DIEP 2013

nihahi

sherry.....OMG......I am so sorry for you, so angry at that incompetent nurse!!!! Wilbur will be with you....safe surgery, we will all keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

marty....feisty today!!!!! head "handing" and bedpan whomps! You're defo feeling better. Good to "see"! 

Kuka....seriously, you're already bra shopping.....tsk tsk. I agree with the get fitted by someone who knows whats what.......when the time comes!!!!

jeannie.....hoping the lymph nodes can get sorted out in the future....what a wonderful thing that would be!!!!

movie....timtams purchased...photo sent to your email!!!

Morningsun1

Flappers, two things to keep a very close eye on: redness and temperaturee. We don't feel the pain, so those are our tell tails. Call your ps or go to the emergency room if you can't reach the ps quickly. Long after all my woulds were healed and one Friday evening I found my belly button red and puffy. I emailed a pic to my ps and told him that it looks infected. He call a prescription into your pharmacy so I got antibiotic Saturday morning to bring it under control. It's very important to catch it early. The PS and their office usually react very quickly to any sign of infection.

goldie4040

SBE....that baby girl gets more precious everyday.  I am glad you are having so much fun.  She is the icing on the cake at the end of a long ordel.  You deserve it. 

Jeannie, thank you so much for the excellent explanantion on dealing with LE.  Even yesterday when I went for my CAT I hear myself explaining again why they can't do ths , or that.  They are reading my chart.  They know I have had a bmx, can't they read?  I just can't wait till all the needles slow down.  It just seems like the less I am supposed to be exposed being stuck, the mrre reasons come up that I need to be.  I just want tomorrow to be over, so maybe I can get on with things. 

There is the wrap they use when I have my blood draw that the wrap around my arm fairly tight, and it sticks to itself.  It comes in all kinds of crazy colors.  Is that what you guys are talking about?

Moviemaniac

got on for a fast (yeah, right) read.......Sherry!  So sorry this is happening to you!   I am sending lots of prayers heavenward, and good, healing thoughts your way.  (((Hugs)))  know that we all are concerned and are with you in spirit.....

Jeannie, thanks for asking about doggie....she is okay.  Vet got clean margins,and it was low grade, so she is cured (kinda like me ) until the next one surfaces......

Love, love, LOVE Aubrey Rose!   

will be back later......

Marty, DD#1 is filming in Charleston........has been to Husk, and some other hot new restaurant......anything else she should see?  Filming was pushed to next week, due to rain.....so she is there over the weekend.

XOXO to all......

XOXO

goldie4040

Oh Sherry, I am so sorry.  That really stinks.  I think we need to go with our guts, and demand the attention we deserve.  Sometimes I think my PS nurse knows better than him, but I still want his final say in thing, even if I don't agree.  I was appalled when he took me back in the OR to re-close my left mx scar, but he was right, and now I am expanding, which they swore I would never do.  

Good luck, Sherry. I hope she can make everything better. 

Kuka, be careful with that sexting.  You might have to put up, or shut up, as they use to say where I grew up.

FierceBluebird

nihahi, the flexinet sounds perfect. I'm going to see if I can track them down. Thank you so much!

And Jeanie, good information about the lymphodema. I need to have a discussion with my doctors next week.

sbe, your heart must just sing all the time with all the cuteness!

MartyJ

Kuka - give a girl a great bra and a lovely pair of boobies and she gets her sexy on!  Love it!

Movie - is DD working on Reckless?  Big flooding today.  Had to cancel dinner with girl friends for birthday night (not mine) because so many roads are closed.  Husk is good, but gets too much attention.  Tell her to try Fish, SNOB (Slightly North of Broad), Butcher & Bee.  Great burgers at Fleet Landing right on the water downtown.  We are blessed with really fab restaurants - a true foodies town - hard to not indulge.  Let me know if I can help her in any way!

Sherry, I am getting a bit concerned about all these nurses saying everything is fine.  I hope you have spoken with your PS as she is putting his reputation and his liability on the line.  You deserve better!

SBE - You keep posting those pix of that little cutie and I am gonna want one.  My DH may have some objections.

Nihahi - It has just been one of those days where too many stupid things have been said by nurses to our girls.  The nurses should be helping not hindering.  Red, hot, fever = problem, not everything's fine.  Nurse navigators are there to guide us through the system not stiffle hope when there is a solution.  Okay, I'll let this intense rain wash me off my soapbox.

Moviemaniac

Marty-DD is indeed working on Reckless.  She plays the wife of the Police Chief.....some dude from Mad Men.  I will pass on the info.......and if she is needing something else, I may PM you.........thanks!

