DIEP 2013

Anonymous

Love your pic, Blue! Thanks for sharing!



Movie...sorry you are stressing....So happy you get to meet Jeannie!

nihahi

busy again today eh ladies!

Movie...one day at a time.....you have so many things and other peoples issues that you are juggling...please take some time for yourself to find some "level place to land". Be sure to make it to the NW get together, and give jeannie a hug from us all. We ALL are going to get to the "last surgery" place, just at different times...but it will be the "right time for each of us". Golf was so much fun we're going again on Monday. Tomorrow, hiking Ptarmigan Cirque....not sure what we'll find, as they had snow up there yesterday! Already have your spot in my pack lined with a cozy blankie!!!

Bailey...you are just spectacular....a never ending source of info, encouragement, and positivity!!!!

Melatonin seems to be helping....so it's off to bed for me. Hugs to all...congrats to sharon and cherrie!!!!!

Curlylocks

A drive by this morning as I am off to work....just wanted to comment to sweetpickle re: ooph.

I had my ooph in 2009, done laproscopically...three small incisions, one in belly button and two down in the nether region.  I had some pain post op as they pump your belly full of air to access the ovaries.  I was back to work in two weeks, probably could have gone back in a week.  I had full blown hotflashes from hell initially but the good thing with being pushed into menopause is it doesnt last as long as women that go through it normally.  I still have mini flashes but nothing like I had the first few years afterwards. 

Moodiness, it was like flipping a switch...the little things would set me off.  I am okay now:)

Michele

jakig

Day 7 post-op Stage 2 revision - went back to PS at Day 5 post-op. He was in a hurry, short, in and out in 10 mins. or less, residents behind him, not talking about the future, and me, I'm always focused on "what's next?" so I can prepare myself for the next goal in this ongoing saga of mine.

But the good news is this ongoing saga is shared by many of us. So, I'm just going to try to stop whining and give the progress report, OK?

Physical - the abdominal incision had a large "dog-ear" on the right side-revised, flat, lipsuctioned- very large area of bruising, minimal pain for first 24 hrs.

The boobette - Left side only- had become my new friend, and the revision included removing the center donor skin which was used from my abdomen in the DIEP, pulling the natural skin together, and forming the new nipple. SHE IS BEAUTIFUL! No pain in the new nipple; stinging pains in the boobette as she was liposuctioned and fat grafted to shape. She is much smaller than post-DIEP-which threw me off. I had expected that PS would increase the natural breast to more of a middle-size of the boobette; instead, he reduced the boobette to his best indication of what the natural breast will be post-op after swelling and settling. There is swelling and bruising under the boobette arm near the shaping areas. Lipo and fat grafting underneath too...

Natural breast - a lift - circular incision around natural nipple, fat grafting, lip under arm, bruising, minimal pain, minimal swelling

So, I had incisions on both breast areas, the abdominal area. I have nasty bruising as if I've been in a car wreck. I have swelling, especially with boobette. I'm wearing an ugly bra support thing that only a man could have designed; and my abdominal pressure binder feels tighter and constricting.

My pain was minimal. I took narcotics for the first 5 days, then to Tylenol. My nausea level is up, and I'm not one to have nausea. Any ideas/solutions appreciated.

I think overall, I was just hoping both breast areas would look identical and perfect 5 days after the revision. PS said it would all improve in 30 days, but that I wouldn't be symmetrical for at least 90 days, maybe even longer. He acted offended that I expressed concern at the unequal sizes of the breasts . I've never been through this, so I really could have cared less about his emotions. I wasn't criticizing his perfect skills; I was scared. 

BC has taken its toll, and yet I continue to fight for normalcy in my life, and I guess my expectation is that it was all going to be over with and everything perfect and back to normal, whatever that is, by now.  Guess again...it's back to living in today, caring for what comes up, realizing when I'm doing too much or too little, finding balance, being grateful, and never giving up.

So, there, my short story for today.

I'm sending prayers to those in surgery or in recovery or in the process. Today, I will be grateful there are no tests, no doctors' appointments, no big events, and definitely - no big deals today!

