DIEP 2013
Comments
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OMG!!! STILL up, Lahela, and your comment seriously split a few sutures down below my neck, I'm almost positive!!!!! ROFL!!!!!
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I love reading this thread but it is hard to keep up and even think about responding to everyone. Thank you to all that do. You are awesome. I'd have to have a notepad to keep track of everyone. LOL
Sweetpickle - I was a GS leader for 12 years! Have fun and good luck!
Bluebird - You go girl. I'm so proud of you!
Movie - I hope you stop hurting soon. I've been just on Advil for a few days now and it takes the edge off the pain. PS said I didn't have to wear the compression garment I bought so I sent them back. She suggested I wear Spanx. So I got some of them but I really prefer the wrap around garment they put me in after surgery. I take it off for maybe an hour or so a day. It feels good to have the break from it but it does feel good to be back on me.
lahela - PITA thoughts had me laughing too.
Not sure why I can't sleep the past few nights. I fall asleep for about 4 to 5 hours and then I'm wide awake in the middle of the night. I've been up since 1 a.m. I even been taking my melatonin the last two nights too. Kind of frustrating though because before this past surgery I was sleeping very well through the night. Ugh. Hopefully it's just getting back into the swing of things. I'll have to check my dosage of melatonin too. Maybe I need to up it for a few days.
sbe & Bailey - I'm taking metformin too. I'm not on the study either. I wanted to make sure I had the real thing and not the placebo. My GP gave me the prescription. I have no idea if it really works but it makes sense to me. I don't think it has made me lose any weight either. I have lost weight since diagnosis almost two years ago but I can pretty much track it to diagnosis, chemo, exercise and diet. I also think the Diep has helped there too.
Also, love the better than sex comments. Only we can understand that one too!!! Have a great day ladies!
Lisa
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I leave for a day and I've missed so many posts, I am still reading to catch up.
Bluebird, I wanted to say Thank You for speaking up. The more women that have the courage to speak up or give real feedback to the doctors, nurses, insurance people, and anyone else -- helps not only you but everyone that come after you. So again thank you. -
Welcome toronto-girl and hooray for having a definitive date for your surgery now!
LOL Bluebird you ended your post with a funny! That cracked me up. And I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself and telling your PS and his staff what's what! It sounds like you have a good surgeon with some crappy support staff. I was talking about surgeons and aftercare with my onc FNP and she said some surgeons just love to do surgery and they tend to not focus as much as they should on the aftercare part, which is so important. You're going to have some big decisions to make. I've said it before and I'll say it again, cancer is just one crappy decision to make after another. I'm glad that you got the second opinion and got to see things from another doctor's perspective. Hooray for getting your sutures and drains out!
Sherry I hope your appointment goes well today; hoping you won't need that wound vac too much longer. Sorry to hear about all the familiy conflict; that is the last thing you need to be dealing with while you are trying to heal.
Bailey that is AMAZING!!! So happy for your son and your family.
Sherry thanks for the update on cstrong! Hope she is resting comfortably now.
la2shea and lahela - good luck on your appointments today.
Goodie, I hope tonight brings you better sleep.
Hoping all those who are recovering, are healing well and are comfortable, and those who are waiting, feel peaceful.
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Welcome Penny! Take notes. You will be so ready for your surgery when the time comes. You have 3 mo. to concentrate on good nutrition, sleep, exercise, etc.
Bluebird it was so nice to hear from you. You sound empowered for sticking up for yourself. I am proud of you. You deserve to be treated the best. -
Bailey- just read about your son. That is amazing. You must have had a huge smile on your face and wet eyes at the same time. It's all good.
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Hi Janet,
I'm home recuperatin from Diep last thurs
A wedge pillow would be great,
were did you get yours?
anne
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Anne - I live Canada, and bought my wedge at Shoppers Drug Mart Home Medical Supply Centre. I don't know where you are, but you can google 'Home Medical Supplies'. They also sell them at places liked Bed Bath, & Beyond, and Walmart, but the wedge isn't as thick so there's not as much support. Mine is 22" x 22" x 12" ( I just measured it) and it worked well for me. I hope your recovery is going well.
Bailey - Lovely news about Evan! He looks and sounds like a great kid.
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Bailey, great news about your son! I'm so amazed at what can be done, medically, these days--beginning with the surgeries that we've experienced, or are about to experience, here! Just so I understand--you're waiting for insurance authorization for a permanent implant of the hearing system?
