DIEP 2013

goldie4040

RHG, you have every right to feel how you do. Remember, children are so resilient, and as long as they are with you, and they are loved they are going to be fine. This time next year will be so much better. You will be doing all the things you want to do now, but can't. But, I can almost promise you that your children will not remember this year as the sucky xmas. It will be just a joyful as all the other's because you are there, and you and your DH love them. I believe you mentioned grandparents who helped out at the beginning. They are not going to abandon you, and the kids at xmas. Santa is still coming, there will still be gifts, and the excitement of the day will still be there for those babies. Hang in there. You will have a great xmas. I don't know what your finiancial situation is, but this time of the year lots of high school and college kids are off and looking to make a little extra money. Maybe you can hire somebody to be in the house with you to help you handle the kids. At least you would be there to supervise. Just an idea.

Moviemaniac

(((hugs)))) and. Blessings to those of you going in tomorrow.......May Wilbur be at your side......remember, all you must do is show up........

Curly....you'll be joining us soon.....

Torontogirl, you sound pretty good...may your healing continue to be uneventful......

Betsy......I used to drink so much diet coke I could have main lined it........well, we are what we eat, apparently, and now I wear my diet coke proudly on my chest.....

Goldie, I have been off my feed, too......don't want good...only want BAD.....naughty movie.....

RHGSR....vent away...you deserve to! Recovery can seem overwhelming at times, and our view of the world gets necessarily altered during this healing time.......Goldie had a good suggestion......

As always, I am sending lots of cyber (((hugs))) and love up to you, Jeannie......

Love you wonderful ladies!

Zenful

Marty, Curly, Ocean, Ridley - thinking of you all, as you each become one step closer to fabulous!

Cherrie

Sending positive to those in today and this week. May your healing be great so you can enjoy Christmas with your family.

Ridley

Ocean and Lahela....sending prayers and positive energy your way for smooth sailing today. I am thinking Wilbur will be busy zipping across the artic circle to get from Vancouver Island to Switzerland and back.

Curly - so nice to see you back on the boards, I can totally relate to the sleep issues - could your gp prescribe something to help for these next few nights. I ended up going that route, as I was sleeping only about 3 hours a night, and didn't want to go into surgery exhausted. Best wishes for an uneventful, wonderfully smooth surgery next week,

RHG - sorry you are feeling crappy (no pun intended) - I hope you are feeling better soon. What will cheer you up that is doable - Christmas carols, cup of cocoa, talking to a friend?

I have a list of things to get done today and then I'm off. I think I will be carting a few hundred pounds of stuff to my parents. Luckily I can take it back home bit by bit when this is all over. I'm a little over prepared on the stuff front I think.

Thank you all for your good wishes. I feel very blessed to have found this forum a few months ago. I can't remember where I heard about DIEP, but 99% of what I know about it, I learned from you. To be able to learn from a group of women who are open and caring and funny is a real gift. I hope I am able to help others in the future as you have all helped me so far,

Janet and Torontogirl - I'm so glad to have connected with other Hofer-ites. Thank you for the tips and the suggestions. I'm going into tomorrow with an increased sense of calm and confidence because of you. Looking forward to meeting in person.

Wishing you all a pain free day!

Ridley

christina0001

lahela, good luck today, I hope your procedure goes smoothly and you are comfortable and pain free when you awaken.

jlbloom, you sound great! So glad your follow up went well.

RHGSR - As far as I know, chemo always comes before radiation. No advice here, just take care of yourself and get well so you can get chemo over and done with. And feel free to vent away! Cancer does suck. I feel like it's basically sucked 1-2 years of my life away. Trying to enjoy Christmas more this year since basically we missed last year.

Curlylocks, hooray for having a surgery date! Good luck to you, and try to not be too nervous with anticipation. You'll do great!

Goldie, my butt just got bigger by reading "chicken pot pie from Boston Market." lol

sbel, sounds like you are doing great! And catching up on all your movie-watching.

nihahi

lahela....I'm not sure of my "time differences", but I'm thinking you are done by now, and resting with Wilbur.....you'll be snug at home soon, and can give him the to hop over to oceanwarrior's side. Hope it's all gone well.

