DIEP 2013

goldie4040

SBE, could it be 5th Disease?  Sounds like the classic symtoms.

mammalou

Faith. How far out are you? I just don't understand why the pain is getting worse in my abdomen. I am very tender and it hurts to move and it hurts when I go over a bump in the road. Almost 6 wks post op, shouldn't we be feeling better?

goldie4040

Faith, you had your diep the day I had my bmx.  That is 4 months now.  I think I have told you I have expanders in, and I can feel them get tighter as the day goes on.  I know for sure, even before surgery, I always swelled a little bit as the day went on.  You know, the usual,  my shoes a little tighter, the scale up a few pounds over the morning weight in, etc.  I know when I had my hysterectomy, which was laproscopic, I had what they called swelly belly for about 6 months.  Not too bad, but enough that my pants were a wee bit tight around waist area for a while.  I wonder if eating less carbs would help with the swelling.  I have gone on low carb diets several times, and I really never lost a huge amount of weight, but I definitely lost all bloating.  I might try that. I don't do a super strict low carb.  I eat all veggie, fruits and protein I want.  I just cut out bread, potatoes, rice, cereal, etc.  It wasn't that hard to go out to eat either.  Even if somebody dragged me to McDonalds I ate the patty and cheese, and not the bread.  Yep, I am going to do it.  Just made up my mind. Maybe it will make expanders more comfortable.

Do you notice less wrinkles sleeping on your back?

sweetpickle

Mamalou- Im eight weeks out and still very sore and bumps in the rode are still hard. It is way better though than when I was at six weeks so it does get better.

lahela

Goldie - I'm exactly the same about the tummy thing. My PS usually does the incision just a centimetre or so above the pubic hair line so it's easily hidden, but mine will be above my bikini line so she can get all the fat out. That scares me so much - I know DH will love me just the same, but I won't look at myself the same way, especially if I lose my waist    I'm more prepared for going from a large D cup to a "B at best" in the PS's words than I am for looking like Spongebob.

Sherry - flashlight trick???

The panic is really setting in now... I have to go the hospital today to do the administrative stuff for my admission on Wednesday and it's all getting a bit too real!

nihahi

Don't you just hate it when you are really, truly, physically tired and yet can't sleep!

Seems to be a bit of chat about the height of the incision line. You do realize the surgeon doesn't just make one incision on the tummy, right? They make an elliptical incision, so it has an upper line and a lower line. What we "have" after surgery is the result of pulling the two incisions together. I'm pretty sure how "high" your final suture line is, has some relation to where you carry your tummy fat. If you carry it "low", you are more likely to end up with a lower final result. Also, the more skin they are trying to take (aka bigger boobs) might also mean a lower suture line. 

jeannie....hope you're sleeping again tonight! 

kuka and relocated...thinking of you!

lahela

I'm not sure what my PS is planning, then! She's not taking any skin, as far as I know, because my BMX is skin-sparing. *sigh* I guess everything will be clearer afterwards!

nihahi

lahela....They still "take" the tummy skin (from what I've been told and seen on videos) regardless of how much skin you need used for the new breast. If you have skin sparing mx, they trim off the skin, before filling the space left after the mx. I could be wrong, but my thinking is if they don't take tummy skin, just the fat, you'd be left with a flat tummy covered by folds of unattached skin.

lahela

I thought they'd just trim off the excess skin after they take the fat... I have no idea... I think I'm just letting my imagination get the better of me... I'm kind of a worst case scenario kind of person when I have no control and doing an elliptical opening just sounds so much scarier than a simple incision. I'm a coward.

kuka and relocated - my thoughts will be with you both today.

relocatedtarheel

Off the the hospital and I'm terrified.

Janet_M

I'm one of those girls with a higher suture line. My PS is said this was because I didn't have a lot of excess belly fat, (new to me!), so my belly button is also higher. My PS said that the line is lower if he has more to work with. I don't know whether or not they can predict this beforehand.  My surgery was a skin sparing BMX/DIEP and the skin they're referring to is the breast skin, which acts as an envelope for the new tissue. The stomach skin is taken regardless. 

