DIEP 2013

hrf

Curlylocks, Sherry....good to have some Onario sisters here. I've been waiting 4 years for reconstruction. They wouldn't do immediate and then different things just happened in addition to long waiting list for surgery. Both surgeons I saw went off on Mat leave etc.



What happens during a stage 2? How come it is not standard here to have a stage 2? I need to creat a list of questions for PS. Not sure when I'll see her but was told there would be an appointment before surgery even though it is only 3 weeks away.



So much to do to get ready. Hugs to all

sherry35

Hrf- I've been waiting 4 years this time around! Last time it was 2 years and a month before surgery I found a local recurrance so no surgery! Where are you? I saw my ps three weeks ago and my surgery is Monday.



Bailey, I'm feeling a little stoned but allergy meds seemed to have done the trick. I will know better in the morning.



Off to bed. Goodnight breast friends!

Anonymous

Deb I didn't have time for 2nd opinions either...it all worked out. I had a fantastic surgical oncologist. She decided chemo and Herceptin first, then mx. My ro said no tissue expander because of the rads tx he wanted to do...So I had to choose a flap reconstruction.

ssla01

Thanks everyone. Bailey, they are in my hips...no side sleeping...grrrr. I also have side boobage and can't wait for that to be gone. Stage 2, here I come. ....if I can ever ditch these drains.

sbelizabeth

Well, it's ten minutes after midnight and we're camped around the bed in L&D.  She's 4 cm dilated and doing great.  It's going to be a long night!

lahela

Deb - re smoking, my PS said I had about 2 weeks, too, but she is letting me cut them out bit by bit. I'm in Switzerland and they seem to be less concerned... going from 15 a day to 10, 9, 8...

Still no surgery date for me! Saw the PS Thursday for lots of info on options, then the BS yesterday and she's happy with my DIEP choice, but the PS wants to see me again on Monday before she agrees to do it - she's concerned that my foobs will be too small because I'll be going from a D to a C or B. I think she's just being cautious so I don't freak out. Right now, it seems like my foobs have become more of an issue than my cancer!

So frustrating to have finally made a decision then be second-guessed by the PS. Has anyone else dealt with this?

Anonymous

Deb - the doctor that you do have....are you comfortable with him/her? What is his or her reputation? Even if you are "stuck" you may have landed in a very good place. Seeing another doctor will probably not aid in your decision...it's still your decision. So if you're comfortable maybe you can let go of that "second opinion" frustration. I can hear in your "voice" that you are spinning. Try to let go of what you can that is filling your head.



Can you do something you love for about four hours (or longer!) today? Just have a "no cancer afternoon"? Let your mind and thoughts be on anything else....a movie, hike, swim, bike ride, mani/pedi, massage....do something good for yourself if you can.

MartyJ

Deb - giving up control is the biggest challenge.  I have had implants and DIEP.  My implants were placed many, many years ago after my BMS.  They leaked, were changed, developed capsular constricture and needed changing again.  There was a lot of scar tissue and they were wonky-looking, at best.  Plus there was iron bra (a feeling of having a tight strap around your underbust).  My decision was that I didn't want to have to replace them several more times before I leave this earth and want to go out with natural equipment.  That is what I got with DIEP - warm soft breasts.  The iron bra was gone in weeks.  These are mine, never to be replaced.  I won't say that the recovery was easy, but the outlook is amazing.

RE:  Side Boobage - that is one of the challenges our surgeons face - getting the flaps placed properly.  Sometimes things just slip around and their priority is getting the blood vessels properly re-attached.  My leftie drifted under my arm, but was moved more to the correct place with the last surgery.  I have a feeling she will move it more with the next as it is still very off.  The good thing is that it can be moved.

SBE - I am hoping you are now a granny and that I am the first on this thread to say - Congratulations!

Anonymous

"OUR" baby is coming! Yay Sbel! What an experience for you!

Anonymous

Deb....maybe you could go to www.gildasclub.com and see if there is a Gildas Club or Cancer Support Community organization near you.....they do AMAZING support work (at least the one near me does) you will find people who get it. Just a thought.

ssla01

Sbelizabeth, congratulations. Prayers for a safe delivery for Mom and your new Granddaughter!

lahela

Deb, some support groups have members who will go to appointments with you if you have no other support person - it might be worth looking into, just so you have someone to ask questions you don't think of or hold your hand if you're feeling overwhelmed.