Just got off the phone from my pre-op phone call. Stage 2, 4 weeks from today and counting.....

Have good days everyone....I'm betting no one is going to be downing a Diet "Anything" today!

sbelizabeth

Downing a "diet" black coffee this morning. It was painful when I had to wean off my beloved bean for the DIEP surgery last April. I'm baking gingerbread cookies for my HBO crew and they don't even tempt me today!

Marty, Lahela and Oceanwarrior, rest gently after your date in the OR!

RHG, the chronology of my events was chemo, umx, rads, wait 9 months, DIEP. But I have read of women on the boards here who had their DIEP with rads following. Your PS and RO are the best ones to answer these questions and reassure you.

Nihahi...4 weeks...! That's, what...only 27 sleeps! At least you'll have your surgery when it's frigid outside and won't miss any hiking season. I've been aching to get back on the bike, and physically I'm ready for a short hop, but the wind here is a full-on gale. I HATE WIND.

Gotta go. My plastic cocoon is calling.

goldie4040

SBE, by "diet" coffee to you mean decaf, or no milk and sugar? My husband doesn't understand why anybody would drink decaf coffee. Personally, I like the feeling of holding a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning, and I love the smell. OMg, the smell of coffee brewing is up there with the smell of bacon cooking. Two of my favorites.

I am also baking. Just a quick banana bread. I bought a huge bunch of bananas at Costco thinking I would be having a lot of shakes this week. Didn't happen. Now they are perfect for banana nut bread.

Lahela, hope we hear from you soon. I know this will feel like a breeze compared to other stuff you have had done lately. If not, then we got ya no matter what!

Ridley, you can never be too prepared. Just don't bring too much stuff to the hospital. You sound mentally in a perfect place to have your DIEP. You will do great. I have the funniest image in my head now of Wilbur zipping around like a strange little fairy after what you said. Now I picture him looking like the Elf of the Shelf....lol.

Christina, I know you got that perfect little body thing going on these days (jealous), but once in a while let it all go, and have something sinful....lol.

Today is my husband's bday. He had to go to work for some meetings, but he said he would be home soon and we could go to lunch if I felt up to it. All I keep thinking about is how much it hurts to sit too long....ugh. I will never lipo thighs again. The flanks are no biggy at all. I don't know how much more the swelling will go down, but I hope not too much. I like the way my jeans fit now.

RHG...I hope you are feeling a bit better today. I am assuming you are taking stool softeners? There is a tea I drink when I am desperate. You can get it at the health food store, it's called Senna Tea. I usually get the loose leafs and steep it myself. Don't drink too much at first. It can really get things moving.

Nihani, glad you got a date for Stage2. You are so mentally and physically ready for it.

Morningsun1

I have a surgery date to be rid of the "earth worms" on my tummy incision. 8-weeks from today.

Rest and heal, those going into and recently out of surgery.

Going back a few days to a question about insurance coverage from Krissy. If the ps's nurse is not the one who does the insurance claim filing, she may not know exactly what is covered by your insurance. movie gave a good answer for fupa thingy. My understanding is there are two ways of doing it: lift or lipo. Lift is done as part of ab-scar revision where the ps "pull it up tight" to flatten it. Lipo is done as one of the donor sites for fat grafting. Both scar revision and fat grafting are covered procedures for BC recon patients with most insurances. If both are covered for you, ask your ps which way he/she recommend. In your case, if both are similar, you may want to choose lipo, because pulling up means your hair line will be even higher than now. As to hair removal, I wonder if it can be categorized as part of the "revision of the reconstructed breasts" which should be covered by most insurances. If so, talk to your ps and see if he/she would aim the laser just a bit south to remove the hair on your fupa without charging you as a separate procedure. Krissy, please share what you find out.

Good luck Deb!

lahela

Had a lovely visit from Wilbur! Just three incisions, 2 tiny and one about an inch, feeling pretty good! They're going to help me out of bed to pee! LOL, back to that!

goldie4040

Lahela, your tummy will hurt worse than it looks for a few days, but you should be up and around in no time.

