DIEP 2013

OceanWarrior

Thanks for all the good wishes. Tomorrow is the day. I've been using the "I don't have to be brave - I just need to show up" and it helps.

Waiting to hear my time for tomorrow. It's a left mastectomy with immediate DIEP.

torontogirl - sounds like you are doing really well, I'll use you as inspiration. Same procedure, just opposite side. Wishing you a continued easy recovery.

Sharon - thanks for the screen shots of those books. I'm a major home cook and The Cancer Fighting Kitchen looks right up my alley.

Best of luck to my surgery buddies for this week Ridley and damiana.

Will be good to check in with all of you when I am back home. Psst, Wilbur its lovely here on the West Coast please come hang out with me.

~Ocean

Zenful

I will be thinking of you tomorrow, Nihahi, and sending loving and healing vibes your way! Glad you got in right away.

LucyV

Lahela- I am so happy that this is being taken care of tomorrow! Sending you healthy healing vibes!

Donna2012

I am not saying that eating "clean" means you will not get cancer, or a recurrence. If that was the case - think of what it would do to the drug companies & drs! People who don't smoke also get lung cancer, etc....

However, I truly believe that getting healthier will increase my odds of it not coming back (not saying it definitely won't). If anything, it is helping me mentally, because I feel really good thinking that I am doing something proactive. Since besides from diet & exercise, there is not a whole lot any of us can do on our own.

LucyV

I was a diet coke addict too! Also as kids we didn't like peanut butter so instead of peanut butter and fluff sandwichs my mother would make us a white bread and fluff sandwich ! I laugh when I think of that. I am trying to do the "clean eating" approach like Martyj. I try to avoid extremes because that really just sets me up for disaster. 85% of the time I try to make good choices but 15% of the time I do enjoy something not as good like a spoonful of fluff.

LucyV

the egg/kale recipe sounds good Donna. I will have to try it. I do always feel better when I can add some sort of veggie to my first meal of the day.

Cherrie

Lucy- I agree. I eat mostly clean like Marty mentioned. I am constantly thinking about how I can clean it up more. What is wrong with 100% whole wheat? It is a whole grain. I am a meat liver and need to learn to cut back. I do fish, chicken, beef or pork, and pasta (whole wheat) one time per week. Lots of salads with veggies. Trying to find balance. Baby steps.

sbelizabeth

About the Diet Coke thing. I used to drink Diet Everything every day. Loved them all. When I started chemo I lost my taste for sweet, and I just stopped. My favorite glug became a big glass of club soda with a squeeze of lime. There's probably stuff in the club soda that isn't good, so I'll have to go look that up now, but I never went back to the artificially sweetened stuff.

And something else. I started noticing that people who drank a lot of diet soda were more or less overweight, myself included. Hmmm.... I wonder what that's all about?

Anonymous

Holy carp.....guess i won't get a new book  to read during recovery....just try to catch up on the saga of diep sisters 2013!!  I did skim a few things.....seems I've missed the birds and the bees talk and kale and now we are on diet coke! I gave up the diet coke somewhere along the way shortly before bc diagnosis....still have one about once a month. I am now into sparkling water with a squirt of flavored Stevia. 

So I am about 10 days from stage II. I am hoping it will provide some pain relief. The more weight I lose the more pain I have in my flap side I think the extra fat was cushioning the space between my fat necrosis and scar tissue and my damaged nerves. Now it is just constant. I am wearing my  prescription compression bra and when I take it off at night it's very painful. My little opening is responding to the Manuka honey by closing over every few days but then the skin all rolls off again. Grrrrr. 

I want to thank everyone again for your kindness as I did the worry and wait the last few months. You are the best.

You are all on my prayer list daily, and as soon as I get caught up on reading I will make sure the more specific prayers are said. Love you all.

Donna2012

I totally agree about people drinking diet sodas and being over weight. Since I started eating "clean" I have lost 40 lbs. I once use to really enjoy chocolate & sweets - now I have no desire for them. It is not difficult saying no to dessert. I have heard that the more sugar and artificial sweeteners you consume, the more you crave the sweets. Definitely true for me! I do think it takes a while for the cravings to stop, once you stop consuming the sugar. Not an overnight thing!

