DIEP 2013
Comments
-
Sherry, I hope your fever is all gone by now and you are resting comfortably.
Tracy, I hope you are feeling better. It's so hard to keep the pain under control.
Saw my PS today for my 3-week check up. Everything looks great she says. In about two months she will lipo my foob a bit so it matches the size of my natural breast more. I am scared of more pain so I am still hoping it shrinks quite a bit and no lipo is necessary. I'll see her again in two weeks. She agreed to let me go back to work halfdays next week, and then fulltime the following week. Sounds good to me. Oh and I told her I was still really hurting and it's keeping me up at night, so she had me taking a drug called toradol for the next five days, and then I am to switch to advil. I hope it helps!
Wow lots of talk here about hysterectomies. I found out 3 weeks before surgery that tamoxifen has caused a great big fibroid to grow off of the back side of my uterus. My gyn wants to do a hysterectomy once I am 100% recovered from DIEP. I'm not in any rush, it's not bothering me any and I'm tired of hurting. My oncologist is REALLY encouraging me to have the ovaries taken out with the uterus. Easy for HIM to say!
-
Oh, I give up. I simply cannot keep up with the posts. I do not have time to pop in every day and when I do there are pages and pages. I do scan, but I surely do not get it all.
Here's my update. BUMMER OF A SUMMER. DIEP was May 24th, so I was in the hospital for Memorial Day weekend and missed throwing my annual pool party BBQ. The I had my July 4th BBQ, but was unable to swim or do much of anything actually. Today I had my 12+ wk follow up with PS. Still not allowed to swim. Because of my history of infections he wants every open sore/scab incision 100% healed before I can submerge in any water. uuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I LIVE for summer. I have a party house where we have BBQ pool parties almost every weekend, grill our dinners most nights in the back yard, don't go on many vacations because we really enjoy the resort in our own back yard. Not this year.
I don't have any deep wounds open, just surface scabs on the incision lines. I use neosporin twice daily, bandage during the day, leave open at night to air. I just take forever to heal. Always have.
On a positive note, all my tissue is doing really well. I go back in 4 months to talk about Stage II.
-
Sherry, how are you today? Better, I hope.
You too, Mamma. I hope you wound is doing better also.
Christina, glad you are doing so well, and ready to go back to work. You go girl!!
-
Great quote Bailey, Thank u
-
Hi girls. Hoping to catch up with all the posts tomorrow or next day. Going back in for surgery tomorrow. Finally saw PS today and scheduled me for surgery first thing tomorrow. Need to clean, debride and revise right breast. Finger's crossed he can actually pull it back together.
love to all,
Kristine
-
Prayers for you, Bluebird....2nd time is the charm
you got this! -
Bluebird,
He can fix it. I know he can. You hang in there. I have been thinking about you. We are all in your pocket tomorrow. Remember, even if he has to remove some dead skin, there is always to fill it up. I am glad he finally decided to debride. That is what fixed my incision.
-
Kristine, praying for you!
-
Hrf - I'm so glad you're home and that your sister is with you. I know it's exhausting, but it will get a little better each day. And the boob size will change during the the few weeks. It's all a work in progress, so if you get discouraged, remember that it's all in settling right now.
Movie & Nihahi - You girls are glorious! Such amazing scenery and so wonderful to put a faces to names. Movie, I've seen your pick in your avatar and knew what to expect, though you look bigger and better on Mount Wilbur. Nahahi - you're a wonderful surprises. Must confess, pictured you with short brown hair but after seeing you it all makes sense, and your photo matches the energy in your posts.
sbelizabeth - I'd like to borrow your husband
Bluebird - Wow, that was fast! Appointment one day, surgery the next. I'll keep my fingers crossed too.
SheChriple - I hear ya, sister. I'm joining you on 'Bummer of a Summer'. Well, actually, my summers been nice, but I haven't been able to swim. And spending lots of time attending to my 10 wk old incisions. Went camping. No swimming. Went on a chicktrip to Florida. No swimming. Went cottaging. No swimming. Mind you - I don't have the temptation of a pool in my backyard, but Canadian summers are so friggin' short, and times running out.
If I miss the swimming season I'm putting my money on fall, and heading to the Scandancian spa a few hours north of her. fantastic!
-
bluebird....hpping for great things for you tomorrow. Sending postive vibes your way.
sherry...huh, boring day....aka no complications. Please, do it again tomorrow....boring can be a good thing!
shechirple....I can't keep up either, and I'm supposed to be the "lister"! No worries, it's not a contest of who is the fastest reader or who posts the most.....just good to hear things are healing up for you.
sbe....A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E......and YES, Movie's hubby hikes in his chacos. Nothing wrong with a little dust between the toes!