I have a post-surgery question. What kind of bra is usually recommended during recovery? I know it's to early to shop now, but I'll have to buy online so I'd like to bookmark some options beforehand, if possible.

sbelizabeth

8 cm and doing great.  Epidurals are a gift from heaven.  

MartyJ

Deb - smoking influences scars so you will need to stay off the cigarettes no matter which way you go - at least for several months.  I know that quitting is difficult.  Did it myself when I realized that all the guys I wanted to go out with didn't smoke.  I had my BMX and first recon as a single 33 year old.  Yes, you can find love after, just give yourself time to adjust to all you have been going through.  The right guy will love you for you and the scars won't be a problem.  The scars are manageable.  The PS is right, where they are after a year is about where it is.  You can have them lasered to improve the appearance somewhat depending on the issue.  With DIEP or Implants, you must give yourself time to heal both inside and out.  Time more than weeks.  Go ahead and find that support group so you have it in your pocket and don't be scared to ask friends for help.

Curlylocks

Sherry35 - Wow 2 years, that is just plain wrong and NUTSO!

Where are you having your reconstruction done?  I am going to Hamilton, Juravinski Center for Mast and PS is also in Hamilton.

If this is still true, looks like I will be a flat sister for awhile, which completely sucks but at least I will have the first part of this done to reduce my risk further...

Michele

nihahi

sbe.....that is AWESOME NEWS!!!! Can't wait to hear that OUR baby is here!

Movie....hope daughter is recovering????

Liefie...hope your birthday yesterday was full of love, laughter and more than a little good food and good wine.

Welcome to all the newbies....we seem to have lots recently.....you have found out by now, that these are the MOST SPECTACULAR women on the planet. 

I am so, so sorry not to be posting much lately....honestly, I don't know how you ladies do it with the back to work thing....I am so bagged when I get back from High River that it's al I can do to eat, stand in a shower, and fall into bed! I am trying to keep up with reading the posts, but realized last night that if I tried to write anything, I'd probably be "doing a Wilbur" like jeannie.....who, by the way, I hope is feeling much better.

Got to dash...going back again....apparently the Red Cross is there until the middle of August....not sure if I can last that long, but we'll see. 

I'm sure I have missed entering some dates, after reading the posts of the recent days, please PM me if you want to be "listed". 

Bailey.....special shout out to you girl.....you have been so great responding to the questions.....I now dub you the current "Mother Hen"!!!!

Love to all.

sherry35

Curly, the time from referral to surgery has been about one year. I'm having my surgery in Barrie and moving southwest of London after drains are out and I'm able to stand the trip!



Sbe, congrats on new grand baby! Prayers for all to go well for mom and baby during birth! So excited for you!



Deb, my divorce was final a month ago but my ex has been gone for almost two years. I agonized over the decision to kick him out because I didn't want to "die alone". Those were my words back then. I have since come to realize that no one is worth more than me! I am doing this because I am tired of putting my boobs on in the morning and taking them off at night. I'm tired of sacrificing the clothes I can wear to feel normal. I chose diep because I couldn't stand the idea of having something foreign in my body. If someone is going to be part of my life they will love me for every scar, lump, bump and imperfection or they will not be with me. If it happens it happens. I am happy to be alive and living life for all it's worth!

heavenschild

Hello all - Having pain issues post Stage 2 (again). I went to PT and she said that my muscles were all basically freakin' out and not coordinating with the other muscles, and one didn't want to work at all. She said to slowly ditch the girdle as it made the muscles relax too much and not work like they should. Soooo...I am now off the girdle. By the end of the day my stomach is distended and very painful. I am walking and not eating a whole lot because a full tummy is particularly painful.



All of this is probably unique to me, but when contemplating Stage 2, ask how long you are going to be in the girdle and what you can do to encourage the muscles to work together after the transition out of it.

Janet_M

Bring on the baby! Sbelizabeth - I'm so excited for your family, and I'm so excited for that baby to have such an awesome grandmother. Best wishes to everyone involved



SSla01 - You deserve a medal for having drains for five weeks. Seriously. That is really long time, and it will feel SO good once you're free. Hang in there.



I find the girdle, side boobage, Stage 2's, and the list of do's and don'ts can vary wildly. There doesn't seem to be a standard, and everyone is so individual. heavens child -- you mentioned that you're off the girdle. Well I never had one, and I kept asking if I should wear one because it seems to make sense. But my PS doesn't encourage post-surgery garments, and I've sometimes felt my muscles were working too hard. I tried to take it easy, but I still had to keep moving, and went through a whole series of contortions just trying to get out of bed. But I managed to make it through without a recliner - instead I relied on a lot of pillows, and a wedge pillow that I love more than anything and is kind of like my new boyfriend. But not as crabby.



