DIEP 2013

seagan

Hi, all! Cuetang - my swelling is down now too (6.5 weeks out) and my right side does look a bit different - a bit smaller, less round, with a crease thingie under it.



I met with my PS and all seems to be ok. We talked about options for getting the new girls closer to my old size and it sounds like fat grafting/lipo may be worth trying. My PS says the methods have improved - sounds like they sort of "clarify" the fat now, ewwww - and it works best to do it in stages b/c of the way some of it usually gets absorbed into the body (vs plumping up the boob).



I'm not thrilled at the idea of repeated grafting - doesn't lipo really hurt, as someone else asked? - but I may give it a try anyway. Though I don't know for sure, so have decided to wait 6 months or so, in part just to see how I feel over time (that approach has served me well in the past!). My PS said it's wise for procedure purposes, too. He'd do it sooner (at 3-4 mos) if I wanted, but says it's even better to give it a bit more time, for healing and to let the existing fat meld into its new location more. Oh such sexy stuff.



So exciting to see us getting closer to the dates for nihahi and martyj! And hooray, faith! So good to hear from you - thank you!

Cuetang

Thanks for that info seagan! I was hoping to limit things to a 2A, but you've just armed me with some more questions to ask the PS in my follow up next month. Clarifying fat?? Oh boy....



Goodie-- welcome to the group!

wraithg

I can seem to take these G O pants off now will have to go and get another pair!! Goodie seems like you have done really well. My surgery feb 28 and I feel pretty good these days actually a world of difference in only a week. Painted my dining room today. 

HHCats

Goodie - thank you for your post.  I have spent today wondering about what I might be getting myself into and you made me feel like it is doable.   You sound like you are doing great and I'm glad for you.  Take it easy and if you like - keep posting updates.  You really did make me feel better.  

Nihahi - April Girls Unite!  I figure I will have my surgery the week of the 22nd.  I finished chemo on March 25th  and they insist it has to happen around 4 weeks.  I'm not having radiation so that is why.  I loved your list of food - we have a place here called Supperworks where you can prepare meals or have them prepared for you and keep them frozen until you are ready to eat them.  I had ordered a bunch for pick up this week and tomorrow when I go - I'm going to see if what they have in their overstock!  But you spurred me on - and I am going to make sauce this weekend, etc.  I have to tell you, too.  I love Ativan.  I tell everyone that Ativan allows me to be "me" at these crazy appts.  It also makes everything a little boring which cuts down on the drama.  I also suffer from panic attacks and anxiety (I'm getting stronger though).  I take the drugs when I have to and if I need to sleep.  I've started meditating and just the breathing part helps me a lot.  

I'm now off to have a pizza with my husband!

Goodie

Today has been my best day yet!  I think we all know it's going to be pretty tough right after surgery especially the first week.  Thank goodness for pain meds and minimal movement in my recliner.  Oh and sleep!  I also had the most amazing nurses and staff during my hospital stay.  They treated me so tenderly.  

Geralyn - I am loving these GO pants too.  They are so, so soft and comfy all over.  

Cuetang and Seagan - I'm already thinking about stage 2 too.  My PS's nurse told me yesterday that PS sees me in a month just to see how flaps took and healing etc. and then will probably see me like 2-3 months after that to see how it all settles.  I was hoping for something quicker but I trust my PS.  The hardest part is over! 

Goodie

HHCats - I'm so glad it has helped you.  I've poured over these boards to get familiar with this surgery.  It is very doable.  If you have any questions, please PM too.  I made a few things to put in the freezer but my family kept eating them before I could freeze some of them.  LOL  I haven't really had an appetite since the surgery but DH and DS both are good cooks!  

seagan

Cuetang - I should clarify (pun intended!) that the clarifying fat thing was just my way of trying to understand what the heck my PS was talking about. I was trying to find out more just now and found an article last year about a new technique where they essentially take out stem cells & other goodies from the fat and then reinject them into the graft to help healing! Evidently it really reduced reabsorption, at least in that study. Not sure if that's what my PS was talking about but his thing did involve manipulating the fat somehow before placing it. Amazing, crazy stuff.



I'm finding this 6-week time to be a real turning point, especially with my energy increasing and that tight, pulling feeling starting to recede noticeably. Now if I could just sleep better! Even sleeping fully on my side again isn't workimg well, though at least now it's "just" about waking up a lot and not about pain/aches. I'm trying melatonin next. Fingers crossed.

nihahi

Sharon1942....Best wishes for tomorrow..stage 2...almost done!

Seagan, I just love hearing how well you're doing....and Geralyn.....redecorating already, wowzer!

