DIEP 2013

goldie4040

SSla, by all means, take them out.  Every little bit helps.

Judy_63

I had my ovaries taken out after I was done with chemo in 2011. Chemo had threw me into menopause anyway and I wanted to get rid of as much estrogen as possible. I've not had a problem so far other than hot flashes and I don't have them that bad.

kuka21174923

I had my ovaries taken out at age 33. No hormone replacement since I can't have estrogen.

Sherry, how is that fever?

sbelizabeth

I asked my MO about taking my ovaries out, but I was a couple of years past menopause and she thought it unnecessary.  I'm relying on my Femara to wring out every drop of estrogen so there will be no fuel for whatever coals might be still glowing anywhere.  Die, cancer, die!

A co-worker hobbled into my office today with a painful, draining mountain of a sore on her ankle.  "What do you think, should I see my doctor?" she asked.  Gosh, it must be in the water where I work.  I sent her to the ED and she had cellulitis, barely avoided admission.  

Goldie, my mother had BC twice--mastectomies both times--and my sister was diagnosed with IBC six months after my own diagnosis. Both my mom and sister are doing great, but it's got to be lousy genetics.  I've been BRCA and BART tested, both were negative, but there's so much we DON'T know about the genetics of cancer.  So I had a nice glass of cabernet with dinner and enjoyed it.

Full August moon tonight!  If we still lived in Colorado we'd be skinny dipping in the reservoir, our tradition on beautiful summer moons. Here in California, it's just not the same.

mammalou

Went to see NP re my open ab wound. I am a good wound cleaner. Oh boy, who cares. They absolutely cannot stitch me up again because I am so tight that they cannot pull the wound together.



I have a tunnel from the big hole to the little hole. She was going to just cut it all the way open but decided to spare me. She saw the water welling up in my eyes😪. She told me to be prepared as it is going to rip open some more.



TE ab pain I'm having was attributed to them once again pulling my tissue so tight.



All they can really say is sorry, you will heal, and we understand.

Typewriterjenny

Hi ladies! I am home! Had issues with fever until Sunday night- highest was 102.6! But normal now. Catheter was bothersome to me as well. Once removed, I started bleeding down there and in the hospital they said sometimes the catheter causes that, but now, I have my full on heavy period. 2 weeks early. UGH. very annoying since that area has fangs and is hard to maneuver around as it is! Commode on day 3, toilet days 4&5.



While I was under, my PS came out to ask my parents if they thought I'd want him to remove 2 moles I had while he was in there and they said yes. I'm so glad he did, because I was always very nervous about having them removed before because they were in very sensitive spots. Bonus! But, one was on the front of my pubic mound area, and there are stitches there now too. Still glad, but very tricky to maneuver indeed.



I had the best nurses. So very attentive and truly knowledgable. They switched me to 2 percasets thrice daily and that did the trick nicely. The 3 heparin shots in the legs were a mild annoyance. 5 seconds of stings- not so bad. But my thighs are all bruised now. Taking heavy duty antibiotic thrice daily.



Was taking senakot in hospital as well, but went #2 before I left, so didn't take it at home. MISTAKE! Had a scare today. Painful half hour of a stuck movement. Drank warm water and took senakot and did breathing exercises, and all was ok then. Phew! Going into surgery I had a patch behind my ear for nausea as well as I've nausea meds. No nausea after waking.



Couldn't look at everything until yesterday but my breast shape is absolutely wonderful! Hard on top because its swollen, and its very warm. But color looks good, and only one dark/odd looking spot so far. I'm very happy with the result already. The belly line is low and has been the worst of my pain thus far. Sleeping has been hard. A few hours here and there. I'm doing my drains, going to the bathroom and cleaning myself up pretty well. After about 15 minutes I'm done. So I've been trying to get up 5-6 times daily. My belly drains are barely draining-5 ccs morning and night. Left breast drain is 20 CFCs morning and night. Have others had a similar amount? Have my follow up on Friday with my ps. Haven't had any issues with food.



Pain is there when switching from chair to standing, and always mild in my tummy incision. But I feel ok with the percasets for now. Every time I move around I get hot, but I check and there's no fever.



