DIEP 2013

Jeannie57

Up way too early with this pain. I am vaguely remembering past posts about pain....this is under my right boob, hurts so much, especially when I breathe. I know vessels were teased out during surgery which could cause pain but the location doesn't seem right. sigh

MartyJ

Jeannie - Considering you had some breathing challenges in the hospital, I hope you will get this checked ASAP.  It may have to do with your lungs and not the flaps.

ssla01

Jeannie, call your Dr. Better safe than sorry.



Goldie, speaking of sparkly and shirts.....Hee Hee .....off topic again. I have a friend who maks tshirts and I'm getting one that says Dancing with N.E.D.!

lahela

Had an abdominal CT this morning in prep for surgery next week - they said the contrast they injected would be warm, but OMG!!! I thought I was going to melt, head to hips! It also felt disturbingly like I had peed myself  *blush*  but I hadn't.

Feeling very teary the last couple of days, even on the verge of phoning the hospital, cancelling surgery and waiting to wake up from this nightmare. But then I remind myself that I gave up smoking a week ago, I'm facing a horrible disease and a major surgery, and on top of all that I've got PMS. Got to soldier on!

Someone mentioned being able to wear underwear again now the last abdominal drain was out, which reminded me - someone else asked about horrible peri-menopausal periods during surgery, but my concern is afterwards. Can we wear knickers despite the belly incision? I get periods which can last 8 - 12 weeks with serious flooding (TMI, sorry) so I will *need* to wear knickers for pads.

Apologies for the constant references to "someone" - I can't get anything straight in my muddled brain at the moment and forget names as soon as I read them.

ssla01

I'm so sorry lahela. The days before surgery are horrible. I just knew I would run away from the hospital on the morning of surgery. I was much calmer that day. You will be a veteran before you know it. Depending on where your drains and incision are located, you might want lower rise panties or some larger than usual ones. Good luck.

kuka21174923

Jeannie, please check with doctor first thing in the morning. I had discomfort on the top of my chest where they cut through muscle but not when I was breathing. That sounds more like a lung problem, so just to be safe ASK!

Bailey, your PT is right by making you go slowly. I did too much too fast and ended up with bursitis on my knee. Slow and steady!

Goldie, I want you to try to get out of the house today. Meet somebody for lunch, go shopping, swimming or something, ok? I hope you're doing better.

Lahela, I had the same feeling with my CT. It is a very strange feeling. They warned me that it was going to happen, but I didn't think I was going to feel it that much.

I woke up with a headache again. Actually I went to bed with it. They told me not to take ibuprophen until after surgery, just Tylenol. The problem is that Tylenol doesn't do anything for me. It's still a few days away, so I took some ibuprophen this morning. I can't deal with the headache and kids on too of it!

nihahi

jeannie.....hope to hear you've been sorted out by the doc today. Enough with the complications!

lahela.....putting the "stop smoking" journey into the mix cannot make the pre-surgery jitters any easier for you. Many of us struggled with just cutting out coffee!!!!! Major admiration of your determination to do everything you can to help yourself be as ready to heal as possible. Many of us also, needed a bit of help with anti-anxiety meds.....have you discussed this with your doc??? Sure hope your gyn doc has a better plan in the future than expecting youto endure 8 to 12 week heavy periods???? That is just not remotely healthy!!!! Maybe you meant days not weeks??? Still.....can't be good for you.

Heading out soon....hope everyone has good days.

nihahi

kuka.....great message to goldie...I second it...hoping to hear from you, goldie, when I get home, that you listened to kuka and ventured out for some mental sunshine!

kuka........another headache....are you drinking enough water and eating enough?????? With your high energy workouts, you might be not keeping up with your needs...don't like to hear you aren't feeling well so often.

damiana9

Kuka- sorry about your headache. You may want to call again to see if you c

Morningsun1

Kuka, the body piece I have on is black, but I don't know the make. I am wrapped up really tight in it. My ps told me that I don't need to buy one myself. My guess that he will either give me another one at the post op appointment, or have me off compression soon.

Marty, you were correct, I was able to GO with the body suit on.

Movie, you are better off having your stage 2 after the Summer heat.

Lahela, I bought a pack of Depend so I don't mess up my panties while dealing with open (sometimes bleeding) ab-wound and my untimely period.

Jeannie, good luck.

Bailey, you fupa bling made me think of truck nuts...

I really like the t-shirt idea, Goldie, we should have one designed.

damiana9

Kuka- sorry about your headache. You should call again and see if you can take something stronger. I have migraines and they let me take imitrex. I can't believe you are getting stage 2 now- so exciting!



Jeannie- i had that feeling when I had my TEs placed, but not when I had my DIEP. Sounds like you should definately call the doctor and see what's going on.

Morningsun1

Did you sleep at all nihahi?

Anonymous

Jeannie prayers for you....hope you have called the PS already.



Lahela prayers for you too, you can do this. Call on that inner strength....TAWANDA! I'll say an extra prayer to Saint Wilbur Hugs!!!