Short post tonight...I've "annoyed" my back today, and flexaril did nothing to relax it, so currently sitting with icepacks on back and shoulders. CRAP....I've got stuff to do!!!

Hope everyone is well.

Cuetang

Seagan -- I love how you explained it, it made perfect sense to me!

nihahi -- take care of yourself before the surgery, everything will be great... Don't give yourself too many things to take care of beforehand...

Goodie

Ladies who can't sleep.  I search these boards for whatever I'm worrying about and read my favorite threads a lot.  I also use melatonin.  I have used xanax in the past and I always have some just in case.  Just knowing I have it in case I need to use it really helps me be less anxious.  Also magnesium before bed helps me sleep too.  And finally I have some meditation cds to listen to that I usually fall sleep to somewhere in the middle and I just saw there's some free apps under "sleep help" that look interesting and many are free.

Moviemaniac

Hi DIEPers......



My short nap yesterday turned into a 14hour marathon.....it's the longest I've slept since my surgery in January! Looks like I missed out on a lot!



Someone asked about symmetry .... I feel pretty good about my Stage 1 girls.....pretty even in size, projection, etc.....I have an appt. scheduled with my PS onMay 1, I am sure we will be discussing the next step.....



Welcome to you new women....this is a wonderful thread for support, and Information about DIEP from ladies on both sides of the surgery. I wish I had found it before my surgery!



How do you women get your PS to give you Ativan AFTER your surgery? Mine will not renew my prescription sine the surgery recovery period.....I am sure I'm going to get really freaked out before stage 2......Marty please report as to what to expect for pain.....Betsy-should I be worried? I thought Stage2 would be less pain/recovery!?!



Guess I'll have to check out the G&O pants at Target......so many rave reviews!



Well....I have had a busy day (but no painting-Geralyn-) and suggest to sleep!



Love to all you super women!



Namaste and God less - Jackie



PS-Tammy- how is your mouth? Still sore? Maybe a saltwater rinse? I have also heard (from a dentist) that 1 part kaopectate, 1 part Benadryl liquid, and1 part water helps with mouth sores........

MartyJ

Nihahi - I believe your back is telling you that you need to stop.  Just stop and breath.  Don't worry about getting everything done.  Alternate heat and cold on your back, but you may have aggrevated all with tension you are holding in your upper back and shoulders.  Can you get a massage?  You are now one week out, but I promise that everything that needs to come together will.  You will find out that all the other stuff wasn't even necessary.

Jackie - way too soon to freak out about Stage 2.  My suggestion is that you see your primary doc and talk about zoloft.  Ativan is not always used on a daily basis as it is a controlled narcotic, but a touch of Zoloft should even things out for you.  It is not a controlled substance and will really help you deal with the anxiety.  Zoloft will not dull your ability to function.

sbelizabeth

Those who have already DIEP'd...did you wear a hospital gown the entire time?  I just hate those things, but I don't want to struggle into a pair of pajamas if it's just not done...!  

Huge, all day meetings at work yesterday and I'm exhausted.  I'm looking forward to my DIEP break, but it's getting close enough that I'm a little nervous.  So many "what ifs" racing through my head.  What if the radiation side is a problem?  

About the fat injection--I have a large, adhesed radiation scar on my back that's something of a problem with my shoulder mobility.  I asked my PS about it and he said with Stage 2 he could inject some fat beneath it and generate some healthy cells to break up the adhesions underneath.  That will be great!

Well, on to the salt mine this morning.  Have a great day, everyone.

wraithg

selizabeth I did wear that hospital gown, well two when walking around. Its easier but I used my own housecoat when doing more walking around , which was more comfortable and brought slip on slippers. Bending down was impossible the first few days. Wish I had brought a back scatcher though. At home it was easier wearing a nightgown or skirt the first week as those balls get in the way of pants. I just pinned them to skirt or gown ,keeping them low for draining purposes. 

Oh I am a bit sore today after painting dining room,(I didn't do all , my son did the heavy duty rolling). Someone was asking about bras, maybe on another discussion , but I haven't worn wires for years and I have a couple of larger bras from years ago that have been great right now. Just some protection without tightness. I found that I didn't need anything special this time. In 1998 when I had the lumpectomy I needed the front closure sport bra but no nodes were taken this time so its not as sore or hard to move my arms.  

faith729

Thank you everyone for all your kind thoughts and responses. My ps just stopped by and commented on how great I look emotionally Im sure since I haven't showered yet . Yesterday was an emotional day for me and everyone around me family, nurses and doctors saw the darker side I suppose but my ps warned my dh and I that everyone will have a down day before they turn a corner. So I guess I turned my corner today because I'm in good spirits. I've done some physical therapy and walked in a loop on the floor where my room is .



