DIEP 2013
Comments
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Rtnyc- I have cording and massaging it has slowly reduced it. Also a nice hot shower and then massage really helps.
You stage two ladies are rocking! Keep up the speedy recovery :-) I am doing pretty good, was having a horrible time getting up and down but that seems to be getting better the more active I am. Still havent lost a pound but I also havent been doing anything aerobic yet. I spend about four hours a day cleaning the house and unpacking still. I find myself wiped out by the afternoon but I thnk that is more related to recoverying from chemo.
Im trying to keep up but quckly getting lost, I hope everyone is well and I am still here reading when I can. -
Movie - wow a 25 minute walk already no matter how slow. I'm just too tired and sore.
Klanders - that's awesome you are eating so much already. I've had oj (with my miralax mixed in!), a tiny bit of Fuji rice with no egg, a few bites of Rita's strawberry water ice, ginger ale and lots and lots of water. I was dehydrated coming out of surgery and bp numbers were down. I'm glad you have such a nice stay at NOLA but I'm so happy to be home in my recliner.
Anne (Marieann) - good luck tomorrow. I had to be there at 5:30 a.m. today. I'm so grateful to have an early (7:30) surgery today. I'd probably be just getting home if I had an afternoon time.
Nihani - I hope to be able to sleep through the night and especially get back to sleep after my 2 a.m. pain med time.
Ugh Wilber seems to like the z key tonight!
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Tracy, thanks for the bio. It's a nice idea. Sounds to me like you are a great mom, and have a tough job. What a sweet love story between you, and your husband.
Christina...do you think you could wax it instead of plucking each hair? I am worried the skin might be delicate yet though. Tweezing seems tedious. Glad you had a good check-up, and I can't believe your stage 2 is so soon.
Klander and Goodie, you both sound great! Yeah.
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LOVE the goat!
Nice to know you a little better Tracy.
Liefie, where do you live? Is it near enough to me for you to come make healthy dinners for me? I can provide the liquid nourishment, we have a lot of very lovely winery's in northern PA.
It's so very interesting to see the differences not only between our surgeons but also each other. Regarding compression, I am 3 weeks post Stage 2 & was originally placed in a Veronique bra to knee length hook & zipper garment which I pretty faithfully wore the first 2 weeks or so, then wore it just during the day and a Spanx at night. Well the past few days I decided to try to go without any compression other then the sports type bra. Well I promptly went on to develop the beginnings of cellulitis. They told me I still have too much swelling for my skin to handle. I actually developed some ugly looking stretch marks from my incision up to my belly button! Hope that goes away. So it's antibiotics and back to the heavier compression for now. What a learning process.
About back sleeping, someone here suggested those antigravity chairs. I got one on sale at Kohls (+30%!) and put it in my bedroom, padded it up a little and it worked wonderfully! Like a little cradle.
Rtnyc. I'm sorry I don't know much about cording but there are others who have faced this and will help. I do know PT and injections as well as surgery are options. Best of luck to you. -
Barbmal5, glad you caught the cellulitis early! How long did your PS recommend wearing the heavy compression? I am freaking out because with 2 compression sleeves for LE + ab compression garment, I feel like a sausage after Stage 1. I hope I don't tear my hair out after Stage II.
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Barbmal, I live on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada, so it is maybe a little too far? LOL. Would love to come and feed you though! Wineries sound good - we have some here on Van Island too. The different protocols are really interesting indeed. For example, my PS has never mentioned a Stage 2, or any of the procedures, lipos, fat grafting, tidying up, etc. that so many women on here are getting. She only talked about giving me a nipple, that's it.
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Oh my, I joined this site a few days ago and cannot keep up! I wish I would have found this site months ago. I know I am clearly a rookie so I have a question: what is a Wilbur? I think I know but it is used I so many contexts I don't know if I know. Lol
SheChirpie - wow, I wish I would have read your post the moment I woke from my DIEP surgery. Wise words, and so true.
nihahi - your question about abdominal stitching. My PS had internal dissolving sutures and stitches externally for the very reason if there was to be any wound dehiscence. That way, the entire incision wouldn't need to be opened up. He thinks we moved forward with the DIEP too soon after 6 months of chemo, and I had the MX right before that. So too much succession too soon may be why. You asked about a POH - that is a physician owned hospital. I have found the care to be excellent since each doctor involved has a stake.
christina00 - thank you so much for the well wishes for my PS procedure on Tuesday. With this debridement my PS was so excited to see the progress from the VAC he backed off the need for an OR surgery. He took out all of my stitches, which before would open the wounds more and have me in tears, but since those areas were healed for the most part away they went. So, there are still three areas to be addressed (one tunneling that freaks me out) BUT with the sudden increase in healing he thinks he can stitch me all up again next Thursday in office. Yay! I was so excited when I left! I have cranked up my protein and vitamin C intake so much over the past month I am sure that has helped, plus my new nurse is VAC certified, plus my PS has really been on top of this with the office procedures. I feel very fortunate because this has been one nasty ride and I want off!!! It's not over yet, I still have my little buddy that lives with me, yanks at me when I forget him, and beeps annoyingly - but at least I see some light, and hopefully one less surgery.
