DIEP 2013

Gini23

Ok I am so bizarre-ly Type A that I am still reading through some back pages (like in the 80-90's) from when I was really busy at work and fell off the thread for awhile.  I had decided to stop posting about "old news" ...  BUT - SheChirple - pubic hair on your new boobie!?!?  You must have a reaaaaaalllly low ab-incision scar!  Did they get rid of it?  Offer you laser hair removal?

I had some belly-fuzz on mine - mostly gone now with stage 2 removing most of my flap skin - hope it doesn't grow out of my fipples!

Dyvgrl

Hi ladies, just checking in and saying hi. Been reading everyone's posts and gathering strength. Currently at the PS office to get my 3rd round of stitches removed (hopefully) and see if this blood blister looking thing is gonna stay or go. Praying my TE gets to stay. Shechirple, I seriously would've gone batshit crazy on my surgeon if I woke up with a hairy gloob!! I really hope they've permanently removed it! To all the ladies out there getting their groove on exercising, hope you are doing well and I hope to join you. My arm is still sore, but think I can safely handle my bike now. Please stop raining!! I really need to get active!

sweetpickle

Liefie- I think I would have thought the same thing....lol



The hairy gloob story always brings a smile to my face.



Whomeve asked about brusing above flap, I had that but its mostly gone now.



Dyvgrl- How are you feeling? Hope your blister resolves soon.

Dyvgrl

Sweet pickle, doin ok, feeling a little run down, neck and headache but good otherwise. Been checking my temp to make sure the TE is not infected. Been hovering around 97.8 ish. So all good so far! Still taking Keflex but hoping to drop it...

sweetpickle

Thats good, hope you stay infection free, rest well!

liefie

 About all the different nail polish colours - here on Van Island nail polish is not allowed when you have surgery. I found that out when I had a hysterectomy 18 months ago. Had a pedicure especially for going to the hospital, and had a beautiful gold/copper colour put on. As I was lying on the OR table just before I was put to sleep, the nurse made a remark about my beautiful toes, and I, ignorant as usual, politely thanked her for the compliment - lol. Found out afterwards it was sarcastically meant, as nail polish is forbidden. Nobody told me, sorry! For DIEP I got instructions - NO nail polish. Strange, all these different 'rules'.

Don't know if other people are just more knowledgeable than me, but I always land up in awkward situations. On that same occasion DH and I were waiting for them to come and fetch me for the surgery. Because it was laparoscopically done, I just assumed that nothing was going to be done down under. I was dead wrong - what was I thinking?! So I did not shave 'down there', and casually mentioned it to physician DH. He almost had a fit right there, called a nurse to bring a razor asap, and physically pushed me into the washroom. I was still in there franticallly scraping away at my abundant growth (this was before chemo - lol) when they came for me. It was not a good shave job, and I felt so darn stupid. Why does everybody just assume that I should know these things? I just do not.

On Saturday it was exactly a year that I finished radiation, and my active ca treatment. It was the day after DD's wedding. What a difference a year makes! This morning I went to the hairdresser, and for the first time since I went bald last year, I had enough hair to actually tell the hairdresser how I wanted her to cut it. Such a small thing, but it made me feel on top of the world. She did a great job, and I am really pleased. She is the same one who shaved off my hair last year, and is so kind and sympathetic. Sorry I'm rambling, but you guys get it . . . thanks to you all for letting me.

Dyvgirl, sending you positive vibes and the best wishes for healing soon.

Gini23

Liefie - you just made me realize that I missed my "anniversary" for my last chemo 7/5/12!  My hair is a floppy curly mop...  I trimmed/colored back in March, but have just been letting it go since then.  I'm pretty sure it is less grey than it used to be.

Funny about the shaving!  When I went for the DIEP I was horrified when my PS popped his head under the hood (my gown) to mark up my abdomen, with a resident standing behind him no less.  I had shaved somewhat, but being March I really had not thought about how it looked until that moment!

Anonymous

Yea, in my way of thinking I decided not to shave down there because I figured hair growing in would only add to my discomfort after surgery....realized at some point that it had been done for me after anesthesia was administered....so...there ya go.



My hair came in curly too....for about a year....then back to normal. Wildly varying stories about hair coming in, too, in my experience. I swore it came in curly because chemo is actually perm solution that curls it from the inside out.

