DIEP 2013

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited July 2013

    Crewser, what do you mean by the sunburn effect? After my bmx I felt hot and raw under my arms, but not anywhere else.  Where is yours? 

    Sorry about your swelling problems. I am sure you will get them under control.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    Judy...in just scrolling through I thought you said you are getting a 3rd nipple tattooed instead of 3d nipple tattoo....that caused a serious double take.....what the!!!! Oh.....Lol.

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    hahahha....bailey....are putting kahlua in your after dinner coffee again?

  • Judy_63
    Judy_63 Member Posts: 247
    edited July 2013

    Lol, that would look interesting on my chest among all my scars.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    Nihahi...must've been the tequila...story of my life...My real name is Sheila......as in "pour me another tequila, Sheila"

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited July 2013

    Still awake, waiting for more sleepover visitors to arrive - children's friends who are coming to see them.

    Bluebird and Crewzer, welcome here! Crewzer, sounds like you dodged a bullet there - wow!

    Bailey, 3rd nipple - LOLOLOL!

    Had on my old swimsuit today for the first time, and the bottom part is really loose. Over the tummy area there are now folds of fabric that was smooth and stretched before - so thrilled to see that! 7 weeks out I can also see that the new breast is settling. At first it was sitting higher with no fold under it, and now it is lower, and the fold is beginning to appear. The two breasts are now almost the same height, and the DIEP breast is a little 'fuller'. Not really noticeable in a bra - when I wear one, that is. Looked okay in the swimsuit too. During the 15-month TE period there was a 4 inch difference in height - really twisted-looking - lol.

    Does anyone know of someone in the Vancouver area who does the 3D nipple tattooing? I am trying to look into all possibilities for the nipple thing. At the moment I have no desire for more surgery, and DH and PS are  just assuming that I will go ahead and get it done. It seems that it is almost unheard of to choose not to have nipples. Just so weary of going back and forth with all these decisions - sigh. 

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited July 2013

    Bluebird and crewzerd welcome! If you hang out with us you're guaranteed at least one laugh a day!

    Goldie, I'm very happy with my tummy shape. I tend to carry all my weight around my stomach area, so all I'm left with now is love handles that will be fixed on stage 2. I love my tummy now though. I haven't seen it this flat since Pre kids!

    Nihahi, I had my second session with the trainer tonight. This month at my gym you get to bring a friend to your session to work out with you. So I brought my neighbor. By the end of the session she told me how much she hated me, lol. I've never done this kind of work outs, but I think I'm doing ok. Because I had my ovaries removed my bone density is very low, on edge of steoporosis, so building muscle will help with that and with my health overall. My muscles are still a little sore, but not as bad as yesterday. You should have seen me walking, it looked like I had DIEP done all over again, lol. Brought back memories for sure!

    Damiana, my tummy area was never very swollen, but the little swelling I had it was probably gone after 2 weeks.

    I'm almost 12 weeks out and besides for the scars and different shape of my gloobs, you couldn't tell I had this surgery so recently. I'm doing everything I did before and more!

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited July 2013

    Kuka, that is funny about your work out and your neighbor.  She won't go again.  LOL.  When you talk about your tummy and love handles, were they there before, or did the surgery cause them?  You are really lucky you didn't have swelling.  Seems to be an issue for some.

  • Gini23
    Gini23 Member Posts: 183
    edited July 2013

    Nihahi - I know I wish there were more options in the surgery descriptions - interesting to see who did various types of flaps, and certainly to differentiate between the old-school Tram and the newer version!

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited July 2013

    Liefie

    That is great about the swimsuit.  Sounds like you are on your way!!!  The only person I have heard of that does the 3d tattoos is that guy Vinnie, and he seems to travel around.  Come for a visit to the state.  Somebody will put you up!

    Have fun with your guests!

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    bailey....tequila....hehhe...gives such a lovely glow, doesn't it???

    kuka...you are such a hoot. Please don't ever invite me to one of your workouts...I'd probably have to kill you Laughing! That's great that things aren't quite as sore...you're amazing! Yep, weightbearing/resistance stuff is defo good for the bones, and you sure sound like you're getting that! What's this trainer got you doing food-wise??? Have you confessed to him you're anti-veggie? Seriously, though, I hope this goes well for you.....you've got more than enough determination to see it through, that's for sure!

