DIEP 2013
Comments
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Hi everybody, I've been away with DH for a few days, and I'm 277 posts behind - wow! Only read last few posts - will read the rest later to catch up on everything.
Goldie, best wishes for the bronchoscopy on Friday. Sincerely hope it's good news for you. I'm getting a bone scan tomorrow.
Bluebird, I agree. You are certainly on the mend. As time passes, it will come to you what you want to do.
Seems we have no surgeries scheduled for this week. Good wishes to everybody going through the healing process after DIEP or later stage surgeries. You are all brave, beautiful flappers!
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Nihahi- Yep, just waiting on medicaid to approve. They are running forty plus days behind because they just switched over to a digital system and all hades is breaking loose. I also have to have my ooph done at the same time due to my brca 1 status. I am hoping for a surgery date soon so that Im not out for the holidays. I may not be able to get nipples, PS said it may not be covered, I am hoping that it is.
Goldie- I hope all goes well on Friday and Im glad you have a wonderful dh by your side as you go through all of this. I thought it was weird how surprised all my doctors and nurses were that my DH was with me at every appointment. Thank god he was or I would remember nothing!
Bluebird- I dont blame you for feeling the way you feel. I hope that in time you are able to find a doctor that you can trust.
I have retaining water like crazy so Im going to start a detox drink of lemon, cucumber and mint. Has anyone else done this? How did it work for you? I also plan to start using my treadmill for thirty minutes a day, Id like to work up to one hour a day. -
Hello All, Thanks for the warm welcome! Bluebird you took care of that bully--and truely that's all she is...Bailey-wonderful news for your son and thank-you for the conditioning tips,I will use them. Sherry35--I hope things are moving in the right direction for you.HRF--where did you find the Manuka Honey in TO? I'm sorry that you are continuing to have to deal with healing but I'm glad they are moving in the "healing"direction. C-strong hope all is under control. Nihahi,thank-you for the tapping tip--it REALLY helped me with my arm and nerve involvement,yes I would like my date put in...Movie,Happy Birthday. SBE--Aubrey is Darling,I'm surprised no one has said they think she looks like you.Thanks for the newspaper articles-much appreciated.Goldie, I'm glad to read that your bronchoscopy will be short and sweet.Curlylocks--Wow,way to go. I'm in Etobicoke so even closer--my DH grew up in Hamilton.Janet M--I hope you had a good day Here's To An Uneventful Week For All !! Penny
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la2shea....what the h**L???? I am speechless, other than to say....can you get a 2nd opinion/assessment of your healing issues???? Something is obviously not right, and you have been through enough already!
bluebird...I say, get the puppy and name him Wilbur!!!!
janet...hope you have survived day one of RTW......easssy does it girl.
goldie...crossing fingers and toes for your next test..., so glad to hear your hubby is one of the good ones!
liefie...back home safe and sound...keeping everything crossed for you tomorrow too.
sweetpickle....I cannot imagine how nipple recon could be refused. Bailey....any of your knowledgeable advice on navigating this paperwork/authoriztion???? I don't know how effective the cucumber, lemon, mint flavoured water is for water retention, but it sure does taste good, and is super thirst quenching!!!!! I often have a jug of it in the frig during hot weather.
sbe....waiting for those photos....waiting, waiting, waiting...
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Countdown to Phase 2 next Monday the 23rd. Feeling a little nervous, have heard the lipo makes you really sore. Dreading the compression garment already.
Also a bit concerned about stacking the nursing pad donuts around the new nipples. How in the world will I fit these things into my work scrubs in two weeks?? Ugh.
Need prayers that things will go well. I need to get back to work in two weeks, cuz I'm taking the new nipples on a cruise in November to celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Of course, the hubby is coming along too. -
Sweetpickle, grate some fresh ginger into the drink and you pee all that water off. I make a thing called Sassy Water. About 2 quarts water, crushed fresh mint leaves, sliced english cucumber, grated ginger, and juice of a whole lemon. Let it sit overnight in fridge, and in the morning pour it through a strainer, and drink it all day long. Very cleansing.
LaShea, I am so sorry for all your healing problems. I wish I had some words of wisdom. All I can say is hang in there. It has to heal eventually. Stay strong.
Toronto, welcome. It was so sweet of you to learn a little something about each one of us.
Bluebird, am I understanding right, are you going for rads?
This honey stuff is interesting. I am going to look it up.
