DIEP 2013

MartyJ

Goldie - thanks for the shopping trip - I bought new bras, kinky shoes and several cars.  I hope it doesn't mess with your credit much.

Janet - I would so love to be a fly on the wall at your next appointment.  I had that white stuff in a place where the incision never healed properly.  There was a scab there for a long time and then it came off revealing a hole.  Then the white stuff began to show.  It didn't finally close until 10 weeks out.  My doc had me put neo on it and cover with a gauze pad.  I also upped my protein to help it heal from inside.  I really pushing the protein and getting about 70 - 90 grams per day.  Did the trick!  If you can stomach liver, have that for dinner once or twice.  A friend's nurse told her to do that when she had a problem with her ab incision.  Worked faster than anything else.

goldie4040

Liefie,

I don't think dvd will help your back, but the one I do use for my back will.  It is called Back Yoga, by Rodney Ye.  You can also find it on Amazon.  I have two compressed discs in my lower back, and it completely opened that up for me, and has made life very bearable.

sweetpickle

Janet- On me the glue looks black. If you put some rubbing alcohol on a piece of gauze and rub it on the black stuff, you will see it come off. When you touch it, it feels tacky and you can roll it in a ball. Some of it is a little harder to get off so you have to use something like your nail to scrap it off. Sorry to sound gross but I wish I had known this earlier.

goldie4040

LOL, Marty.  Glad yoo had fun.  

Liefie,

I am really afraid about my back during all this, and I will continue to do whatever I can to keep it from getting too stiff, but I really think you will love that Back Yoga dvd.  It should be done in addition to other things, like walking and light weight training, but it sure helps your back. I do nothing that compresses my back anymore, like jogging, or jumping, etc.  If I do squats for my legs they are the kind where am laying on my back and pushing up, never have the weight on my shoulders. Legs seem just as strong. I do potty squats with no weights, but that's a necessary evil. 

liefie

Goldie, thanks for all the tips re back. Years ago I fell outside, and tore muscles in my back. In the healing process they had shortened up. If I don't keep them stretched, I can hurt my back reaching for a cup on the coffee table - did that twice in the past. Then I'm sore for days, and move like a 90-year old. So far gentle yoga has worked very well, but I will check out the Back Yoga dvd. Thanks again!  Maybe I will just order both.

Curlylocks

Hi ladies,



I would like to introduce myself...I am almost an 8 year breast cancer survivor - diagnosed at age 41 (see my stats below). I had a left breast lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and eventually had my ovaries removed in 2008 due to er/pr+ status.



My younger sister was diagnosed in 2010 at age 42 and died last year at age 44.



My oldest sister was diagnosed on July 3 and is having a double masectomy tomorrow.



Due to my now very strong first degree family history I have made the decision to have a prophy mast with immediate reconstruction (hopefully DIEP). I saw my family doctor today who totally supports my decision. She said if she was in my situation, she too would be doing the same thing. I am being referred to a plastics surgeon who was highly recommended to me by a bc survivor friend who had DIEP done three years ago by this ps. She recommended another friend who was very pleased with the results. I was told by my doc that it might be a few months before I get the consult appt.



I will go for genetic testing on Nov 27 but am getting it done to just know if I have the gene. A negative result will not change my mind as many of us know very few women test positive for the two genes currently identified and that genetics for bc is in very early stages. I don't think it is a coincidence that 3 out of 4 sisters have bc!



I have a feeling the gene comes from my Dad's side, dad had cancer three times starting at age 57 and died last June. His 2nd cancer was colon cancer and the third was as a result of colon cancer mets to his pancreas and liver. My Dad's sister had bc (DCIS) but was diagnosed in her 60's.



Looking forward to getting to know anyone who has been through this surgery and those perhaps like me just getting started in this process.



I am very nervous about this surgery due to its very long surgery time and the recovery afterwards. I am more afraid of dealing with a reoccurance in my left breast or a new primary in my right breast! I want to do everything possible to be here for many more years to come!



Michele



Btw - I live in Ontario canada

SheChirple

I only skimmed quickly the last 5 pages of messages (Gee ladies, slow down!)  LOL . So, not such a thorough response.

Michele: welcome.  I am so sorry for all of your cancer losses.  I think you are making the right prophylactic decisions.  We are here for you.  My double mastectomy was not truly prophylactic, as I did have cancer, but I was very aggressive the first time around and went straight for BMX to avoid recurrence, if at all possible.

So, on the posts:

I'm truly jealous of swimmers.  I am 7 wks post op and saw PS today.  I am banned from the pool for another 4 wks, at least. Given it is over 100* at my house, and I'm in the desert, and the pool is my refuge, let me just say SUMMER SUCKS!  

Re: how low is your incision? My abdominal incision is IN the pubic area, and I have pubic hair on the breast now, growing from the transplanted skin. Ewww....