Another unexpected occurrence- my pup runs away from me. I read that after surgery you smell different and he may actually not recognize me! It's really odd. He's intrigued by me, but definitely stays away. It's great in that he's not jumping on me, but he seems sad a little. But he does great with my parents, so I'm sure he's fine, and its only a matter of time till he knows its me again.



Thanks for all of your support and caring through all of this. I am glad to be surrounded by home, but definitely miss the nurses care. Family is great but sometimes it's very hard to be patient when I'm in pain. Sounds horrible, but I loved saying exactly what I needed nicely and being given said thing with a smile. Oh! And I took 6 nurses gifts and it was the perfect amount, and they all truly seemed touched. It made me feel good every time I gave one too. ok, bathroom trip then coconut milk.



Nitenite!

goldie4040

I am getting excited again about diep.  I am going to expand these puppies to the max, and then fill them with my own fat instead of an implant.  I really think that's what I am going to do.  I can do this.  I am starting a new regiment of smaller fills more often, instead of big fills every other week.  Hoping that makes things more comfortable.

Sherry, I am glad you are feeling better. Watch that fever during the night!

All you gals that had your ovaries taken so young, do the docs have you doing things to keep your bones strongs, etc.?  All I do right now is vitamin D, and do weight bearing exercise.  I am just wondering if i should be doing more.

I am calling my son tomorrow and tell him to have his friend start our graphic for tshirt.  Where there's a Wilbur there's a way! and on the back; Towanda written inside the pink ribbon.  Any majar objections please let me know before the end of business tomorrow...lol.  

If somebody has the time, and inclination to research  really nice femine tshirt to have this put on, that would be great.  I see a cap sleeve, v neck, or scoop neck, slightly fitted white tshirt. What do you think? I love that new natural cotton tshirt material that are using now. The Loft had some this summer, and I bought quite a few. 

goldie4040

Typewriter, I know you had those fang drains, but you have a low incision and that is the best kind to have!!!!

Take it slow. Remember when you are on pain meds you feel invincible, but you are not.  Slow girl, slow.  You are so lucky to have your parents to take care of you.  Can't ask for more than that. Dogs are amazing.  My dog was upset with me before my diagnosis, like she knew I had cancer. 

Glad you are happy with your boob.  That is awesome.

Jeannie57

Sbel, I enjoyed a glass of Moscato (not my usual) tonight and thought of you! I was part of a study that tested extensively for genetic components for bc. Negativo for everything, even though my mom and grandma had it. I have one ovary left after an oopherectomy several years ago. I foolishly thought I'd keep one ovary for any remaining estrogen benefit. Yikes! My MO says the same as yours, removing the other is most likely not necessary. But then I have a bco friend whose ILC moved to her ovaries, only discovered during a prophy oopherectomy! I can't think about more surgery now, though.



Mammalou, my heart hurts for you! I so wish you didn't have to go through this. They say time heals all wounds. I'm asking for some warp speed for you.



TypewriterJenny, good to hear you sounding so well. Hope that fever stays gone, gone. How sweet to give the nurses gifts!

goldie4040

Mamma,

This is just an idea, but Kuka lost weight so they could stretch her tummy down to lower her scar.  I don't know if you have weight to lost, but would that help them bring the skin together, if you lost weight?  I am just grasping at straws here.  I feel so badly for you.  It just all is so miserable.  Please tell me you are not going to work.

mammalou

I'll have to think about that losing weight thing. I was wondering if I gained weight, would it help. Lol My problem is that I didn't have enough fat to stretch and therefore it just stretched so much that it broke. Hmmmm...now I'm confused. I think I'm just stuck waiting for the cavity to grow new tissue and fill in. I guess I won't be having any stage 2 for awhile, not that I'm in any mood for that!

goldie4040

Mamma, i see your reasoning to gain weight too.  I guess asking the doc what he thinks would be the best bet.  Going on a diet when you are trying to heal probably wouldnt't be a great idea anyway.  You should be eating steak for breakfast, fish for lunch and chicken for dinner.  Protein all day long. Plus protein shakes in between meals. And, all the leafy greens you can handle. You will probably become vegan when this is over.   Hang in there my friend.  I am always here when you need to vent.  I am not having the best time either, but the last days I am making more of an effort to move even though it hurts. How does this happen? We go from living our lives, and taking our good health for granted to this s..t!

mammalou

Yes, I'm starting to feel like an old person. And bc sucks! And people that think we can rebuild our breast and be good as new, are crazy! Ok, I'm sorry for ranting.