As I head into my diep surgery (that is what the forum is about, right?) I plan to continue with the way I have been eating, but increase my protein to help with the healing. I am looking for protein dense recipes, but I do not want to add powders or anything artificial to my diet.

nihahi

zenful.....it's lahela tomorrow...not me. And lahela.....the credit is yours kiddo..100%. So glad to hear you're getting cared for ASAP!

oceanwarrior.....yep.....just show up. You can do this. Where in BC are you.....mainland or island? I'll send some good Canuck weather you're way!

did someone mention kale.....yucko....!

donna....too funny.....we are a DIEP(and "other") forum. I was thinking this morning that hmmm.....if I was just a few days or weeks away from MY turn at surgery, would I be wondering why no one was talking about the surgery stuff, and I started to feel badly that we had strayed from topic so much lately. But, I'm also thinking, that maybe being able to "stray" also serves as proof that this amazing yet difficult journey, IS doable, that life DOES move on and that thoughts do move towards healthy, fulfilling futures of normal life. I hope that is what the "about to" ladies may be gleaning from the recent topics of conversation.

So if any of you "future" or recent sisters are lurking, please know, we are still here for you, and whatever questions, concerns, or need for support that you may have.

bailey.....so very much hoping that this next surgery truly brings you some relief and symmetry. You are such a trooper....and it is going to be a very crowded OR, with so many of us AND OF COURSE, WILBUR, in there with you. The countdown begins.

ps....who needs a kindle???? Just log on here and try to keep up .

nihahi

cherrie.......I very much doubt that you are a "meat liver".......

fyi....the ice goes on the shoulders, not the head!

jlbloom

Hi ladies!

I'm back from my stage II follow-up appointment. Dr. Cacioppo at IU Health in Indianapolis is my PS. I just love him. I may not get everything that NOLA provides, but I feel very fortunate to have him here locally.

I bought my first non-genie bra this weekend. You all are so right about the Bali 3488. I love it. I look in the mirror and feel like I look like a woman for the first time since my BMX. I want to tell the world that DIEP flap, or whatever type of flap you have is so worth it. If I never see another under-wire bra it will be too soon, after all nothing is headed south and needs holstering up.

It didn't come without any pain, but that was temporary. After the stage II lift, the right breast looks great. The left one suffered a bit more during three trips to the OR when I had my DIEP surgery. I have been trying to blame the FUPA on overeating, that I blame on the letrozole. I just have to do what you ladies have suggested and start eliminating the processed foods, starting with sugar.

There will be some more stage IIs coming up, but that's just fine with me. Goldie, unlike you, I have lots of fat to contribute to the areas above my breasts that are sort of sunken in partially because I have a really prominent breast bone. Nipples can be my Christmas present for 2014. I'm not in a hurry. I do really like what one of you said about the nipples. Without them we will never be able to look at ourselves and forget that we had BC. In the normal grieving process you do eventually have days where you no longer think about what you lost. May we all find ourselves there some day.

Ladies, all of you are special to me, and are in my thoughts and prayers! ...Julie

OceanWarrior

nihahi - I'm on Vancouver Island. Having surgery at Nanaimo Regional Hospital.

RHGSR

So sorry Jeanine. My thoughts are with you and your hubby.

I saw PS today. Infection looking better. Going back next week. PS will be in contact with Medical oncologist. I am supposed to start chemo at the end of the month, but if infection and wounds aren't better, then I assume that will be pushed back.

What is supposed to come first, chemo or radiation or does it just depend? I wasn't going to have to have radiation but since the findings at surgery were what they were, they decided to add that. Should I rush to find a radiation oncologist and consult with them? My chemo is supposed to start at the end of this month if my infection clears and wounds look better.... Any advice?

Janet_M

Torontogirl - Hey Penny! So glad to hear you sounding so good. And so glad to hear that your experience was so positive. I hope you enjoy resting at home in your cozy recliner, and letting your family wait on you hand and foot.

Ridley - Between you, Penny & I, we'll make it three for three At TGH with Dr Hofer. You'll do just as well. I know it.

Oceanwarrior - All my best wishes and positive energy to you tomorrow too. You have no responsibilities tomorrow apart from setting your alarm clock. This is your time-out while your body does part of the work, and your team of super-excellent doctors does all the rest. And our bodies are so much smarter than we give them credit for. They'll start the healing before you even even wake up.

At this stage of the game - post diagnosis, post mastectomy, - all the hard work is done.

Wilbur, however, is going to be a busy boy. He's going to have a lot of one night stands this week.

littlesara11

Thanks for the link Donna. I just looked at couple of the recipes and they look yummy and fairly easy. I find healthy eating quickly becomes addictive. After a short withdrawal from the junk, your body begins to crave the good foods. If I don't eat enough fruit and veggies I start craving them A good sign I guess.