My breast incisions have small spots that have little scabs, still trying to heal.  My abdominal incision is wide open in some areas, but closing up slowly. Last week PS recommended twice daily neosporin with gauze during the day.  But, I'm not taking much pain meds anymore.  

Next appt in 4 wks.

I AM going to the TA TA Reunion in Vegas.  I think Dvygrl asked.

Lmo45

Welcome Michelle! So sorry about the loss of your Father and Sister due to cancer. I will pray for your Sister for a successful surgery tomorrow!



I was reading tonight about issues with the abdomen scar. My DIEP was May 1 and everything went fine with surgery and recovery. In the last week, my abdomen scar has developed two round cysts. I called my PS and he's on vacation for the next few days. The receptionist said that its common that the scars are still settling after surgery and as long as there is no sign of infection or swelling along the incision, I shouldn't be too concerned. Has anyone experienced this? Will massaging help? The cysts don't hurt.



Thanks, Lauren

MartyJ

She - I highly recommend upping your protein intake as it will help those incisions heal. Just think, with the incredibly high temps this summer your pool water will be at a slow simmer. Perhaps you really don't want to go there?



Welcome aboard Michele. The long surgery is really no problem. The sedation isn't that heavy and you get to sleep through it.

Cherrie

Curly locks- wow. I only have one sister and we both have had breast cancer. I tested negative and was dIagnosed with a pre- cancerous situation 1 year ago. (BC 10 years ago) I chose a prophylactic BMX with immediate DIEP. You will not regret this decision. It is a difficult surgery, but you are a warrior and we are here to lift you up. You can do this!!!

liefie

Welcome, Curlylocks! You've found the right place for your DIEP questions and concerns. Sorry for your losses, and you are defo making the right decision.

Recovery is different for everybody. My surgery was on May 16 with no complications, and most of us come through this okay. You will too.

FierceBluebird

Bailey, curvy girls are in!

But with that said, has anyone had a breast reduction? I've asked for one and wondering if the scars or flap surgery procedure is that much different? My surgeon mentioned lollipop scars and not needing abdomen skin. (They should name all unpleasant things happy names!) ha..ha.. 

I've always loved my DD girls, but now that they turned on me, they gotta go and I'm going with the sleeker, sportier models!

mamaoftwo

Anyone need post-surgical compression shorts in excellent condition? I know they cost a fortune so thought I'd offer them to someone who might need them - no cost. They are made by Veronique, size large (they run small... I wear size 6 clothes), and they go to about a few inches above my knees.  They've been washed.  I no longer need them.  If there are any takers, send me a message and I'll ship them to you.

goldie4040

Curlylocks,

You will find lots of support here, and hopefully as the time for your surgery gets nearer you will feel more at ease with your decision.  You will find lots of gals on here from Canada.  Maybe some in your neck of the woods. 

Welcome.  We are here for you.

goldie4040

She, how the heck did you get your incision that low?  That is amazing.  Most of us have them much higher.  You are lucky, except for the hairy boob...lol. I wonder if down the line they can do laser hair removal?

sweetpickle

Welcome Michelle :-)

sherry35

Welcome curlylocks. Sorry for your cancer losses. I am in Ontario too. I was dx in early 2007, had Rmx, chemo, arimadex and hysterectomy. In 2009 I had a local recurrance, lumpectomy, switched to femara, then rads. In 2010 prophylactic mx. I just found out a year ago that I was candidate for recon! My surgery is delayed bilateral diep on July 29th, 6 1/2 years from my original dx.

You will get answers, information, commraderie, laughs and love from these women! No such thing as a silly question and so much support. I'm so glad I found them!



Can anyone from Ontario chime in about whether or not you are having more than one surgery? Many of you talk about stage 2 etc. and I was under the impression that it's a one shot deal here. Just wondering.

mammalou

Delete

nihahi

curlylocks.....The ladies here have been through it all, and have the info, encouragement, support and humour to help you. Glad you have found us.....I can't imagine going through something like this "un-connected" to others who "get it"!

Out for a long bike ride today....dang.....missed the chance to go shopping on goldie's tab....! Off to the mountains tomorrow.

mammalou...(I think it was you) from my ps protocols, 2 weeks is too early to try to get above shoulder height with those arms. Work at it slowly, but maybe don't try to really push it until you know what your surgeon wants? For me, the rule was nothing above shoulder height for 3 weeks after last drain was gone. 

Gotta dash....things to do tonight. Hope the newbies are healing and resting. Robin ((((X))))

goldie4040

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXxtbfAbesc

Great real life video.

kad22

Ok have to ask what's a duster?



Kuka- your chin? Do you have to pay for that procedure or is it covered?



