DIEP 2013

sherry35

Mammalou and kad22, I'm a teacher too. I don't have a classroom to set up this year though. With my big move and new start I don't have a job yet! Thank god for family!

Only 4 more sleeps until I'm on the table! Where did the time go? I've got this! I'm so ready!

Anonymous

That's the spirit, Sherry! You do got this!



Sweetpickle - do you have a follow-up appointment with PS soon?

Anonymous

Sbelizabeth....when that little princess arrives we would like it announced in town crier style, please, "Oyez....Oyez...."

sweetpickle

Bailey- Not until August 7th, my concerns about my pain hqve been brushed off as just normal and part of the deal.

hrf

I have been lurking on this thread and reading about all of your experiences. I had a bmx 4 years ago and for a variety of reasons couldn't get the DIEP but I had a call from the hospital today and I am scheduled for August 15. Like most of you I am very nervous and I also know that some (many) of my friends don't understand why I want to do this.



I'm in Toronto and will have surgery at Sunnybrook. I'd appreciate any tips you might have for me. I have 3 weeks to get ready and don't know where to start.



Also for my Canadian friends, do they do a stage 2 here or is it just the one go round at this?

ssla01

Welcome hrf. 3 weeks is good....not too much time to worry. Pack light for the hospital..there is a list on this thread somewhere. These amazing women will get you through.

hrf

Thanks for responding so quickly ssla01. I will see if I can find that list. This thread grows so quickly it's hard to keep up.

kad22

Hrf- welcome here are some of the things everyone on this thread told me when I asked and I am sure others will chime in tomorrow-

Chapstick

Phone and charger

Comfortable clothes to wear home

Slippers

Toothbrush and toothpaste (your own always just fwels better)

Hairbrush or hairbands if needed



I know there is more but my late night brain isn't working but like I said people will chime in. Good luck



Sherry35- you do have this! It's for the best you won't be going right back to work this produre can take a lot of energy to recover from. How long hzve you been teaching?

lahela

I'm back from family visits and vacation and now D-day (decision day) has arrived at last. I've been vacillating a lot the past couple of weeks between implants and DIEP but hubby put me on the spot last night, in a good way. He said I keep saying the implants would be easier, but then I list off the reasons I don't want them and come back to the DIEP. He asked me, "Why?" Just that simple question was enough for me to admit it. I'm scared. Scared of stopping smoking, scared of the changes my body is about to undergo, scared of extra surgery and recovery and scars. Scared of the unknown. But I do feel better about admitting it and now I am almost certain I've actually made the decision. Which is a good thing, because I see the BS in 8 hours to book a date!

Saw the PS yesterday - she kept stressing that I'm slim so my D cup will be significantly reduced. And there I was thinking I had plenty of belly to spare! I'm a bit anxious about getting used to the change, but I'm telling myself that this will be a perfect opportunity to get back in shape, so I'll be in proportion. And once everything is healed, I might be able to wear those push-up bras that are in fashion these days!

*sigh* I had an important question to ask but now I can't remember what it was! I'm sure it'll come back later.

lahela

Sorry for the double post - I just had a lightbulb moment!

My PS spoke in terms of one surgery (i.e. immediate recon when I have the BMX) but people here are talking anout stage 2 surgery - are there just different ways of approaching this in different parts of the world? What exactly is the follow-up surgery for? I'm wondering if I need to consider pushing for it, if it seems necessary.

Also, I'm at least two weeks away from surgery so I was wondering if it would give them more to work with if I load up on the foods I normally avoid because they settle on my belly?

MartyJ

Lahela - yes, there are apparently multiple approaches to the surgery.  Some docs don't mention Stage 2 until after Stage 1 so we don't overthing this too much.  At this point, you won't gain enough fat in a guaranteed location to help much so unless you really want to eat the foods you avoid . . .  If you havent' quit smoking yet, please do that this morning.  Yes, I know how hard it is.  Did it myself 20 years ago.  Smoking really interferes with healing with the tiny blood vessels and creates scarring issues.  Be sure your PS knows you are still smoking.  Sorry if this sounds like a lecture, but it drastically effects your outcome whether you go with implants or DIEP.  I have had both and was smoking when I had the implants initially placed.  I can definitely say the scars were not pretty.  I love my DIEP breasts and am so very glad that I went this way.  

kuka21174923

Good morning!