Sherry35 and Mammalou - I hope you are doing better and your wounds are healing. I know how much the soreness sucks, and how much it hurts to laugh. Hang in there with me! Sherry, I have been dealing with this since mid-June so it has been quite some time, but he may have tried to re-stitch too early. That second break up was so devastating for me. I have really pushed him so hard to "finish me" so I can get on with my life. All I can say is bad idea. Mammalou - I have been meaning to write to you but have been sleeping a lot the past few days...I'll catch up soon
Thanks so much for listening and I hope everyone finds restful sleep tonight. -
I really hate to be Debbie downer but I think it's important for people to know that there is definitely another side to diep. I'm so glad I seem to be in the minority because I wouldn't wish what I'm going through on anyone!
My surgery was just over 5 weeks ago, it was 9 1/2 hours long. I woke up with minimal pain, no pain pump, and big boobs. I have since had a second surgery at 2 weeks out due to an infected seroma and some fat necrosis. Since waking up from that surgery I've been on a wound vac. I have a 24cm x 7cm open abdominal wound. At its deepest it's 4 1/2 cm deep. I have smaller boobs and one is ok, the other one has 3 open spots.
My boob holes get packed everyday. My vac dressing gets changed every 2 days. It hurts like hell! I can't bring myself to look at any of it! I've had tape on my abdomen and chest for so long I've started reacting to the tape. In some spots I have red skin breakdown. In other spots I have an incredibly itchy rash that I can't scratch! I feel like I'm slowly going crazy!
I'm stuck in my recliner, I get up to use the washroom, get a drink or a small bite to eat. I can't bathe or shower, I need someone to wash my hair, I can't drive, stand upright or walk around my house for more than 5 minutes!
If I knew any of this would have happened I NEVER would have had this surgery!
I want to shop, I want to walk my dog, I want to have a shower and get dressed! I want to ride my bike, go out for dinner with my family and just live my life!
I'm sorry if I've offended anyone by being so honest but I'm not happy, I'm depressed, sad, frustrated, angry even. I want people to know that this is a real possibility! -
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Sherry, your post breaks my heart and I'm sure many others feel the same way. I am glad you felt you could safely express yourself here. You have already been through so much with your cancer treatment and now this. I wish I could somehow make it better for you! It will get better with time, but that doesn't help to know when you are suffering so much now, right this minute. I will pray hard for you. Even for those with minimal recovery problems, DIEP is a big deal. It's not smart to think otherwise.
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Dear Sherry, I sincerely wish there was something I can do for you! You have every reason to be sad, frustrated, and angry. Can't even imagine what you are going through, and your post just breaks my heart. You have not offended anybody here, I'm sure. By telling us exactly how you feel, and what is going on, you at least get rid of some of your frustration, which is a good thing. That is what we are here for, a safe place where you can bare your soul and speak your mind. I don't understand how those incisions can just open up like that, and I think your PS has some explaining to do. This is not good. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. BIG HUGS to you!
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Sherry, I wish there was something I could say or do to make things better for you. Just know that you're in our hearts.
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((((((Sherry))))) this us the perfect place for you to speak your thoughts. That is why we all are here. To know the good, bad and ugly truth about DIEP.
My leg falls asleep when I do;( tonight I'm gonna try a pillow under my leg.
Can't sleep... Wilbur may help.. My breast are on fire... Pins and needles! -
(((X))) sherry.....Say whatever you need to say, no one here is going to argue or judge you. You have every reason to feel so frustrated, angry, cheated, etc...everyone goes into this surgery hoping for the best, and when that isn't the outcome, it just feels like a betrayal, I would think. Surgery of any kind, is not a guaranteed perfect scenario, and I've no doubt that the ladies here who have not had significant struggles, say silent prayers that we are not in your shoes. I am so sorry this is happening for you. Please hang in there....you WILL heal.
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Awake since 2am. I waited too long for my dilaudid so now I'm paying with pain - mostly pain from under this compression girdle. It is incredibly tight. I shouldn't have probably been eating so much yesterday. I think Wilbur was helping more than I realized.
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Hi, Klanders! I am awake now, too, for a variety of reasons. I would like to be asleep, though. I'm sorry to hear your compression is so tight. I really dread that.
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Nihahi, Are you still up?????
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Wilbur has me up, too......foob compression super tight, as is tummy......can barely breath, and meds are giving me terrible heartburn.......
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Sorry to see you're having a tough night, klanders....I didn't think you were going to be needing ab stuff done this time....hope the pills kick in soon. Are you still at the NOLA hospital, or already in the lodge?
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AND movie....AND jeannie....what the ****!
I have no reason to be up....walked for 2.5 hours today, did housework, had a good day.....not in pain....JUST CAN'T SLEEP.
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Right now I feel like stage one all over again....three drains, abdomen sore as hell, can't use arms.........what the freak????? PS said today would be worst day......yikes!!!!