Still praying for Robin gosh I hope she is hanging in there.

ssla01

Welcome Curlylocks. I am sorry for all of your losses. I would make the same decision if I were in your shoes.



She, I'm missing the water too, but I think I'm out for the year since I still have two drains.



Sweet pickle, I don't know about you, but the side boobage is driving me nuts. Can't wait for stage 2!



Janet, can't wait to hear about your appt. they should be extra nice to you after that screw up.

sweetpickle

Amen Sharon, weirdest feeling for me so far.

kad22

Curlylocks welcome! My mother and her twin sister both passed from cancer. Before my mom passed she made me gettested for tje brca gene. Glad I did it saved my life. Without having to go for MRI's doctors would and could not feel my lump which wad walnut sized and grew thst way in a 6mo period of time. Both my sisters were tested after I was diagnosed. One yes snd one no both sistets are older than I am. Had implants first and couldn't stand them just had the deip surgery and am loving the results.



Sorry for losses. ..sad.

This board and ladies are awesome!

Jeannie57

One week from today and I will be waking from my long nap. I am so glad I meet with the anesthesiologist team Monday to figure some things out.



The reason my head is swimming is because I have company coming tomorrow until Tuesday night in addition to all the DIEP stuff. They're easy but it may not have been the ideal time for them to visit! I have things gathered for the hospital stay and recovery, just have to decide what to pack. I have my helpful list thanks to you ladies. I'm an avid gardener so I want my garden to be taken care of and ready for someone else to watch over it since I will be neglecting it for some time. Really, I am pretty calm and just want to exchange these TE's for something softer! They are really bugging me.



liefie, we're the same spry age. My onc. had the same idea--throw everything at me since I am young and will live a long time. Amen!



A yoga bc cd sounds great! Thanks.



Janet, that should be some meeting! Your PS has some 'splainin' to do!



Oh, gee, I see I'm writing this before reading the last page. It's hard to keep up with you guys!

kuka21174923

I can't keep up with y'all anymore. Thank goodness I can't sleep so it gives me time to read.

I think a couple of you have asked about the lipo on my chin. I've always wanted it done and when I asked my ps if he would do it since I was going to be under anyways he said yes and he would just put it under everything else so that insurance would pay for it. I was more than willing to pay for it, but hey, I'll take it for free😄

Michelle welcome. I hope you have lots of time to read. I too had this done prophylactic since I am BRCA positive. It's the best decision I could've made. I don't have the constant worry about when is going to be my turn. The surgery is long, but not dangerous. It takes so long because is very meticulous having to attach blood vessels. And the recovery is not bad either!

I worked out with trainer tonight and he kicked my butt again! But I've already lost almost two inches off my thighs!! Since we're building muscle we can't go by my weight. I told him one day I want to look like Jackie Warner. She has a killer body! But if course she's never had any kids either. Who knows, maybe one day!

Going to try to go back to sleep. You would think with my work outs I would sleep like a baby!

SheChirple

Martyj:  I get 75-100 g of protein daily.  I'm on a special diet anyway.

goldie:  My PS did it!  The hair will be removed in stage II when he does what he calls "coning".  He will be removing a pie shaped wedge from the side of the breast that is closest to the breast bone, pulling it together to create more of a cone shape. This will lift the breasts, pull them closer together and remove that pubic area that was pulled as part of the transplanted tissue, including the area with pubic hair. He told me today he is also going to liposuction a little off the remaining pubic mound, as it protrudes more than we would like. He'll also liposuction the side boobage and the dog ears at the end of the abdominal scar.  Everytime I see him he points out another area he'll contour.  I think he's having fun.  His specialty is body contouring and he plans to take advantage of my anesthesia to contour me right up in Stage II.  Yipee!

GreenGirl1

Curly - welcome! So sorry for your losses. I am new here too and have not yet had my surgery. These ladies are helping me more than they know to get myself prepared -mentally and physically. You will learn so much here. And you will laugh, which of course is the best medicine!



Kad - a duster is essentially a housecoat. Think grandma! It is very loose "dress" and zips or buttons up the front. Seems like it is a fashion essential for a new flapper!

Pattysmiles

Here is one example of a housecoat, aka, duster.

Typically they are worn around the house, not outdoors as they can be lightweight and possibly see through....or was that just my mom's old houseboats that had worn out?



http://www.kmart.com/pink-k-women-s-plus-duster-robe/p-027VA56726712P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2



Pat

Gini23

Good morning, Flappers!  

Wow lots to catch up!  Doing a quick read while I sip my lemon water.  

Goldie, I was wondering about BRAVA myself.  Came across it one day after I had my DIEP... so too late for me but curious to see if it takes off.

Now I am OFF to rollerblade!

Have a great day, ladies!  Hugs to all preparing for surgery, recovering from surgery, and those moving on with getting in shape and the rest of our lives!

 Jeannie