Zenful

Prayers for you, Deb. You certainly have every reason to say that. You have been through a lot. We are all here for you, and if you want to swear or scream or vent, this is the perfect place. (((Hugs)))

Jeannie57

Deb, I say F$CK this, too! You know you have our support and can share your honest feelings here. I wish I had more words for you....

sbelizabeth

Just back from the Plexiglass cocoon treatment. I had awakened yesterday morning with my pajama top covered in blood, and on investigation, I found the incision under my right noob had opened up a little. Ordinarily this would be no cause for alarm, but this is what happened last time, and where the cellulitis bugs climbed in and invited their buddies to an unauthorized party. So I pointed out the area to the wound care doc who runs the hyperbaric/wound healing department, and he applied a high-tech silver-impregnanted dressing to repel bugs and help close the incision.

As a result, he advises we extend the duration of the HBO treatments. Originally I was only going to get 4 or 5 dives, but looks I'll have a couple of week's worth. This I can handle! The crew is friendly, the environment cozy, and the treatments aren't painful. On the contrary, it's a peaceful way to spend a couple of hours. Jeannie, Bailey, ladies with fresh surgeries and worries...I hope prayers can float out of the Plexiglass toward heaven, because it's a good place to silently lift up my friends to God's care.

Ah, Deb, I'm so sorry. But don't panic before absolutely necessary. I don't know if a gyn regularly palpates a fresh DIEP breast and is familiar with the lumps and bump of scarring and fat necrosis. Have you arranged a team conference with the gyno, the BS, and the PS?

Goldie, my diet coffee is fully leaded. I'm with your hubs--decaf just seems like a travesty. But I have to stop guzzling around noon, to avoid insomnia. the caffeine lurks in my system and makes it tough to sleep. My new hot drink--a mug of HOT water with a spoonful of manuka honey stirred in. It has a delightful earthy flavor.

My #1 DS, divorced for a couple of years, brought a breathtakingly beautiful woman over last night to make brownies for a work potluck. She's tall and blonde, works as a special ed aide in a 2nd grade classroom, volunteers in the church nursery every other week, and is gentle and sweet. I am SO praying they fall in love and cherish each other forever! But mommas must be zip-lipped and not spook anything!

Cherrie

oh Deb, I am so sorry that you are going through so much Sh$t right now. I know it is senseless to tell you not to worry, but do whatever you can to stay busy. I know you are angry, upset, wanting to scream, feel like you have lost control, but take one day at a time. Baby steps. Whatever you are dealing with we are there for you. Vent away. My hope is that it is nothing but a scare.

goldie4040

LOL, SBE. If he brought her to the house it has to mean something. This is more than casual. And, she is invited to the work potluck?! Sounds to me like he's no dummy. Don't worry about the wound opening up. The wound specialist took care of it in time.

Deb, when are you having the US and mammo? Right away? I hope. I hate the waiting game.

There is another thread that I go to and one day somebody said, "let's tell of cancer let's cuss it out." So we did. It got pretty rude and hysterical. So, go f...k yourself, bc. You are just a big piece of s..t, and we don't want you hanging around anymore.

Moviemaniac

Deb...this is a bummer,but....you need to get the court crap sorted first, and your cockroach of an ex needs to have his wages garnished...the LAST thing you need is more stress.....tell the judge.....it may help you get was is really rightfully yours, and may make the d*ckhead (ex) realize that the world doesn't revolve around him.....when that is resolved, move on the the worrisome lumps......I am glad they want to move quickly on them......

Lahela , glad Wilbur stood by you......that skanky rounder left me in the lurch last week.......:(

Ocean.....you should be floating on calm waters now.....and making your way back from the land of Nod.....hopefully Wilbur will put in an appearance, and keep you company for a while! Prayers for gentle healing.....

Curly, ask your PS for Ativan, or Xanax ......you need your sleep so you can be at your best.......no need to do it alone...perfect situation for a drug like that......and remember, all you do is show up......

Nihahi! So excited you are on the docket for your revision! And this means you will be able to hike with me next summer!!!!! I am giving that 3 thumbs up!

Sbe.....I really really really hope those little cellulitis buggers stay far far away.......and can I just say I am very suspicious....you are having way too much fun in the hyperbaric chamber....what is REALLY going on in there, hmmmmmm?