I believe in puppy love. We have two Dalmatians. My hubbie calls thems "Damnations" but my dogs have gotten me through hours and days when I had my most difficult alone times. We are never alone with the unconditional love of pets. I'm so grateful for you all...thank you for allowing me to share my journey and my life here.

Sending Love and Light to all of us today. TGIF to us all... 

MartyJ

jakig - you sound great.  If you are taking antibiotics, some of them can cause nausea.  Otherwise, drink lots of fluids to flush your system from the anesthesia and narcotics.  It is good that your PS said that symmetry wouldn't be achieved until at least 90 days.  We often expect it right away and are then disappointed when our body doesn't measure up.  Patience is a good thing in healing, though I wish he would have spent more time with you.  He probably doesn't even know what is next until everything settles in.  The bruising will go from bad to worse and then should dissapate soon.  Have fun watching the color changes.

nihahi

a "drive-by"posting today too. Jakig....you captured in a few words..the whole essence of this journey. Doesn't matter what stage of tx or surgery, your comments of needing more tlc, more doc time and reassurance, not "knowing" what to expect......deciding to take things one day at a time and be grateful for small things...wonderful thoughts. The "small things" eventually add up to many days of big things to be grateful for. 

My ps did the lift/revision thing to my natural breast at the same time as my flap. I can tell you, even though I was very happy with the shape and look of it right after surgery, I can now tell it has changed/matured over time, and looks even better. Your doc is right, it takes time. Glad to hear you are managing well pain wise....marty had good suggestions re:nausea. Maybe it's also due to a more constricted tummy? Small amounts of food, maybe nibble on ginger cookies, sips of gingerale, no big feasts for awhile...

goldie, everyone having tests today....thinking of you....no more incidentalomas!!!!!

Beautiful sunrise today...I'm outta here. Have great days ladies. 

Carmelle_in_CT

Hi everybody,

I've been reading your posts off and on since about May - have read the last 50 pages in the last few days to catch up.  I did connect with a member and PM'd her as she had the same surgeons that I'm using.  I had my first dx in 2001 of DCIS + IDC. Had lump, rads & tamoxifen (4 1/2 yrs -couldn't take any more than that).  Now dx with DCIS in same breast, naturally only option at this point (because of rads) is MX.  Well, thankfully I came back to this forum which I also accessed back in 2001.  I was going to get the pedicled TRAM flap which my sister had 2 years (BMX) ago. I went to her surgeon in Hartford - he didn't offer DIEP and never mentioned it.  I found out about it by visiting this forum so thank you very much.  Although I haven't had surgery yet (9/24 at Yale) I am very confident in my decision to have the unimx with DIEP.  I sure hope I don't regret not getting the bmx but I've thought about it alot (naturally) and just don't want any unnecessary surgery - of course I'll worry forever but last 2 dx's have been found via mammo so if it happens in other breast hopefully that'll be the case.  I've researched, read your posts, talked to PS and although naturally nervous and anxious I'm ready (thanks to all the posts I have my list of things I'll need, etc.)  Some of your stories are heartbreaking (Bluebird comes to mind - I really don't understand how you had a flap that failed and then they decide you need radiation - don't get that.. -how were you going to have rads if you had a flap?)  Anyway, it's been beneficial, sad, heart rendering, nerve wracking, hopeful & inspiring to read your posts.  I wish you all godspeed in your journey.

Anonymous

Jakig and Carmelle welcome and thank you for sharing your stories. I am always glad when people find us, and come out of the shadows. Hugs to both. I hope that what people take away from our thread is the care and support and "overcomer" attitude...and also a realistic view of a flap surgery and recovery...what can go wrong, what is normal, that it is hard but doable. There are moments....or days of WTH did I do this for? And there are days, like yesterday, when one of us is DONE!!! And we all put our eyes on that prize



Happy Friday, flapper girls...hope you have a great one!

sherry35

Va va voom to all the beautiful blondes!

Good luck today Goldie! Positive healing thoughts for you!

I have an appt. with my PS on the 27th and if all goes well I will be in the OR on the 30th getting sewn up! Yay! I'm sooo excited to move on to the next step in what has been a very long process for me. The 30th will be nine weeks from my original diep!

sweetpickle

Goldie- No tamifaxon for me, Im a triple neg girl so it doesnt work for us.