Jeannie - Wow - what a week you've had! (I was going to say Holy Crap but that seemed inappropriate). I sure hope that you're healing more comfortably now.



Nihahi - You'll always be our Mother Hen. But Bailey, you sure have a great voice, a great sprit, and are deserving of a title all your own. A while back you said something about always celebrating our triumphs, and even if you don't write in, you're sending good energy to those in need, and cheering us on. You said it better - and it was lovely. Thanks for that.



Janet

kuka21174923

Welcome newbies! You are going to love this group. I'm doing great 3 months after my DIEP, and I still come in here to see how everybody else is doing. I think about these great women everyday.

Deb, you're not alone! We are all here for you and continue to be here and give you support. My scars are still noticeable and pink. It takes a while before that color fades. I've seen women who have have DIEP more than a year ago and you can barely see the scars. I don't know about being a smoker how bad is going to affect your scars. But like your ps said, you can do laser treatments and other stuff to better their appearance. I know a permanent tattoo make up artist that does tattooing to make the scars less noticeable. She applies a light color through the scar to match your skin color.

My gloobs are also placed a little too much under my arms. Ps is going to lipo a little bit from the sides and add more to the center during stage 2.

Lahela, ask your ps what kind of bra he wants you to wear. Mine had me wearing sports bra with some compression.

Sbe, I hope you're a grandma by now. Please give us the details whenever you feel like getting away from the baby 😄

Damiana, how are you doing with your hole?

Goldie, you're staying too quiet. Are you doing ok?

Sorry if I'm leaving anybody out. Have a huge headache I'm trying to get rid of. Have a great day!

goldie4040

Kuka, that headache has been hanging in for a couple of days.  Remember to stay hydrated during this heat.  I am so excited for your stage 2.  I am living through you these days.  Except for your blister you have no not complications, nothing keeps you down, and your results are awesome. So, I live through you.

I am quiet because I have been kind of bummed, and not much good to say, but today I got out, did some retail therapy, went to lunch with my hubby, and now I am trying to catch up with everybody. Oh my goodness, this place has blown up. 

SBE...baby yet?

Newbies, I know you have figured out that you landed in the right place.  I wish I found this place before my bmx.  I believe things would have happened a lot differently.  We all welcome you with open arms, and hearts.  One of you said you are alone, no you're not! One of you smokes, please quit at least 2 weeks before surgery.  I know I have missed people, and I will catch up. 

Damiana, where have you been?

Jeannie, hope you are feeling better, and starting to heal.

Ssla, hope the drains come out soon. You will feel some much better when they are out.

liefie

Hi girls,

Back from Vancouver, and just finished reading all the posts. Wow! It's moving so fast on here! Thanks for all the birthday wishes - so appreciated!

Welcome to the new ones! We are a little crazy sometimes, but we do support each other through thick and thin, and will try to help with answers if we have them. Delayed DIEP was a godsend for me after UMX, tissue expander placement, chemo and rads. Couldn't be happier with my new boob and flat tummy. Boob still has a hard, sensitive part on the side of the sternum. Read the PS operative report last week. Apparently one inch was removed from one of my ribs during surgery to reach vessels, and that's where the sensitive part is.

SBE, let us know the moment that little princess is born, okay?

Sweetpickle, a while ago I read here that you were still in such pain 4 weeks out. Didn't say anything, and so sorry to hear you are still dealing with lots of pain. I am very glad you are going to see someone about it, and I hope they can get it under control for you. It's been long enough!

Jeannie, wow! I had almost the same thing happening to me with my first chemo cycle, but fortunately got things moving just in the nick of time. Don't know what's the scariest -  the pain, or the embarrassment - lol.

DH spoiled me rotten for birthday. Sunny weather, nice hotel, French restaurant for b-day dinner, massage, manicure, shopping, long walks along the seawall, relaxing . .  . it was truly so enjoyable. Happened upon a shoe sale, very good deals on really pretty designer shoes. Left store 5 pairs later. . . won't need shoes again soon. LOL. This was what I would call a proper birthday celebration - will have to pull out the stops for DH b-day early next year - lol.

kuka21174923

Goldie, try to stay occupied until you see the doc on the first. Maybe this way you will get better results since you're expending your skin. Just think that all the pain you are going through right now will give you the results for the rest if your life! I'm here for you if you need anything. I've lost another pound, so I'm happy, happy, happy!