    gini....I've already asked the mods to contact the tech people, to update the options on the profile. I too think it's important to be aware of the different types of flaps and outcomes, for ladies coming after us. Actually, I recently met someone (in person) who had a Tram free similar to mine, a year ago in the States. We got to talking about this "site" and I asked her if she ever posted. Her response was "no, there was no place for me that felt like I belonged". Made me feel sad for her, as I can't imagine having gone through this without the amazing support/info I have found from you all.

    goldie...I don't think anyone gets through a surgery like this without some kind of "issue"....it's likely more that some people don't find "their issue" to be unexpected or unrealistic or even..."wish I hadn't done this" type of thing. We're all human, we've all been "through enough" before the actual surgery, we just maybe look at the "potholes" in the road to recovery differently. Then there are those who truly have some monumental potholes, surgical and/or emotional.....and I sure wish there was a magic wand for things like that....poof.....complication gone!!!!! 

    Different......should be the name of the thread! We have proven that over and over. 

    Ok...please turn the heat back on....it was 35 a couple days ago, now it's 10 and rainy. This is a ridiculous summer! Have good days, everyone!

  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited July 2013

    Nihahi, my DH and I are here chowing down on Kashi and coffee and arguing about Farenheit vs. Celsius.  Was it really hot a couple of days ago, or really cold?  

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    sbelizabeth....sluggards....I've been up for hours! Actually, just finishing 2nd cup of coffee before heading out for a run. I'm chuckling....re: F vs C! Your (F) 32 is my (C) 0. So my 35C (your 95F) is really hot (for us....at our altitude and northern "ness"). That also means that your recent temps are like "melt your brain" too hot for us! In a few months (sadly) I'll likely be complaining about the cold. The F and the C temperatures match each other at the dreaded -40 temp, and, sadly, we have had that experience!!!!! I now set the barrier at playing outside if it is colder that -20C....nipped my fingers/toes with a bit of frostbite...so I just can't handle that kind of cold anymore.

  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited July 2013

    Bluebird144 - Welcome, and congratulations on your upcoming surgery.

    Just remember, there's no such thing as a silly question, no fear is too irrational, and you'll probably find someone to reassure you at 2 in the morning when you're being kept up by your inner crazy. Personally, I relied on these smart funny woman to get me 'round a lot of tough corners, and their support gave me strength and calm during my moments of insanity. 

    That said - I don't want to say anything to scare you. I think we all had the jitters. And for me personally, the anticipation was far scarier than the reality.  - Janet

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    OMG.....Just turning off the computer and reread my last post....I sure hope that anyone reading it understands what the topic was... otherwise....they're gonna think I'm a 35C, and sbelizabeth is now a 95F!!!!!! THAT WOULD BE SOME SERIOUS SWELLING ISSUE!!!!!!

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2013

    Well, I got brave this morning and tried on a few swimsuits. They looked pretty good with my flat tummy. Only problem is that necrotic spot, it is visible in every swimsuit I have. Guess that I will be putting my swim shirt on over my swimsuit all summer :(

  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited July 2013

    McKinley - Welcome to you too! Glad you found a 'little of the old fight'. That can go a long way in getting results - we need our inner warrior to step up. I waited 14 months for my surgery and I would probably have had to wait longer is I hadn't strapped on my sword and walked into the surgeon's office and stared down the secretary. 

    Sweetpickle - About the scar getting deeper - I saw my PS yesterday, and he agreed that the scar is getting deeper as it is tightening but said that it's part of the healing process and will eventually return to normal. 

    And here's a tip - Nipple pads! I've never had kids so I didn't know these things existed. But, I've been putting gauze over my breast incisions, but the nurse recommended the pads because they're softer, and round, and fit better in a bra. (No bras till week 3 though!)

    Janet

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2013

    On the issue of nipples: I am really torn as to what I want. Originally I wanted 3-d from Vinnie. I thought it would be a great weekend my and my hubby could go to New Orleans, spend a nice weekend together and get a nipple while I was there. Then when I decided to do DIEP, I saw the ones that the dr makes from the hip tissue and it looked so real- which would be nice since I still have my left boob intact, then they would match better. However, now the dr put that tattoo smack dab in the middle. It was an old stretched out flower from my tummy that I didn't really like much, but now- just the artistic factor that he was able to place it where he did, and it is round and looks like it was tattoo'ed there on purpose to look like a areola- I love it! I know he placed it there thinking it would be easy to cover up when he does the tissue transfer from my hip, but now I kind of want to just keep my old tummy tatt on my boob. Good think I have a while to think about it!