Bailey- Im five months pst chemo now and hope to have my ooph in the next couple of months. Ive been in chemopause since January so Ive dealt with the hot flashes from hell already. Did you have any depression or emotional side effects? Im a bit worried about heart disease and bone problems down the road. Thanks for sharing your experience.



Jakig and Camille- So glad you are here!



Happy Friday everyone!

sbelizabeth

Welcome, Jakig and Carmelle! 

My Manuka honey arrived from Amazon yesterday.  There's just a small line (about 3 inches) of the incision under my right noob that isn't closing well, so I'm smearing it with honey, covering it with gauze, and holding it in place with my bra.  I have to admit it seems a little weird, putting this stickiness on myself.  Jerry asked if I wanted to smear some peanut butter on top, just to seal the honey in. 

Goldie, praying for you this morning. 

Happy Friday, everyone!

Jeannie57

Yay, Sherry! Forward progress, finally. I hope your appointment with your PS goes well, you have surgery and heal right up! Let's get this show on the road! Saying goodbye to "little f$&@er" surely feels great!



Thanks for sharing and welcome to Jakig and Carmelle! All the best to you. It is sometimes hard to manage our expectations vs. reality but the flappers who have finished or are near the end give us hope, as Nihahi said.



Before surgery, I lived in jeans. At nine weeks they still bother my annoying "smile." It goes way up at the ends and gets irritated. Underwear sometimes bothers it, too. Patience, patience, patience! And then I will have stage II and be bothered all over again when the dog ears are fixed. Loads of patience and HOPE are required for this journey!

milkyway2

What is dog ears

Jeannie57

Dog ears are at the end of an incision. The incision and surrounding skin doesn't lay flat but sticks out. Mine are really "puppy ears" but I look forward to them being gone nevertheless, along with my muffin top at the sides.

Carmelle_in_CT

I asked my PS yesterday about 'dog-ears' and he said 'don't worry about it'.  He wanted to know why they were called dog ears and not cat ears???  Two questions for you - I booked a trip to FL 4 weeks out of surgery - to go down & relax - anybody think that's a little ambitious?  I also booked a once in a lifetime trip to Austria for a week of skiing with girlfriends and our ski club - that'll be 19 weeks out - needless to say I will be going whether I'm skiing or not!!

FierceBluebird

Sweetpickle, I had my ovaries and tubes out in 2009, laparoscopically. While they were in there they found I had severe endometriosis and scraped that all out.  I had just started a new job. I took off Friday for the surgery, rested over the weekend and was back to work Monday night. Not recommended, but I didn't want to disappoint my new boss and make her regret hiring me.   I was sore but pushed through it.  I was a lot more stoic in those days!

sbel, try to alternate honey and air if you can. I found that the pressure of the bra on my open areas was uncomfortable for me.

My husband was skeptical about the Manuka honey, but has finally accepted my alternative (wacky) medical treatments.  After lunch one day, I left a dill pickle out on the counter by accident. He asked me, "Is this a pickle to eat or do you need it for healing?" And he was totally serious.   ROFLMAO!  

FierceBluebird

DebDylan, losing your hair is hard. It is such an emotional part of us. But in the scheme of things, it's just another part of the roller coaster ride. If you go to Martino Cartier, you will love him. He is so understanding and caring and understands the loss and grieving process.

I did research on the cold caps and it didn't seem worth it to me. Headaches, pressure, and truthfully wearing a cold cap just to save my hair when I could just wear a regular hat for awhile until my hair grew back seemed more realistic to me. But we all make different choices.  I love my crazy chemo hair now. My long straight hair was boring!

Anonymous

Omg Blue....cannot stop ROFLMAO....crying.....that's so funny. I made a Manuka Honey facial mask with ground cinnamon and DH said it looked and smelled like I fell face first into a honey bun. It was all real funny until my face suddenly felt ON FIRE and I thought I was having a horrible allergic reaction so I went running to the shower...I had anaphylactic shock for like 10 seconds...Then I was healed by water. Whew. He was just shaking his head.



Ok ladies....any issues....put a pickle on it.