Gini23

From the inside out - lol, Bailey!  I've actually always had curly hair, just not this curly...  OH MY on having found yourself shaved!

goldie4040

I started getting a pedicure with every hospital stay starting with my hysterectomy  over 2 years ago.  It's funny, people do comment on it, but it makes me feel better that some part of my femininity is still intact.

Liefie, I hope you are okay, and don't find yourself more sore than you think tomorrow. Ice the ankle, elevate it, blah blah blah.  You know what you've got to do.  Get well!

Damiana, you are scaring me.  Am I trading Iron Bra for Iron Belt?  I really hope not.  I think the belly thing should go away.  

It seems like different people, different issues.  I know quite a few people with breast implant reconstruction that are happy and very comfortable.  Who knows?

Anonymous

Somebody posted about www.diepsisters.com the other day. I emailed them to add my PS to the list and they did it right away....maybe we can all check and e mail if you don't see your doc....help them get up to date!

nihahi

Great idea Bailey!!!! Spreading the word is so important. 

I had an amazing experience at my massage today. First time I'd gone to this person. After filling out the usual forms, including recent medical history, we headed back to her room. I made a comment as we were walking, that I was probably one of her more unusual patients....she smiled....and as she closed the door, she said "actually, I'm a breast cancer patient too. Just finishing her journey of bilateral mx with implants and had just had nipples done last week. Talk about an ice-breaking moment! We both just kind of smiled at each other then reached out and touched gave each other a gentle hug. She totally "got" the shoulder issues I have, and we spent half the session chatting about our "journeys" as she worked on me. Not only did I get a wonderful massage, but met another sister.....it's a small world!

Liefie....don't despair...you should start back easy anyway, why not just get into the routine of going to the gym, maybe doing some gentle rides on the bike, gradually testing that ankle over the next week, and you could do some stretching stuff, just getting back into the fitness environment? Obviously, don't overdue anything until you know you're ankle is up to it, but don't think there is nothing you can do either. Is there a pool you could do some gentle water aerobic or even walking in??? For me, just walking into a fitness place makes me feel like I've accomplished something! fyi...congrats on the haircut!!

nihahi

Gotcha13....this time tomorrow....you'll be being well cared for and into the healing phase, our newest Veteran!!!!!

sbelizabeth....just read your blog, and am wiping tears of laughter off my cheeks....!!!! I hear ya, sister....apparently there is journaled and photographic proof of a couple hikes that I did just before surgery....I have absolutely no memory of doing these hikes....and actually mentioned the other day, how I hoped that one of the trails would have escaped the flood damage, cause I had never done it, and really wanted to.....the conversation came to a halt, and 3 people looked at me like I was from another planet. One of them pulled out a photo on her cellphone....not only had I done the hike with them....it was my car in the background, so I had been the designated driver that day!!!!! COMPLETELY GONE FROM MY MEMORY CARD!!!!!!! Too funny. I'm just hoping someguy in an Elvis costume doesn't show up one day with a Las Vegas marriage certificate and say "hi honey, I'm home"!!!!!!

liefie

Thanks for your excellent suggestions, Nihahi. I am going to a gentle aquasize class tomorrow after my PT appt. Will start back slowly. DH and I are also heading out for a walk just now. The ankle is not sore at all, it just does not look so good with the purple colour - lol. Glad you enjoyed your massage with another bc sister! 

Gini23

Thank you, Nihahi, for the laugh and the camaraderie in the lost memories!  I don't have anything quite as explicit as your hiking story, but my family thinks I am a loon because of all the things they say they have told me and I have no recollection...!  But really - you drove??  lol

Janet_M

Great story Nihahi! And for me, a perfect bedtime story to end my day.



Also - i do have a question about swimming. Is five weeks post-op too early? I asked my PS if I could swim, and fly. He said 'probably', so I took it as a 'yes' and booked a flight. I'm seeing him again on the 17th and hoping I'll get the 'all clear'.

sbelizabeth

Oy, vey.  Can't sleep.  

Thanks for reading, Nihahi, I love it when someone enjoys the weirdness of this journey and can laugh with me.  

I saw the PS this morning and it looks like Stage II might be August 16.  And...he's willing to take on the huge, adhesed radiation scar behind my arm.  It's become his purpose in life.  Cut parts of it away, inject some fat and stem cells into other parts, and (get this!) send me to hyperbaric oxygen treatments to enhance the viability of the tissues.  The funny thing about that is that I spent years in the Air Force, and some as a civilian, doing hyperbaric work with patients, before I became a flight nurse.  How great it would be if it could help me now.