Re pain: I want to say that I was taking Tylenol within a week after I came home from the hospital. And I just took it for about a week and then I didn't need to take it anymore. There would be some days that I would need to take Tylenol. But that was just because I was overdoing it. I know it's different for everybody. I think I was ok without pain meds because my body got used to taking the pain after I fractured my back a few years back. I learned how to deal with pain. Try taking Tylenol instead of your pain meds. You will be surprised at how much Tylenol will help your pain!

Lahela, very few things to bring to the hospital. A lot of us were very itchy after surgery and so a back scratcher is a must! Chapstick, gum, hair brush, toothbrush, stuff for taking shower, wipes, cell phone and charger, comfy clothes to go home in, underware and slippers. I don't think I left anything out. We all overpacked for our surgeries, but I guess that's better than being at the hospital wanting something and not having it. Like Marty said, please stop smoking!! I'm surprised your ps will even do DIEP when you're still smoking. They usually want you to quit at least 3 months in advanced! It can really change the outcome if your surgery!

I was hoping to just have one surgery. But my ps did tell me that sometimes a stage 2 is a must. I like perfection and won't settle for anything less than that. So I'm ok with doing as many stages as it takes! The worst part is the wAiting and anticipation. Try to keep yourself busy with things. Go shopping, get your house ready. Make sure you have lots of pillows or a recliner. I did fine with a couple if extra pillows on my bed.

Marty, after stage 2, do you need to sleep reclined or can you sleep flat on the bed? I forgot to ask that question? And were you walking huntched over from reopening your incision? I just want to prepare myself.

Sorry for the long post so early in the morning. I meant to post last night, but felt asleep, which is a good thing:)

sbelizabeth

Good morning, Gloobsters!  I slept all through the night, no launch phone calls, no baby yet.

It just RAINED a bit.  In Southern California!  LOVE IT!  I just pulled two huge tomatoes off my vine for my lunch today.  Yummm....

Off topic--I see my podiatrist this afternoon.  I have an ugly toe that I've been ignoring for years and now that my deductible and out-of-pocket maximum have been met, it's time to make it beautiful.  After all I've been through, a nice toe shouldn't be too much to ask.

Have a wonderful Friday!

MartyJ

Kuka - I did not sleep in a recliner after Stage 2, but used pillows under my knees in bed (not sure if that was more for my tummy or my back).  You are not hunched over like after DIEP.  Even though they are reopening the incision and plicating the muscles, it is different.  Not sure how to describe, but tighter.  I was taking 3 mile walks within 2 weeks after.  Just be prepared to have some help for the first week.  You will be very bruised from the lipo and the anesthesia is tiring.  If I remember you are having lipo from both hips and flanks.  The bruising isn't pretty, but goes away rather quickly if you are not very fair skinned.  I had hip drains for 11 days so that slowed me down and allowed me healing time.  I think at my age, I am glad my doc stages things so that I am able to recover more quickly.  I have to be in NY for a wedding 16 days after and am thankful the dress stretches to accommodate compression garment and swelling.

Janet_M

Hrf - Good morning, I'm in Toronto too. I had my surgery last month at Toronto General Hospital. I was also confused by the 'Stage 2' posts that I read on this thread. I went into this thinking it was a one- shot deal, and that the long surgery would take care of everything. My surgery went very well, but it turns out I will have to go back to take care of the 'dog ears' on either end of my abdominal incision. They actually look more like corners of a pillow than dog 'ears'. (I have a basset hound so that added to the confusion).



I think that some hospitals assume there will be a 'Stage 2', whereas others operate on a 'if need be' philosophy. It might be a Canadian thing, or it might just vary from hospital to hospital, I don't really know. But, according to me surgeon, the next stage will be a quick out-patient procedure.



Meanwhile, my sister thinks I look like Spongebob Squarepants. A flat belly, but wider in the sides. A few more months though - and I will look fabulous!

ssla01

Janet, I'm so happy our dog ears don't look like Bassett hound ears! Lol

goldie4040

Janet, did you have a curve at your waist before surgery?  Just curious, because I have heard of several people complain about losing their waistline from the surgery.

