenna

Thanks ladies! This week has been far better than last week anyway. I'm kind of sorry they cancelled chemo as I just have three to go and I so want it to be over!

Nihahi, if you are planning a trip to sunshine with the gang some time count me in!!!

nihahi

defo Morwenna.....keep in touch!

Sullyvin

I am a recent member to this community, and already value all that I've learned and read (info and support). I am just over 3 weeks out from Uni MX + DIEP. Am drain free and healing, while preparing for a major move and starting a new job on July 1. I'm wondering if anyone else experienced/experiencing a burning sensation in the reconstructed breast. Not on the surface, of course, as there's no feeling there for now. The pain/"burning" is deeper and on one side. Trying to decide if Im really overdoing it (packing, etc) or if I'm just feeling it now because I'm trying to eliminate the pain med. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Prayers to all who have surgery this week! It's scary, but very doable!!

goldie4040

As for the Coobie bras, I like the sports bra version much better than the cami version. Yes the Cami version is lower cut, but it seems to flatten me out, or it did when I had breasts...lol.  The sports bras I am still using with the leisure breast forms in them until my surgery.

When I am up this late and start thinking I get myself upset. I keep getting so angry at my BS for ruining my chances of immediate reconstruction, and I am so afraid I am going to have weird breast with horrible scars because of the delayed reconstruction.  I literally start to fall asleep and wake up in a panic, and so angry at her.  I know anger is toxic and I must let go, but until I have some cute perky breast back again......

I know that it is not fair to feel like this when other people are going through chemo, or worse, but I am still angry.

You know what's funny.  I had money put away that my husband didn't even know about that was supposed to be for plastic surgery if I ever decided I wanted it.  I told him about it recently.  Now all I want is my boobs back.  The heck with the jowls that are starting to sag, or the neck that could look better....

liefie

Sullyvin, it seems we had this surgery at about the same time three weeks ago. I had a delayed DIEP, and had the UMX last year. About the burning - sometimes I have a niggling, uncomfortable sensation on the breastbone side of the DIEP breast. It is deeper inside the breast, and I've been wondering if that is where muscle and bone may have been disturbed during the connecting of the veins/arteries. I've been off pain medication for some time now, and what I experience now does not warrant it anymore. You've had MX and DIEP, so you will probably take a little longer to get off pain meds. Maybe take it slowly with the packing, and don't overdo it. I  still get really tired, and we have to work back slowly to where we were before. Good wishes to you!

Sullyvin

Liefie: Thank you. When you can't sleep and are worrying, it's invaluable to have someone(s) going thru same thing to reach out to. I will drastically reduce physical activity and see if that helps. What I'm experiencing is in same area you described. Thanks again!

Jeannie57

This has been entertaining and encouraging reading! I've had TE's for fourteen months (double DIEP next month) and I'm most comfortable in Coobies. I slept in a recliner after BMX last year but couldn't operate the mechanism after surgery. We went shopping for a cheap power recliner yesterday and, of course, came home with a power recliner couch! We never buy furniture so this is big. Now hubs and I can sit together, hold hands (cheesy, I know), recline together, sleep in it together. So grateful. I'll enjoy it for many years after this surgery is a memory. I had to chuckle after reading earlier potty training posts. My sweet little dog has marked every room in the house with his pee---Yuk! I just had the carpets thoroughly cleaned and he now wears "belly bands," soft cloth strips that are velcro'd around his belly, covering his little member. It works so far! He hasn't peed once in the house yet. I let him wear it outside where he lifted his leg and he was surprised to discover that he couldn't find his pee on the ground and had a wet belly instead. TMI? I'm enjoying the spirit on this thread so much.

LyndaMarie

Just checking in during my quiet weekend. DH says all are enjoying the camping trip and I am surely enjoying the quiet! They come home tomorrow so tonight is it. DH should come home happy after s Blackhawk win tonight.



I too still have the arm pain and it will be three weeks post SIEA on Tuesday. I may go see my chiropractor/kinesiologist about it this week.

kuka21174923

Sullyvin, I've had that pain/burning sensation. When I asked the ps he said it was where the cut through the chest muscle wall to get the to the blood vessels. The other part where I had the burning was on my armpits.

Goldie, maybe having your ps let you talk to a couple if his patients that had have this surgery will help you as well.

