DIEP 2013

Robin_Brooke

I'll be having the surgery some time later this year, likely not until December. I'm starting rads in a few weeks. Last August I had two massive infections around my expander that required emergency surgery and removal. What's left looks pretty burly and radiation will make the skin lose even more elasticity, right? Has anyone else had this happen and what can I expect after or heading into prep time without an expander? I'm a little confused at what she will do since I don't have one...I won't meet up with my PS again until May.

SheChirple

Robin: I had a permanent implant removed shortly after my exchange from TE to implant, due to infection and leakage.  That was 5 months ago.  The skin is shrinking up and PS says if I choose to replace the implant, I would have to go through TE again.  I am going DIEP bilateral, so he will be removing the other implant at the DIEP surgery.

In the meantime I'm wearing a nice prosthetic from Ameona.

lilyun

Hi Ladies, I am scheduled for DIEP Part 2 on April 15th. Has anyone gotten lipo in part 2 just for cosmetic purposes or is it always to use the fat somewhere else? I have a great surgeon but he is somewhat abrupt in his answers. I have just gone thru menopause and would love to get rid of a few inches on my waist. Right now he has me scheduled for breast shaping and nipples,removal of extra skin at one hip, smoothing of some extra tissue near the back of my bra area from my first mastectomy and rebuilding my belly button.

bdavis

It really depends on your doctor... some are generous with lipo and others are not.

nihahi

@calm - If I remember right, you're now about 2 months out from your stage 1? Just wondering how things are going for you, and when the next stage is going to get done. I'm now 11 days and counting to my consult appointment. Still worried if the surgeon will agree that I have enough tummy - can't seem to keep the weight on!

calm

Hi Nihahi--I went back to work last week (after 7 weeks away)--have felt fine--wasn't tired or anything--just not used to waking up so early. I go out for walks every lunch hour--and I am still doing exercises in morning when I wake up and once again at night--for abdominal muscles and arm movement. I feel fine, arm and shoulder movement fine--all incision areas have healed well although the scar is pronounced and will take about a year to fade I am told.The only thing that does not feel 100% normal yet is when I am sleeping I can sleep on my back of course and on one side--but the other side is still a bit sensitive and so I tend to wake up when I go on that side--I think in another week or so that will clear up. I go back to PS in another week--at that time I will probably book the next stage--he said it would take at least 3 months (or maybe he said 3-6) for 'things to settle'. I will probably want my unreconstructed breast lifted--as it is sagging a bit relative to the new one and I will discuss nipple options. I don't want himto do anything else 'cause I am very happy with the result--

Good luck with your consult and keep us posted.

lilyun

Thanks Betsy, I will question the ps some more when I see him in a few weeks.

nihahi

Thanks calm. So glad to hear how well you are doing. You continue to be my "hoping for" role model! It is so reassuring to hear the "scenario" from someone who had the surgery at the same place I hope to. Likely our surgeons co-operated in the OR too, from what I have been told.

Sonyalee

Hi everyone, I just now found the 2013 thread. I haven't logged on in awhile, and I normally don't post very much. I usually just read other posts for info when needed. I am scheduled for a right-side DIEP on 2/4/13, and as you can imagine I am very excited/nervous! I wanted to wish you all luck with your upcoming surgeries, and I will probably have a million questions as my surgery date nears!

wintersocks

Hiya Girls,

I am scheduled for my diep in approx August of this year. I would like to join and will be reading this thread to share in the next (better) stage of bc treatment,

I am a UK girl so it will be interesting to see if we do things differently this side of the pond,

  

KiwiMum

Hi ladies



I am scheduled for free flap tram on 1/2/13. It's been 2 years since my UMX. At the same time I am having the left side lifted to match.



DIEP is not available in NZ, but the free flap tram is very similar and uses a minuscule amount of muscle.



I'm starting to get a bit nervous now that it's only a couple of weeks away. I'm focussing on the many positives. I will have 2 breasts again!! I will be able to buy normal pretty bras! I will be able to ditch my foob! I won't have to shop for high necked tops and dresses any more!



I am being admitted the night before on 1/31 (where is 30/1 in the US). I am first up at 7.30am and then scheduled for 7 nights in hospital. It feels quite a change after my MX when I went home in less than 24 hours.



I look forward to learning from those of you going first!

Hockeymom1

Well, I am going for bilateral DIEP this Wednesday 1/16/13.  I lost my right implant this past fall due to an infection.  I originally had a bilateral mastectomy 12/09 so it had been awhile and really thought I was done with all of this.

It's strange because that first time I had done so much research and spent so much time thinking about it.  This time, I'm just dreading another recovery period and have been avoiding thinking about it too much.  BUT...now it's here and I'm just not sure what to expect.  The doctor said surgery will last 8-10 hours and I'll be in the hospital 3-5 days.  Is this everyone else's experience? 

Best of luck to everyone else!

P.S.  Will my tummy really be flat?? 

nihahi

Hockeymom1 - where are you having your surgery? I'm sure it will go well for you. I can't wait to get my surgery date. Time has proved to me that with implants.....you are never "done". 