Take care and best of luck on your journey to good health.

bdavis

There was just an editorial on TV about diet coke and cancer. hmmmm

Curlylocks

Hi Ladies,

I have been missing in action a long time. We enjoyed a wonderful trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico although the weather wasnt the best, it was nice to get away and have alot of laughs, time with good friends and my darling hubby.

Have been reading this thread fairly regularly but life just gets away with you and before you know it a few months as gone by....

Believe it or not my surgery looks like it is a GO for this upcoming Monday, Dec 16 unless something drastic happens - that would be 5 days away...YIKES....I am really nervous, cant wait to have this done! My sleep has been suffering greatly worrying about the surgery and the "what if's", what can go wrong. I know I should try and be positive but its hard when you are so darn terrified of how things will work out...what scares me? - the amount of pain, complications and finding a reoccurence in the breast tissue that is removed. My hubby and I are staying in Hamilton, Ontario (town where hospital is as we are a little over an hour away from hospital) on Sunday night, we have to be there for 6:00 am. on Monday. I will try to remember the mantra that I have heard "you just have to show up".LOL I trust my medical team but am so freightened of this:(

I am getting an electric hospital bed delivered to the house on Thursday afternoon so that it is here for when I come home. My Mom and older sister are staying at our house from Dec 23-26 as I dont want them to be alone for Christmas. I am sure my hubby will entertain them if I end up sleeping alot.LOL I dont anticipate I will be too mobile at Christmas so everyone can fend for themselves.LOL

I believe studies on diet coke have suggested it causes people to gain weight as it makes you crave sugar! I try to stay away from it for the most part...

My older sister went for the results of her BRCA1 and 2 genetic testing, it can back with an uniformed result. My youngest sister who died of bc also had the same result. They didnt test me although I had an appointment, they said since my two sisters did not have the mutuation, the chances of me having it were slim. Also the guidelines in Canada are a little strange, have to have 3 immediate family members who have had bc and not been tested. Since both my sisters were tested and were not positive for the mututation, they get eliminated out of the equation leaving myself and my aunt...in a nut shell unless my one other sister gets bc, I cant get tested. The genetic counsellor asked if I was still having the prophy mast with DIEP, I said yes...she said smart move. The fact that 3 out of 4 sisters got bc is definitely genetic, they just cant find the medical link right now due to only having the two known genes that are genetic. BC genetics is still very, very early. Sigh:(

Bailey - I clapped with excitement hearing your great news!!!! What a relief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debdylan - I would definitely use "the cancer card" with the judge, your ex needs to fork out all the money owed to you NOW!

Ridley - so happy that you got a date quickly, will thinking about you tomorrow! Dr. Hofner is suppose to be the "bomb" when it comes to plastic surgery. Wishing you an uneventful surgery.

TorontoGirl - you sound good. I agree with you limiting visitors is probably a good idea. If I get my room phone hooked up, I will turn off the ringer when I start to node off. My DH will be with me everyday but my family wont. Mom and sister dont drive, my brother lives 2 hours away from hospital and my other sister is 5 hours away.

Nihahi - your snow pictures look pretty but seriously you can keep the snow! We are suppose to get dumped on this Saturday 15-20cm of snow which will be our first official snowfall this winter. We have had some snow but only a few centimetres.

Jeannie - I am sorry to hear about your vision, very scary.

Congratulations to all you ladies who have completed stage 11. Hugs to those that are recovering.

Michele

MartyJ

Curly - so glad to have you back. We are both having surgery the same day so we can hold hands long distance. Mine will be much easier as it is my 4th, but so close to done. Your mom and sister will be fine - they will get a great opportunity to take care of you. A lovely Christmas gift. Your job will to lay about and enjoy. Don't let those nerves get to you. Your really do have to simply show up. See you in the ether (oops, they don't use that anymore).

Ocean - have a wonderful sleep tomorrow. You have nothing to do, but let go!

goldie4040

I have been trying to eat really well for a while now, but since surgery last week I seem to be craving some bad things. I don't know why. It's like any energy I had is gone, and my resolve is weak. I had one of my all time favorite bad things the other night, a chicken pot pie from Boston Market. Gosh, I love those things. What is wrong with me? LOL. They are a days worth of calories, salt, etc. There are a few really weird things I crave when I am being bad, and that is one of them. The other is chocolate cake, or carrot cake. But it has to be huge pieces, and from certain bakeries. I am fussy about my junk food. BTW...I never eat French fries, chips, or salty snacks, which I know are a lot of people's down fall. Most of the time I am very good, but I could never be a vegetarian. It's too much work to do it right. I had a friend at work that was a vegetarian,, but she ate all kinds of junk food, but it had no meat in it!!!! LOL.