Kuka...I get dehydration headaches....wonder if that has anything to do with it?



I am on my last ounce of energy already. I am going to bed early and not talking to you people tonight lol....I swear it lol!

Jeannie57

It's only 7:10 AM here. I will definitely call the doc soon. He is doing surgery today but I'm sure they'll refer me somewhere.....so disappointed. Thankfully the pain is the only symptom I'm aware of. I'm not short of breath, clammy, etc.

Janet_M

lahela - Teary is okay. Apprehensive is okay too. You're on the verge of a big (but manageable) surgery and feeling the 'fight or flee' response is a very understandable reaction. I was going to say 'normal' but that's a word I'm using less frequently these days as everybody's situation is so different. But all your feelings are totally justified.

I'm an ex-smoker  - so I commend you on doing anything after the first week. Well done! I could barely have a phone conversation because I always related talking on the phone to smoking one of my beloved Belmont Milds. Giving up smoking made me feel like I'd lost a friend. I'm also an ex-PMS'er and  that was a rough ride - especially for those around me. Lots of tears. Lots of fragile emotions. Those two things alone, PMS & withdrawal, would take a grown man down at the knees!

The DIEP surgery is a monster when it's one week ahead of you.  I had the same surgery as you - BMX with immeidate reconstruction. It's an enormous concept to absorb - but when it comes to actually meeting the monster, it is not something to be afraid of. Our enemy is cancer, but procedures such as this are on our side. And there are brilliant surgeons and caring staff that will make sure that you are safe.

Lahela, getting to the stage you're at today is a major acheivment. Don't be discouraged, and please don't be hard on yourself.  It's okay to fall apart - the warrior spirit is in all of us ladies - and even though you can't feel her sometimes, she will never desert you.

Here's my favorite quote of the day - 'Feal the Fear and add some Courage'. Just take it one step at a time today.

 

goldie4040

Jeannie, Nobody warned you about the insomnia?  Geez, we all get it now and then.  I had it for almost two weeks during my recuperation from my Bmx. It gets better.  

Now, you did say your doc warned you about this pain.  He said you are going to think you are having a heart attack, if I remember correctly.  I would call his office, make sure this is what he was talking about, take an extra pain pill, and take a nap. I am can almost bet you are fine, but I bet it is scary.

Lahela, some people have their drains at the ends of the abdominal incision, and other's have them at the top of their groin area.  Depending on where you doc puts them will make the decision for you on if you are wearing panties, or not.  There would be something wrong with you if you weren't scared, but it's all good.  Don't forget, you are dealing with cancer, not just a breast reconstruction.  Each one of those would be scary on it's own, let alone together at one time.

Kuka, sorry about your headaches.  Make sure you a drinking lots of fluids, please.  You are probably very stressed right now.  It's all good.  Dr Habash is going to take great care of you.

Jeannie57

Janet, well said. Despite these weird things I am going through, the surgery hasn't been that painful for me. I've been off pain meds since last Thursday, only Advil and Tylenol. That is only one week out from surgery. The incision has never really hurt and neither have the boobs. It's the tight tummy that is uncomfortable but certainly bearable. Moving around is uncomfortable at first since you can't use your arms and have to compensate. This is my story, others vary, I'm sure. But I hope this encourages somebody. I know I was afraid of the possible pain before I had surgery.

jlbloom

Jeannie - I had some similar sounding pain yesterday.  Mine wasn't as persistant as yours.  It's gone today. Like you said, except for tummy tightness.

Lahela - been wearing barelythere underwear since I came home, with hip drains.  If you wear men's boxers over them, you have something to clip the drains to.  It is quite comfortable to me.

Kuka - have you tried any OTC allergy meds.  They will make my headache go away if it is allergy related.

Bailey - you are definitely crazy.  Love it!  You put lots of smiles on our faces. Get lots of rest tonight.

Goldie - sign me up for a blingy Wilbur shirt!

Sherry - sounds like you are doing great!  Hoping for your continued improvement.

Curlylocks - my PS asked what size I was.  He didn't know if he would be able to match them, but whatever I have now is perfectly fine.  They are not droopy dogs, so they look much better even though they are smaller.  I don't really know what size I am now, two weeks out.

Hope you all have a good Wednesday!  ...Julie  

kuka21174923

Thanks everyone for the tips on my headache. I'm sure it's because I don't drink enough water. I never have, that's why I get kidney stones. I just can't make myself drink that much, and only drink water at the gym, the rest of the day I drink soda stream. Believe it or not I'm not stressed out at all about the surgery. My kids stress me out often with their fighting, but other than that I'm pretty laid back😄

Tammy, my surgeon asked me to purchase my compression garment, so hopefully I got the right one?

Damiana I forgot to ask how your wounds are doing?