Kuka sent me a PM today to check on my doc visit. She said to tell you all hello, and that she misses everybody, but her life has gotten hectic, and she is back in the swing of being a very very busy mom. You have to admit the chick is amazing, and got her surgery and recuperation done in record time. That is one determined girl. Sometimes I believe positive thoughts, and a determined mind make all the difference in healing. Even if you think you are being positive your head might not really be in the game. I need to figure out the secret.
Thanks for all the good thoughts for Friday. Incidentalomas! That's all it is, right SBE!?
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La2shea, so upsetting about your wounds opening again and again. I do hope your doctor can fix things for you.
The foobs actually look pretty good. But PS wants to do some fine tuning when it's time to do revision. She wants them a little more shapely.
Bailey, great news for your son and wonderful for the entire family.
I am learning that patience is an asset during this healing time. Can't say I'm good at it but like so many of you, I'll go one day at a time.
I found the Manuka Honey at Ambrosia. It is just north of Steeles Ave on Doncaster. -
Movie and Goldie- I turn 59 in October.
Bluebird- you continue to amaze me. You will get through this and I think a puppy is a great idea.
Jeannie- Fly fishing-awesome!!!
Iron magnolia-ill let you know how lipo goes. I've had love handles done already. Not bad. This will be inner thighs. Ouch!! I didn't do the physical training Marty did to be ready for squatting over the toilet. I picture a bucket under me! LOL
Packing tomorrow. -
I will add that Goldie, thanks! I am so swollen tonight my stomach is rock hard and more tender than usual.
Nahahi- I would think its covered but I dunno. There isnt anyone I can call to ask, my caseworker had no idea. -
Sweetpickle...I did find this link....unfortunately I have no idea if it's the most up to date information or not. I would say it's definitely hopeful that you will be covered for the nipples....although they will have to be 6 square centimeters (idk if that is both total together or for each separately) or less...So keep that in mind when you are "designing"...Aubrey' s big sunflowers may not be in the cards for you....sorry!
www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/mp/1a12.pdf · PDF file
Have you been back to Bunco? -
yikes....I was hoping for a "non-square" nipple Bailey, to better match the real one!!!!!!!!
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Yeah, I was just thinking that there would need to be some rather complicated measuring and calculating to make sure round nipples don't exceed 6 sq cm.....I think you need to know pi to do it (3.14159265)!!!!
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Oh a puppy sounds funny!!!
I have a Smile -and an upside down heart belly button. Which is centered thank goodness!
I feel better. I was moody all weekend. My back hurt, stomach pulled and breast felt like a foreign object landed on my chest:( I just needed some sleep and rest. I see PS on 24th and maybe set stage 2 for January! I want cancer and Its effects on my gone! TOWANDA!!
Almost fall and I love the next few months! Usually my happiest! GO oct, nov, and dec!!
I'm 41.... -
Tracy,
I hope you are through the worst of the Diep blues. It seems everybody has a bout of it. You will be feeling good very soon, and you can enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
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Sweetpickle, when I was retaining water big time--puffy face, denting ankles, the works--I mentioned it to my MO and she tested my thyroid. Completely kaput. Whether it was the chemo or the rads, we don't know, but a couple of weeks of oral thyroid fixed it. I'll need to take a daily pill forever, but that's life (literally). I hope yours is just the tides or something!
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These are photos from this evening's ride. It's a very wide, easy trail that we ride a lot. You can see how brown and dusty things are! The last pic is to demonstrate we DO get foliage color in the fall. The poison oak is starting to turn yellow.
Love to all--Katy
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Tracy, I know how you feel! I want this all to be done. I see my PS in two weeks to set a date. I can't imagine opening these incisions again.
La2shea, I'm so sorry you have been going through this. I don't understand why you keep opening up. What is your PS's explanation??? Please hang in there and know that we are pulling for you for complete healing. Blessings!
Curlylocks, thanks for walking and raising money! You rock.
Sbel, what a great bike path! It reminds me of Rancho Bernardo near San Diego where we lived for a few years. Our street was the one that burned badly that they showed on the news all the time in the bad fires there a few years ago, but we lived up in Seattle by then. DD and DGD (dear granddaughter) still live there.
Sweetpickle, I think nipples should be part of the law that says bc'ers are entitled to be covered for reconstruction! Good luck.
Cherrie, you are braver than I am! I hope my PS can get what he wants from my remaining love handles toward the back. I'm thinking of you.
Bluebird, it's so good to see your posts. You impress me so much with your fortitude and humor in the midst of a trying time. That video was so honest and helps me understand what you and others might be feeling. Keep on going!