Bluebird, what a wonderful thing to hear from you, and to hear the power in your voice. No victims here! Go get 'em, girl, and whatever help you need from us, it's there.
Penny, welcome! I hope you'll pop in frequently and ask whatever questions that come up, and let us know how you're coming along. The weeks before DIEP can be crazy, but most of us found all the frenetic cleaning, cooking, planning, was not entirely necessary.
Movie...dinner on Thursday before Thanksgiving, it's a date. Details to follow. I can't wait!!!
Mammalou, when I hauled my carcass out of bed this morning, my hubster said "hey, your little belly is flatter." I think it's all a matter of time, and the fluid finding new pathways to its favorite lymph nodes for drainage, since it can't cross the Great Wall of Diep Scar.
One meeting after another today. Groan. Have a great Thursday, gloobsters!
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We cleaned out Costco when Huggies were on sale. Aubrey's momma is a creative photographer!
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Omg Sbel...She is too cute! Laughing already is a very good sign!
Thanks for all the good thoughts about DS#1....he is so excited....we all are. Yes, Janet, smiling through tears (I always say that "laughter through tears" is my favorite emotion!)
So the medical records from his ENT' s office are being sent to the audiologist's office so audiologist can review. The system is fairly new to the market. The audiologist is the only one offering the system on our side of the state. I spoke to ENT's office and they are waiting for Mayo to make a move and start using it before they jump in....but they were not opposed to us checking it out anyway. Once the audiologist reviews E' s medical record (he just had a hearing test and MRI last month so we didn't think it necessary to repeat the tests) and is certain the system is right for him we will proceed. There is a chance the insurance company will want him to try a standard hearing aid first....sometimes they do that to try to save money. However, every specialist we have seen (3) since he was 5 has said the same thing....a hearing aid will not help him. The nerves never developed fully in his right ear. I suspect it may be because he didn't "bake" long enough (5 weeks early). All we can do is use a system that moves the sound from the right side to the left. Left ear is 100% fine. We have looked at BAHA but it's very invasive (titanium screw in your skull) and noticeable (these are E' s words) and he didn't want it. The Sound Bite system is not surgical....it's completely removable, and much less noticeable. It looks a lot like a blue tooth ear piece. And a third of the cost of BAHA. We will do it even if insurance says no...Will just have to wait a little longer until we save up the $7000, but it's doable. So happy!
And you are too funny...Great Wall Of Diep Scar indeed!
I am feeling kind of all TOWANDA today Bluebird got me all inspired! -
sigh.....you just know it's going to be a wonderful day, when it starts with seeing a smile on a beautiful baby's face. Thanks for sharing sbe.....makes me a bit teary, but I'm smiling!!!!! BTW...how is your presentation coming? I'm hoping you post it on your blog, or here, so we all can "be there" with you.
sheesh......I wanna come to supper with you guys too!!!!!! Movie, is this payback for not "taking you" hiking last weekend???? Waaaaaaaambulance streaking past my window now! Are you gonna share some pita bread???:) Movie...have you tried muscle relaxant like flexerill??? Gosh, I wish you were having an easier time of it.
la2shea....3rd times the charm..RIGHT!!!!! Have a conversation with Wilbur pre-stitches...maybe he's confused???
Night 2 of melatonin.....hmmm.....maybe I'm getting something happening???? or maybe I just want it to help so bad it just seems like it. Anybody get this protocol for it???? Take it 30 min. before bedtime, and within 10 minutes of taking it, start decreasing the amount of light you are exposed to. According to the info my doc gave me, taking more than 3mg, gives you way more than your body would naturally produce, and can lead to morning 'grogginess", and can throw your circadian rhythmn completely out of whack. Oh yeah....no alcohol after 6:pm. Went out to dinner with some girlfriends last night....they had wine, I whined.
sherry....really hoping your appt brings you some "forward progress". It would help the rest of your life seem better too, I bet!
cstrong....you've got a lovely daughter....thank her for keeping us posted...hope things are getting easier for you.
marie....hope you find the pillow you're looking for..bet it's nice to be home!
faith...did your neck muscles settle down???? Gosh, that sounded painful!!!!
mrtw....it is impossible to keep up or to mention everyone each time....I was going to mention the other day that we had crossed the 8,000 post mark (not that it's the objective) and by the time I got around to posting myself, we were already way past 8,000. Everytime I think, gee, haven't got many dates for ***month....wham, I get a bunch of pm's with dates....the saying "there is strength in numbers".....TOTALLY MEANS THE LADIES ON THIS THREAD. Together, we'll all get to where we need to be.