Movie....missing you! Part of me regrets that we didn't spend more time chatting about flaps, part of me is thrilled that we could so easily move "beyond" it, and just be "normal"....relatively speaking! I'll send you some more photos as I sort through them....say hi to hubby for me!
The mods have gotten the list sorted out with the updates people pm'd me. If anyone is missing or needs corrections, just let me know.
Have good nights....no pj parties tonight...everyone needs a good sleep!
-
Hi Ladies. such good information on this board,
my pre-op is all done, insurance is all done, I requested 6 weeks off work ( I hope its enough time )
i just need to get my house in order
Sept 5 is a confirmed date... I am anxious, happy, worried, all in one
need your prayes
Anne
-
Anne, the waiting and the worrying are the hard part! It is so weird how one minute you are heading for OR and the next minute you are waking up, even though it's been hours! They will take good care of you in the hospital.
-
Welcome Ann. You have come to the right place. You will have a lot of questions. We love to answer questions. You might worry, we will help you not worry too much. We are here for you!
-
Hi, Anne! Sept 5 is just around the corner! It's like dreading it and waiting for Christmas morning, all rolled into one, isn't it? Are you doing a delayed DIEP or do you still have both breasts right now?
I had arranged to take six weeks off and then went back after five, and I was fine. I work at a desk, though, and the heaviest thing I lift is the telephone. I'm a nurse, and if I were still slinging patients around it would have been much longer.
Don't worry too much about the house. We've all done it, gotten ourselves all spun up about getting things perfect before the surgery, and it just doesn't matter that much. Do you have help at home--older kids, a husband, significant other?
We'll get you on our list, you'll be in our hearts and prayers, and we'll all be in your pocket through this whole rodeo.
-
Jeannie, I'll carry your pack, or we'll bring the hubsters along as sherpas. Or maybe we'll rent a llama.
-
Sbel, what a wonderful offer! I am touched. All of those ideas sound good! Maybe we could corral one of those mt. goats.
-
Anyone have tips for sleeping on your back? I can't sleep like this.
-
Ugh, Hrf, I struggled with that, too. I used a long wedge pillow to lie back on with a regular pillow under my knees and a pillow on the floor side of the bed, too. I just started sleeping on my side this week!
-
HRF...drugs. I am not kidding. When i first got home from my bmx I had to take my pain meds at night to sleep on my back. Did you have an mx and recon, or just recon. if you had both you probably will not be back on your side for at least 6 weeks. You will eventually be able to do it, and it helps with wrinkles. i believe Faith and i were talking about that. You will notice a difference. It's amazing.
-
BTW...we really haven't heard from Faith since she got her path report back on her thyroid. I know she has a lot on her plate, but i wish she would drop us a quick line.
-
It's looks like another sleepless night for me. I don't know what else I could take to be able to sleep all night, ugh!
My heartburns continues and I have to take medication for it every 12 hours. It really stinks not being able to lay down when I'm tired.
I was going to start the gym this week, but got so busy with school and cub scouts stuff that I didn't. But next week I will! I can't wait to get in that trade mil and run!
Bluebird, I wish you the best for tomorrow. I know everything will turn out just fine.
Ann, the waiting is the worst. If you're anything like me go shopping for clothes to wear after surgery and a few sports bras. Retail therapy always helps!
Sbe, that baby is adorable! I wish I could hold her.
Nihahi, I didn't picture you like that at all!! You look so young and full of energy!! And movie looks great! Much better than her avatar picture! I'm trying to decide if I want to go camping with my son and the Cub Scout in October. I think physically I'll be ok, but I've never liked to sleep in a tent without the luxuries I have at my house. But we'll see!
Meet the teacher is tomorrow and I cannot wait to find out who my kids teacher is going to be.
Shechirple, I feel the same way you do about summer. I had my DIEP in April, and I was able to swim in June, but since I had my stage 2 two weeks ago I won't be able to get in the water for the rest if the summer. That's all we do during the summer, is cookouts and pool parties. Now I'm stuck sitting outside in the heat and watching everybody get refreshed😞. But next summer I'll be wearing a bikini with a hot body! -
Hrf... Recliner! It became a best friend for months because I could never fall asleep on my back and I couldn't lie flat anyways. To support my head and neck I wore one of the travel pillows upside down- so the thick middle part was under my chin instead of behind my neck. It really worked!
Hi, I'm a lurker! I can never keep up so I just read the posts that I can. I'm a NOLA girl. When I went to NOLA I didn't know that I would be having DIEP because the docs at Univ. of Michigan all said I was too thin and they would only do implants. I'm so thankful my surgery at Michigan was delayed and that gave me time to find other options - thanks to the forum boards. I'm four months out from my bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction doing an extended DIEP. I'm very happy that I was able to do skin and nipple sparing. My stage 2 is on Sept 4th.