I'm also one of those gals who has lost her waistline. Sigh. But it's only been two months and I'm hoping things are still settling and that I won't always look like a box of Kleenex. And also, my PS says he can do some tweaking in a few months which will help me get my curves back. 

Lahala - You're not a coward. This surgery vaults most of us well outside our comfort zone. I am amazed at those of you that can watch the video - I accidentally saw some photos of the procedure and wish I hadn't. Those images danced in my head for the longest time. But regardless, the surgeons don't think this is a big deal. Straightforward and safe, in surgery-land.

Ladies - Here's something to put on your Not-to-Do list. Do not got o a barbeque, have a glass of wine,  and get so carried away at the sight of French Bulldog that you cant resist picking him up. Ouch! That little guy was rock solid and I haven't picked up anything heavier than a lawn chair in months. Now my arms feels like I've just had a major workout.

Then - Do Not have a second glass of wine and ask everyone what they think of your cleavage.

Janet_M

Relocated - Just saw your post! I know you're terrified but only for today - after this you'll feel nothing but relief. Please remember that you are not alone. Think of all the poeple cheering you on, and take their love and support with you into the operating room. And remember that the doctors are so incredibly good at what they do, and you will be in good, caring, and respectful hands. Also,  know that your body has its own inate intelliegence, and will know how get you through this surgery. You are built to heal.

As one woman wisely wrote - You don't have to be brave. Just show up.

I am sending you strength,

Janet

jakig

My belly scar was much higher than expected. I thought it was because of the location of the donor vessels they chose. I had a very large belly; I'm not morbidly obese, but overweight. I woke up with a flat belly, and a new bellybutton. I absolutely love the new belly, and the scar may become a tattooed rose vine at some point! I don't have tattoos, but am being openminded...

I'm 8 weeks post-op TODAY ! Yippee....thriving, but bumps in the road STILL are difficult for me. I think it will be a while before I'm 100%, but I'm so proud today to be here and be alive and improving...

I have the final revision Sept. 13th.  I was a Left DIEP.  So, my 53-year old natural right breast is saggy.  The PS says he will make the new boobette and my natural breast symmetrical, which will include putting fat into the natural breast.  

My concern, and I'm asking for input in anyone knows - will adding or disturbing the natural breast with the plastic surgery to make it prettier increase the chances of breast cancer in that breast later on?  Maybe there's no research on it yet, but I'm just hesitant, but have made the decision to accept the final surgery to create the nipple in the boobette and lift the natural unaffected breast. Any insight appreciated.

Sending warm sunshine thoughts to those in surgery or getting close to their surgery dates

Tracy516

I love reading all your post. So much info and do much support!



10 days to my surgery!!!!!!! Ugh

This is the only place I can talk about my nerves and my anxiety! I know my husband loves me but I don't want to keep going on about how close it is!!!



Janet!! Note not to pick up cute doggies!!!! Lol ouch!

sky78

Goldie, Baliey, Jeannie -

Thank you for that information. The more I talked it out last night with my husband, the more I realized that it seems highly unlikely that I'll get to have the DIEP when I have my mastectomy.  I'm trying to let that sink in.  This whole process has been so "one day at a time" as far as how the oncologist has been. I got a very rough outline in the beginning - chemo/surgery/radiation. After my seventh chemo treatment, the oncologist finally said I could make appts with the surgeons.  I understand, but it is frustrating. I'm 35 and have a healthy immune system. None of my treatments were delayed. I just wish we could have had the ball rolling sooner. I do realize my personality doesn't help. I'm a planner. I'm an accountant.  I am anal!!  I am calling the cancer surgeon's (what is the word for that?!?! oncology surgeon?) nurse today to hopefully have her calm me down a little. I just feel like there are so many open questions that how can I meet with the PS without the cancer surgeon.  I need to just chill.