Gotta dash....going golfing today....have great days ladies!!!!
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Saw my PS and she's really pleased with my progress. She's concerned that I'm losing weight but I am eating really well, so my body must just be extra hungry for nutrients. Just one more visit with her in 2 weeks before she leaves for a new job in Germany.
She said they don't usually do revisions or nipples until 6 months after diep, so I'll have plenty of time to get to know my new doctor.Stopped by the mall on the way home to splash out on a new dress to wear to a friend's wedding on Sunday. It will be my first social outing since surgery, so I'm a bit nervous about seeing people.
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Bailey, that is awesome! Best of luck with all the "hoops", but what a fantastic outcome!
It never fails to amaze me how strong we women are. Whether it's being a mom, daughter, sister, etc., and all the complicated details and tangles those relationships entail; the strength we have when dealing with adverse situations is truly miraculous. Hang in there Sherry.
You ladies inspire me. When I'm feeling down I tend to pull away to lick my wounds for awhile, (lahela-it's another expression!
lol... ) but when I come back, this group truly gives me strength to continue the fight.Aubrey!!!!
... and a dash of cuteness is always uplifting!I'm totally TOWANDA today. I feel like I'm on drugs and on a total high.ave been carrying around a huge emotional weight through this whole process. Nothing has changed medically. It still sucks, I'm still Frankenstein's freak show sister, but today I feel on top of the world. I haven't finished climbing that mountain yet, but have a new sense of strength to continue. And if it only lasts for today, that's ok. I'll take it!
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TOWANDA! Bluebird
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DebDylan, puss coming out sounds like an infection to me. When talking to the nurse, tell her that you think it is infected, so she will hopefully act faster to get it under control. Best wishes.
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Debdylan - yup....you are learning....you can go through this blindly and uneducated....people do it every day. I don't understand it, but they do. For me, I want to be an active, educated patient participant....I want to partner with my care givers to get the best I can out of all of this. I am the expert in me and I am responsible in the fandango, too. Nope, not everybody is educated in lymphedema and not everybody remembers my left arm is not to be poked or squeezed...BUT I DO!!! Because it's my arm and my job to protect it, too.
And I keep getting ads on my Facebook newsfeed for pretty, lacy bras I can't wear (yet....ever????). Bastards aren't even funny.
Good job, grasshopper, keep it up
As far as your chemo choice...sounds like a gamble either way...which outcome do you prefer to gamble on? Hugs to you...keep talking it out....you'll get there, honey. -
What i did today: Friend gave me an amazon gift card $50. So I pre-ordered a book by J.R Ward that comes out in march and a watch for my daughter.drive kids to school and I did a load of wash and ....... That's it!!! Taking my resting seriously!
Please ladies take care and call dr if even you think for a second there is an issue!! Xoxo -
DebDylan, I would definitely get your PS to weigh in on whether or not the drainage is actually pus. It could just be normal wound juice (sorry to be so graphic).
Let me give an example of why we need to be educated and keep our eyes open, literally. The nurse giving me my flu shot yesterday was all poised to stab the needle into my arm (the correct one!) and I pulled away, saying, "WAIT!" She had picked up an empty syringe--my "flu shot" would have been 0.5 ml of air.
Tracy, sounds like a great day!
Bluebird, TOWANDA! No one messes with THE BIRD!
Sliced peaches, tomato, and cottage cheese for lunch. I feel so righteous.
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sbe, that picture is SO cute. Thanks for sharing Aubrey with us.
bluebird, you go girl! So glad things are looking up.
Bailey, your family is wonderful and so is the news about your son!
healing prayers for everyone becoming flappers this week, and love to all the rest of you. ...Julie
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nihahi, I take my SuperSnooze with melatonin about 90 minutes before I want to fall asleep. These are capsules and I have to dump half of them out if I want to wake up easily for work. They have 3mg of melatonin. Sold by Puritan's pride. ...Julie
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Bailey, very exciting news about your son. I would be bawling all the time, and driving the poor kid crazy talking to him for the wrong side all the time. Looks like things are really looking up around your house.
SBE...love the pic of the baby. Until I read what you wrote I thought they stripped her down in the store...lol. Was the nurse about to give you an "air" shot at least embarrassed?
Deb, excuse my ignorance, but was is TC, and I would call on that pus before the weekend gets here.