I had a DaVinci robotic hysterectomy this past December and kept my ovaries - not knowing that 2 months later I would be diagnosed with cancer in each breast that is 98% estrogen driven. I have an aunt who had breast cancer but we both tested negative for BRCA. I've read that a good way to avoid cancer is by not drinking alcohol, losing weight, and stopping smoking - well - never done any of those things and never been overweight so no guarantees there! My husband thinks it is all the Oreos I've eaten over the years. ;-)
So thanks for everyone's posts and encouragement even to those of us who don't have time to write or keep up. My firstborn heads off to college next week so this has been quite the year for us. DIEP was not easy but I'm glad I'm on this path. -
Hrf- pillows, lots and lots of them. I sleep with seven to eight propped up all around me. It allows me toturn over in my sides without feeling all the pressure.
-
Congrats, Klanders,
Sounds like all the stars lined up for you, and everything turned out perfect. I have also been told I am too thin for diep, and to gain some weight. I have other things come up, and I am still waiting. I am curious, how big of breasts were they able to give you? Are you smaller than you were before?
-
sbelizabeth: At first my ps said he would take (if needed) a large vein from my calf probably at least 8-9 inches long. I said no way -- I don't need a huge scar running down my leg and quite noticeable!! That is when I also declined the intermammary vessel although if the one under the armpit wasn't viable, I told them to close me up and not do the diep. Now scheduled for phase 3 - a 2nd revision to even out -- WISH ME LUCK !! Decided long ago not to do tattoos.
-
Sbelizabeth: Just wondering in your profile you have two separate lumpectomy dates? Then also left mastectomy? What were the details to warrant 3 surgeries? If you want to PM please go ahead.
-
ann.....We totally understand where you're "at" right now....the best advice is to try to eat well, rest and relax, (with meds if necessary), and do things you enjoy while waiting for surgery. The house will look after itself....it's not like you won't be allowed to go home, if you don't pass "inspection"! Liefie is the queen of the "house ain't ready" scenario and will back me up, I'm sure! We all have you in our thoughts, no need to ask.
speaking of Liefie.....where is she????
Goats......did someone mention Mountain Goats????
Back sleeping.....sucks if you're normally a side sleeper, but, you can get used to it. I had to stay off my sides for months before my flap surgery, because of crappy shoulders. The recliner does help for sure.
Kuka...you are too funny.....now I'm wondering what you thought I looked like....bent over and with a cane??????? You're as old/young as you "live", in my book! You should see me get out of bed in the morning....probably closer to your "image" of me! Sorry to hear about the heartburn....but if you're having that, and not sleeping, and still healing, and getting kids ready for school.....maybe that's enough for this week, and the workouts could wait a bit longer?????
sweetpickle....what have you tried to ease the hip pain??? Have you mentioned the pain to your doc? Ever tried glucosamine??? I have taken a really pure form of it for several years now, and it has helped my "old" knee lots! The kind I take is called "Ultimate Glucosamine", and is a white powder you stir into coffee, mix into yogurt, etc.
Welcome klanders...sounds like things are well with you!
Faith....thinking of you, sending prayers. If you are just reading, that's ok too. You'll pop in when it's right for you.
Time to pour that second cup of coffee then get on with the day. Have good ones everyone ((((((((X))))))))
-
Ill look into that Nihahi, love the goats! :-) I havent said anything to my doc yet because I have really only been up and around for about three weeks, after spending so much time in bed from chemo and surgery. I am scheduled to see my PS in two weeks so if its still bad then, Ill mention it. I can still function, it just takes me a minute to move, lol. I am also starting to do some stretches and leg lifts which hopefully will help.
-
Nihahi, haha! Didn't picture you with a cane, but didn't picture you so hip either! You just look like a lot of fun! And soooooo skinny! Where did your ps get any fat for your new noobs from? That is a compliment, by the way;)
You're right, it's probably better that I didn't start my work outs this week. I can't wait to send my kids to school on Monday! My house is going to be so quiet. -
hrf - I second the recliner. I'm a huge side sleeper and I love, love, love my recliner. I bought it at the beginning of this journey thinking I'd need it for my BMX which I did but more so for my DIEP.
My stage 2 is schedule for Sept 5th. Any advice from the veterans who've done this stage? I'm starting a job on the 17th (12 days post surgery.) It's desk work so I'm thinking I should be fine. Thoughts? Am I crazy to think I can start that soon after surgery?
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team