I don't know if you swim in the summer or not, but if you do, dr. Habash allows it after 3 weeks! I got in the pool today for the first time and it was great.

SheChirple

Syllyvin, and others: I have that burning sensation on both breasts (bilater DIEP 5/24). It is definitely from overdoing it.  I beleive it is the movement of fluids over the internal incisions, tickling the nerve endings that were cut.  My PS sort of agrees, although indicates no one is really sure, but that is a reasonable explanation.  24 hrs of lesser use helps.

Funny all this bra talk.  I took my daughter with me today and lo and behold 'Mom, I need new bras'.  Okay. She plays tennis so we bought some basic t-shirt / sports bras. Then a few fancies.  My daughter is such a neat young lady.  Her daddy we with us, helping her pick out 'pretty' bras, just in case they show somehow. I was a 58DD at one point in life.  After weight loss I was 44DD.  After TE/Exchange I was 40D.  Now, who the heck knows.  Last bra's I bought were the 40D that my prosethetic fit into.  Other than that I wear 38/40 sports bras, no cup sizing.  My daughter is a 38D!  OMG I may be wearing her bras soon.  Better pick pretty one's daddy.

Tomorrow : rest. I promise.

Anonymous

Lol....I absolutely love this thread and all of you flapper girls. My 17 year old always says, " Mom is on the computer talking to her friends about pain, pus and swelling" (he is being funny in a 17 year old boy kind of way) Lol. Yeah well you do need somewhere to talk about that stuff with people who get it....it's not exactly polite table talk. My dental hygienist asked if I belong to any b/c support groups...yup.....this one! But it's so much more than just the yucky stuff.



I cannot wait for release of restrictions! Swimming! There's a thought. We belong to the local Y....I love to row on the rowing machine....probably a while out on that....lots of ab use. Something to look forward to!



I am just over two weeks out from diep...I get that upper, inside diep burning when I sneeze....lasts for a few minutes. It's still swollen over that spot and is very close to where my Doppler mark was. I believe it is where the connected the veins.



So I just sent that 17 year old off to Boy Scout camp (as counselor) for most of the summer. To make matters more difficult our big, elderly dog, Moses ("his" dog) is deteriorating quickly the last few weeks. It's not time yet, but we all know it's coming. He knows he may get a call to come home for a few hours. They spent hours together yesterday and my son told me he said what he needed to say to him. Ugh. We took lots of pictures of them together this morning and even got him to play with my son in the yard for a couple of minutes like they used to and I was able to get video of that. So....made it the best I could. Sucks no matter what. My husband and other son are out and about today so I will get my Moses day today. He loves peanut butter sandwhiches and strawberries as special treats.....I decided yesterday he gets those every day now. Duuuuggghhhbh....sucks.



Ok thanks for listening to wordy girl Hope it's warm and sunny in your world today....get outside and enjoy!

liefie

Bailey, reading about Moses almost turned on my waterworks . . . it really hit home for me when we took our senior Golden Retriever to the vet on Friday for his booster shots that he is really getting old, and beginning to develop age-related ailments. He's also had an upset stomach for two weeks now, and they can't find the cause. I sat there and thought that we will one day bring him there to say good bye . . . so hard. He is a member of the household, so loyal, so loving. My sister has a 19-year old Siamese cat. When I skype with her, he sits between her and her DH, looking at the camera, participating in the discussion - tooo adorable.

Anonymous

Thanks Liefie.....Life keeps happening despite DIEP and all it entails, doesn't it?



Moses is part golden retriever, part black lab, and part some sort of shepherd. Obviously a rescue puppy. Somehow he got all the best qualities of those breeds in one....except for the bad hips he is everybody's favorite dog due to his kind, gentle, happy soul. He has been the greatest family dog I could have imagined....he is a beta male so his job is to care for everyone in the pack, especially the puppies (our kids) and he has done his job in the most excellent way. Very proud to be his momma.



I hope you get lots and lots more days with yours, Liefie.



Huh....and just realized that tomorrow I will be a two year survivor of breast cancer. So....despite it all....life is good. God is good. The world works the way it is supposed to.

nihahi

Pets are so wonderful and such a "part of the family", and it is so sad when it is their time to go. Reading about Moses brought back memories of our doggie, and like Liefie.....I'm reaching for the tissues. 

