DIEP 2013

liefie

Just read a story of somebody I know from another thread, and thought it would be relevant here. She had an MX with immediate DIEP, then when path report came, it was determined that she needed to get rads. She is so unhappy, because due to the rads 'the DIEP breast is rock hard, and does not feel natural at all'. She is now considering having yet another surgery, and to have an implant put in. She also hates the tummy scar, and feels that DIEP surgery was the wrong decision. I feel truly sorry for her, and maybe this can serve as an education to others. I personally just don't understand how docs can go ahead with immediate DIEP if they are not 100% sure whether rads will be recommended or not.

Cherrie

Oh, I went through years of neck pain too. Drugs, PT, etc. I am now convinced it was stress. I was an elementary teacher with youngish children at the time. I say stress because it flares up once in a while when I am more stressed. Quiet time, yoga, ice, good nutrition, exercise, positive thinking, etc. finally got me out of that chronic problem. It takes time and patience.



Now I have issues with my shoulders. I had a PT eval today. It is NOT frozen shoulders. I am in need of building strength in this area as the mastectomy and DIEP has changed things. I also believe the new girls are heavier. It has been 10 mo. though, but the PT was not surprised. I am icing and doing exercises two times a day. Keep those shoulders moving girls.



So many girls that have either just gone in or are going in. We are thinking of you. It isn't easy, but you CAN do this.

goldie4040

Kuka, I hate to contradict you DH, but if PS puts the "small" implants under the tissue, and not the muscle there will be not iron bra.  

Cub scouts is a full time job.  Thank goodness for stay at home moms that make things like Cub Scouts available to all kids.  You are doing a good thing. 

Bailey, your family is glorious!!!  You DH has kind eyes.  And, you kids are a hoot.

I went out with friends to see The Butler today.  If you want a break, and like a good movie, go see it.  

Cstrong...it's all going to be okay.  Hang in there.

Laurie08

Hi ladies- I thought someone here might have advice for a friend of mine.  She had a DIEP 3 weeks ago, she is stage IV, NED.  Since the surgery she has had such severe nausea she can not eat.  The dr's don't seem to be too concerned- any thoughts or advice?

goldie4040

Liefie, I was told no diep till they were sure I wasn't getting rads.  I am very surprised.  I feel so sorry for this woman, and I hope she finds relief.  What about a second opinion with another PS.  I thought there were ways to break up the hardened fat?

goldie4040

hrf, we had a young woman with us here all summer who also had a healing problem with her breast (tunneling, etc. ) and she went in for an early revision and it fixed everything.  She is in grad school now, and busy with her kids.  We hear from her every once in a while.  But, the early surgery could be what you need.

goldie4040

Movie, you sound so disappointed.  It is breaking my heart.  I wish there was something to say except "sorry."

I think I suggested this before, but ask the PS about fat grafting.

hrf

Goldie and Jeannie, thanks for the information. I do hope the silver thing works.



Liefie, thanks for the kind words

sherry35

Hrf, I also had early revision with my second surgery, 2 weeks after initial diep, due to healing problems.



Bailey, beautiful family!

Jeannie57

Laurie08, has your friend tried Zofran, Compazine or Phenergan? Those drugs helped me. She would need to watch out for constipation with the Zofran, at least. Your friend has been through so much. She shouldn't have to be nauseous!

kuka21174923

Movie, you crack me up!! But sorry, I looked and only see mine here. I got rid of two sizes with this surgery, so now I'm just a happyC.

Your ps will be able to add volume by doing fat grafting, and the good thing about it is the more volume you want the more lipo you will have😄. Getting the shape right it's the hardest part, adding volume is easy! I know, I'm going to throw the patience card out there, but that's what this whole journey seems to be about....., patience!!! I think God had his plans of making me go through this to learn patience. Seriously, I'm the most impatience person ever!! I want this done YESTERDAY!!!!! Is it done yet?!

Liefie, really, I'm ready for my kids to get older. Not grown up, but older to where they don't have to be so dependent on me. I'm tired and I'm done! Maybe I just need a vacation. Wouldn't that be nice? Hey, my birthday is in 9 days, so maybe I should tell my DH to surprise me with a cruise?

