DIEP 2013

Dyvgrl

did anyone have a 2 day bowel prep for their hyster/ooph?? Seriously this is NO fun!! Surgery tomorrow. Feeling anxious. Can't wait for this to be over and praying for NO complications. Currently have a UTI so hoping that doesn't become an issue. Ugh!!

sweetpickle

bluebird- so sorry about your sister!

kat- this is a great place to vent and Im sory that youlost your dad. I lost my dad two years ago and the family went bonkers onme after he passed, its still difficult to process. 

I am home in my own bed and doing well. I took the tape off of all my incisins per dr. but now they sting a bit so I had DH put some bactritracin and gauze pads on the oozing parts.

I do have one big concern and that is I walked into hospital yesterday weighing 195lbs. and I walked out weighing 209. How is that even possible, I know it has tobe fluid but isnt that a lot in one day?  I have a call into PS office and hopefully will hear somethingback soon. My drains are a pain in the butt however I only have two this time so its easier to deal. They arent putting out to much and the discharge nurse thought I jad a good chance of getting them out on Monday. That will alleviatemost of the uncomforablenes. Ah geez, I am mispelling everything and Im too lazy tocorrect it, please forgive!

LucyV

I was told not to prep by the RN I saw pre-op and was then surprised by my grooming when I awoke! I had two drains in my FUPA so that may have been the reason.  I think they discourage shaving as it may promote infection ...I believe they have special clippers in the OR. Best to ask what they want you to do.

LucyV

welcome home sweet! Sounds like lots of fluid.....hope it starts moving out soon. Rest!

LucyV

Dvy- sorry about the prep! Will be thinking of you tomorrow and hope everything goes smoothly.

goldie4040

Darn, Bluebird.  I should have stopped at health food store to see if they had Manuka Honey.  I think hole looks a wee bit better today. The PA called me this morning.  Wants me to baby the thing over the weekend, and call her Tuesday. Ugh.  They are closed for the holiday on Monday.

Okay, I had a very strange experience today.  I had to go the dentist. The same one I have been going to for 22 years. I needed a crown redone, and he gave me my novacaine shot and said, " I will be back in a few to see if you are numb."  His usual.  All of a sudden I started to shake, and sweat, and my heart was racing.  The dental tech came in and gave me a cup of water.  I don't even know where she came from I was so freaked out.  She say, "oh, lots of people get that from the numbing shot."  Uh, me...who has had almost every molar in my mouth crowned and knows novacaine shots, and I have never ever had that reaction.  She said something about epinephrine being in the shot.  Since when?  I asked if they changed their shots to different ones, and they swore they hadn't.  WTH? I still feel a bit wrung out, and I usually feel fine.  Any ideas anybody?

Sweet, I am so glad you are up and around and ready to go home!!!!! 

Sorry for everybody having personal drama in your lives.  I hate that.  It just makes everything harder.  If the person upsetting you is somebody you can live without, then do it.  If it's somebody you have a family commitment to, then sometimes we have to deal with the situation the best we can, but still try to protect our health.  It's hard balancing act.

goldie4040

dvy, make sure you tell them about UTI.  They are going to put a catheter in for surgery, and it could make that worse. They probably will start you on an antibiotic immediately after surgery. Good luck.  Thinking about you.

Morningsun1

Donna, same as nihahi here, was never told to "self-prep" and was groomed during my "sleep."

Dyvgrl

Goldie-

Doc knows and has me on antibiotics. Just sucks! Sorry to hear about the reaction, never heard of that happening. Kinda sounds like the tech was full of bs to me. I'd do some googling and also talk to the dentist himself about it. Crazy! Hopefully you haven't developed an allergy!

goldie4040

dvy, I did some googling, and guess what.  Sometimes they use numbing shots with epinephrine and sometimes they don't.  I think they did this time, and didn't warn me, and forgot I have SVT, which means I can't handle too much stimulation like epi, or steroids, etc. 

That UTI should be better in no time if you are like me.  I feel better almost immediately after starting antibiotics, but I can always tell when I am getting one, and usually get on it pretty quickly.  Catheters always give me one!