Welcome, Lahela.  You will do great, but you need to stop smoking this second.  No fooling your body about smoking.  It is so hard to do when you are already nervous, but you have to do it either way you go.

sweetpickle

Kuka- thanks, I have tried tylenol and it doesnt do squat for me. Ive resigned myself to suffering for however freaking long it takes. Again, I truly believe that your general health before surgery goes a long way toward how you heal afteward. Mine was crap so Im not surprised at how long it is taking. Hopefully I dont lose my mind in the process, I am definately wearing down now.

Gini23

Brazil is warming up - but still cloudy and windy. I don't think the bikini will make it out of the suitcase today.



Another teacher here! I took time off during chemo (April-June) year before last and am so happy I was able to do so. I was only back 1/2 time this past year as I was waiting on decision for rads and knew I'd be moving forward with DIEP, so it was just easier overall and left me some energy to take care of my family. Going back full time at the end of August... have not set foot in my room yet, and I am split between buildings with a new assignment for one - so I'd better go and see what that space looks like ASAP!



Goldie - when I started all of this BC journey, I was focused more on the BS than the PS, and getting rid of my cancer. My MO doc in Hartford has a relationship with Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, so that was in part why I went there. I also did a second op in NYC, but chose to stick with DF both because of my MO and because Boston is just an easier in/out from Hartford for traffic and parking - knowing that it was not just me but also my family members that would be effected by this decision. The BS I was trying to get in with is the director of breast surgery at DF, and highly regarded (my sister has a friend who works in the Boston hosp system and said she would go to him.) In fact, it was the BS's assistant who first told me about DIEP. As we were discussing what surgery I was planning (had no clue at that point) she said DIEP was scheduling several months out, and it had to be a certain day to work with the PS that does it. At that point, I started looking into DIEP and understanding what it was all about. Up until then, I was going to go with implants... but the rest is history and to those still on the fence, I am so happy I went this route! The PS turned out to be amazing, highly regarded in Boston by all the staff/nurses that I encountered. One said "I'd let Dr Carty do anything." Another, "he is an artist." A third, "You had the dynamic duo together?" Referring to Dr Caterson, his partner and the doc who brought DIEP to Brigham & Women's (DF partner hospital.) So, I feel very lucky - extremely blessed - that it all worked out the way it did.



Gotta run - bringing our brood of cousins to the park!



Happy days to all around the globe in whatever stage of deciding, prepping, or healing!

Gini

mammalou

Sitting in the hospital waiting for son to have MRI on his heart. The fun just never ends!



At this point, it seems like breast reconstruction is never ending. They definitely DO NOT even hint at this when you are diagnosed and making decisions. Maybe they thnk it is tmi at that point. I had tissue expander placed 2 years ago and I'm still not done. My PS never even told me about stage 2, until he talked to me post op. although, I knew from you guys. ☺ I really want to do this stage 2,3,4 whatever ASAP! I'm tired of being incomplete. I have a noticeable size difference ( DEIP is smaller) so my bra has to compensate. Tired of that. I taught for a year with lopsided boobs and was always trying to camouflage.



I took 8 months off for chemo and rads and am so happy I did. I got to focus on myself and my healing. I also worked hard to learn how to take care of myself so that when I went back to work, I wasn't sacrificing myself. I'm the martyr type. Lol

Janet_M

Goldie - I had most excellent curves!



During my convalescence I watched a lot of 'What Not to Wear' , and I've learned that empire waists are my very best friend, and keep me from looking like a box of Kleenex.

Jeannie57

I can barely think. I just can't make it through yesterdays's posts. This sounds off topic but put it in Jeannie's lucky DIEP recovery column: I rode in an ambulance during rush hour to the hospital yesterday for severe constipation. Who does that???? Hadn't gone in 7 days. I'm sure Dilaudid and Ondansetron were big culprits plus 12hr surgery, blah blah blah. I can't remember such pain or being so hysterical. Having to deal with IV placement again didn't help. 4 pokes in my neck. But now I'm back home, starting over, trying to concentrate on boobs and belly incision again. What a trip.

mammalou

Omg Jeannie... I'm so sorry. I hope you can get it under control and feel better.

sbelizabeth

Jeannie, holy cow.  That's a long, long time...  Poor baby!  Are you feeling better? 