XO

sweetpickle

Sbe- Ooooo that baby is so precious! I kmow you are loving every minute of grandmahood :-)



Sherry- Yikes! So sorry you are going through that, sending lots of prayers and speedy recovery vibes your way!



Christine- That does sound ominous, Id call the PS like the gals have said.



Nihahi- I could feel your frustration with that compact, so sorry it was a rough day. I love how protective you are of us, that nurse was an idiot!



Aspinner- Welcome and Im sorry that you got such rotten advise, these ladies here are a wealth of information and I hope you look into your options.



Mamalou, Janet, Kuka, everyone else.......HUGS!!!!!!



I am now ending day five with no hot water, gas meter was installed however our brand new on demand hot water heater isnt powering up. They think it may be a bad circuit board, lord a mercy, thank you jesus for hospital bath wipes!!!!! Im still glad to be in my house, boxes, cold water and all. LOL

sbelizabeth

Oh, Sherry, sorry you're enduring even more of this!  We're in your pocket...not that you'll be wearing any for a little bit; maybe dancing on your shoulder and screeching TOWANDA at every ignorant nurse who comes near?!

Last week my IV went south, as they do frequently with high-dose vancomycin pouring in.  I told my nurse, my IV is bad.  She said, let's flush it.  OK, we flushed it, and she had to peel me off the ceiling, it hurt so much.  Let's just keep an eye on it, she said.  I said, NO, IT'S GONE BAD, "WE" NEED A NEW IV.  All said in a calm, but no doubt about it, voice.  I got my new IV.  

I love nurses, I really do.  But just like in any profession, there are some that are great, lazy, sharp, dumb as a rock, kind, witless, and filled with compassion and knowledge.  May we all get nurses of the best qualities.

ssla01

Wow, this thread is flying as usual. I had to go to Louisiana for a couple of days. I missed tons.



Katy....bee u tee ful baby!



Sherry....I'm so sorry. Hoping for a good outcome.



I am one drain down, one to go. 8 weeks Friday.

nihahi

Marty...please stay right on top of that soapbox...you have many words of wisdom!!!!!

jeannie....just watched the news...lead story was about a "hot mama" in a clingy top and yoga pants strutting around Seattle........I just BET you looked d8%m good girl!!!!

bluebird, sherry...thinking of you and your "oozy" bits. 

sweetpickle....home sweet home! At some point in the future, the hot water...NOT....will be a funny story of "remember when"!

movie....glad to hear doggie is good. Currently desperately looking for my left hiking shoe....anybody???? I'm gonna hug you till your eyes pop when we finally meet up!

hrf

Sherry, so sorry you have to go through this. I'm sending you positive vibes.

SheChirple

aspinner...I'm another delayed DIEP. I, too, had TE with exchange to implants, then infection and removed one implant.  I was a uni-boober for 8 months, then had my DIEP May 24 this year.

nihahi... my ps waits a full 9-12 months after Stage I DIEP to even consider any revisions.  He's already gone over what's next, but he wants full recovery before touching anything.  I see him tomorrow, by the way. So, Stage II may be my 50th birthday gift.

kuka...he's a keeper!!!

I have to interject, not DIEP related, but........my dog died today.  My almost 11 year old Dalmation, Pongo (yes, Disney's 101 Dalmations Pongo, my kids were 6 and 4 when we got him).  We believe he just died of old age.  He had been having trouble getting around, had bloat a few weeks ago and spent the night at the vet hospital, we had to help him up and down, and he was pretty lethargic.  He didn't wake up this morning and follow me outside to eat liek he usually does.  I called for him, then went back inside, thinking he needed my help getting up, but he was, um, stiff.  It's been a rough day.

nihahi

shechirple....So sorry to hear about your dog. These animals have a special place in our hearts, and their suffering is our suffering too.

Your surgeons protocol sounds good to me! I firmly believe that many subtle changes occur months after the initial surgery, and by waiting, the "fine tuning" can be done more precisely. However, like we have constantly discovered, we are all healing differently, there are different protocols, different surgeons, different outcomes, etc. etc.

Found the missing shoe, now having a glass of wine to celebrate!

Anonymous

What a day you've all had! We had our own in my family...it wasn't me....but I'd have rather it was! My DH called me as I was leaving work to say he was taking DS#1 to urgent care because his eye was swollen half shut...I asked him to send me a picture. WHOA! Splotchy red, swollen eye. I called him back...told him nobody cuts on that child's face but my PS and if they say cellulitis I want him in hospital ER not med center. They said his tear duct is infected and put him on oral antibiotic and antibiotic eye drops. They got done before I got there....scary when it's their eyes!