  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited July 2013

    Nihahi, too funny! By the way, my surgeon may take a postage-stamp-sized piece of muscle during surgery in which case I would be on your team. He won't know until he gets in there. I'm not worried about it. Strange that anybody would think less of someone because their reconstruction is different. There is no gold standard here. We're all kick butt BC survivors.

  • damiana9
    damiana9 Member Posts: 389
    edited July 2013

    Nihahi- I ended up with a free flap also. I was disappointed that it wasn't a true DIEP, but he said it was such a small amount of muscle. I really am hoping it does't affect me negatively later on.

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited July 2013

    Damiana, 

    Glad you are fairly happy in a swim suit. They will take care of that bump for you at stage 2. If you are like me, you want instant gradification. You can have the nipple tattoo even after you have nipple reconstruction.  Google "Vinnie Meyer" Tattoo, and look at his work.  He even makes yours boobs look like you still have those little bumps around them.  They have a name, but I forget what it is, the something glands? 

    I am being all brave now and saying I will have the nipple reconstruction, but when the time comes, who knows. 

  • jlbloom
    jlbloom Member Posts: 228
    edited July 2013

    The earliest date the doctor has open for DIEP is November 14, 2013.  Hoping there will be a cancellation!

  • Typewriterjenny
    Typewriterjenny Member Posts: 52
    edited July 2013



    First of all, welcome to the new ladies! so glad i found this board- and you will be too. :)



    Phew it's a hot one here in PA! Sitting by the pool with my coverup on, because I hate my pouch and my left breast is smaller since lumpectomy. But I'm doing alright, because in a month, I'll hopefully be underway to getting in the shape I want, and getting that dang cancer out of me!



    Gini- thank you so much for your responses!!! I thought the bag idea was very helpful. Glad to hear of someone else interested in the ph issue! I am a really huge vinegar fan. Love olives, pickles, different vinegars, as well as tomatoes and lemon, and artichokes! I really need to read more. Right now I'm into the Bach book.



    I got the zero-gravity chair! I love it already! Thanks for the suggestion- cant remember who it was now. It was on sale at big lots for 40!



    How long is it before one would begin tamoxifen after surgery, given no lymph involvement?



    Has anyone gotten mx with immediate recon then found out there WAS lymph involvement? I'm told it's not a huge concern with me, and if we need to proceed with additional treatment they will do everything possible to preserve the reconstruction. I am putting my faith in my PS here but am going to be researching until the day of surgery because that's just how I am. Haha.



    Has anyone heard from robin? Did I miss a post? I'll go back and look again...nope, didn't see anything. Hope you are doing well, and just resting a lot!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2013

    Six weeks from recon...I am sitting here (in an urgent care center suspecting a UTI ...but I digress) in a v-necked t-shirt with perfectly wonderful looking cleavage and absolutely no worries about if my foam boobette has shifted to my armpit or is working it's way out the collar of my shirt. Totally worth every bit of preparing, worry, blood, sweat and tears. Life is good. :)

  • jakig
    jakig Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2013

    Just checking in; I'll be 4 weeks post-op DIEP this Monday...exercising daily, still have one drain, yuk, but have learned a couple of tidbits I thought I would share:  The neck pillow I use during air travel fits perfectly under my affected arm; it feels better than the little pillow the surgeon's office gave me...I just invert it and slip it under the arm.  Another tidbit for drains-the last drain in the area below the abm incision is very touchy. I cut a big Y in an abdomenal pad (ABD) and then build a little cone-shaped covering over the edge of the tube and the insertion stitches on the skin. It really helps me when I accidentally bump the drain area. It looks silly, so not for wearing in public-they might think I have had another type surgery! haha But it is comforting, so wanted to share some comfort...the pain meds are 1/2 now, and the pain levels very manageable. I have no regrets choosing the DIEP; in fact, it may be one of the bravest and best solutions I've chosen for myself in all my life. The new boobette is lovely; not perfect, but it's changing slowly, and I can see it's adapting to gravity and settling. I can't wait for the final revision with the new nipple and the tattooing later on. It's nice to have goals, and know the cancer is gone and I can celebrate each day I'm alive now...thanks for reading my thoughts...

  • ssla01
    ssla01 Member Posts: 480
    edited July 2013

    Typewriter, I was on tamoxifen for five months before surgery. My Doctor took me off for 3 weeks before surgery. I will start again 3 weeks after surgery. I did the sentinel node biopsy in march and bmx was in June.

  • SheChirple
    SheChirple Member Posts: 954
    edited July 2013

    Here I am with my weekly, 5 pages behind, update!