LucyV

Goldie- glad everything worked out at the dentist. I think that would have sent me into a full blown panic! I'll have to remember to ask for the epinephrine free version.

Cherrie

Kat- Sorry to hear about your father. It will be so nice to go to Texas early and get a grandson fix. That is what is important.

Bluebird- family can be difficult at times. You can only control how you choose to respond. (((Hugs)))

I do no prepping and was "groomed" there too. I am sure it is a hygiene issue. 

Kat-ski

Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts.  I am doing a "yo-yo" type mattress route.  Hubby purchased a queen adjustable last Sat. to be delivered on Jan. 21st.  The queen set I was using was three years old with waterproof pad.  I was on my way to my other dad's to pick-up comcast equipment. I was turning onto a major road and saw a lady on the curb asking for money.  Well, I just thought instead of money, I would offer this mattress set.  Her eyes teared up and said yes and I asked if she had a way to get it.  Yes, she said.  We exchanged numbers and just told her to call when she figured things out and she could get the set.  I went and picked up the equipment, made sure the return paperwork had the  right codes.  I was home, she called and guess what, mattress is gone.  I moved the twin set down and am using that until the 21st.  I know mattresses can be bad as second hand, but of course not mine, lol.  This woman was so grateful and I even found a good set of sheets that I am smiling as I write this.  The mattresses set did not get "pitched" and someone is happy in their heart.  That is all that matters today!!  (It was said to be in Dad's apartment as his bed and recliner and power wheel chair were picked up but I am glad he is at peace).  You all, have a great night!!  (((((Hugs))))

Kat-ski

To all of my sisters that are trying to heal from different issues, you are in my prayers.  Heal fast!  And to those that are traveling to meet with loved ones, enjoy, rest and make great memories.  Kat   (Goldie thanks for the heads up and sorry you had that kind of shot.  I had to use an epi pen once and I reacted that way.  not fun) 

goldie4040

Kat, love the mattress story.  Doesn't it feel good to pay it forward!!!?  I am jealous of your new bed.  I have been wanting a sleep by number's bed. 

lahela

Donna, when she was doing my sketching the day before surgery, my PS told me to shave an inch along the top. I'd ask, if I were you.

Dyvgrl, you've got this! *hugs*

Sweetpickle, your typing mistakes make your posts extra fun to read I was shocked to have "gained" nearly 5kg after my ooph, but it was gone within 48 hours, as I watched my hands and feet shrink! Yours will go, I'm sure of it.

RHGSR

We are at hospital now. I have a fever. If it's 100.4 or higher and you are being treated with chemo, you get a to take a trip to hospital!!! YEA!!...They are running tests. Making sure my White Blood Cells aren't too low. If they are I get to spend the night in a very expensive but not fancy hospital room...

Moviemaniac

Praying for you, RHGSR......god bless...... (((Hugs)))

Kat-ski.....LOVE your mattress story.......it DOES feel good to pay it forward.......(((Hugs)))

Love to all.....

goldie4040

RHG, I am so sorry.  No fun.  I hope they figure out how to control that for you so you don't through all your chemo with that problem. Prayers and hugs. 

lahela

RHGSR, healing thoughts flying to you, too! *hugs*

LucyV

RHG- oh no! Hope you don't have to stay long! Sending hugs.

Curlylocks

Morning Ladies,

I still havent heard from my oncologist's office yet...talking about walking slowly backwards...my surgical oncologist who did my "masectomy" part of the surgery spoke to him personally on Wednesday around 4:00 pm., he asked for her to fax a copy of my pathology report and STILL havent received a call as to when my appointment is....SO FRUSTRATING...Patience is not in my vocabulary!!!