Sherry, honey, praying for you....no fair



Debdylan and Lahela...thinking of you....I hope you are coming along well.



Jenny, HRF and Tracy...I hope you are having a peaceful "flap eve".



I can't remember who has an ailing bunny but i said a bunny prayer! I've always wanted a house bunny! But pretty sure the dachshund would make quick sport of it! Yikes! Movie glad your pup is doing ok.



Sweetpickle...just think, the best shower EVER is ahead of you...someday....;)



Kuka...I made a trip to VS for panties about three weeks after stage 1....couldn't resist....it's such a long process...I want it now!!! Lol.



Movie...I always wonder where you are and what the story is behind your avatar pic! Can't wait for pics of trip with Nihahi...blessings to you both.



Janet, Tami, Gini, Marty, Faith, Goldie, Robin, Sbel, Mammalou, Jeannie, Julie, Cherrie, lmo, Liefie, shechirple, bluebird, kad, damiana, christina, ssla AND tarheel....AND anybody I missed...(and all you lurkers (we know you're out there lol) love to all and prayers for you!

Anonymous

Shechirple....I am so sad to hear about your Pongo such a sad experience. We have our 12 year old Moses and are on the same road, I'm afraid. Hugs to you and your family.

Jeannie57

My sympathies to you, SheChirple.

kad22

Shechirple - so sorry about your furry loved one. It is so hard to furry family member. Last year my dog ran out into the street and got hit by a truck the only goid thing was he died instantly, he was only 2 yrs old.



Sherry prayers to you for a speedy recovery.



Not sure what my PT person is doing. She puts one hand on my lower back and then her othdr hand on my scar with a little pressure. Weird but if it works I'm all for it. Can't remember who said something about side pain but where my side scar is thats where it really hurts other than thelittle open wound on my belly. Not sure why my sides hurt so much.



OMG Kuka you are too funny - sexting to your hubby! Everyone on this thread can really help me to smile or laugh out loud.



Has anyone ever had there floobs reduced during stage 2? I hate how large mine are butthe shape is nice.



Goodnight sweet dreams everyone.

goldie4040

SBE...I know what you mean about the IV's.  I had one go bad during my stay for bmx.  It was leaking and painful.  I told the nurse who thought he fixed it, then he hung my antibiotic and the same thing, the pain!!!!  I told him if he didn't take it out I would.  I still have a lump in that vein on the top my hand.  Looks lovely.  It is going away very slowly.

Shechirple, that is so sad and awful about your poor dog, and poor you to have to find him like that.  My heart goes out to you. Our animals become part of our family, and it's hard to lose them.

SSla..if we gave trophy's you would get the one for having drains the longest.  I am glad to hear you are down to one.  Will you need a revision on your butt at stage 2, and will there be drains involved again?

Sherry, hang in there girl.  We are in your pocket, as Bailey says.

Bailey, it doesn't matter what is going on in our lives, our kids always find a way to worry us, and they wil always come first.  Sounds like his eye will be okay, thank goodness.  Be careful, could be some form of pinkeye.

Faith, your bunny story is killing me.  You actually had a real "snuggle bunny" when you were recuperating.  I got all teary when I pictured it. 

Tomorrow is my results days.  Early morning appt.  I hope it is good news, and then i will go for some retail therapy.

Ladies who had expanders, did you have special bras that worked best for you.  These slightly padded sport bras are okay because they even out the shape of the expander, but they come up so high, and I spend most of the time with my bra showing, which is luckily in style.

Damina, any news from your scan today?

Sharon1942

I finally figured out how to share this!

Janet_M

Shechriple - I am so very sorry for the loss of Pongo.

Typewriterjenny, hrf,  & Tracy - You girls are going to do great. This time tomorrow you'll be in a happy morphine haze, and already moving forward.

Moviemaniac

Sending special (((Hugs))) to you Shechirple.......I cried when I read about your poor doggie.....  I am such a sucker for animals......Faith's poor snuggle bunny story made me sad, too.  I am so sorry......

Bailey-the avatar pic is at Iceberg Lake, Glacier National Park (exactly where Nihahi and I will be this Saturday.....)  I had just joined the "Mile High Polar Bear Club" by going completely under water (@35*).....holy shirt!  That water was so damn cold.....even a year later I still feel my heart rate escalate just thinking about it!  google it....the pics are pretty spectacular.....usually get a grizzly sighting (at distance) and moose.....very fun, and if the wildflowers are at their peak....wow!