Goldie, it's one thing to volunteer for one job for cub scouts, but for some reason I ended up being the whole committee!! And my DH is the cub master, which means I have to do his job too and then he pretends he knows his stuff at the pack meetings. I'm thinking about hiring a secretary;)

By the way, I talked to Silvanya today and asked about you. I told her you were still indecisive about the ps.

Ok, now is time to do reading, then baths and bed!!!

Laurie08

Jeanne57- thank you- I will ask her.

Anonymous

Laurie08 I wonder if your friend's pain meds are causing the nausea? I get nauseous from everything but acetaminophen or a low dose of ibuprofen. If that is the case maybe ask doc to change pain med...or Jeannie' s med suggestions are what I use when I have to be on a narcotic. I hope she gets some relief! In the meantime....bland foods...I live on baked potatoes when I am taking large amounts of pain meds!



Thank you for all of your kind words about my "three boys". They are made of awesome I wish you could meet them.



Saw my amazing OT today. She was cracking up about my 100 mile bike ride plans Go big or go home, I always say! (My PS must have the same philosophy considering the size of my noob!!!) Anyway she taped me up again and shoulder is relieved again, for now. We discovered today that I have basically quit using my latissimus dorsi muscles on the left. I am using my shoulder muscles to do everything, including stuff that is not their job! Could be I stopped using the lower muscles during rads....tissues were painful and damaged. When she did get me to engage them (holding my shoulder DOWN lol) they are not horribly weak...I've just gotten used to not moving them..it is uncomfortable to use them..they feel like damaged muscles....but I can learn to use them again if I work at it...and give my poor shoulder a break!



Love to all my flapper friends y'all rock and sleep tonight for crying out loud!



Of course..I might be up, too, so I guess I shouldn't scold too harshly. We take son #1 to a new ENT doctor tomorrow to have a consult for a new kind of hearing aid. I am nervous it won't work....and SO EXCITED that it might. He is being so even keeled about it on the outside (as am I) but I wonder if he is feeling the same nervousness and excitement that I am? Probably more so. Say a prayer, friends.

mrtw43

Not sure if I am going to sleep well tonight, I see my MO tomorrow to determine if I need to take tamoxifen.

Jeannie57

Mrtw, I hope you sleep. I have taken Tamoxifen since March except for my surgery break. I had hot flashes at first and now I get leg cramps occasionally but that's it so far. You might do well on it, too, if you end up taking it.

FierceBluebird

Plastic surgeons/oncologists/radiologists all have different ideas about treatment plans. I had three consults and was told that implants don't do well with radiation. They do make a new implant that is supposed to handle radiation better, but it is fairly new and hasn't been on the market long enough for some doctors to want to use it. I was told to go the flap route since I would be having radiation after surgery.  But I have little faith in medical advice these days, so it could all be malarchy. 

But I will be seeing some new people this week and hopefully will get back on track again.

Whoever mentioned the "drinking water filling up your breasts" feeling, I have it too! 

The tapping helped me a lot. Under my arms were so painful it felt like someone was holding a hot iron to my skin. But a few nights of tapping really helped. I have neuropathy from the chemo and use it on all my weird pains now. Rubbing the skin lightly helps too. Rolling a ball over it, sticking my hand in a bowl of uncooked rice or beans and moving them around also helps desensitize the nerves especially when painful or tingly. 

Anonymous

Omg....So I told my DH (dorky husband) that one of my breast friends said he has kind eyes, and he threw his arms around me and said, "She is RIGHT!" And son #2 was passing through as I said this and said, under his breath, "Good thing they don't know we are mean as hell!" LMAO!

christina0001

Wow, did not get online this morning - lots of posts in the last 24 hours. Good luck to all of those going in for surgery this week! 

lahela, loved your post - I totally get it, I am so happy to have cleavage again and I'm excited at the prospect of undergarments as well. Even these plain and simple (but oh so comfortable) bras that I have on now, are so wonderful IMO.

faith - OUCH I hope your neck feels better soon, that sounds so painful!

bluebird - good luck on your appointments this week.

lol @ bailey!

Going for my first appointment for laser hair removal of my foob. I can't believe I was able to get in so quickly. It's really not THAT much hair so I'm hopeful it won't take too many treatments. 

