DIEP 2013

nihahi

I'm 63, and I proudly wear compression socks with my hiking boots sometimes.....ooops......maybe not the direction you all are going in with the wardrobe topic !

Yes, the nipple sensitivity "loss" on the lifted breast happened to me too, but seems to be coming back. I'm not sure how far back it will come, but it definitely is getting better. I agree, christina.....worth it, to have a better shot at symmetry.

Curlylocks

Snowing like crazy here, definitely winter.  The roads are gonna be a diaster for those going to work tomorrow, that would include my darling hubby who has to be at work for 6:00 am.  Tomorrow is the first day that I am on my own post surgery:(

Okay, I had a good cry tonight out of frustration, I am sore and am so frustrated with how long this process takes to feel better....arghhhhh....curse, swear...okay got it out! Its the 3 week blah, blahs...

Thanks Ladies you make me blush... I thought it would be nice to post some pictures...have been on these boards for 8 plus years but hadnt posted pictures in quite awhile... it is always nice to see who we are talking to on here.

To comment on style, fashion, what we should had shouldnt be wearing....I think it is all about whatever makes you feel comfortable.  Its like saying that someone shouldnt have long hair after age 50...well I will be 50 in May and have no intentions of cutting off my long curly locks anytime soon.  So Deb if you want to wear that mini skirt and have the legs to show it off....GO FOR IT GIRL!

I still wear shorts, bikinis are long gone for me unless I continue to loss weight as I have been:)

Michele

FierceBluebird

Michele, great pics! You look so happy in all of them! That is a true blessing. 

Here is my crazy snow dog. We got 8 inches and discovered the puppy LOVES the snow.

Anonymous

Fine looking dog, Blue, so glad he (she? I can't remember) likes the cold and snow. 

Nihahi, I love you. I am sure you rock the compression sock, sista.

goldie4040

Bluebird, I believe that breed of dog was bred to withstand cold climates.  Might be the reason he is having so much fun.  He/she is gorgeous.

Curly, I agree, comfort seems to come first these day.  I am most happy in sweat pants and a hoodie.

Nihani, as long as you are NOT wearing your support hose with shorts I think we are okay....hehehehehehe

Jeannie57

Goldie, too funny. I did picture Nihahi in long compression socks with shorts at first. Not that that would be b-a-d. I rock my sleeves every day, covered up or not.I should be wearing my gauntlet, too.

Bluebird, great dog, built for snow!

Michele, I join the chorus of compliments! You look happy and radiant!

nihahi

oh, but goldie....!!!! hehehe...IN FACT.....I have done that!!!! Started out the day with them discretely covered in long pants.....then the day got warmer.....!!!!! Then there's the time I realized at the trailhead I had two different coloured socks (which totally was better than the time I wore two different shoes to work).....gotta do whatcha gotta do!!! Then there's the time I tore the seat of my pants on a branch, and wore a neon green duct tape patch on my butt for the rest of the hike.....or the time I came home from a ski and found pine needles inside my underwear....so...who wants to play with me now, eh!!!!!! 

jeannie...YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!!!!! TOWANDA!!!!!

curly...wise woman...get those tears of frustration out...better out than in, imho. You are at the "about to turn the corner" stage that many of us get to. Think about where you were a few weeks ago.......lying in a non-functioning electric bed....listening to hubby snore....with no heat or power......YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY!!!!

goldie4040

You go, Jeannie!!!!!  That is a very cool looking sleeve.

goldie4040

Nihani, you are too much. I have found myself at work with a navy trouser sock and a black one on the other foot.  Two different shoes, no.  Pine needles in your draws, ouch! Green duct tape on your butt, a new fashion statement? 

I wonder what it is about that 3 week mark?  It seems to happen to every one who has diep.  Is it the anesthesia leaving the body?  Is it too much alone time?  Is it around the time most of us cut back on pain meds, and we have a mild withdrawal?  Interesting phenomenon.

Moviemaniac

I proudly rock the compression socks, too....and I think shopping at REI is the epitome of sexiness...

JEANNIE.....shout out to you.....Liefie and I are coming to see you in your enchanting little town on January 24th. We are going to be in Seattle so DHs can attend the Seattle boat Show.......we would rather see YOU.......hope that's okay.........

Nighty-night!

Love to all.....

christina0001

aw curly, the three-week blues... that really is rough. Hang in there, you're coming up to that infamous corner where things get better, I promise!

bluebird! Your dog is so cute!

nihahi

bailey.... are you going to be able to ditch the drain today????

Zenful

Jeannie, you go Warrior Girl!

Anonymous

Nope tomorrow, I HOPE. I emptied less than 10 cc last night....still bloody. Last night I dreamed it was FULL of the yellowy fluid (no lie....drain dreams...it's great). The funny thing about that is that this morning I had yellowy fluid....but still only 10 cc. 

This drainspert (I often work closely with the constipationator....we share an office) says it's out tomorrow. I've lost track of the total number of drains I've had, but I think it's around 7 times (up to four at a time). This one has been the least hassle. I am sure it's old hat to me by now. And under the arm pit, in the chest wall, is the easiest to "hide" in the side seam of clothes. It also has never caused me any pain at the insertion site, so that a big plus. It is a bit red for about a cm circle around the site as of yesterday...red is always concerning, so I am watching it. No temp and no heat in the colored area. It could be reaction to that stitch or just irritated Irish fair skin after 2.5 weeks of being there. 