OK, going back to bed to try again.  I love all of you so much...I just wish I had the time to keep up!  Blessings on our new ladies, and prayers for recent DIEPers and those whose surgeries are just around the corner.  Katy

damiana9

Janet- at my 2 week post op, my PS said I could get into a swimming pool once all the sores have healed to the point of not oozing anymore. Now, I have no idea of you would be strong enough to actually swim, btw ROM issues and abdominal weakness- but I bet your PS would not have a problem with you being in a pool. As for flying, I can't see why it would be an issue at all.

Sbelizabeth- that really is cool what your doctor is trying! I hope it works!

goldie4040

sbelizabeth, You are so lucky to have a PS that will work with you like that.  The new procedure where they take your body fat, spin it in a centrifuge, it separates the fat from the stem cells, and then they inject it into the skin. It is amazing.  I will try to post the video I saw about it.

Has anybody here been offered a TUG flap?

nihahi

sbelizabeth.....sorry you couldn't sleep. Were you "decaffeinating" or muscle cramping? Gosh, that hyperbaric with stem cells sounds exciting!!!! Is he planning skin grafting after excising the scar? Your ps sounds very skilled and state of the art....I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes. Is this stage also going for the nipples, or is he concentrating on the tweaks and other magic. I've seen some results of hyperbaric tx.....had a few inhalation burn patients that it was tried on. You have had an amazing nursing career, I can understand how you still enjoy it! Hope you eventually got some sleep.

editted to add: Do you want your Stage 2 added to the list??? (I really should have my second cup of coffee before posting....always seem to have to do mulitple edits to get things in )

bailey....I've sent the names of ps surgeons in Calgary to the Diepsisters, too.

Gotcha.....sleeping through your surgery now. Thinking of you.

MaryM....your turn next. Thinking of you too.

goldie....iron bra vs. iron plate....the "plate" wins, hands down, imho. Iron bra 24/7 awareness for me, never was going to get better, as long as the implant was in. Iron plate, I only notice occassionally, and is absoutely, definitely, without a doubt getting smaller, and less solid as time goes by. My entire ab area, from hips to gloob felt like an iron SERVING TRAY, at first, now it's maybe a 4" circle , around my bellybutton, and I can feel "dents" in it, so I'm convinced it will some day be gone!!!! 

Liefie, hope you enjoyed your walk with hubby last night. Good luck in the pool today. Good news that the ankle isn't sore.....hope it wasn't hubby's daisies that you landed in!!!!

Hope everyone has a good day.

Jeannie57

sbelizabeth, first, thanks for serving our country, us. How ironic and cool that you now get to use the hyperbaric machine! It sounds like you have a great doc. I've missed you on here!

Janet_M

sbelizabeth - I can barely understand what your new treament is all about but am excited anyway! Love your big bold steps, as well as your outlook on life.

Damiana - Thanks, I forgot all about my ROM. So busy thinking about getting into the water that I forgot I won't be able to swim. No matter, I'll steal some floaties off an unsuspecting child

Robin - Thinking of you. I hope you're okay.

Gotcha - I'm thinking of you as well

sbelizabeth

Thanks, guys!  Nihahi, I was just having a shivery day, and I don't know why.  Maybe just seeing the PS and talking about moving ahead with more surgery, but I had to work hard to keep pressing my mental "delete" button.  I guess some days are just like that.

I think we'll do the tweaks and wait for the nipples until the latest models settle in a little. 

Funny story about hyperbaric work...many years ago we were diving a patient with an air embolism to the brain, who was sedated and on a ventilator.  The dive protocol for this was to go to the maximum depth--165 feet--and I'm so nitrogen narced at that depth I'm pretty stupid.  Good thing there are people outside the chamber who run things!  Someone said, "you need to check his neuro status," and I thought, "hmm...what's the best way of doing that..."  So I pulled the ventilator hose off his endotracheal tube, yelled, "HELLO!" down the tube, and re-connected his ventilator. 

Wearing 6" platforms today.  Mondo sexy.  Liefie, hope the ankle's better.  My shoes made me think of you...!

nihahi

OMG....sbe.....laughing so hard now, I've spilt coffee on myself! I can just picture you shouting down the endo tube!!!! Your co-workers must have peed their pants at that one!!!!!

fyi....totally get the "shiver"....I'm starting to get anxious about my next appt with my ps, and I love him....just part of the journey. Rock those shoes, baby!!!! but keep the cane handy!