Everybody's grass is greener on the other side. I don't like the way I look. But then again, I don't know that I ever will unless I get my 20 year old body back, ha! That's my goal. I will have the scars, but I've told myself those are warrior scars and I'm ok with it! If they bother me at all I will have something done. I've learned that its ok to take care of me, so from now on I'm doing just that. I've been taking care of DH since we met and now is his turn. I've been off work for a year and I decided I'm not going back. I'm staying home with my kids and creating memories. When DH gets home I go to the gym and he has to take care of kids. I don't know why I haven't done this before. I told my DH he's been living the good life, but now I am!!!😄

Anonymous

Flappers....I am out of town with friends until tomorrow I tried t catch up but not enough time....love you all and your nice messages...somebody else watch the flock...momma B's on the tequila! ( ok it's iced tea...but a girl can dream!)

hrf

Janet, where did you get your wedge pillow? Unless I get a recliner, I will need a wedge I guess.



I thought everyone needed compression/girdle following DIEP. Is that not common practice?



I did have an initial consultation with the PS but that was some time ago. She wanted me to lose some weight first which I have done. Then they offered me a date last summer which was the same day as my new grandchild was due. Then I had a back issue and needed surgery for that 4 months ago. I was offered a date right after my son's wedding but that was just weeks after the back surgery...just lots of delays. Some of my own doing and some just because it's slow here.



I hope to see the ps soon as I have so many questions for her. Reading all the posts here is helping me to calm down and feel more confident about this.

Janet_M

Hrf - I got my wedge at Shopper's Home Health Care. They have a few different styles/sizes. That's also where I rented my shower chair - which I never used - and they also had some pretty inviting looking recliners available to rent, as well.



I'm not sure there is a 'common ptactice' when it comes to DIEP surgery. It depends on the surgeon, I think

goldie4040

Thanks, Kuka. I know you might not love you results right this second, but in a few weeks time you well look like Sylvnana, and I bet you will be happy then.  Her scars are almost invisable.  And, as determined as you are, you will lose that 20 pounds, although if you were really thin, like i was at 20 years old, I don't think you want to be that thin again.  Give yourself some wiggle room, and aim for 10 more pounds, because don't forget, muscle weights more than fat.  And, I really appreciate that you are here for me.  It means so much, so very much.

Liefie, I am so jealous of you bday weekend, and the shoes are the cherry on top!!!  You are blessed in a lot of ways, You beat cancer, you have an awesome DH and great kids.  You got it all now!!!!  

Nihahi, sounds like you are enjoying your volunteering.  Nothing feels better than paying it forward.  Just remember, you are a volunteer, and if you get too tired, take a day off.  I want to find somehow to pay to forward sometime soon.  I thnk you, and I have talked about that.

Have I missed it, has Damiana posted anything lately?  Last I heard she was packing her wound herself, and then I haven't seen anything. 

liefie

Goldie, thanks for your kind words. I think this was a once-off celebration of life, and being grateful more than anything else; never did something like this before. After 2012 being such a bad year for us with surgeries, ca treatments, and then with the DIEP surgery finally over as well, this was almost like a release. I will never take my birthday or anybody else's for granted ever again. Each one deserves to be remembered, and something big needs to be made of it. We just don't know how many we have left, and we should celebrate while we can, right?

You're right about Damiana being quiet. Can't be fun struggling with that open wound, and she may have ended up in hospital with that. Hopefully we'll hear from her soon.

DebDylan, welcome here! As a non-smoker I don't know what you are going through having to suddenly abstain from smoking - must be really hard. Hang in there. You will eventually reap the benefits.

Speaking of paying it forward, I have the opportunity to volunteer at a hospice for terminal patients, or at the local hospital, and have to decide what I want to do. Maybe the hospice cuts too close to home, and I don't know how well I will handle that.

sbelizabeth

In the words of Bailey...Oyez!  Oyez!

Aubrey Rose was born at 1130 Pacific Time today.  Her brave, beautiful momma labored all night, pushed for 3 1/2 hours, and delivered my beautiful granddaughter into the world.  In the hands of the doctor, Aubrey looked straight at me, sang an adorable little newborn song, and pooped an enormous pile of meconium onto the floor.  She is 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and 20 1/2 inches long.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers, encouragement and good wishes.  I am tired.  God is good.  Katy

Morningsun1

Congratulations, sbelizabeth!