Somebody who is toward the end, like close to nipples.....do you have hard areas in you flap still? I think  Sbel asked about this the other day too. I am only 2.5 weeks out of stage II and had fat grafting. Should I drink a six pack of patience and be quiet for a few months?

sbelizabeth

Jeannie, do you wear Diva sleeves?  I have a couple of them and they're just too long for me. 

MartyJ

patience Bailey.  It is gonna take some time to really assess where you are.  Things will change when that drain is gone.  The painful necrotic lump I had after 2b seems to have eased since 2c and I know she didn't remove it.  It has been 3 weeks today since 2c and much of my swelling and bruising has gone especially since I was able to remove the glue from the incision during my shower Saturday-like an overnight change.  I was quite surprised.

Re scars:  the brown tape Betsy refers to is 3M Micropore tape.  It comes in white and brown.  Readily available.  Dr. Massey suggested I use it parallel with the incisions to support them in conjunction with Mederma.  She also said not to be surprised if the incisions get redder and angrier looking over the next 2 -3 months, but that they will then slowly begin to fade.  Sure hope this works as these incisions have a great possibility of really healing well.  Fingers crossed.

Jeannie57

movie, of course I would love to see you both! On the 25th, though, DH, DD, DSIL and I are going to be floating down the Skagit River watching bald eagles. They feed there this time of year. I would be free in the evening but probably exhausted. How long will you be in town?It was a real hassle arranging the float trip, so I can't change it. Sorry it's on the very day you are here!

Sbel, yes, I wear Lymphediva sleeves. I wear the short size. Have you tried that?

Morningsun1

I agree with MartyJ, bailey, patience. My non-bc left side had nothing done to it since its creation almost a year ago (1/28/13). When I lift my left arm way up high, it shows an indent, like something got pulled tight deep inside the flap.  I can feel that it is not as soft as the rest of the foob. Just recently, I've noticed the indent is almost not visible and the area is softer when arm is up high.

Anonymous

Pop.....fizz.....glug glug glug....drinking a big bottle of patience now (ok it's sparkling water, but you get it) shut up shuttin' up now. thank you ladies.

FierceBluebird

I love the Diva sleeves. I'm obsessed with their patterns. One day I may try to do my own since they're so pricey.

Bailey, I'll take a glass of patience too. Bottoms up!

butterfleyez

happy new year ladies!! I have been offline for awhile. I got a chance to fly home to Ohio and spend the holidays with the family. Getting to be around my family and all the kiddies was just what I needed to feel "normal" again. You reqlly realize how linely moving away can be when you get sick. The snow, on the other hand, reminded me why I moved south and traded in the daily family gatherings. My flight back was delayed a couple times. 

 I was afraid when I logged in noone would be here but I see I'm like 20pages behind! Lol Im still working out the cords and working on scars but overall im doing well. I start back to work next week. It will be 90 days exactly from surgery. Hope everyone is well!

lahela

Great to hear from butterfleyez! Sounds like you are moving forward, which is wonderful.

LucyV

butterfleye! Sounds like you are doing great! 

butterfleyez

how are you doing Lucy my surgery sister?

FierceBluebird

You are well on your way to taking flight butterfleye!

LucyV

butterfleye- I am doing well! My shoulder has been hurting but I have been diligent on doing my exercises/stretches and I think it is working. I am back at the gym just doing the elliptical. Moving well but my stomach is still uncooperative sometimes....I can't just lie down stomach first on the bed....still need to maneuver. Oh and I wore jeans a few times now!

My stage 2 is scheduled for Feb.but may have to hold out til summer due to having crappy insurance. Glad things are moving on for you! 

lahela

Goldie asked recently about iron bra (which I don't have) but does anyone else have iron belt?! I swear, most of the time I feel like I'm wearing compression around my belly when I'm not!

LucyV

Lahela- I don't feel like I'm wearing compression but the center of my stomach can sometimes still feel tight. I notice it when I go from sitting to standing. 

jlbloom

Curly, I love the pictures.  It is nice to be able to put a smiling face with a name.  Those avatars are such little tiny pictures.  Blue, I love the puppy picture too.  Our lives would be incomplete without our furry little friends.  Jeannie, I'm going to order some scar fade, too.  I love the triple B cream from Bass Farms, but my scars are very purple.  Maybe it will help them turn more pink.

Deb, if I had the legs for a mini-skirt with tights I would wear it in a heart beat.  If I had thick hair, I would wear it long.  Don't have either, so capri pants are my friends and so is a short haircut.  I love your comment Nihahi!  No one will ever mistake me for a fashionsta.  But you can bet it is comfortable if I'm wearing it.  Michael Jordan and his tagless shirts are my heroes.  I wish I were losing weight, but it isn't going to happen.  I think the letrozole is causing the hair thinning.  I think overeating is preventing the weight loss.  (you think!)

We had a friend that made the comment, "just because they make it in your size, doesn't mean you should wear it!"  This was after strolling by some ladies that had on bikinis that were very well hidden amongst the roles.  I'm trying to avoid that comment, but it is what it is.

I love you ladies.  It is so nice to communicate with people that truly understand!  ...Julie

goldie4040

Lucy, you are doing great.  Give your tummy time.  It takes a while.  But, you are at the gym, wearing jeans, etc.  You are well on your way.  I had a c-section, and a hysterectomy, so I speak from those experiences.  Diep might be harder to get over, but it still sounds like you are doing well.

Jbloom, I love it.  "Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it."   LMaooooooo

I am sorry, Lahela.  I wish you tummy felt better.  Have they offered you any PT to see if they helps?