Goldie...your feeling and fears and anger are your genuine emotions....nobody gets a medal for having the "worst scenario"! I'm glad you can "vent" with us! You will have scars on the new breasts, but they will fade away, and you will have breasts that are "you" in every way possible. Hang in there!!!!!

From the posts, maybe everyone got some sleep last night????

Kuka, I think I remember reading about your "running" program of running until you can't, then walking???? If I'm right, that's likely how you did yourself in. If you go back to running, or power walking, have you tried following the couch- 2- 5- k program. It's a free app, and gives you audio clues to build up intervals. It starts you really gently, with more walking than running, but is a safe way of building up endurance. You can also download a 10k app when you're ready.

sbelizabeth.....I gotta tell you....matronly just doesn't fit my "image" of you! 

quinoa recipe of the day: (amounts of items are totally optional, so I'm not going there)

cooked quinoa, chopped celery, cucumber, green onion, red pepper, snap peas (basically whatever), slivered almonds or pine nuts or .......whatever, mix with balsamic vinegar salad dressing, or italian or ....whatever, sprinkle with sesame seeds......yum, yum!

I'm off to ride my bike before the rain comes. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

ps...everybody who "overdid" it yesterday, had better be reading this post with their feet up, a cup of coffee (if allowed) in hand and a peaceful household around them!!!!

pps....Movie.....did you go back to Japan????

nihahi

oops....Bailey.....congrats on tomorrow's anniversary.....celebrate!!!!!!

Catie2013

Sullivan - I'm 8 weeks out stage 2 - the feeling is a feeling of 'bad sunburn' I rub the spot - no feeling , think its normal regeneration of nerve endings, blood supply for fat - asked PS and was told by nurse all part of healing process. Not sure it's the same but sounded like it!

heavenschild

From my sister (who is the best) who researched lipo for me:

In the first several days after tumescent liposuction, the anesthetic solution from surgery drains from the incisions. This drainage is to be expected. It actually facilitates healing from liposuction and reduces recovery time. Patients should take showers instead of baths for about a week after liposuction. During this time, swelling, bruising, and numbness will begin to go away.

Swelling will continue to go down over the months after liposuction

 If the surgeon uses the "open-drainage" technique where incisions are not closed with stitches, then most patients can expect 90% of the swelling to resolve in about 4 weeks.

The skin surrounding the treated area may seem loose, but it will tighten with time. Depending on the skin's elasticity, which is a determined by age and genetics, skin should tighten in six months' time.

Adults have a fixed number of fat cells in their bodies, so the fat cells that are removed during liposuction will not regenerate. However, if patients do not observe a healthy diet and exercise routine after liposuction, the remaining fat cells can still grow and contribute to weight gain.

Most plastic surgeons encourage patients to begin gentle walking within three to four days of their liposuction.Patients can usually begin to increase their levels of activity within two weeks of their liposuction, but vigorous exercise after liposuction should be avoided for at least the first month to give the body time to heal. after liposuction of four areas on a single day, a patient may require one week of bed rest and recuperation at home.

 

Patients that have had abdominal skin treated should not do anything that results in swelling. It simply stretches the skin back out and in-essence un-doing the whole goal of the surgery. Go slow and you can't go wrong.

There are no restrictions regarding sexual activity after liposuction other than limitations imposed by postoperative soreness and tenderness of the treated areas. Otherwise liposuction usually does not interfere with a patient having gentle sexual encounters.

 

liefie

Kuka, I was also going to suggest to you that couch25K that Nihahi is talking about. That's what I've been doing before DIEP, hoping to work up to a 5K run. You can google it. Slow it will be, but for me at 58 it will be a great achievement. I was up to running about 3K before surgery, and will have to fight my way back - lol. Then again, I've got the rest of my life to do it, no hurry, just consistency every day. Just listen to me preaching/cheerleading more to myself than to anybody else!

Congrats on the 'anniversary', Bailey! I'm nearing my 18-month mark.

Nihahi, thanks for the quinoa recipe - sounds delectable. Toast was goooood - only one slice mind you, put butter and cheese on, and had red grapes with it. There was an instant symphony in my mouth - la la la la la!!!! DH had the same reaction.

SheChirple

I am, indeed, taking it easy, reading with feet up and on my 2nd cup of coffee.  Dr. Quinn Medicine woman on TV int he background.