    SBElizabeth: so glad to hear you got into the swim.  I’m dying not being able to swim. It’s my lifeline.  But, incisions not yet healed. I can’t WAIT! I assume we have to wait until incisions are fully healed. But, with Kuka’s post about pool vs. lake/ocean, and Sherry’s about swimming 2 wks post op,  I think I’ll actually ask!  Doh.

    Nihahi:  LOL – I’ve been using maxi pads! Overnight pads!

    Bailey: you, too with the new swim suit.  My belly is still too swollen/protruding to get into a swimsuit.  I have about 6 and NONE have skirts anymore!!  It’s a great feeling. I have to be hopeful for stage 2, although my PS waits 9-12 months.  Grrr.

    Dvygrl: sorry for the delays, I totally understand.  Had my original surgeries gone as planned, I would be DONE by now.  Hang  in there, you will just have a longer journey.

    Moviemaniac: PS knows about the leaking. He actually had his assistant slip me a handful of pads to use to soak it all up, saying it’s good that it’s draining, but that activity will increase this fluid, so SLOW DOWN!

    Goldie:  I had implants, with failure, which is what led me to DIEP.  I have a dear friend IRL who had lat flap and it is sort of a combination of implant and DIEP, but from the back. She had an excellent result, but does have implants. Oh, and I’ve tried on my old, pre-BMX bras since DIEP and they are too small!  But, I have stage II which comes with a little reduction, or so my PS says.

    KIMDY:  YAY – like others, sorry for the delay, but looks like you’ll be getting there.

    Damiana: yes, the swelling, I can’t get my regular slacks/pants/shorts on either. Grocery shopping was a big step for me, too.  Even 6 wks post op, I still use that little electric cart because, well, I’m not proud and I hate being exhausted, so why push it!

    Jeannie:  (HUGS) Fannie pack for the drains. That fishing Casting Call sounds very neat.  I would LOVE to do something like that.  I’m a girl scout and a pretty good fisher, but, as you said, the camaraderie it is.

    Janet:  I also did not get any post op except follow up appts with PS.  No therapy at all.  I chalk it up to it’s too soon and I’ll get that later.  In the meantime, I do gentle versions of my regular exercise routine daily, but these links were great.  No waistbands!! No kidding! I actually bought a few loose dresses.  You don’t know me, but that’s a big deal.  I’ve been wearing dresses daily, just hanging loose from my shoulders.  Even to work. 

    Typewriter:  I had oncotype and it was low, 7.  So, no chemo for me!! YAY!

    Wintersocks:  My DIEP was more than a year after my BMX.  Of course, it was due to failed implants, but it was also 9 months after the implant was removed.  I think it can be done at any time, but only once.

    McKinley:  Yes, it seems the wait is never ending.  I had wanted DIEP/TRAM flap from the beginning, 11/2011.  PS said TE with implants would be a better option.  I went that route and had implant failure after exchange in July 2012.  So, I was told I had to wait about 6 months for DIEP.  Then, 5 days before my pre-op for DIEP in November, 2012, I had emergency appendectomy and the wait was on again.  The best healthy and fit for this is good circulation and breathing/lung capacity, which means any aerobixc exercise. Walking/running is best. Given that you’ll be walking hunched for awhile, back strengthening exercises are good too.

    Mammalou: one week post op I came home from hospital and was walking with a walker.  I used the walker for about a week. I lost the walker after the 2nd week unless I was walking far.  I would wlak 100 yards or so to the mailbox.  Go for a walk up the street as far as I could, sit for 15 minutes, then walk back, with the walker. That said, I still keep the walker in my trunk, just in case.  OMG I was in ICU for 72 hrs, then 4 days in regular room.  Everywhere is different, I guess. I hope they don’t try to charge you.

    Sweetpickle:  my incision in the center, between bellybutton and pubic area, is deeper and farther open than I would like, but has a nice clean ‘seal’ if that makes sense.  It is slowly getting better.  I notice that if I let it “dry out” overnight with a nice crusty scab in the morning, then put Neosporin  with bandaging during the day, I’m getting some progress in healing.  (doc insisted on the Neosporin and bandaging)

    They finally rescheduled my DIEP for May 2013. YAY!  Now I’m in the one year pattern of FIEP Stages. Originally my PS said “give me 2 yrs and we’ll have you loving your new body”, well, that has been extended but he, and his assistant, are so patient and encouraging, it may be a 3 year journey instead of 2, but that’s not their fault.  Shit happens. I’m seriously not qualified to answer “was it worth it?” yet.  Mainly because I’m not done, I’m still hopeful, and I’m struggling right now. I will say it is NOT an easy road, for anyone.  You MUST know this going in.  It WILL be tough.