Robin67 Im thinking of you and keeping your bed warm at the Brigham. You will do great here!



Does anyone know if llr010200 had her surgery on her scheduled day?



Everyone who is waiting is on my mind Im sending you comforting calming thoughts.

nihahi

Hey Gals,

Not a restful night, and back on the ice packs. I hear you all, my back/shoulders are defo where I have always "carried stress". In a way, I'm not surprised really, that it has decided to join the party! I haven't really been doing more than I usually do, except maybe the "pre-cooking", but I don't plan on anymore "to do lists" at this point. 

MartyJ....I would LOVE a massage, I know it would help, as I used to get them on a regular basis (re:shoulders). I haven't been able to tolerate lying on my front for months, as it is too painful because of the capsular contracture thing. I have tried and tried to find a massage therapist who does chair massages, but with no luck. 

I had planned on going to a relaxation yoga class on Monday, but daughter will be living here by this weekend, and informed me yesterday that she needs a ride into the city at the same time as yoga, so that's out. CRAP! 

Movie....I got my ativan from my family doc. I think everyone's Stage 2's are all different, but Marty and bdavis probably have some tips for you. Some ladies seem to have huge Stage 2's, some are the "tweak" thing....depends also on your thoughts of what you personally "need" to consider yourself "done". 

Sbelizabeth...hope work doesn't take all your energy reserves pre-op! I was actually in a calm, relaxed place last week, thought I was over the hump...nerves are reving up again. I think it's all normal pre-op stages. I am DEFO not planning on wearing my own pj's in hospital, but am bringing my own slippers. I'm also bringing my own robe, but don't think I'll use it unless I need to. I want to leave the "hospital duds" behind when I'm discharged, and want to look forward to being in my own stuff as a "bonus" of being at home. That's just me though, everybody's different. 

Faith....I have been told by my PS, and my nurse friends, that a "crash" day about 3 days out is pretty normal. I think an emotional swing is part of such a big "body invasion" too. Glad to hear you've had your inhospital one, and are on the upswing again. 

Geralyn...you have given me some much needed chuckles....Thanks!!!!! Everytime I read in one of your messages about your "balls getting in the way"....I go wait...WHAT????? Then I realize you're referring to the drains! Too funny! 

Haven't seen a posting by llr010200 in awhile, so don't know any status for her. Hope all is well

You ladies are the best. Have a good day, all.

seagan

Sbelizabeth - I wore hospital gowns the whole time. They were comfy enough and functional, plus I didn't really want to move around more than I needed to, so avoided changing.



Also re radiation: my radiated side has done great so far with the DIEP - in fact, it looks better than the non-rads side. I don't know if he overstuffed that side to compensate or what, but it looks and feels great. The only thing I've noticed is I'm a bit stiffer on that side under my new boob, sort of at the top of my rib cage. So I need to work on that side a bit more during PT. Massaging that area also helps.



Faith - I definitely hit some emotional valleys after my recent surg. For me the big one was about 2 weeks out - just felt blue and frustrated. Yours probably also involves grief over the loss of your breasts, which is such an enormous loss. I was terribly sad before and after my BMX two years ago. Let those emotions come - they are difficult but healthy. We are holding you in our hearts as you go through them.

Cuetang

sbelizabeth -- Another vote for wearing hospital gowns only here.  I figured I'd probably feel, smell, and look like crap so I figured I wasn't going to be concerned with a robe or slippers. 

Faith -- good to hear that you're walking around.  After going through so much, you're so allowed to have those down days, especially after surgery!  Like seagan said, we're here for ya whenever you need. 

HHCats

Nihahi - you need to take it easy, woman!  

Geralyn - the bra question came from me.  I just bought a couple of nice comfy ones from Target.  I'm wearing one now (TMI) and it is really nice.  And did I read correctly?  You are painting?  And you had surgery when . . .?  You give me hope!

Goodie - congrats on the best day yet.  That is how I am feeling coming off of chemo.  Each day I feel a little stronger than the one before.  

Here is an update on me.  There is a lot going on here.  Yesterday I was a bit overwhelmed by all of this.  It's a lot to absorb and when you have kids who are little - it becomes a real juggling act as you end up speaking in code all the time!  On top of it all, we are just beginning a huge backyard renovation, too.  Timing is JUST PERFECT.  I tell my huband that not only is he getting a new backyard soon but also new boobs - so he must be the envy of all his friends.  Right now our old hot tub is sitting on my front yard.  I came home and saw it and my heart just fell.  The contractor gave me this speech on how they would be coming back today to take it away.  I almost said "I'm bald, I'm having major surgery to get new boobs, I've had chemo up until last week - so that $*%&^ hot tub had best be OFF MY LAWN by tomorrow afternoon."  Instead, I just smiled and told the kids that should the doorbell ring (it will be my spaz neighbour) - to pretend we aren't home!!