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Debdylan...is the onco saying if you don't start within 8 weeks you can't have chemo at all? 8 weeks from when? From diagnosis or surgery? I have a friend who was a good 12 weeks out from her surgery before they started chemo because she wouldn't heal...they did double mx with te's and eventually pulled the te' s out and then she had to heal from that. Different docs, different protocols, as always..and I'm no expert.....but it seems odd to me. Things must happen all the time that delay the start of chemo.
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Hi there. I think I found the right board. I was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast about 2 months ago. I had 3 lumpectomies and found out yesterday that the cancer was more widespread than originally thought and they've suggested mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.
I'm considering having a double mastectomy for a couple of reasons, even though no cancer found at this time in the right breast. They did find something suspicious at my June mammo inn the right breast and noted followup in a year. However, my oncologist has said "no, followup in 6 months" also, I am hormone negative so won't be able to get the benefit of tamoxifen or other hormone receptor drugs for recurrence, and I'm reading many women simply elect both for symmetrical reasons. So with that I am thinking double? Anybody got some good advice for me on that, double vs single?
Also, I started looking up reconstruction options and am leaning towards DIEP so that's what led me here. My concern is that a plastic surgeon may not find me as a candidate because I am a smoker. I have almost kicked the habit (thx to chantix) and down to 1 smoke a day. Does anyone know what my chances are with DIEP being I smoked or have I screwed that up with smoking? Thank you so much. I have found so much support and info at breastcancer.org.
CJ
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Welcome, CJKLOSE! I had delayed DIEP on left side, and prophylactic mx with immediate DIEP on right side. The BC on the left side sneaked up on me so fast, and so hard, that I didn't want to take any chances with the other side. I'm BRCA negative but have a long family history of BC. I'm happy with my decision.
Every PS is different, but I believe most of them want their patients smoke-free for at least a few months before they'll perform a DIEP. Nicotine is a powerful vasoconstrictor--it causes blood vessels to constrict--and also leads to increased inflammation, neither of which is a good setting for a successful DIEP. But what a great reason to quit altogether! You go, girl!
I hope you find information, support, and healing here. We're a great bunch.
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Thx for sharing. I am happy to be giving up the smokes. I've tried several times before and never successful. Like they say, you gotta want to...and I sure want to now. I understand their reasoning with blood vessels, etc. So at worse, if I had to wait for a delayed DIEP, do you have any idea how much hard it is or is not to do them separately and not together, the MX and DIEP?
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sbel, the photo is adorable.
I'm starting to have second thoughts about skipping nipple surgery and just getting a tattoo. I guess as time passes I am getting over being so sick of surgery. Can't hurt to learn a little more about it, anyway.
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CJKLOSE I had exactly was you have. Cancer in left DCIS none in right. One lumpectomy was ginna have more but dr said she saw more and breast wouldn't survive!;( I had double for 3 reasons, 1 I didn't want cancer to show up down the line in right breast. 2 I wanted to be symmetrical. 3 I was a good candidate. I did not smoke. I know smoking is not good for healing. I had great results. Some do, some don't! I would look into all options! I also had no rads or chemo! Good luck!
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CJKLOSE,
I just received my packet of info for my DIEP.
It says NO SMOKING for 3 weeks prior to surgery and 6 weeks after...and that includes the same restrictions to second hand smoke.
Many doctors have different restrictions. I have heard some are told no coffee.
You need to find a doctor to get his opinion, and possibly a second opinion.
They can explain the DIEP. I was told by one doctor you can "only do it once" so I am doing a good thing by doing both, yet on here there are breasts reconstructed from other areas of the body and that particular doctor never mentioned that option...perhaps because she doesn't do that type of surgery!
You have come to the right place to get additional info, that's for sure!
Pat -
I have mostly lurked here for a few months and have learned so much from your many experiences. Thank you all for sharing.
I will be having my DIEP on October 2 in New Orleans with Dr. Sullivan.
I tried to stay local (in NY) but the particular doctor I was dealing with had an office girl that couldn't give me straight answers (since June...which was fine, I was on chemo, but trying to plan next step). Anyhow, MONTHS of BS, contacted New Orleans and am going there....somehow they had a price quote from insurance within a week!
Would have loved to stay closer to home so as not to be so far from my kids, but I feel a lot more comftoable mentally traveling for this.
Looking forward to getting the next step in this journey addressed.
Pat
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