Anonymous

A word of caution about cold caps....just to put into your research mix....I have heard that some oncologists will not allow them. There is fear/research? that they may prevent the chemo from reaching your head or areas in your brain (sorry I am speaking from memory here so don't quote me) and if any cancer cells have migrated there already the chemo can't kill what it can't get to. So.....something to think about.

Sharon1942

Bailey, I heard the same warnings about cold caps. The thing I learned is that time passes quickly & before you know it your hair is long again.

Anonymous

Ooooh....I was stating (hate to say complaining since its just a fact but still annoying) my Femara pain at the onco yesterday......they referred me to the study/trial office and they called today. I meet the criteria for participation in an acupuncture study! Double blind study....you get real acupuncture, sham acupuncture or nothing. I think I will do it. They are sending me more info in the mail. I have done 2 other clinical trials. One was studying kids and how they deal with Mom's breast cancer...my son was in it with me. The other was the reflexology study on bone pain with Femara. I got the do nothing group that time sure hope I get randomized into the real deal.

Sharon1942

Here's a question for those of you diagnosed with DCIS. I have a friend just diagnosed with this & I am one of her "go to" people for questions. Her BC has recommended a mastectomy. Here is the new labeling recommendation & i need your opinion. http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20130816-2

Katita182514

Sharon,

I was diagnosed with DCIS.

It was confirmed with biopsy. Then my plan ( and my doctor's plan) was to get this THING out of my body ASAP. I had a lumpectomy first. But I always new I would do more radical surgery later. Due to my family hystory ( my mom died of BC at age of 44, my only sister died at age of 46 of ovarian cancer) I knew I need to do something. I'm 43 now.

While waiting for plastic surgeon appointment I had genetic testing done. Big surprise- I don't carry the gen! Great news, right? But I still had a diagnose on my hand. So that didn't make me change my mind about double mastectomy .

Also I went for another procedure. Few doctors I have seen told me that it would good idea to remove my tubes, since most of the ovarian cancer starts in the tubes .

I did that in march this year. Never regret it.

You can tell your friend if she is willing to go for mammogram check ups every 6 month and wait nervously for the results? If she is ok with it she can just do lumpectomy .

For me this wasn't the life i wanna live...

Do you actually know that mammogram check ups alone is harmfull for your body? I'm talking about if you woud need them often.

I did what I had planned. No regrets ( at least now).

I have 4 year old daughter to live for. I can't go yet, I need to see her grow...

I'm not sure if I answear your question, but hope it would help your friend to make a decision .

Strength and hope to all of us.

FireDragonll

Hi everyone. I am two weeks one day out of surgery and one day. Had my drains out Monday. Have a lot of numbness in my thumb and pointer  finger. They say it will get better.

I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0 grade three, first surgeon recomended a mastectomy on that side.

I dyed my hair purple for the time I was off work. Off for a nap now.

Thanks for everyones advise before surgery

Jeannie57

Medically speaking, a mastectomy right away seems like a big surgery for DCIS unless it is spread throughout the breast.  Having said that, I had ILC and started with a lumpectomy, ended up with BMX.  I am glad I had the BMX because it has taken some of the worry and tests away, like Katita says.  My mom had DCIS about 15 years ago, had an MX, no radiation/chemo and is doing fine. I'm not sure they did lumpectomies then.  Good luck to your friend, Sharon.

DebDylan, glad you're not going for the cold cap.  My MO said the same thing.  If the idea is to keep the chemo from the hair follicles, you are keeping the chemo from where cancer cells could possibly be lurking.  I hope you find some hats/caps that you really love!  There are some free things out there, too, if you google free breast cancer items or something like that.  I got a beautiful scarf/cap/thing for free that I passed on to a bc friend.  As it turns out, I did not lose my hair with my type of chemo and did not need the wig or hats that I got beforehand.  I got my wig on loan for free from a local hospital.  Bluebird's guy sounds great!  Deb, all I can say to you beyond all that is: I'm sorry.  My heart hurts for you.

Goldie, thinking of you!!!

Cherrie, hope you're still doing okay!

I just had coffee and went to the beach with my best friend who is moving to Texas.  She calls me so brave because of all I have gone through.  This from a woman who has a rare form of terminal lymphoma.  She hasn't had to undergo any treatment for it yet as it is slow growing but she knows she only has a few years to live --- unless there is a cure!  SHE is brave. She and her husband, who has congestive heart failure, are moving back to Texas next month for six months and will be back here in the spring, Lord willing, for the spring/summer.  Each morning they wake up and say to each other, "You're still here!" and then make the most of each day. 