Today I went out and got started on meals - but I'm sure we will eat most of them long before I get put under. 

This thread is keeping me sane.  ;-)

Morningsun1

Same here, hospital gowns all the time and didn't give a *&^* how I looked. faith, I had my surgery on Monday and hit the wall and got really emotional on Friday morning. Doc was ready to keep me in the hospital until Monday, but I pulled myself together and went home Saturday afternoon :-)

Thanks for the suggestions for the ulcers in my mouth, kuka, sbelizabeth, nihahi, cuetang and movie. I am trying everything and they are still here, but not as painful. Hopefully they will disappear over the weekend.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Goodie

sbelizabeth - I just wore their hospital gowns.  I figured let them get all yucky.  I changed them daily and I put on a second one to cover my hiney when I went walking the halls and going up and down the stairs.  Also, my drain or something leaked so we had to change my bed sheets and get a new gown.  I just wanted my stuff minimally exposed to hospital germs as possible.  

HHCats - can you share the bra info you got from Target?  I haven't worn a bra since my BMX last March.  My nurse told me that since the diep is more like real breasts that I should wear one.  

Tammy - I used to get canker sores all the time and mostly from stress.  Nothing worked for me but time.  If they really hurt, I'd take tylenol.  I also numb my mouth with ice cold water.   One benefit from chemo - I hardly ever get them now!

DianneNC

I just have to chime in that bdavis is should be getting a commission from Target for those pants!!! I have 4 pairs that I have worn in various stages of recovery from 7 surgeries in the past year and I call my pants "The Betsy's" Even my daughter has gotten hooked on them and she calls hers Betsy's, too! Haha!



Question for those of you having surgery at Brigham. Has anyone met Dr. Eric Halvorson? He did my initial DIEP at UNC, but I understand he is now at Brigham. I was just curious if anyone has met him and what your opinion was.



I am now 6 weeks past my stage 2, and I'm very happy with my results. For those worried about stage 2 recovery, it is miles easier than stage 1. I have issues with low blood pressure and needed a transfusion after stage2 (and both stage 1's) but even with that I felt perfectly normal within 10 days. The end result is worth every single bit of what we go through with surgery. I had a long and winding road to get here, but I would do it all over again. I am even toying with a stage 2b--not because I need it, but because I might want it. That should tell you that is isn't as bad as we build up in our heads.



Good luck and strong healing!

Moviemaniac

SBElizabeth.....I must be the only hippie in the group......I didn't wear a thing when I was in bed, other than the mesh underpanties the hospital gave me.....my "balls" (so funny) were taped to my body while there, and I only went home with one drain (which promptly quit working). I just kept the sheet up, as the room was plenty warm. When I was out of bed,I wore a gown in back, and a gown in front, so nothing was binding on my drains/balls.......



Marty, I tend to over-think EVERYTHING.......and I must admit, I am letting my imagination run a little wild......probably because I am not quite 3months out, and the thought of more surgery has little appeal right now. I really appreciate your calming influence.....I could feel tension releasing just reading your post.



DianneNC-thank you for for your input on Stage 2..... It really helps to hear other's stories.



Tammy-hope those mouth sores ease up!



Nihahi- hope you can relax a little this weekend.....lol.....I say that and in my head I am hearing: that ain't gonna happen! Well, TRY to relax, anyway.



Everybody else, have a wonderful rest of today, and a great weekend!



(((Hugs)))



Namaste and God bless - Jackie

bdavis

Dianne.. That's too funny. I had no idea you had named the pants after me... They are indeed wonderful. And I happened to stumble onto them before my surgery in the summer of 2011... Since then, I tell everyone. Its like they were made for this surgery.

sealizabeth... I must be the rebel here... I wore my own Pj's. As a matter of fact Target has GO nighties too. And I wore my nightie in the hospital. I brought two nighties actually. I found it so much more comfy. Imagine the GO pants as your nightie... soft and stretchy. I am also actually wearing one of their tops right now.

Oh... btw. I had my stage IIb Jan 30, and will have stage IIc November 22.

kuka21174923

Ok, I really need to go to target this weekend and get some of these pants! Does anybody know if they have them in shorts? I keep hearing how they like to keep the room warm and I get hot flashes like crazy!!! I remember wearing the hospital gowns when I had my kids and how uncomfortable they were, specially trying to keep them on if you have visitors! Bdavis, what shirts do you get? Are they in the same section where they put the pants?