Been too busy today, even at 7 months out, my scars bug sometimes....and they are buggin' tonight.....think I will call it a night.

Blessings of peace and strength to all of you who will be going in tomorrow.......may you have an easy surgery, and a good recovery.....in your pockets....  TOWANDA!  XO

Namaste and God Bless us all - Jackie

Moviemaniac

Sharon-love your picture!  thank you for sharing it!

XO  Jackie

bak94

Hi everyone! I will go back and read some of the posts, there are too many for me to read all of them! But I have some questions if you don't mind, I am sure they will be repeats of others on this thread. I have an appointment for my consultation for diep in September. It will be delayed reconstruction, as I had bmx Nov 2011. I also have had radiation on both sides.

Questions:)

1. How long after consultation and prep appointments do you have to wait for surgery? I know it probably depends on the surgeon, but is there any possible way that I will get in before the end of the year?

2. How much pain is involved? I am pretty numb, but what about the belly area?

3. Can one be too overweight for this surgery?

4. How long in the hospital?

5. I hate drains! How long for drains and how many?

6. Are you happy with the results?

7. For any of you with delayed reconstruction, did it help at all with pre existing chest tightness?

8. For those with delayed, was it easier or worse than the original bmx as far as recovery and pain?

Thank you for reading! Oh, and i am so sorry

shechirple for your loss. I have only read the responses to what happened and not your post yet, kinda afraid to because I know I will cry! I remember you from another thread, was it the May 2011 chemo thread?

Tracy516

Just stopping in to say... Off to the hospital I go. See ya sisters on the other side!!!;)

faith729

Goldie I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you this morning !



Sharon I love that picture ! Thank you for sharing that



Tracey go get em ! Your gonna do great



Movie and Nihahi so jealous of you two ! Have a blast ! Hope to see a pic of you two on your hike.



Shechirple my heart is breaking for you :-/ we lost our 15 year old yellow lab 2 years ago and we were all truly devastated. It really is like loosing a member of the family. It gets better I promise. ((Hugs))



Hopper is definitely my snuggle bunny. She is so tough like her mama she's not much better but I'm praying she will make a miraculous recovery. If I can figure out how to post a pic I will.

goldie4040

Okay, off I go for my appt. 

Faith, thank you.  Any news on your next step yet?

Sharon, great pic

Tracy, see you on the other side.  I know it will be a success!

Bak94, on the overweight question.  Go to the PRMA site.  They just had an big article they posted on their Facebook site about Diep and weight guidelines.  The other questions will have to be answered by the gals who have been through it.  I am still waiting. 

ssla01

Goldie, I will definitely have revision to my bottom. The scars aren't bad, but the shark bite out of them needs help.



SheChirpie, I'm so sorry about Pongo.



Faith, hope your bunny is better soon. Praying for your next treatment step.

damiana9

sheChirple- oh no- I am so sorry about your dog

Kuka- that story of you sending your hubby pics of your boobs is hilarious!

bailey- yikes! Glad it was just a tear duct issue, and easy to fix.

sweetpickle- LOL! Just think of how much you will appreciate that hot water when you finally get it

Goldie- when I had my TE in, I wore the Genie bra alot, and also got some mastectomy bras that were pretty niceand padded- to even out the odd look of the TE. Insurance paid for the mx bras

Bak94- you will most likely find a surgeon that can do DIEP before the end of the year. This is major surgery so yes, there is definately pain- but this is not the most painful surgery I have ever had. I think the hardest part is the 'tummy tuck' part because you walk around in the shape of a C for a few weeks- which is really hard on your back! I was in the hospital for 3 nights, but 5 seems to be standard. Drains can stay in anywhere from 1-4 weeks- just depends on your body. I did not have as much ROM issues with my arm as I did with MX, and the top half of me felt better quicker than during my mx- but I also had TEs placed during mx and that impacted the pain/discomfort that I had at that time. As for happy with results- YES! I have only had the first surgery so I am oddly shaped, and have to have another surgery to revise some things tomorrow, but I have a warm, soft, squishy boob that is mine. I am very happy about that.





I still haven't heard anything about the CT results. I won't be surprised if I don't hear anything until I get there for surgery tomorrow morning. They did give me a cd with all the CT images, which is pretty cool- but when I looked at it I couldn't figure out if it showed anything 'bad' or not. My hubby is making me rent a lift recliner again because he is worried about me ripping stitches again by getting in and out of bed. I am really hoping this recovery is super fast and easy- I just don't have time for recovery! ack! I start grad school next week.