krissy42

Hello. Thank you everyone for sharing. Do you have any advice on Plastic Surgeons in Cleveland, OH. I found one that does the DEIP flap, but I would like to meet with more than one doctor before I decide. I know I need a single MX due to widespead high grade DCIS. I have not yet decided about the 2nd breast that revaled the LCIS marker a few years back when I had a fibroedenoma remove. Thank you,
Take care

hrf

Thanks so much to all of you for your good advice, encouragement and support. It helps to know that most of you were just as anxious as I am about this surgery and that you are happy with the results. I had expected this to,happen later In the fall and that I had more time to get into shape and to lose more weight. It was only in April that I had major back surgery to remove a cyst that was sitting on the nerve root in my spine. I just don't want to wait any more for the DIEP.



I'll be checking in daily I'm sure. And to those of you who are still in the healing process, I wish you a speedy recovery.

Typewriterjenny

HRF- We have DIEPs on the same day! We can do this!!!

Jeannie- Holy moly!!!! What a trip! Glad you are home now!

MartyJ

Jeannie - OMG!!!!  To All: please remember to talk with your PS before surgery on an appropriate regime to prevent this from happening.  My doc has me on colace and I have added miralax and magnesium.  Actually, I think this preparation is almost more important than preparing the house, clothes, etc.

Krissy - I have heard that there are some PS that do DIEP at Cleveland Clinic, but don't know them.

jlbloom

thanks so much to all of you for your thoughts and prayers!

dyvgrl - I have taken the path less traveled.  RO left it up to me.  I voted NO.  I applied for the clinical trial S1007.  I don't care if the computer did the randomizing, God is in control!  They called on Tuesday and I am in the arm of the trial with HT only.  Too many things indicated lack of significant benefit for me.  Purely me decision.  We all decide as we do based on facts and gut feel.

typewriter - my May 23rd DIEP was delayed during BMX because of two positive lymphnodes.  Had DIEP last week.  I opted for no rads when RO said it was really up to me since I was in the grey area.  I have prosthetics that I only used for two weeks when DIEP was moved to July 18 instead of Nov. 14th.  They will go to someone with less fortunate insurance coverage.  My oncotypeDX number is 20.

goldie - sorry to hear of your sons insensitivity.  I'm not sure a man can really understand how we feel.  My PS's nurse said it is when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.  We want to feel we look our best with the options we have.  My DH will say i don't need to put on makeup, or whatever.  I tell him it it for me, not him.  (skipped the makeup for the last week and not sure when I will care about that)  I also had lesions on my liver.  The MRI showed they were of no concern.  A doctor told my sister that many of us have those, they just don't ever know they are there.

robyn - your road is a rough one.  we are all here for you and praying for the best outcome.

jeannie - I have thought of you many times in the last week.  I think you were only holding my hand during my first surgery.  Leftie Lucy wanted more attention so back to the OR at 2:00 AM last Friday.  The flap monitor showed a loss of oxygenation.  They had the same concerns on Sunday afternoon, so back to the OR.  My husband grabbed a sandwich and my PS was just coming out when he returned.  With a heprin/dextrose drip and my normal BP meds, they couldn't keep my bp up.  The PS said he was more concerned with my life than the flap.  Afraid I might have had a heart attack.  They attached the flap back with staples, so you know they were rushing.  PSs don't like staples.  Your first post was SO funny.  I wondered if you were going to be back on-line.  Coughing doesn't hurt as bad as you think it will.  Nothing really moves down there.

nahahi - happy birthday!

movie - prayers for your DD.  we would much rather have this than our children have problems!

bailey and sbe - your posts are always good reads.

new ladies - there probably isn't anything you are thinking or feeling that someone on here can't help with.  welcome to the bc world none of us would have chosen for ourselves or each other.

I'm going to post this so I don't lose it.  Still haven't made it through a weeks worth of posts.

Anonymous

I only have a minute because I am at work but wanted to say I hurt from therapy yesterday. I sent my therapist an email telling her so and t hat I am of two minds about it. On one hand I am so happy to be getting started on coming back from sx....on the other hand I hope she steps on a Lego.



Jbloom glad to see you! Jeannie....I once had an ambulance ride because of an infection....sometimes things just present themselves in ways that seem life threatening. I am sure you did the right thing. Poor sweetie. Glad you are home where you belong!



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