So, my next problem is that my cancer surgeon recommended two different plastic surgeons. Implants or DIEP was never discussed.  I do trust my cancer surgeon and do not think she takes the recommendations of PS's lightly. But, the PS she recommended do not appear to be known for their work. I'm in the Milwaukee area and there is one that has been mentioned on these boards and when searched online he has good reviews regarding DIEP.  So, do I trust reviews online or my own doctor's recommendations.  I had an experience with a OB where everyone loved the guy and he came highly recommended and I actually couldn't stand him or his office.  Ugh. I'm sorry to ramble. 

Thanks for letting me vent on this board. I really wanted to have DIEP in 2013...but I don't see that happening anymore.  I am really trying to not be down about this. I honestly thought I was going to be all done with everything - surgery included, by the holidays. 

Thanks,

Susanne

kuka21174923

Hey girls! Sorry I didn't post last night. I read all of your posts though, I just didn't have time.

I'm sitting here at the hospital bed waiting for the nurse to roll me diwnstairs to the OR. I can't wait to take a nap!

nihahi

kuka and relocated ((((((((((((((((((X)))))))))))))))))))) TOWANDA ladies!!!! Wilbur has his dibs on and is watching over you both!!!!

ssla01

Suzanne, why not see and get opinions from two plastic surgeons? I saw three.



Good luck Kuka. Nap well.

goldie4040

sky

I am really glad you like you BS and MO, but they all seem to refer to the same docs all the time.  There are many PS who do not do diep.  It takes very special training to do them. Of course, the ones that don't do them will find something wrong with them. While you are having your rads go for several opinions.  This is your body,and you choice.  There are many women very happy with implants, and there are a lot of women on here that had implants, but had the removed for various reasons, and then went with the diep. 

I totally understand you freaking out about this.  But, it's not a race.  Take your time.  So much has happened to you already.  Take a break. Nothing wrong with that.

nihahi

sky...remember sweetie...you don't have to be the one with all the answers....that's what the docs are there for. Keep asking questions to help you understand, since, even though the info you get might not be easy to hear, knowing what and how to fight, does give you a bit of the feeling like you are actively participating, not just a "victim". Remember, though, not every question can be 100% honestly answered with a definite outcome or plan...that is just the kind of disease cancer is. Other people's reviews about docs are helpful, but my recommendation would be to meet with both, and go with the one you feel most comfortable with, the one that listens to you the most, answers your questions more fully.....

jakig....can't answer that question about mucking about with the natural boob with fat injections. But it does sound like you are doing really well, which is wonderful.

tracy....try to fill your waiting time with some things that bring you happy/ satisfying distraction. We've been there!!! A few more days, and suddenly, it'll seem like surgery day is rushing at you.

sbe....hope things will be checked out today are settled a bit, let us know.

Movie....what's up.....been too long since you posted.....are you scared to meet up with me....I told you I'd bring you timtams!!!!

Time to dash....have good days ladies.

sky78

Thank you. You're right. It's not a race. I am processing it all and working to adjust my expectations.

I just spoke with the oncology surgeon's nurse and she's speaking with the surgeon right now to either answer some of my questions or get me in there for a quick chat today. I mentioned the doctor that seems to be the "go to" guy in the area and it appears the reason he wasn't recommended originally is that he's at a different hospital, not because she likes him less than those she recommended. Not necessarily a politics thing, but a logistics thing.  Still, I wish doctors didn't do that.  Anyway, since DIEP reconstruction won't be until later I will definitely meet with him as well as the one I am seeing on Friday.  I am happy to see a plan forming.  Thanks again.

jlbloom

Sherry - One week after surgery I felt like you are describing.  Two and a half weeks out, I feel like a new person.  I know I'm a couple of pages behind, so everyone has probably said the same thing.  Actually it changed a great deal from post-op day 8 to day 9.  It is going to get better.  Sometimes a good cry is just what you need.