Jeannie.....sending love, hugs, and prayers your way.......in your pockets, girlfriend......

Love to all....have to get off here...time for my nap.......

Moviemaniac

P.S. F*ck cancer.......seriously......

Janet_M

Deb - I second what Movie said. F*ck cancer. F*ck the cockroach of an ex. You need a break - big time.

nihahi

lahela....so good to hear from you. You may not have that much discomfort, if your ab area is still somewhat numb. Hope that's the case.

Deb....it does sound worrisome of course!!!! Sorry to hear that news. With all the work that has been done on your "other side", it could be "reaction changes" to that, without being bc. Since you have just (literally) finished chemo, also, might be another "nod" to it not being something malignant. No way to know for sure at this point. But, since you can only fight one battle at a time.....direct every ounce of "fight" into getting the financial support you are legally due from hubby. That is something that you CAN influence, and whatever is going on in your breast, is at the moment, beyond your control. I know it's not my decision, but I think you need to disclose your medical situation to the judge now, more than ever. I doubt if the judge will let hubby leave with his shoes and socks, much less his bank account!!!!!

movie...of COURSE we're hiking this summer....never in doubt!!!

sbe...stop, just STOP WITH THE POPPING INCISIONS!!!!!!!!! STOP IT!!!!! The "friend" of your son sounds like someone special, if he brought her over to "bake with mom"! ....I know how much you want him to find happiness with someone again.

hugs to oceanwarrior.....coming through to the flapper side

hugs to Ridey....waiting at the door.

goldie4040

Yes, some of you are really letting it fly. Come on girls, let that f..king cancer get a big kick in the ass~~~it deserves it.

I just got invited to a big reunion in the neighborhood where I grew up in NY. I will be perfect by then. I must be!!!!!

mammalou

deb.. I 3rd , 4th whatever the F*. This all sucks! Is it on your flap side? I will be thinking of you. Hang tight and take care.

bdavis

Deb... I agree with selizabeth... It may be unfamiliar territory for this doc.

christina0001

Goldie I would gladly cheat on my diet for a piece of your banana bread.

Deb, Cancer effing sucks. And the imaging is scary. My first post-cancer mammo on my non-cancer side had a suspicious area that thankfully turned out to be nothing, but it made me sick to my stomach when it happened. I questioned every choice I made. Over the summer, lab work indicated a possible liver issue. Until I had imaging done I was sure I had mets to my liver. That was super-bad. I hate these tests. I sure hope your imaging turns out to be nothing as well.

lol @ sbel, yes, don't say a word! I do hope it works out for them too, this gal sounds lovely.

RHGSR

sbelizabeth- why the HBO treatments? Just curious. I had heard they were good to do either after or in conjunction with rads.

mammalou

Christina, can I ask what was on your lab regarding your liver. I have elevated liver enzymes but they haven't done anything to check it out. Should I?

Lisaj514

thanks for these book suggestions on diet and nutrition. Just starting my bc journey and need to have some control so maybe working on what I put in my mouth is a good way. Anything considered healthy I will consider, my sister is a real foodie and already has started looking up healthy diet and nutrition for BC. Keep the suggestions coming. I will be facing Chemo and rad soon. Not breast reconst but saw this thread here with the diet suggestions and books.

Lisaj514

Sharon1942, thanks for these book suggestions on diet and nutrition. Just starting my bc journey and need to have some control so maybe working on what I put in my mouth is a good way. Anything considered healthy I will consider, my sister is a real foodie and already has started looking up healthy diet and nutrition for BC. Keep the suggestions coming. I will be facing Chemo and rad soon. Not breast reconst but saw this thread here with the diet suggestions and books which was what I was looking for

sbelizabeth

RHG--the HBO treatments are two fold. The big rads burn scar on my back was excised, but the borders of the excised tissue are still somewhat rads-damaged, and my PS (and wound care specialist) thought some HBO could super-saturate the area with oxygen and enhance the healing process. Also my PS is wigged out by the last two bouts of cellulitis, and is hoping that all the surgical sites will be helped to heal well with HBO. If it helps, toss it in, is my own opinion.