Janet_M

Cstrong & Zoemom - Hey ladies, we'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Remember that it's a nice time to give your brain a day off. The surgery is between your body and the surgeons - both of which are supremely intelligent. In fact, our bodies are way smarter than we give them credit for, and will be pumping blood and oxygen to all the right places while you have your nap. 

And it's okay if you're a bit scared. Don't even try to fight it - just add a bit of courage. Deep breaths, girls. You'll do great.

2timer

Went to my first followup office visit today.  Office was packed and had to wait an hour to get in (one of those days I guess).  He said things looked pretty good except for an infection (I have also been suffering from a uti so I got an rx that will take care of both -- yay!).  They took out 2 drains so I am down to 4.  Plus they swapped out the stinky bulbs that I had.  Can't believe alll the puss and gunk hiding under the glue strips covering the incisions but I now get to wash them directly (gently of course).  The loss ot 2 drains made a big difference -- suprised at how much "lighter" I feel.  Still running a small fever with uti pain but hopefully the anti biotics will kick in quickly.  I have an appointment for next week and I'm hoping that more drains are removed.  All and all a good visit.

My DEIP surgery was performed at Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital.  The PS has many years of DIEP experience and had his fellowship at MD Anderson.  I read about other people in this thread talk about stage 2 and 3, lipsuction and revision surgery.  My PS had not discussed any of this with me.  I got the impression that if the original surgery went well that was it -- no more surgery except for nipple stuff.  Every one says that my DEIP went very well; even I have to admit the new frankenboobs look even (even though I try very hard not to look).  I'm just wondering if anyone else here is just doing one major surgery.  I read some of these posts from women also doing DIEP and I'm very confused at times.

Anyway, I'm slowly getting stronger and in less discomfort. I use my pain meds liberally but I'm never in real hair splitting pain, just tightness and discomfort so maybe it's time to start using the ibuprofen again.  I see the BS tommorrow morning but I think that will be more of a discussion about findings, staging and things like that.  Hoping for a good appointment and will pray tonight for that.  However, while i'm down on my knees I will thank him for blessing me with the best mother in the whole world.  She had been a godsend, coming over 2 times a day, helping me with the drains and hygiene, shopping and taking me to appointments.  She'll be 82 next month and tires more often but she is there when I need her.  I have other people who help out a bit too but nothing like Mom.  I am really lucky.

sweetpickle

Ladies, how long will I be a swollen watermelon? I weiged myself tonight and I am 4.5lbs more than this morning wnd the top part of my stomach above my scar looks preggers. Im still fat and no amount of dieting seems to be helping, I should be doing more exercise but just keeping up with the housework swells me up and makes my lower back hurt like crazy! I did the yoga dvd the other day but Im just starting out so I know that will take a while to feel the benefits from, although I did feel more peaceful.



I am seriously not wanting to do the ooph and stage two now. The thought of another surgery has me almost in tears. Sorry to be whiny, just tired and frustrated.

Jeannie57

Sweet, I hear you. It feels like this goes on and on and you've been at it longer than me. Despite my weekend bike rides, I find it hard to be motivated during the week. Today I noticed a jiggly belly roll on my tummy when I'm sitting! Higher up than before but still disappointing. I don't think it is swollen, either. I know there is Stage II but I am not anxious for more surgery, difficult IVs, pain, compression, ugh. I realize I am better off than so many others....just overwhelmed at the moment and tired of being uncomfortable.

Zoemom

Thank you thank you and another thank you to all of you for your advice, strength and guidance. It has really helped. This really is one of the most difficult things I've decided to do. I've been over analyzing this and Dr Levine patiently spent an hour answering all my questions this afternoon and showing me the MRA results and my blood vessels. I hope to meet Dr Allen tomorrow as he is assisting. Tomorrow at 730am ( if not earlier) i am going to stop the analysis paralysis and surrender... And just let them do their thing.



Bluebird, sherry and the others who are encountering complications, i look for your updates everyday and send you strength and positive thoughts.

Anonymous

Aww, 2timer, your mom sounds like a peach! My little mom came over the first few weeks, too. She vacuumed and took me to doctor's appointments and brought me her delicious chicken pot pie! Glad yours is a spry 82! We are lucky My dad took me to a couple of chemos, my port in and port out surgeries and to a couple of oncologist appts, too. Lol...just remembered him sitting with me during labor for my first son (mom took DH for breakfast). They are a blessing.