On an awesome note, I decided to try sleeping in my own lovely comfy pillowtop bed after my hubby headed off to by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6MzE0NzI6MTIyMDp3b3JrOjlkNDA1MGI1ZjlmZWI2YzFmNWFiY2QxZTIzODk4NDIyOnotMTU0Ni0yODc2MDk6Y29tbXVuaXR5LmJyZWFzdGNhbmNlci5vcmc6Mjk3MjU6MDhmZmQ5ODc4OGVjMjZjYWIzMWUwODdmYWUzYjgyMzQ6MjkwYjI1NjlmZjAwNDdlZWEzYzZiMjVjZTRiYzk5NzQ" id="_GPLITA_2" href="#">work at 5:00 am....let me tell you I thought I had gone to heaven and back literally....oh how I missed my own bed.  The past four nights I just couldnt get comfortable in the hospital bed and tossed and turned all night...most nights not getting to sleep until after 1:30 am.+  I will start off in my own bed tonight and see how it goes sleeping there over the weekend.  If I am okay in my own bed I am calling the hospital bed place to come and get their bed on Monday and get a refund of most of the 2nd month rental.  

I went to the wound clinic yesterday and they put a little square guaze along with some clear ointment on the one belly spot that is being stubborn...it is closed under the surface skin but has this little tiny round indent that she is trying to close...maybe another week or so.  I asked her if it looked okay and she said most definitely, that the ointment would help with debrindment (I think, whatever the heck that means?).  She gave me a supply of ointment and enough square guaze bandages to last until next Thursday.  If all is good next week, I get sprung from wound care!!!!

I have been driving the car more, drove to see a friend for lunch yesterday (about 20 minute drive one way) and have another lunch date with another friend today.  The one thing that does bother me is the seatbelt across my chest.  I will have to bring some sort of little cushion today.

Okay I feel a vent coming one here.....how many of us are so SICK of hearing, you are so strong, inspiriational, brave, I admire you.  OMG I dont get it!  I know people mean well but that does not describe anything that I am.  I really dont have a choice to be strong, what's my alternative?  Brave, Inspirational?  Not really.  I am just as scared as the next person diagnosed with cancer and this is my 2nd kick at the can.  I am worried that the scans may show by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NTcxMTQ6MjkwNDpzcHJlYWQ6Y2U5MjhiOGYzNzlkYjdmYTY4ZTkyNDA2N2NmYjQxZjU6ei0xNTQ2LTI4NzYwOTpjb21tdW5pdHkuYnJlYXN0Y2FuY2VyLm9yZzoxMTE3Njg6YTA5YzU4ODc2MmQzNjRlZjYyN2QyNjZhN2NjYWQ0NTU6OTNlM2NiMGIxNjgzNDU4M2E0NzgyN2U0YWM1ZjJiMmI" id="_GPLITA_1" href="#">spread to my lungs or other body parts...I dont know how many times I have heard those words in the past few weeks.  My cousin calls last night, she says didnt know whether or not to cal you, was thinking about it and decided to see how you were doing.  The first thing that she says was you are so strong and an inspiration...I said no not really but by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NTY4MDA6MTE0NTp0aGFuazo2MTA0YTFjMjk1YjUyMjhhNWRlMzIyMmRkOWJlMTlmZjp6LTE1NDYtMjg3NjA5OmNvbW11bml0eS5icmVhc3RjYW5jZXIub3JnOjExMDkyODphMDljNTg4NzYyZDM2NGVmNjI3ZDI2NmE3Y2NhZDQ1NTo2YzYyNDU4MWE2NTE0ZDc3OGNkYmIzYTU1M2Y3OTQ0OQ" id="_GPLITA_0" href="#">thank you because I didnt want to be rude.  She asked me how I found this cancer and I told her.   I asked her if she had ever had a mamogram done and she said no, she is 43, in awesome shape but still...she has a young family with three children.  She said I dont have any boobs, my comment back to her...you have breast tissue that could be affected.  She said I am too afraid to find out that something might be there.  OMG, I wanted to scream!

She also said that her own family doctor is not recommending that she get a mamogram done until age 50.  Yah, those are our governments stupid, retarded guidelines saying that it causes undue stress on women otherwise.  If I had gone by those guidelines I would be 10 feet under now!  I told her you ask your family doctor for one, tell her that you have three first cousins that have had breast cancer and an aunt...she cannot deny you.  I just cant believe in today's world that this is the message that women are getting!!!!!!  Breast cancer happens in young women way more than we would like to think!

OKAY, off soapbox....I feel better.LOL

To answer the question about having the prep the downward regions prior to surgery - didnt do anything and didnt wake up with anything different!