They had left a staple in right above my pubic bone that was there to mark the middle.  Of course it was twisted and didn't get removed while I was out.  The fellow removed it a couple of days post surgery.  It smarted!

Barb - let me know how that chin to neck works out, I'm in!

relocated and kuka - saying a prayer for you right now.  Sorry I missed last night.  My mom is here and she is cooking up all our favorite foods.

GreenGirl and Marty - prayers for everything to go smoothly for you tomorrow!

Welcome to this wonderful group, Barb!

Christina - hoping you get to go home today.  Everything seems to improve more quickly when you get home.

Jeannie - Happy to hear you got a good night's rest.  Hope you get some answers on your breathing issues very soon!

Bailey - you sound like the energizer bunny to me.  I can't believe it has been 10 1/2 weeks already.  Time really does fly once the initial pain subsides!

jakig - Our stories sound similar.  I'm 57 and over weight but not horribly, 5' 2" at 155 lbs.  I love my new flat belly and have no tattoos, but would definitely consider a rose vine over my scars.  Maybe rose buds instead of nipples!

Tracy516

(((((Kuka)))))) good luck!

damiana9

I find it so humorous that FUPA has become a normal part of our vocabulary! LOL! And oh my- vadazzeling our FUPA. I am speechless



Goldie- NOLA actually said they don't take BCBS? What's up with that!?



my boob hole is doing okay- still there, and skin will NOT grow over it- it just remains open, with the fat exposed. I have to keep it covered because it is goopy- and the past 2 days it has been even more goopy than normal. I go to see PS tomorrow and do preop at the surgery center for him to stitch up the hole.

My husband told me today that he is noticing my hips more- the swelling has really done down and I have more of a shape now. Yeah!

goldie4040

Damiana

I was looking at the NOLA website, and BCBS would be considered out of network.  That is bizarre, since BCBS is the first one most docs take. They take insurance I never heard of.

I am sorry about the hole in your breast, and glad about your shape coming back. Have you tried on any of the clothes that didn't fit a month ago? Once your PS stitches that up you will recovery quickly, at least that is what happened with me after my bmx. 

MartyJ

Goldie - each BCBS policy is different.  So what I had when I worked for state government was different from what my mother had with Federal.  The large law firm has a different policy than the major corporation.  Their marketing would like us to think that they are offering each of us the same policy, but sadly that is not true.  I have heard of NOLA taking people with BCBS, but it depends on the particular policy.

faith729

Mammalou we're all so different in regards to the pace of our healing. I remember still being pretty sensitive around 6-10 weeks out maybe even a bit longer but im not anymore so the good news is there is an end to the madness ! hang in there.



Goldie I definitely notice a significant decrease in wrinkles on my face bt keep in mind it has been 4 whole months ! Can hardly believe it ! Im not sure how i would even cut back on my carbs im a carb junkie for sure ! But its worth a shot if it may cut back on some of this swelling.

Jeannie57

Regarding BCBS, my husband had BCBS and was laid off when I was getting chemo. We used COBRA to continue our coverage. His new company has BCBS but it's completely different. Thankfully, they carried me over and I didn't have to deal with pre-existing condition nonsense. What a scary time...



I got on the scale today and was surprised to see I've lost five pounds since before surgery! And, tomorrow I get my last drain out! I could get it out today but I don't have a ride. This is the first day that I am home alone. It's going to be good.

Tracy516

I have lost 9 lbs since I was dx in June. Think it's stress which is weird because I usually strew eat!!!

Anonymous

Tracy - I lost 10 lbs the first few weeks after diagnosis, too. I couldn't eat...or not much...I remember lots of very cold yogurt and water....and pacing....lots and lots of pacing. It was better after I got through the initial round of tests and had the information I needed to do real research and after I started treatment and felt like we were doing something about....waiting is truly the hardest part for so many of us. You are almost to the "starting line".