GreenGirl1

Hello Lovely Ladies,

I originally posted on another thread, but then found this one dedicated to DIEP. It is a pleasure and comfort to read through your posts. I have not read through everything so I apologize in advance if I am repeating questions that have already been covered. I am a 4 year survivor who was diagnosed originally in 2009. I had a lumpectomy and then two subsequent re-excision surgeries for clear margins. I turned down chemo and radiation and did an overhaul to my lifestyle. I lost 40 pounds and feel great. I have been diligent about my lifestyle since my initial diagnosis. And have had all of the recommended follow up screenings. Recently I was diagnosed with DCIS in the same breast as my initial cancer. A couple of opinions later, and it is pretty clear that this recent diagnosis is a result of leftover remnants from my initial surgery. To me, this is good news. With a Grade 3, stage 1 cancer, I truly believe that the exceptional care I take of myself has kept my healthy. This could have been a lot worse news! The issue now is that a mastectomy has been recommended. And, after agonizing for a couple of weeks over what reconstruction choice to make, I have just decided on the DIEP flap. I am afraid that an implant in my body would drive me crazy and be "uncomfortable" if that makes sense. I realize that they are the right choice for a lot of women. But, for me, they are not. I like the idea of having my own tissue placed in my breast even though the initial surgery is more complicated. What has anyone's recovery experience been? Better than expected? Worse? I have had two c-sections when I gave birth to my daughters and am wondering if the recovery and experience bears any similarity? Any experiences you can share will be so appreciated and helpful! Thanks so much. Be well.

liefie

Welcome Greengirl! You'll find lots of support here. My recovery was quick and without pain or any complications. Did not have C-sections so cannot comment on that.

sbelizabeth, you are a born comedian - lol. Don't sprain an ankle on those platforms!

GreenGirl1

Thank you Liefie for your warm welcome. I am glad to hear your recovery was quick and without pain or complications.

goldie4040

damiana, just stay in the shallow end.  even just walking back and forth in the water will be good for you. 

goldie4040

Welcome Greengirl,

I believe you have made the right decision.  I too had DCIS with the possiblity of invasion, so my pathology said.  I opted for bmx and thought I would go with implants.  I have had nothing but problems.  They couldn't even start expanding them till almost 2 months after surgery, and now I want to scream they feel so awful.  So, now I am scheduled for a delayed diep on July 24th.  I am excited, and scared.  But, I know I can't live with these things in me much longer.  Some of us can't deal with foreign objects in our bodies.

I had one c-section.  I don't really remember the pain from that anymore (weird), but I did have a laproscopic hysterectomy a little over two years ago, and that hurt like crazy for about two weeks if I made the wrong movements. I expect the incision for the diep to feel different.  Most of the women on here do fine with it.  You are lucky to be having an immediate recon.  You will avoid a second big surgery.  You will do fine, and we are all here to talk to anytime you want.  Welcome, 

Anonymous

Welcome, Greengirl, you are in the right spot for DIEP info....and a good dose of good cheer. If you have the time, reading through the thread history will give you a lot of information and many different perspectives/experiences.



As a two-time c-section survivor (as well as lapro gall bladder removal and lapro hysterectomy with oopherectomy) and unimx..my opinion is that DIEP was the hardest and longest recovery of all of those.



Now...I am also 14 years older than I was last time I had a c-section....and I don't have a new baby who needs me to take total care of him to distract me from my pain. I was up and showered the day after c-section and doing pretty normal activities....other than lifting.



The first four days after DIEP (in hospital) were rough....but they are a druggy haze now (six weeks out), but mostly due to nausea from narcotics (I am a terrible drug taker...My body hates them). The first two weeks were slow moving and hunched over, but not immobile. I could fold laundry, take my own shower, handle my own meds, direct the household traffic lol! It seems some people have plication at stage one and some at stage two. That can make a difference in the amount of pain, I think. I had plication at stage one.



Then started doing more each day. I am returning to my (active) office job next week!



Best of all is I have a beautiful flat tummy for the first time in years! And a healthy mound of tissue on my chest that will become my new breast (I had nothing there for a year and a half since unimx) over the next 6-8 months (still needs reshaping and nipple and tattoo).



I waited two years for this surgery....totally worth it for me!



I am sure some of the ladies who have already had mx and immediate DIEP reconstruction will chime in here and share....they can tell you more about that part.



Have a great day, flappers!