Ugh, I still have some kind of GERD. Just what I need --- no coffee, no chocolate, no red wine, no orange juice!! All my favorite foods! I thought losing boobs was hard...jk. I think I might suddenly have silent GERD because my symptoms are kind of weird. I see more disgusting medical tests in my future. All this happened after DIEP. Coincidental, maybe.
I've seen my PCP about it. Discouraged. Time to wear my "Love Life Be brave" ring again...
Love you Wilburlings! -
Man......my timing stinks.......it's 10:30 pm here on the Left Coast......missed everybody!
Janet......hope you had an uneventful first day back.......and that you are not too exhausted.......
La2shea........has your PS any ideas why you keep re-opening????? I don't understand his rush in trying to zip you up, when there is obviously something else in play here......hope you get to the bottom of this soon. My situation was a once and done......and THAT was hard enough......XO
Sweet.......hope you get those nipples, and that they are not square!
Goldie.......SO keeping fingers crossed for a good outcome on Friday.......you are more than ready to move on........prayers......
Speaking of KUKA......miss that woman! Tell her to jump on every once in a while to check in with us!
Bailey, isn't the tegaderm that tape so many are allergic to? Or am I mixing it up with something else? Still facing some healing.....Manuka honey might work!
Ironmags......best of luck on your procedure.......as I recall, you "sailed" through stage 1....... This will probably be a piece of cake.i haven't done nips yet, so I can offer no advice, but will keep you in my prayers......congrats on your 40th....and it's nice that DH gets to go on the cruise, too!
Sbe......wow....it is really dry down there....DD said it has been as hot as h-e-double toothpicks..........but the trail looks amazing......looking forward to actually meeting you in November!
Liefie, glad you finally got back......missed you!
Nihahi, my mountain sister....YOU are gonna rock the RC volunteering! They are so lucky to have you involved! XO
Jeannie......any chance you would do the lunch in Olympia on Sept. 28th???? I would go if you were coming down.....it's about 1 and 1/2 - to 2hours from Lake Oswego......then we could meet!
I know I have not mentioned everyone.....sorry....melatonin has kicked in and Wilbur is starting to creep into my post.......speaking of Wilbur....BLUEBIRD! Get that puppy.....he already has a name!!!
I REALLY appreciate all the birthday wishes,AND the Nihahi photos.....made my weekend!
Love to all..... -
TO DO LIST:
1) Buy stock in Manuka Honey
2) Be grateful for all of the kind, supportive sisters here who encourage me with your fighting spirits, humor and laughter that I can hear through your words - in light of the challenges we have all faced and still are up against.
3) Heal. What the heck, right? Tons of protien, Vitamin C, gentle to my healing, I am heeding all of doc orders - my PS is as frustrated as I am. He wanted to perform a small surgery 3 weeks ago and I probably should have taken that route. Time vs. risk of another surgery and I chose time plus we were both so excited about the promising results this go around with the VAC. Should have, could have, would have...
I've noticed there is less activity in the wee hours of the night and morning. I hope this is a sign of peaceful and restful nights of sleep going around. Warm healing thoughts to everyone, physically and emotionally.
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Well, I'm still up which is such a bad idea. It's 11:44 here and I am crabby and sore. Gotta break this habit!
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Good morning fellow flappers... Man, i miss a day or two and i feel like i am behind by weeks.
Ironmagnoln..and Cherrie..i hope you ph 2 goes as planned. from what I understand, ph 2 is better and less recovery time. I am really looking forward to mine, one more step towards being done. It sounds like the only really truly horrible part to it is trying to do "squats" for weeks before the surgery. I am not sure which is worse, recovering for weeks and weeks from the initial surgery or doing squats...lol.
Sweet pickle..wow 30 min on the treadmill that's awesome, I can't wait till I am there, I am still waddling along, looking very much like a penguin hunched over and taking short strides during my 2 block exercise walk. I am not even able to keep up with the older ladies in my neighborhood who walk every morning. At this point they are lapping me. But I am plodding along, some day I am going to make it 3 blocks, so as you can see squats are a long way off, but at least they are in my future.
Bluebird, I am glad to see you posting, your a great inspiration. -
Bailey- Thanks so much for the link, that was helpful. I hope I dont end up with square ones either!!!!! I missed the last bunco because we were moving MIL in with us but hoping to catch the October one.
Nahahi- Ive been wondering about that too. Ive held off calling because of surgery being so recent but Im starting to have joint pain in my shoulder on the affected side and I thought that I felt a lump under my arm but now I cant find it. Im going to call just to see. I also have not been able to shed one pound despite changing diet and exercising more.
Tracy- Sorry you arent feeling well, I hope today is better for you.