My old dalmation has been on his last leg for months.  He started unable to get up on the couch some days, then couldn't get down.  Now he's not there at all.  Hubby just lifts up his midsection and he co-operates. Im ready to lethim go.

Local furniture store, Ashley's, advertising 2 recliners for $399.  STEAL!!

So, after overdoing yesterday, I'll just be sitting here most of today.  I may supervise the kids doing stuff, but I doubt it.  They just started summer break and want to do fun stuff.

kuka21174923

Thank you so much nihahi. I just downloaded the app and I love it! By reading the instructions the app gives you I can tell I was totally overdoing it! I can't wait for my shins to start feeling better so that I can start this program. Anyone that want to get into shape, this is a great app!!

Bailey, I'm a dog lover and I couldn't help to get tear up when reading about your son's dog.

goldie4040

I wonder how come so many of us have insomnia?  Is it all the drugs that had us on,  or a side effect of anesthesia?  I am trying really hard not to nap in the middle of the day in hope that I will fall asleep at a decent hour.  

Even without the sleep I managed to get one whole bathroom scrubbed and clean from top to bottom, and now I am going to go do a gentle work out on my Total Gym.  

We had a great rain storm very early this morning.  I loved it.  Now the sun is out, and it feels all clean and fresh.  Unfortunately, it's going to get hot. 

kuka21174923

Goldie, I was up during the storm too. But it was really early! I've been having insomnia for two years now. Ever since they removed my ovaries. I take ambien, which puts me to sleep but doesn't keep me asleep. I don't take naps during the day and haven't for 2 years. I need to call my Obgyn and ask for the ambien xr so that I can sleep all night.

goldie4040

Hmm, Kuka.  I took ambien once, and I felt so weird the next day I never took it again. Have you ever tried Ativan?  That stuffs knocks me out.  I know I love valium, or xanax and that is going to be a problem for me when this is all over.  I have always been hyper, and I love the way xanax calms me down, but hasn't put me to sleep in years.  I am hoping the more I move around, exercise, clean, get out of the house, the more tired I will get.  What's interesting to me is the movements I took for granted before my mx are now a  big deal.  Liike folding the laundry.  I can feel every movement, and I am waiting for the day I take it for granted again.  Then I know I will be all better. 

Dyvgrl

Goldie, I know how you feel about using your arm (s). I can't use my right arm for much at all. Can't lift it over my head so getting dressed is always a chore, much less doing my job at work or much housework at home. It's truly frustrating to have to ask for help for every little thing. Good thing my hubby is a patient man!

SheChirple

goldie: I know with me it's the meds.  Norco is good for my pain, but seriously preents me from sleeping. Last night I took my Norco, a bendryl for itching, and my Tamoxifen. I fell asleep, but then woke up after about an hour and could not go back to sleep.

I clean on room at a time.

Janet_M

Bailey - Moses sounds like a beautiful dog. I hope all his days are happy ones.

SheChriple - You went out bra shopping two weeks after surgery? I'm so impressed. I've been reading this board for a while, and it's hard to get a handle on what 'normal' is. I'm having my DIEP on Thursday, so my brain is in high gear about when I'll be able to do stuff. I think that bra shopping after two weeks is pretty amazing. And I think your dog sounds lovely as well. We used to have a dalmation and he was a lovely soul.

Now we have a low slow hound - a basset named Jed. He's the love of my life.

Does anyone know how soon we can swim after surgery? Or fly?

Thanks, Janet

nihahi

Kuka...it is a great app isn't it! You can adapt it to anything, really, elliptical, bike, whatever, just substitute the "run" intervals for higher intensity. Another great place for info is the chirunning/chiwalking website. Goes well with the interval theory!!!!

Janet.....remember, we are all different, which really means "normal" is a range, not a target! First baseline to use should always be what your PS guidelines are. Then, take into account where your "starting point" was pre-surgery. You're going to do fine, I just know it!!!!! Martyj would probably have info about flying.....many of the Nola ladies are flying home, in a timeline when I was still barfing in a bucket, so obviously it's doable. 

I've been a poor sleeper for decades, so can't connect it to this surgery. I've just learned to get on with it, as nothing med wise that I'm willing to be on long term has been much help. I think insomnia is pretty common with women of all "varieties of health". Maybe it's a symptom of being the "doers" in most families?