When I hug Movie next Saturday I will be hugging her on behalf of all of you, too!  It will be an enormous -- but gentle!--- hug.

sbelizabeth

Deb, for me, HONESTLY, the anticipation of losing my hair was much worse than the actual event.  Being bald for a little while turned out to be no big deal.  Coming home from a chilly bike ride, I LOVED filling my bathtub with steamy water and just wallowing in it like a semi-submerged whale, just my nose sticking out, no hair to fuss with.  I'm not a "long, lush, flowing hair" kind of girl, though. 

I bought a bunch of caps and had a blast with them.  A friend knitted me some beautiful caps that I wore a lot.  The ones I found most attractive to wear to work weren't the stocking-cap type; they had some kind of brim or decoration to spruce them up and give them style.  At home I went commando when it was warm enough, but when it was chilly I'd wear a merino wool (soft...) stocking cap.  Pretty eye make-up and girly earrings go a long way.  Don't let cancer make you ashamed of your head!

I gave the cold cap thing some thought but not much.  It's expensive as heck and an enormous pain to do it right, and there's the consideration that the chemo might not reach the scalp.  And I slept through most of my chemo sessions--I can't imagine having people fussing around, keeping my head icy-cold, while I was enjoying my naps. 

You'll find your way and it will be over before you know it.  I know I might sound a little Pollyanna-ish when I say this...but how many women get to experience being beautifully, sensuously bald?  Wait until you put your beautiful bald head under the shower the first time.  It's remarkable. 

kuka21174923

Goldie, are you back from the doctor yet?

liefie

DebDylan, I got some cute soft caps/scarves/hats from www.headcovers.com, so check them out too. Losing your hair is traumatic, for sure. When it starts happening, it is a surreal, upsetting experience to see your hair falling out like that. It also sets you apart as a cancer patient, and the whole world can see what is going on. For me that was the hardest part, but strangely enough, the moment my hair started growing back, I lost the headcoverings and the wig, and did not care what the world thought anymore. It was stupid to worry about that anyway. You have a very good attitude about it, and fortunately it is only temporary. I had coloured my hair dark for 20 years, it came back snow white, looks good, and I'm not coloring it again. Instead I'm spending that money on a personal trainer at the gym, which is really good for me. Have to say I still look in the mirror sometimes, and wonder who that woman is that's looking back at me . . . Best of luck with that chemo, and you check'em up, girl!

Bluebird and sbe, your husbands are too funny - lol!

Jeannie, your friend and her DH sound just amazing - just love the sense of humour, how they start each day, and keep on pushing ahead in spite of all their issues. It seems I may be coming to Seattle at the end of January for a weekend - hope to meet you then. Now if we can only convince Movie to drive up there too . . . will be such fun!

Goldie, waiting to hear good news from you later.

Bailey, thanks for your frank discussion of that ooph surgery and the issues that come along with it. It is so wonderful that on these threads we can talk about anything, and share even the most intimate details that can be helpful to other people. 

Jeannie57

Liefie, how fun to see you!  I bet Movie will jump at the chance!

Firedragon, good to hear from you!  You sound good!  I am getting my hair colored next week -- purple sounds good!  I'll probably go redder, though.  Purple up here means one thing --- UW Huskies-- and I have no interest in that.  I'm sure one day I will feel silly coloring my hair or will be unable to afford it ( I go to a family friend, though, so it's pretty reasonable) and I will rock the white like Liefie.

Tracy516

Fire dragon!! Purple rocks! Hope your feeling good!!



DCIS stage 0 grd 3. I had the lumpectomy and BC said she felt and saw more. How much? She wasn't sure, but Said my breast would be a mess. So I opted for a double mastectomy so I never had to worry! When BC saw me after surgery she said there was more ! My breast was filled with tumors!!!:( but good news not in lymph nodes so no rads or chemo. Each case is different!!

Debdylan - Hugs!



Had a great day with my girls! Mimosa's and Danishes! Was a nice day! Felt loved!