    Crewzer: compression garments, like spanx, help.  But, basically it’s just time. Many ladies are happy with 3D tats.  I’m not doing nipples at all, going with floral cover up tats that will be like a bikini top.

    For everyone re: weight loss. Slow and steady.  I lost 137 before my BC diagnosis and struggle to keep it off during this emotional journey. Emotions and emotional eating are the hardest part.  Anyone can lose 10-15 lbs with the onset of a program.  Maintaining loss at 2-3 lbs a week is the trick.  Keeping it off is the miracle.  All comes from changes in lifestyle and maintaining those changes.  I am no expert, but I speak from experience.

    My sunburn tingling is lessening in my chest.  I’m down on pain meds to ½ the dose. That said, I'm seriously fighting irritability and depression.  Crying daily, in a pity party.  I just seems to be going on forever!  The drainage in the right breast is still going on and I'm tired of stuffing my bra, and having to wear a bra to stuff, even to bed, just to catch the leaking fluid.  PS says it's good to drain, so OK. I'm tired of not being able to "do" things, like SEX!  Sorry if that's TMI. Tired of everyone feeling sorry for me. Tired of sitting on my couch when the hubby, brother and kids go for a hike, fishing, swimming, etc.. Tired of not being able to help around the house.  Just tired.  Feeling useless.  Tired of being irritable and I know it's getting to my sweet hubby, and thank GOD he is so patient. But, I know it's temporary and it WILL get better.  My type A driven personality is my downfall. 

    My ab incision is healing, slowly, but it is healing.  My breast incisions look GREAT!  I do have a new nickel sized swelling on the ab incision and tempted to lance it and let it drain as well.  It appears to be infected, but contained.  I see the PS on Wednesday, so, unless it gets really bad, I'll wait until then.

    I'm walking entirely without the walker, almost upright.  My pain meds are down to 1/2 dose, 5 mg Vicoden every 4 hrs.  But, I still have that tightness in the abdomen, all around the belly, and the swelling.

    There is CRAP on TV, so I'm watching old movies on DVD, which is good.  I guess.

    I'm doing the bc.org TATA sisterhood Vegas trip in September, so I have something to look forward to and some fitness goals to reach by then.  Mainly walking upright, wearing a bathing suit, all incisions healed and hours of stamina! Anyone else going to Vegas? I went last year for the first time and met some wonderful ladies, made some good friends.  It was scary meeting/rooming with strangers, but it was wonderful.

    Mary

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    Bailey, YES!!!! Life IS good! Hope they let you mix some tequila with your antibiotics, if you do have a UTI....what a pain!!!!

    jeannie, damiana....I was fine with the sliver of muscle possibility too, for the reason of protecting my vessels, but I kept hearing negative feedback from other ladies (non-tram free) and it really rattled me pre-surgery. I was so upset a couple days after surgery, that my ps pulled up a chair next to my bed and talked me down from tears. It was the day I told him to put everything back where he found it, and let me go home! Now, I am confident that absolutely nothing in my rather active life has changed for the "bad", but I have a gloob that I am loving, more and more each day. I just want to find someway to help newbies avoid the "dark side" of Tram free unfounded reputation.

    It's so great to again hear from different veterans, re: how happy they are with the results, even when not yet at the finished stage...hope it helps all the pre-op ladies!

    Certainly not an ideal situation, to have recon without knowing what the node status is, but there must have been some ladies that have that happen, so hopefully you'll get some feedback. I guess that's one of the "cons" of immediate recon to balance against the "pros"??

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited July 2013

    Wow shechirple....incredible "catch up" post... You've certainly had a tough, tough road, but you're getting there! I think you have amazing strength, and your downer feelings are certainly valid...good for you for letting them rise to the surface, that way you can sort through them.

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited July 2013

    Goldie, I had what you call two muffin tops, one on top and one on bottom. He used the bottom one for my breasts and the too one became my bottom and only muffin top. Much smaller than what it was. So, to answer your question I guess my tummy is much smaller now and the shape is different. He will take care of the love handles during stage 2 if I still have them.

    Nihahi, my trainer told me to cut out sugar and bad carbs. So I can eat protein, good carbs and good fats. He knows I don't eat veggies and he says I'll be fine. I have to eat six small meals a day a two very small snacks.

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