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MOVIE......you are now approaching the shores of iceberg lake...the meadow is full of flowers, there is a herd of snow white mountain goats on the mountain side....Dave is off chatting with some female med students from oxnard.....Ade is paddling in the water.....I'm gobbling down my sandwich and about to open a package of timtams...........TOMORROW IS ALMOST HERE!!!! YOU CAN DO THIS.
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Roflmao........you are one of a kind, Nihahi.......that's why I love you!
. I will TRY to get some sleep....throat is sore from tube......I could go on....I will instead, for once, shut up, and try to sleep! XO. (I am descending into Iceberg lake valley.....the wildflowers are fragrant, and in FULL bloom......there is a moose grazing near the tarn.......) -
atta girl......zzzzzzzzzz
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Jeannie - my compression wasn't so bad during stage 1. I think they have me a smaller size this time around.
Movie -'sorry to hear that compression is keeping you up, too.
I just maneuvered into more of a sitting up position and that for some reason feels a little better - or maybe the dilaudid finally kicked in. :-)
Sorry to read that many of you are facing sleep issues.
Nihahi - In hospital just for one night. Tomorrow will go back to lodge. My stage 2 was shorter and easier than some other womens. No drains this time. On abdomen he fixed my small dog ears and redid the scar in just a small area in the middle. I could have been ok with not revising those but I'm here, so why not?! Just wish Dr S could have done something with the stretch marks right in the front and center.
Dr S also made me a little more symmetrical and fat grafted on the top of my breasts where it was a bit hollow. I have my own nipples but Dr S revised the area around them so they should be less "headlighty." Haven't see the final product yet. No plication for me and this should be my first and last stage 2.
Have very dry mouth and sore throat. My husband just came down with a cold so I'm praying this is just leftover from surgery tube and not me getting sick, too. There was a lot of coughing around us on the plane.
Going to try to sleep again. I hope/pray that all of us are able to sleep. -
klanders....you sound like you'll do ok....personally, I'd blame the kettle chips!!!!! Hope you feel better, the drugs kick in, and you get some sleep. DO NOT GET A COLD!!!
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Liefie, I'm in Ontario and my PS also never mentioned a stage 2. I did ask her and she said they only do revisions if necessary. Our provincial health insurance will not cover lipo etc. I am assuming you might be the same in B.C.
4:30 am here. Have been up for over 30 minutes and can't fall asleep again. I don't have compression garment so can't blame that. I think it's sleeping in my back that's the problem. Also this drain that is still here after 3 weeks is a real pain.
La2shea, welcome to this site. Sounds like you have been through a lot. I hope you have a smoother ride from here on.
Sherry, sending gentle (((hugs))). I feel terrible for what you are going through and I understand your regrets. I think that it's important to be honest and not sugar coat anything. Women need to know what they are getting into when the decide to do DIEP. I just wish there was something I could do or say that could make you feel better. Don't ever hesitate to come here to vent, to express anger or any other emotion. You have every right to feel as you do. This is a hard surgery and while we all suffer to some degree, your situation is one of the worst. So go ahead and let it all out. -
Insomnia here too. I should have logged in here hours ago. I go for pre-op today-bloodwork, x-ray, etc. etc. and final revision of DIEP is next Friday - the 13th - my lucky day, I hope, as it is scheduled to be the final surgery. My DIEP was 6-10-13, so I'm almost 3 months post-op. I suppose I had been feeling better-back to work parttime, pretending I'm completely better, and did I really have surgery? but the truth is my energy levels fluctuate, my body is still adapting to the new boobette and changes, and I do not want to have another surgery. I had a colonoscopy two weeks ago. I had rectal cancer last year, so the 8 polyps and biopsy of the cancer surgery site were all sent to pathology, and I had to wait wait wait. The stress of cancer came "at" me again, not knowing, waiting, not knowing, then the phone call - all benign! I don't have to do the roto rooter again for 12 months! I needed that break. So, today, I will focus on gratitude for all of this. I do not regret the DIEP choice one bit - it was and is the very best solution for me, and I think my whininess is just that - I don't wanna....wah....so, I will get my whiney self up, dust myself off once more, and head to the breast center once more...I hope to post more as I go through the final revision to give hope to others. Now, I'll try to sleep for a few hours before the long ride...Peace....
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Up again.......had to take antibiotic, AND pain pill........I have had a bit of congestion...not sure if it is post-nasal, or left over from surgery in lung, but trying to cough this time around is a real bi**h........I am terrified I will rip sutures! I can "feel" the need to cough right on the edge of my throat, but my diaphragm isn't able to force enough air out, even beno forward with a pillow cushioning me. I will just have to clear my throat often (which doesn't feel all that great, either) and wait until I see PS later today.......guess I'm being a bit whiney..........sorry. XO
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Sherry - I am sending big ((hugs)). Please be gentle on yourself. You are coping with a lot on top of a divorce and move. The stress was building for some time and this may be your body's way of slowing everything down. It will be better.
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