DIEP 2013

goldie4040

No No, Sherry.  It can be done. Are you at your mom's yet? I know six weeks seems like forever, but in the scheme of the things, it's not.  You can do it.  If you want, let's talk on the phone.  I will PM you my home number.  You call me if you want.

Morningsun1

TGIF, flappers!

hrf

Sherry, so sorry that you have another 6 weeks. In the scheme of things, it's just a blip and once it's done, you will put it behind me. But for now I know it's terrible news. Just come here and rant as much as you wish.

sweetpickle

Sherry- Hugs to you and if you needto vent we are here!



Sbe- You sound great and I cant wait to hear what you think once you get a chance to see the girls.



I had my first therapy session today. Therapist is a survivor and also had diep so she really gets it. I think its going to help a lot with my anxiety. Happy Friday everyone!

nihahi

sweetpickle....what a wonderful "find"! So happy for you....sounds like a great connection!

Morningsun1

Hi sweetpickle, did your PT tell you what to do with the tummy scar? I've got a 12.5-inches really ugly looking, wide, ropy smile...

Thanks for pointing it out, goldie, my mistake thinking therapy as PT. Anyone else know what I can/should do about my smile???

goldie4040

Sweet,

Do you mean physical therapy, or emotional therapy?  If I missed something from a previous post I am sorry.  Just not sure which kind of therapy you mean here.  Having a diep survivor for either kind would be a God sent.

Moviemaniac

Hi ladies......did a 10 mile walk yesterday......guess I used muscles I didn't know I had-totally stiff today....... I am practicing laying in electric recliner I rented for Stage 2..... Knew I would have to sleep on my back, and with tummy re-incision, also knew I didn't want to risk abdominal dehiscence Part 2......so, got this for a couple of weeks.....(my bed is also super high....I need a step stool to get up into it)........didn't want to risk screwing anything up.



Welcome Mrt.....crazy, wonderful group of women on this thread....you will learn all you want to know (and more)...... Stick around!



Katy, SO glad all went well! You got your plication at stage 1, right? THAT is the part about my stage two I am most nervous about. PS talked about lifting and moving the girls....my tiny brain is having a hard time wrapping my head around how he's going to to it, so I am NOT thinking too much before Tuesday morning!



Sherry, so sorry you have had such a rough go....I totally understand your frustration. Is your wound infection-free? If so, is there a reason they don't want to stitch you up again? Did I miss an explanation? My PS offered me 3 choices after wound was declared infection-free: let it heal on its own.......use a wound vac......re-suture. He explained that the wound vac takes roughly twice as long as the re-suturing to heal, and the letting it heal on its own takes about 3x as long. My feeling is that we are just "special" women..... : /. We get ALL the fun.........



Jubba- it is possible that the puncture wounds are from where they inserted the wire for the Doppler tracking equipment......I remember that ichy feeling well......hope it resolves.



Bailey......your vacay experience sounds like many of ours! I hope it lets up enough for you to enjoy your getaway regardless. What you were doing until it began to rain sounds wonderful! Tell me, have you ever eaten a pasty? I know they have them in Michigan, at least in the UP. My grandmother on my dad's side was Cornish, and we used to eat them a LOT! Yumm!!!!



Nihahi, I broke out a package of the TimTams this morning for after the gym.......I was a very good girl (sort of)...... I only ate 2!



Oh-oh....I feel a nap coming on........

Love to all!



Namaste and God Bless-Jackie

Moviemaniac

PS: Cherrie-So glad your scans turned out to be a big fat nothing...... YAY!

mtpeteacher

Happy Friday! I'm 9 days away from heading to NOLA and everyday I learn more good tips from you all re: healing, massaging, recovery. I am so excited but I can tell some people I tell don't get how important this is to me or why I'd want to have DIEP surgery. What's new, right? My excitement is only dimmed by the fact that my local support group lost one of our members to a bc recurrence...I'm trying to corral my sadness into even more determination to get stronger and healthier. I may not post often on this site, but I'm cheering and encouraging you all in your journeys.

Moviemaniac

Best of luck, Montana.......you will be well cared for at NOLA.......soon you'll be on the other side......next year you can meet Nihahi and I in Glacier......just wanted to tell you how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful state.....my 3rd. DD played soccer for the UofMT Griz from 2004-2008......I fell in love with the state, and part of me keeps hoping after she gets through her masters program that she will go back there and give me more excuses to visit. I LOVE the big sky country........



Jackie

FierceBluebird

Stopping by briefly to thank you all for your support. Sadly, things did not go well. I'm still in shock and grieving all over again. Lost the flap completely 6 weeks out from surgery.