Goldie, are you getting ready to get out of the house? Go get a pedicure! I need to do that this weekend so that my toes look pretty during surgery. I might be all bruised up and cut open, but I'll have good looking toes;)

Jeannie57

What is it with me and going to emergency during rush hour??? We need to rule out pulmonary embolism. Wilbur, where are you?

goldie4040

Kuka, I always get a pedicure before surgery.  They even commented on it last time as they were putting those leg things on me, "oh, your toes looks so pretty."  LOL.  Actually, I always do it right before surgery because who knows when you get to have it done again. 

I am glad you are not stressed about the surgery.  Who is going to take care of your kids for you while you are recuperating?  You are always watching somebody else's kids, there are people out there that owe you favors!  Please drink more water. Force yourself.  It will make it easier for them to get your IV started, and all other kinds of things, and it might help your headache. 

When my hubby gets home in a little bit we are going to lunch, but it's so freaking hot here.  Going to be over 100 for the next week.  Ugh. This is our winter.  You just don't go out very much.

JBloom, I really wish we could get a Wilbur tshirt made.  My son has some graphic and artistic background, and I would ask him to help, but he is so busy with work, and the kids. 

Ladies who have recently had surgery, nobody has mentioned the hot rooms,  blood thinners, etc.  Have they done away with all that?  Have they figured out it makes no difference?

Anonymous

Jeannie - we are in your pocket honey....glad you are getting checked out....hope it's nothing serious...holding your hand, sister!

goldie4040

Oh my gosh, Jeannie. Our last posts must have crossed.  I am praying you are fine.  Keep us posted. 

ssla01

Jeannie, praying that everything is fine.

lahela

Thank you all so much for your encouraging words. You all make me feel braver. Right now, I'm hanging on to what someone said in another thread: You don't have to be brave, you just have to show up. That's what I'm aiming for!

Jeannie, I hope everything is okay!

Jeannie57

I am in emergency again, checking for pulmonary embolism. Pain is finally manageable with my pal, Dilaudid. Another neck IV which is so depressing. Gotta go.

ssla01

We are in your pockets Jeannie! Love to you sister.

relocatedtarheel

Jeannie-sending you good vibes!

lahela...I'm in your exact same position...surgery is scheduled for monday the 5th and i'm starting to be terrified...i'm having a/ BMX and immediate DIEP (i hope, they won't do it if my nodes aren't clear). we'll be recovering together!

All-I am running around to appointments and tests and still working and getting my house ready and I don't get on here for very long or more than once or twice a day so I feel bad that I can't keep up with everyone...but I imagine when I'm down for a few weeks, I'll be a regular visitor and get up to speed. I am SO GRATEFUL to know this 'place' exists for me to come to through this journey.

And I have to ask...what is the TAWANDA/TOWANDA thing?

liefie

Wow! Another late night party on here, and I missed all the fun? Will try to be here next time - lol.

Kuka, I have so much sympathy re your kids fighting, and just how exasperating it is. As a mom of adult children I can tell you that's the thing that I hated most about raising kids, that constant bickering, and me always being the referee. It drove me totally nuts some days. I read some useful tips about sibling fighting in a magazine just the other day, and so wished I had this knowledge when my children were little. Will give you a short summary.

1. Don't get involved at all. Walk away, and intervene only when it gets physical. Just say, ' This is between you two. You sort it out.' They will quickly find ways to negotiate with each other, work together, and learn to solve conflict. Then praise them when they come up with a solution.

2. Stay neutral and objective, and don't play favorites. You don't want to create bullies and victims. Forget about winners and losers. Instead create an environment that does not award competition, but rather encourages cooperation. For example, instead of giving each child equal amounts of say grapes, ask each one how much he/she wants: a small bunch, or just a few. Each makes their own choice, and there's no 'unfairness' to fight over.

3. Plan a family outing. When everybody is having fun, they won't fight.

4. Don't 'label' your kids, eg. 'This is my shy one' or' This is my outgoing one'. Children deserve the freedom to change.

5. Keep it simple. Sometimes it's best to say,' Your sister seems to be having a hard time this morning. Let's give her some quiet time.'

The trick is to create a family atmosphere where children aren't competing for their parents' affection. That includes letting children know they are being heard - and that you are there to protect them - without getting involved in every little quarrel.

Okay, enough.Totally off topic, but hope this helps a little. When you have a game plan in place of how you are going to respond, it feels much better already because you are in control of the situation. Good luck!

goldie4040

Lahela, and Relocated you are both going to do great.  Almost everybody here has wanted to run in the opposite direction.  I somehow was on auto pilot till they knocked me out for my bmx.  It's all a blurr to me now, and I am still here to talk about it.  We are all here for you guys, and you are both going to be fine.  It's great that you have each other to lean on, and recup with!

Jeannie, by now they would have stuck that EKG on you, and know right away if there was anything going on with your heart, so I am hoping it is the pain you doc spoke of, and nothing else more serious.  Please keep us posted. I have SVT, which is short for a scary, but non life threatening heart thing, and the first attack I ever had was when I was 43.  It blew me away. Heart stuff is so frightening.