Lots of talk of the picture forum, I have my post op picture on there.  I wanted to show other women that they can be whole again.  Never, never thought I would be taking pictures of my female parts and posting them on the internet!

Kat - My condolences on the loss of your Dad.  I am happy that you made peace with whatever issues you had while he was living, very therapeutic for the soul and a big step in being able to move on with life.  Families...what can I say we cant choose them but learn to live with each other's differences and try to love them all just the same.

RHGSR - Oh no, hope you got the care you need and are on your way to feeling better.  Chemo sucks...

Krissy - hope things are better today, what a scare!

Sweet - they pump a shit load of air into your stomach to do that surgery!  Your weight will go back to normal in a week or so....

Zenful - I didnt fall apart until after I finished chemo and then had to go on an anti depressant for 2 years.  It helped alot.  Its amazing how we think we are all together fine and then bam the flood gates let loose...

Christina - you go girl, congrats on the weight loss!

You ladies are the bomb!

Michele

goldie4040

Hey Curly

I really hope they got back to you today from the Oncologist office.  Don't you feel like screaming, "hey, you told me I have cancer, now let's do something about it!!!!!" I would be furious.  Sorry about all the little annoyances from other people.  I just keep telling myself that most people mean well.  Glad you got to sleep in your own bed.  Most often I am still in the recliner.  

RHG, any better?

RHGSR

feeling stronger this morning. MUCH better than Thursday night. Hoping to go home today. 

Was suppose to have AC #2 on Tuesday but doc postponed it until Thursday because of all of this.  Probably a good decision but I hate having to wait. Chemo is awful but I was ready to get that second AC under my belt. 

Thank you ladies for the well wishes. They always boost my spirit. 

christina0001

RHGSR - you look great! You really do have amazing skin, too! Wow! Hate to hear that round 2 has been delayed. I hope you are feeling better today.

goldie  How does your divot look now? I had a spot sort of like that under the breast that was lifted. I did not think it would ever heal. PS said it was totally normal and it would heal... she was right, eventually it did. Sorry about the scary experience at the dentist! Yikes! Hope you are feeling better now.

lahela, OMG I can't believe they are making you wait until February 3rd for your scan results. I'm sure the results are fine, but sheesh, that is stressful.

donna - they did not shave me for DIEP but I did do some major hair removal before surgery, so there wasn't much there. I too was worried they would shave me, and I did not want to be "bald" but I wanted to make sure there was no hair anywhere near where they needed to work on me. Good question.

sweetpickle, sorry about the weight gain... I would also suspect that it is fluid retention. I bet it doesn't stay for long.

curly, vent away! I cannot believe they haven't called you with an appointment yet. That is so frustrating! I would definitely call Monday... although this is coming from a rather inpatient patient.

We are supposed to have beautiful weather this weekend. I'm going to do some shopping, and DH and I might go to the movies tonight. I want to exercise this weekend too. I've just got about 10 lbs more pounds to lose and they are being stubborn of course, clinging to my thighs and hips as tight as they can!

Dyvgrl

hey Ladies, hope you are all doing well. I'm sure I've missed a few pages. Sx went well, he was able to do it all laparoscopically so I avoided the abdominal cut. I'll save that for recon! So I'm still in the hospital, hoping to go home today. 

Cheers!

Pam

RHGSR

no round 2 yet ... Postponed until Thursday. Still in hospital :0(

RHGSR

thank you for asking Deb :0)

Moviemaniac

Dyvgirl...glad all went well for you.  Rest up.....more fun to come!

RHG, you are BEAUTIFUL!  Sorry the chemo was postponed, but use the time to rest up, and take the next one head on!

TODAY MY GIRLS ARE A YEAR OLD!!!!  And they have nipples, too!  Cannot believe a whole year has gone by since I started this crazy journey.....grateful to all of you who have helped me get through this sanely....(well,sort of) kind of mixed emotions this morning....a little emotional, but mostly very, very happy that I did it, and am now ALMOST DONE!  I'll be crossing the finish line before too long.....PATIENCE is my middle name!

Love to all......XO

Cherrie

HAPPY DIEP BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....HAPPY DIEP BIRTHDAY TO YOU.....It won't be long and it will all be in the past.