MRT- I still waddle some too, especially at the end of the day when Im swollen. My 82 year old MIL is faster than me some days and she uses a cane! We will get there eventually, keep walking! :-) -
So, there is a perfectly normal "everyone goes through it, you'll feel fine in a couple of days" 5 week slump, right? I feel like my head is dipping under again this week. I hate my body. I can't look at it or touch it... I can't even wash myself. Poor hubby has to shower me every night when he gets home from work. I can't leave the apartment because everyone looks at me when I hobble around all hunched over and it makes me feel so conspicuous. I don't know if it's psychological or the Tamoxifen (I have no other SEs) or a combination of things. I know this isn't the appropriate thread but I don't know anyone in any other sections of the forum and I know there are women here dealing with far more tangible issues... but I really need a hug.
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Oh, Lahela...((((HUGGG!)))) Right now it doesn't really matter why you're in a slump, just that you're feeling isolated and sad. I'm so sorry.
YOU WILL GET BETTER. It just takes time. I know you're sick of that philosophy, though.
If you can't shower yourself yet, at least get a warm washcloth and wash your face, it will feel refreshing. Spray on a little scent. Go watch "Call the Midwife" or "Downton Abbey" or even "Breaking Bad," anything to distract yourself, rest, and heal.
Here's another one...(((HUGGG!!!))) Katy
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lahela.....I've said it before.....this thread, and your friends here....are the right place to share/ask for ANYTHING!!!!! (((((((((((((((((((((((((xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx))))))))))))))))))))))))))
la2shea....HEAL!
jeannie....HEAL!
bluebird....HEAL! (and we want pics of Wilbur...get a cute, fluffy little thing with "those" kind of eyes.....and a wet nose, gotta have a wet nose and a licky pink tongue!!!!
sweetpickle....HEAL!
and to everybody.....love you, love you, love you.
sbe....great photos...thanks!!!! Looks hot and dusty, and awesome place to ride!!! Thank you for editting closesly as to not ......ya know!!!
gotta dash....remember...even the toughest of days has only 24 hours...we can get through 24 hours with the help of each other!!!!
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Lahela, sending a big, giant, gentle ((((HUG))). We all need hugs from time to time. I know you are feeling crappy right now and that is why we are all here - to support each other. You are not alone in feeling that you are looking at a strange alien looking body. I don't do much looking either and I certainly, even after almost 5 weeks have not done a full frontal look. This whole bc thing is so difficult. First feeling that our body has betrayed us and then all the slashing, poisoning and burning that happened. I think your feelings are very normal and please do share any time.
I think my healing is going to take some time and I am in no hurry for the revision which I guess involves another surgery. I'm just taking baby steps right now. But speaking of steps, I've started using my Fitbit again and counting my steps. I have managed to do up to 10,000 steps in a day but much slower than before and I can't do it every day. But I do try to do a few thousand steps a day. Doctor said no other exercise for at least 3 months. But when I can I will start with therapeutic yoga.
In Canada, our Thanksgiving is early in October and every year my kids like to come for turkey. It's one of the few thing I cook that they like (even though I cheat and use a pre stuffed Butterball). But since I can't lift more than 10 pounds, I have had to work out a system just to get a turkey home and into the freezer. I know......this should be the worst problem I have.....wish that were the case but I'm determined to try to do whatever I can that is "normal"
A beautiful sunny but very crisp day here. A little too cold for this time of year but fall is just around the corner. -
So I have been telling every women I know my story. I wrote a not so good blog and posted pictures of my naked breast. With that being said I was picking my 6 year old son up at school and one of the moms said
Mom: "I'm 45 and haven't benn to the GYN in 4 years and never had a mammo" - " but breast cancer doesn't run in my family"
Me: "mine either and I got;( still"
Mom: "I don't want to know.. Look what you went through?" " I'd rather not know"!
Me: "then it might be to late"!!!
My other friend said I was coming on to strong and that not all people want to know or talk about cancer! ;( Now I hurt;( so much for a nice sunny day!!!!!! -
(((Hugs))) Lahela. It's hard on a body and psyche to go through what you have. Know that you are not alone and loved by many.
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Lahela!!!! I'm almost 5 weeks too! I am down in the dumps too;( GROUP HUG!!! I'm ok with my stomach but wish my nipples back;( SOON! But I know I'm beautiful! Because breast don't make you beautiful! Your fighting soul makes you beautiful!!!! Keep fighting!!
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Tracy-You gave that Mom something to think about--her reaction was kind of"knee jerk".You may have done her a big favour--I don't know how you could not have said something...Penny
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