Jeannie57

Mammalou, you take all the rant space you want!!!

goldie4040

mamma

I just know that you are going to look back on this as a bad patch, and you will love your new breasts.  You are right, this sucks, and you are mad.  I bet if you take you mind off your tummy for a minute and look in the mirror your foobs look great.  I am trying to find some positive here.

mammalou

Well it the foob certainly feels better than the implant i had removed. It is smaller though. I'm not sure why I aways turn out smaller than my natural lifted/reduced breast. The PS said I didn't have enough fat. I'm wondering if its because when I lay down my natural breast looks smaller. Anyway, I guess that is what fat grafting is for. Ouch!

goldie4040

Mamma,

My PS told me that if he couldn't get enought fat to make me a full B then he would use a tiny implant under the flap, not under the muscle.  I has become a recognized surgery.  Sometimes they do it at the time of surgery, and sometimes they wait till stage 2.  I will find the article and send it to you.  It does not cause discomfort like having an implant to replace your whole breast.

goldie4040

http://www.5thavesurgery.com/procedures/breast-reconstruction/diep-flap/hybrid-diep-flap-surgery-with-implants/

Here it one of the docs and how he does it.  I can also find the scientific abstracts which are boring and dry, but if you want those too, I will find them.

MartyJ

Goldie - before you get too excited about adding an implant to DIEP, please look into the problems women have with implants.  After having had implants for 27 years (2 sets), I can tell you that I am happier with slightly smaller breasts than to have implants in them.  Even with DIEP, you still risk capsular constricture (scar tissue forming around the implants).  You would also risk iron bra.  I love my warm, soft DIEP breasts and don't want anyone to have to mess with them later.  

There are other procedures for women who do not have enough fat in the abdomen.  These are newer and many doctors who have added DIEP to their arsenals in the past few years haven't added these.  Please look into GAP, TUG and PAP procedures - they do these at PRMA near you. 

FireDragonll

Typewritter, I'm go glad you were happy with the nurses, this is helping me keep me calm. Keep on healing well.

Tracy516

In home👍 six days at the hospital. Very long time from my kids. Nurses were great. Did finally get a dr who helped with my surgery get my script for Perks to come home with. Happy

My comaints:)

I AM in PAIN!! These drains hurt. They are annoying!

My breast are SO SWALLON. The circle of nipple skin is ugly!! Ugh I could go on!!

Questions:

1)Anyone off food? I'm hungry but the flavor in my mouth is off...

2)who took a gentle shower when they got home? Did you wet the wounds? They say I can .....



Thank you. Sorry for ranting

kuka21174923

Mamma, the reason my ps wanted me to loose weigh is because they need skin without the fat to be able to pull the incision. The fat would be good to cut and add to your breasts while doing DIEP. But if you are having problems closing your incision then you want to loose weight so that your doctor has loose skin that he can use to pull your incision closed. But please ask your doctor what kind of exercises you could do with an open wound. As for diet goes try eating lost of lean protein. It will help you with your wound and to loose weigh. I know it's hard, but try to walk huntched over so that your incision doesn't pull open anymore.

I hope you can resolve your situation fast.

Marty, my ps has also talked to me about maybe doing a very small implant and in the future if I'm still not happy with my boobs. He said since I already have the tissue from my stomach the implant would work just as a breast augmentation that any regular person would do. I haven't decided yet if that's what I'll do. It scares me to death since my mom has a contracture and scar tissue that formed around her implant. I thing another fat grafting is in my future though!

kuka21174923

Tracy, I took a shower as soon as I came home 3 days after surgery. Don't rub your incisions or where your drains are attached, but you can let water with soap run on top of it. Make sure you dry everything really good!