JBloom, glad you had a good check up with PS and that you are enjoying you new bra. Yah! for no underwires!!!! I never understood how anybody could wear one.

Lahela, good luck tomorrow. I had that surgery just a couple of years ago, and I was up and around very quickly. I am praying you have the same experience. I am with you tomorrow!!!

Ocean, good luck to you tomorrow too. Wilbur will be with you all.

RHG, I am glad things are looking better for you too. Keep up the good healing.

Sounds like we all knew it was time to let diet coke go. That's a good thing.

Jeannie, I wish there was something to say to make all this bad stuff stop happening. A magic spell, an incantation. I am praying things will turn around for you, and DH

sbelizabeth

Curly, nice to see you! Way cool about the surgery date. Just seven more "sleeps" until then. You can do this. Just let time wind itself out and show up, the rest is in the hands of your team. And your dx was in 2005--such a nice long time ago--is there anything that makes you think they might find something in the tissue they remove?

Ocean, we'll all be in your pockets tomorrow!

Just got back from hyperbaric treatment. I'm beginning to look forward to these daily events. Pop in a movie and just kick back for a couple of hours. No phone, no computer, nothing but me and my little Plexiglas cocoon. It's been chilly here, and when they pressurize the chamber it gets warm inside (remember Physics 101). It's very cozy!

MartyJ

Goldie - are you on antibiotics? I was on one that altered my sense of taste - 2 weeks after DIEP I was eating PB&J on White Bread for every meal. Not good, but the only think I could eat. We have since changed antibiotics.

Zenful

Thanks for setting me straight, Nihahi. Did you know you and lahela have the same number of vowels and consonants in your names? And in the same order - c,v,c,v,c,v. Weird, I know, but I always remember names by vowels and consonants.

Lahela, my loving thoughts and positive vibes are coming your way ( with some reserved for Nihahi just because she is so special to us all)

Curlylocks

Whoops Ridley, you are on Thursday...will still be thinking about you!

Marty J - thinking of you on Monday too!

SBE - I was diagnosed in 2005 but had a large tumour - 4cm with 3 positive nodes, just nervous - this cancer thing sometimes plays tricks with your mind. I am not expecting anything and will be pissed if anything does show up!

Ocean - thinking of you tomorrow! Say hi to Wilbur for us:)

Michele

goldie4040

No, Marty. No antibiotics this time around, but I think the pain pills alter my state of mind. I kind of get that "I don't give a f..k" kind of attitude. I am not totally off my good foods, just had some bad ones I hadn't had in a long time. I think I am done. Interesting about the antibiotics changing your taste for food. I did start a new probiotic, my intestines were a little off kilter from previous courses of antibiotics, I notice a nice improvement already.

Jeannie57

Bailey, so, so sorry about your friend. ((Hug))

Thanks for well-wishes, everyone.

nihahi

zenful....you're too cute. It's ok to send ALL the positive vibes to lahela....I'm not planning on needing intervention tomorrow .

curly....welcome back, it's great to hear you had such a wonderful time.

ocean....deep breaths.....this time tomorrow, you'll be a "flapper".

RHG....you have some significant questions about rads/chemo, etc. I never had rads, so can't offer much advice. It isn't the norm to have rads after doing flap recon, but, like you said.....no one expected the node involvement. I hope talking this out with your docs can give you some answers and peace of mind.

RHGSR

cancer sucks. It's not just being frustrated over the right side recon breast infection, but today at PS the area of my new belly button is red and inflamed. Now dressing changes on that as well as the - what is it called now... A foob? Will know next week if I have to push chemo start day back or not. Which I'm petrified of anyway. Plus another bout with constipation so bad I was impacted and had to have help getting it out (sorry for the TMI). Now I have hemorrhoids and bleeding. I've just about exhausted family help, now I need to figure out who can come over and help me with my youngest since I still can't pick him up. My oldest 's birthday is tomorrow and I can't even plan her anything. This is not supposed to be happening!! I'm supposed to be worried about which fun Christmas activity I should do with my children this week not cancer!! I'm supposed to be cuddling with my children and my husband not sleeping in this recliner praying I don't get constipated again.

I'm sorry everyone else is asleep and I need to vent.

nihahi

vent away, RHG.....none of what is happening is fair. I have no special words of advice to make it "go away"....just want to let you know "I hear you".....{{{{{{{{X}}}}}}}}}