Infection (for weeks I was told it was just "some fat necrosis") was spread throughout and surgeon took a lot of tissue from chest. I'm left with a big caved-in depression where my healthy breast (non BC side) was and my beautiful breast mound flap was before it died. Six weeks of hearing "you're fine!" "no worries" and "this is normal".  I just don't understand how this could happen.

If there was anything worse than the post-op PS aftercare from the first surgery, it was the post-op lack of caring after this surgery as Robyn experienced. The nursing care this time around was atrocious. No caring happy nurses with their wooshing dopplers. You're put in your room, the door is shut and they leave you completely alone to fall apart for the rest of the night.  One of the residents actually told me to "have a great night!" before she shut the door.

In the morning I told them I was pulling my catheter out and I was leaving.  The nurse paged the surgeon who came right away and tried to tell me he will fix things after I heal, but I don't trust them anymore. I was told I was getting debrided and cleaned up and instead woke up without my breast. For the second time. It's just too much.

I'm sure my case is rare and unusual and as the surgeon was quick to point out, "We all know there is always a risk of flap failure in a small percentage".  But it doesn't help the sadness.

When I feel stronger mentally, I'll try to stop back to say hi. Hugs to all.

Kristine

goldie4040

Oh Bluebird

There are no words for what you have been through. I just can't imagine.  I wish there was more I could say, or do. I know you need to go take care of yourself phsically, and emotionally, but please come back and let us know how you are, and what future plans you might make.

Moviemaniac

Bluebird, I have no words, no words......for the insensitivity, incompetence, and general disinterest shown you. And I am sure you are reeling from all of this. Just know that we ARE here for you, and are enclosing you in our arms with love and concern. There will be plenty of time for reflection and discussion about what was done to you.....now you just need to heal, physically, mentally, AND emotionally.......sending you lots of positive energy and super((((hugs)))) can you feel them?



We ARE here for you-please lean on us when you are too tired to do it on your own......

XO

Jeannie57

Oh, Bluebird, it's hard to understand why this would happen. I am sending you huge (((((hugs))))) and prayers, too! Take all the time you need. Please know we are all here for you.



Sherry, what hard news to hear! I hope the six weeks sail by. Nihahi has good advice. I don't know if this helps but it's been six weeks since my DIEP and I can't believe how fast it's gone by, despite my two hospitalizations.



Movie, ten miles???? You are an inspiration.



New gals, welcome to the best thread ever!!



I was able to stand up straight after about a week. I am not obese but evidently had more than enough fat for two good-sized boobs! After six weeks my biggest complaint is feeling "nervy" and still more tired than I'd like to be. My "healthy" breast seems to have fat necrosis that worries me. I don't know what is normal and not.

hrf

Bluebird, my heart breaks for you. Please know that we are here for you at any time. You can rant, you can swear.....whatever you need we will support you. I'm sorry you have been dealing with such incompetence and lack of empathy.

sherry35

Bluebird,

There are no words, I wish you nothing but the best in your healing and in your continuing journey.

Morningsun1

(((((Bluebird144)))))

damiana9

Bluebird- oh no! I just can't imagine what you are going through right now. I never would have imagined losing a flap that far out from surgery Sending healing thoughts your way!



Mammalou- still a few months more to heal? UGH!



so, I see everyone is posting measurements of their 'smile'. Mine is 25 inches! He went arount my hips with the incision. Also, I tried the flashlight thinkg and my 'old floppy' was way more luminant than my DIEP boob.

Trying to keep up with you guys, but grad school is kicking my butt!

sbelizabeth

Bluebird...your grief and loss is felt deeply by all of us.  What a wretched experience for you.  I wish we could reach through the airwaves with a healing hug.  Please come here for us to support you whenever, and however, we can.  You're in my prayers.

Curlylocks

Bluebird - I am sorry that you have had to suffer this loss once again...it's not fair with everything that you have been through. Hugs...please come back when you feel ready...take care of yourself!



Sherry - hope the six weeks sails by quickly.



Goldie - hope you find a med that works for you...sometimes it takes a little bit of experimenting with a few different ones before you find one that works. I used celexa and had no s/e's.



Long weekend...nice to have an extra day off...too bad the weather is not going to cooperate!



Hoping to hear back from my plastic surgeon next weeks as to surgery date or timeline fir surgery...his office was on vacation this week. I sent a reminder email to his assistant this week.



Michele

nihahi

bluebird......I don't have the slightest grasp of what words to say. Please heal. In every way. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Tracy516

((((Bluebird)))) Heal your body and then Heal your mind!!!