If you're hungry eat. You need to eat protein and iron until you start feeling stronger. Good luck!

MartyJ

Tracy - so glad you are home.  Your complaints will resolve themselves with time.  Re:  Food - my docs had me on minocycline (antibiotic) after surgery and it altered my sense of taste, smell and vision.  You should let the doc know you are having an issue and they can switch antibiotics.  Re:  Shower - did you get any directions from your doc?  I took a shower in hospital and then at home, always facing away from water flow and letting it run over me.  Be sure to have someone with you, just in case you need help.  Yes, the wounds got wet and I patted them dry with a clean towel.  Be sure to tie up your drains so they aren't dragging.  

Janet_M

Good Morning  -

Wow, so much to catch up on - this will be my afternoon reading. You  girls are always on my mind. But since I'm short of time this right now,  I have a quick comment, and a question.

Firstly, never  sleep on an airmattress in a tent two month after BMX/DIEP surgery. Fresh air is over rated, and would be equally enjoyable thorugh the windows of a cottage, or a luxry hotel room. Even my trunkload of pillows couldn't save the day.

Secondly - I've got my first blister! It's on the edge of my belly button and is painless. Does this require immediate attention? 

sbelizabeth

Tracy, welcome home!  I'm with Marty and Kuka for the shower advice.  I found the best way to manage my drains in the shower was to get a long piece of string or ribbon, knot it into a loop, and hang it around my neck.  Then I could pin the drains to it and they were secure.  You can wash your hair without lifting your arms up too high, just be careful.  And by all means, have a plastic stool or chair in the shower so you can SIT, and have someone nearby so they can help if you get light-headed. 

Mammalou, I'm so sorry you're wrestling with wound issues.  You're in my prayers.

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

goldie4040

Marty I am thinking, and I'm not sure.  Will have to go back to read the abstracts of the studies, but I don't think pure fat tissue will contract like  breast tissue, and that is why this type of augmentation is working. 

I would never try anything that would compromisize my flap after I go through all that surgery. 

nihahi

Morning Ladies!!!!!!!! 

Got back from the "adventure" last night.....it's gonna take me eight years to catch up on the thread reading! I know some newbies have sent me pm's....I'll respond as soon as I can, sorry for any delays in getting back to people and/or getting them on the list. I basically had no internet/cell service where we were staying (one morning had no power...aka NO MORNING COFFEE) but that's another story! 

Movie...it was fabulous meeting you (and hubby.....ladies, she's got quite the character for a DH) wish we could meetup more often, for sure. The hiking was great...hope that toe is ok! After we parted ways, Ade and I went up the Going to the Sun Road and did the Hidden Lake trail...she went NUTS (she's nuts anyways) over the incredible flowers up there....and we found 19 mountain goats at the top of the trail...right alongside the trail. By the time we headed back down, I was almost hypothermic.....but that's another story too....

I'll get some photos posted ladies, and Jackie, I'll get that "neighbour/grandson" photo out to you soon too. Hope everyone is doing ok, missed you all, welcome to any newbies....Mt. Wilbur is beautiful, Jeannie....you picked a good one!

TOWANDA!

fyi....swelly bellyiron plate and hypersensitivity are really starting to resolve....I could even keep up with Movie on the trail (hubby....that's another story)!!! yahoo!!!!!

fyi #2....potato chips and wine for supper on the last night....yum yum!

goldie4040

Janet

That is strange that after two months you would get a blister. I would all your PS just to feel safe about it, but I am sure it is nothing to worry about. 

Tracy, for your drain holder in the shower (and we all have one of these) use a fabric belt (cotton) that came with a blouse, or dress, or even bathrobe.  They are strong, and washable.  I used one from my husbands cotton bathrobe.

Jeannie57

Nihahi, so good to hear from you and that you had a good time! I am putting seeing Mt. Wilbur on my list of things I want to do!



Tracy, hope you feel better at home. Showering is a hassle with the drains but you have received good advice here. Everything will get better. You have a new soft boob. I hope you come to love it.