I can't bear the thought of more surgery, either, friends. But can't bear the thought of my humongous noob for the rest of my life either lol! My PS was clear from the beginning that my reconstruction would be done in several stages. First was to move the tissue and make it live, 2nd and 3rd to shape and adjust as necessary and fill in with fat grafting, 4th nipple recon, 5th tattooing.

goldie4040

christina, I don't know why the laser hair removal worries me, but it does.  Can you ask for a test spot first, and if your foob does okay then do the rest.  Some of those laser's go deep into the skin.  If you want me to mind my own business I well, but it just scares me a wee bit.

Moviemaniac

Hey! Just thought of something re: laser hair removal-Christina......

I had the elliptical paddles in the middle of my foobs that were abdominal skin.....after stage 2a, that skin was GONE........are you sure you are not losing your ab skin at stage 2?



Gotta run, back before bed.....have to tuck my 96 year old mom in.....

XO

nihahi

bluebird.....sounds like you are moving forward!!! You've got me chuckling....yep, different textures are all part of desensitizing, especially things like hands/fingers/feet...but I think I would lose all street cred with you ladies, if I suggested rubbing raw rice, textured balls,toothbrushes or woolen socks all over your tummies and gloobs! However, if anyone is really struggling.....I'm just sayin....

zoemom...."analysis paralysis"......PERFECT DESCRIPTION!!!!!! That one is sure to become a "keeper" on this thread.

bailey....positive vibes going out to son for tomorrow..It is amazing how medical technology works sometimes. 

cherrie....that is great news about the shoulders, actually.....soooooo much better than many other scenarios. I'm thinking that bailey's OT's technique with the kinesio tape might really help you....especially pre-surgery, since you very understandably, might just be a wee bit stressed??? I think we should add "strengthen those shoulders" to the getting ready for surgery list for those ladies who have time to do so. Makes total sense.....stress is held in our necks, backs and shoulders, then throw in breast surgery, postural changes, limited range....heck, it's a wonder we aren't all walking around with shoulders permanently attached to our earlobes and only able to bend our arms at the elbow!!!!!

Debdylan....I think you mentioned earlier today about lack of energy....heck, girl, if you aren't eating, you certainly aren't going to be feeling energetic anytime soon!!!! You can't expect to step on the pedal and drive the car up the hill, if the gas tank is empty!!!! How's the tummy today? Sorted out from your "dash" the other day I hope.

lahela....love the bra "feels like me with cleavage" story......so true....and such a sign of emotional healing!

I don't think everyone has major work done in mulitple stages....or I'm going to be quite the exception! I am expecting just a slight lift/tuck, whatever he wants to call it, with maybe a small reduction, then nipple recon. I have no problem with keeping the elliptical scars....heck, they are nothing compared to the "smile". I know there will ALWAYS be breast scars for me, so one vs. two means nothing, plus, I know they all will fade. I see my PS in October, and am expecting to be discussing the next surgery then. I like details, so there is no way I won't be asking him exactly how, what, and why before I sign any consent. 

movie....I've checked my backpack....sorry....no missing gloobs....you are just going to have to trust your doc....he has tucked them somewhere safe, and he has the "map" so he can find them again. 

Thinking of the brand-new and nearly future flappers. Hugs to all

Time for bed....perchance to dream...or not...it's always a toss up! 

Morningsun1

Movie, I have a small area of ab-skin at the fold of my foobs. Ps talked me into leaving them in there. He is right in my case, once the color fades, they will not be visible. Thanks for your kind comment re: my English. I do struggle trying to express myself in words, and I have great admirations for the wonderful writers we have on this thread. Nite!

liefie

2timer, glad you are doing well so far, and have your mom to come and help you. It is interesting that your PS is not going the staging route that seems to be the norm here. Mine also did her training at M.D. Anderson, and there will only be one more surgery for me too, not that I'm complaining. It seems to be the protocol at M.D. Anderson. Always wonder about these big differences between the surgeons - we all seem to do equally well in the end.

nihahi

tammy....holy carp lady....it's like "after midnight" for you.....GO TO BED! fyi....english is my ONLY language, and I can barely complete a sentence somedays....you do fine, girl!!!