This is kind of a funny story. You know how people can't relate to you when you are telling them what you are going through. It's so easy to tell somebody that it doesn't matter the way they look, they just need to do this to be healthy and for their family. Yesterday I had a friend calling me and as I was telling her that I wished I could call out the whole surgery because I'm not sure I'm going to be on with it emotionally she was telling me how I had to do it and I would be fine and that it doesn't matter how I look, because everybody loved me for whom I am. I told her that she should have this surgery as well since her brother died with cancer and her 2 year old grandchild just finished a year of chemo. It puts her in the high risk category to get cancer even if she doesn't test possible for BRCA. Her immidate response was, oh no! I'm not doing that surgery!! Well, why not? I said. It's ok for me to do it for my health, so it should be ok for you to do it for your health as well. She replied by saying that she will wait and see how my surgery goes and then decide if its for her. That's why I love to read everyone's stories in here. You ladies are the only people I can relate too and you have helped me so much!!! I thank God everyday for helping me find a group of ladies like you!

Some of you have talked about not feeling very up in spirits a few days after surgery. Do you get depressed? I am mostly afraid if this because I've been taking antidepressants for 8 years and I really don't want to go back to that dark place I once was. How long do you have this feeling for?

MartyJ

Kuka - the Betsy pants are sometimes available as a knee length coulotte. They are in the sleepwear section.  All pieces near each other.  I think that the down day comes as you are adjusting to the big surgery you have had and the things that you can't do for yourself (albeit temporarily).  It is pretty short term.  By the way, while you are in the hospital you may wish to ban visitors (except your DH).  You really won't feel like entertaining anyone.

sbelizabeth - I seriously considered wearing my own PJs in the hospital.  Even brought a wonderful satin Josie Natori I picked up at Off Fifth just for that purpose.  Never did put them on.  Between the drains and catheter with bag, I had enough to deal with and didn't want to mess up my pretties.  

Jackie - believe it or not, lots of women have Stage 2 three months after stage 1.  Though I am glad that I had to wait 5 months til my Doc could operate in Charleston. I will have 4 months between 2a and 2b.

Dianne - glad you are doing well and happy.  Thanks for the reminder about the transfusions.  I had 2 units at Stage 1 and know it is not unusual for me to need them.

Goodie

If you don't wear the hospital gown I would strongly suggest something that buttons up the front.  They have to check your flaps every hour and your abdomen the first 24 hours and then every 2 hours the second day etc.  Plus you will probably have the catheter in at least 24 hours after surgery too.  I didn't even think to ask my DH to go get my jammies from my suitcase.   

I was looking at the Target website and they do have Betsy capris in like aqua and black with some matching short sleeved tops.  I might have to look into getting those too!  LOL  (capris $14.99 and ss tops $12.99)

bdavis

kuka.. the shirt is just a short sleeved v-neck black top. Cheap and comfy.

http://www.target.com/p/gilligan-o-malley-women-s-fluid-knit-sleep-top-assorted-colors/-/A-14347542#prodSlot=large_1_21

Janet_M

I have Target envy!

But in the meantime I still have the one hospital gown that fit me during radiation. It  was kind of a wrap around thing with nice stripes - so I stole it. Out of the dozens of gowns I had to wear, this was the only one I liked, so I figured I deserved to take it home. 

I'm still waiting for my surgery date, but I'm getting the clothes in order. I ordered a Jacki, and I'm looking around for loose pants. 

And by Monday, I should know when this surgery is going to happen! I've been talking to all my doctors, and my PS's secretary said we should know by Monday, and that it could possibly be on May 9th. It's so weird to know that I may or may not have to back out of my work contract which begins at the end of the month, change travel plans etc etc. Being in limbo is very weird. I admire all you gals who are juggling little kids - or renovations?!

HHCats - I like what you 'almost said'. That sounds like the voice that chats inside my head most of the time. 

Cherrie

Janet, do you have a Kohl's? I found a pair of yoga pants in their Sonoma line. I wear these a lot. Old Navy has skirts like yoga pants too. I also wear my Betsy pants! Lol



Stage 2 was much easier than stage 1 and I had a lot done. Also, it was 3 mo. after. I worried about that, but it worked out just fine.



Going through a blue spell seems to be the norm for stage 1. Mine occurred at 2 1/2 weeks out. It really only lasted a couple of days. Then you pick yourself up and march right ahead again. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you for a while.



I brought PJ'S and robe to hospital and never put them on. I could have cared less. I couldn't imagine visitors. Marty dropped in with her husband, but she was just leaving the hospital. We were in the same boat. Drugged up!!!