I am 185 pounds and can't stand up 15 days out. My SMILE wants to crack and my back tingles and zaps!! Figure I need more time.

liefie

Dear Bluebird, like the others, there are just no words. I am aghast at the bad aftercare treatment you received, and it is totally unacceptable. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. (((((BIG HUGS!!!))))

Cherrie

Bluebird- I just don't know what to say that could help. Your post brought tears to my eyes! You are in my thoughts as you take time to heal in so many ways.



Sherry- you can do this! I agree with Nihahi that you need to put your focus and energy elsewhere as you go through the next 6 weeks. Eat a high protein diet, hydrate, and be the warrior we know you are.



Welcome newbies! You will learn a lot here.



SBE- you sound great!! Yay



Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I am relieved that is for sure.

Anonymous

Kristine...our "Bluebird"....you are forever a part of this group and our arms are open wide whenever you are ready. You are in our prayers every single day.

mtpeteacher

When I read your recent post, Bluebird, I recalled what my gyn said to me when she called me right after diagnosis:  "Sometimes life sucks" (pardon the word).  You have more people sending you prayers than you know right now.  One moment, one day at a time ... and vent your frustration here cuz we care.

mammalou

Bluebird... I feel so sad for all that you are going through. The treatment you received sounds terrible. I hope they understand how they affected you. If you ever need to cry, scream, or complain..we are here.

christina0001

bailey I hope you do not get rain all weekend. I have heard it is amazing up there.

mommalou - if you are reluctant to do an implant on the DIEP side, would you be more comfortable with reducing your other side?

Jubby I was itchy and had flaky skin and I used 100% pure aloe gel twice a day to sooth and moisturize. It helped with both. Also, an ice pack at times, which also helped with pain. I wore a bra pretty much all the time after surgery; I was just so uncomfortable without one. Also uncomfortable with one. *ugh*

Jubby and mrtw43 I am just past the four week mark and over the past several days I have been able to lay on my DIEP side for a little while at night, if I have a pillow positioned just right to put my leg over and some weight on. And the past couple of days I have been walking pretty well upright I think, or very close to it.

hrf - the secret to sleeping? HA! my recipe was the strongest pain pill possible + 9mg melatonin. And that only got me a halfway decent night's sleep if I were lucky. Naps were my friend for the first few weeks.

sbelizabeth, wow you sound like you are doing great after all that work! That gives me such hope and confidence that the revision(s) won't be too hard!

sherry - ugh, six weeks! That must be a heck of a wound! (((sherry))) I hate that you or anyone would have to go through all of this.

goldie I wonder if you are right: thinner = longer to stand. I am rather curvy and it looks like I stood a lot sooner than a lot of other women here. My PS was delighted with my tummy: "Oh, this is a perfect donor site!" she exclaimed. I thought to myself, thanks doc, thanks for telling me I've got plenty of belly fat. LOL I had my girlfriend with me at the consultation; I'm so glad my husband wasn't there to hear that! LOL

sweetpickle - wow, how amazing to find a therapist with a background like that! That must be a huge help knowing she really understands all you have gone through.

mtpetteacher, how exciting, nine days away! I don't think most people get what we are going through unless they have gone through the same, or something similar. They are fortunate to have that ignorance. So sorry for the loss of your friend. I know I have a very hard coping with anyone I know, passing away from cancer ever since I was diagnosed.

bluebird, my heart is breaking for you. No one should have to go through, what you have gone through. Yes, flaps fail, and that is heartbreaking. But it has got to be so much harder to accept if you feel the care you receive was poor. I can't imagine how hard it must be, but I hope that you are able to take time for yourself now, to heal physically and emotionally.

And I hope those reading this, who are still deciding on a PS to do their surgery, ask about post-op care and follow up.

Sending healing thoughts and prayers to all that are recovering from surgery, and calmness and confidence to those waiting for their surgery.

mammalou

I am 9 weeks out... I just came home from work because another teacher told me I better leave because I was hunched over. I'm not that way all the time, but it is worse when I'm worn out.



I was put in a supportive surgical bar right out of surgery and told to wear it 24/7 for 6 weeks. It's strange how different they all are.



I'm still wearing ab compression, but off course I have to hold my open gut in😖.



To say I'm feeling a little depressed by all of this is an understatement.



The only way my two breasts will be symmetrical is if I add the implant to my DEIP side. I guess I could reduce(again) my good side, but I don't want to. It has been thru enough. Did any of you actually do a small implant. I did the DEIP because my implant was hard and had capsular contraction so it made for a rather odd looking breast. They will put this under the flap so I don't think I would have the hardness issues.