Hockeymom1

I'll be having my surgery here in Charlotte, NC with a wonderful doctor and his partner.  Yes, implants & I did not get along:)

MartyJ

Hockeymom - Bilateral DIEP is usually an 8-10 hour operation.  I had mine in NOLA 9 weeks ago.  They removed the implants, broke up scar tissue before the DIEP.  My DH said I was in about 7.5 hours.  I was in the hospital for 4 nights.  Now looking forward to Stage 2.

Hockeymom1

How long do you need to wait for stage 2?

MartyJ

It depends on the doctor, but most seem to want at least 3 months between stage 1 and 2.  I see differences every day.  I will have a 5 month separation.

heavenschild

@Ketch & 4my4babies:  Praying for your SX today! 

@Sonyalee:  Welcome to the thread!  We are very fortunate to have *oldie goldies* who have been through this before stopping by.  The NOLA thread has wonderful info also.   

Bluegirl has her surgery this Wednesday. 

Question:  My PS said that they would give me a compression garmet at the hospital, but said that I didn't need to buy a Marena after that.  I have shoes older than my PS and he has only done 200 of these - is he right?  Should I go ahead and get one? 

Del11

You don't *need* any one brand of compression garment over another.  But if you find the one they give you is uncomfortable for wearing long periods at a time, Marena is a comfortable alternative.

sherbab

Hello ladies!  I too am planning for DIEP Flap late May or early June.  I am finishing up my last chemo session Wednesday and had a BMX with tissue expanders. 

I am so happy this group exists...I am nervous and excited as well!  I really just want to get a date on the calendar but I don't even go and see the PS again until February....he doesn't do the fills while on chemo.

Speedy recovery to all of those with upcoming surgery!  I look forward to hearing about the progress from each of you, your knowledge and experience is invaluable!

bdavis

Sherbab... Why have fills? Fills just expand the pec muscle, but if you are having DIEP, that isn't necessary. The DIEP flap goes over the muscle, not under. I would ask so you don't go through unnecessary fills and pain.

sherbab

You know I actually don't know but I am definitely going to ask now.  I did a nipple sparing BMX with TEs I actually never questioned the fills.  I have found through this process no one ever gives the entire story from A to Z....I see a phone call to the PS office tomorrow.  Thanks bdavis!

bdavis

My PS's first choice is to do the DIEP at the same time as the MX, but if something prevents that, he uses implants and they just sit there til DIEP. For him, I don't think this is very often, but I read something on his forum answering someone's question about this. For all I know, they were not even his patient. So maybe he himself doesn't do it, but if given various options under the circumstances, he would use implants.

faith729

Hi ladies Iam scheduled for a DIEP on April 1st and it feels like too much time to think. I find myself emotionally drained and exhausted. My biggest concern seems to be with being under anesthesia for the 8-10 hour surgery. Thoughts?

faith729

4/1 faith729

BleuGirl

Kimdy - I am sorry that your surgery has been postponed/cancelled. Keep us updated with what they are saying about your heart.

Joellelee - I hope that your surgery today is going well and that your recovery is easy.

Well everyone I think I am ready for tomorrow.  The hospital called and my time is 7:30am. We are supposed to get snow tomorrow but not until 9 am so it should be ok.  I had been discussing with my DH about renting/buying a recliner so he did a little internet searching and found the Back Max by Contour Living and ordered it for me.  I tried it out when it arrived and I think it will work great.  Here is the link: http://www.contourliving.com/p-21-backmax-body-wedge-cushion-sets.aspx

In the last 3 days I have gotten my underarms waxed, had a 90 minute massage, colored my hair, gotten a manicure and a pedicure, turned everything over at work and gotten all of the laundry done.  I think that just about covers everything. My church has set up a "mealtrain" for the 2 weeks after I get home from the hospital.  My in-laws arrived last night, they will be staying for as long as I need them to . I sewed a belt for myself with soft flannel fabric that has 4 removable pouches for the drains.  I will let you know if it is helpful.

4my4babies - good luck and best wishes to you tomorrow too!!

heavenschild - not sure I will be online before your surgery next week so wanted to wish you luck now and best wishes.

BleuGirl

faith729 - my PS said 10-12 hours and quite frankly that is what I am worried about the most. I can deal with the pain (at least I think I can) but being under anesthesia that long scares me.  I try to keep telling myself that since I love to take naps it is just like I get to take a really long one!

Morningsun1

Good luck to you BleuGirl! My surgery is not until January 28th. Sounds like you've got all your ducks lined up nice and neat. I hope I will be as organized as you are 10 days from tomorrow. You said snow coming where are you? - Tammy

faith729

Good luck BleuGirl! ! You will be just fine Im sure. I've been telling myself the same thing it's just like a long nap and I will be catching up on all the sleep I lost when my kiddos were babies. Another thing I've been telling myself is that these doctors successfully complete these procedures daily. You seem so well prepared!

MartyJ

Bleugirl, you will do amazingly well! You are so prepared and on top of things.  I actually had to call off the food train as we had more than we could eat without wasting.  We'll look forward to hearing from you on the other side. Enjoy your nap!