DIEP 2014

Dyvgrl

Everyone,

Have been having my scabs starting to fall off and I'm doing my damnedest not to pick, but there are a few tiny spots that are red and kind of bleeding like when a scab comes off too soon. With so much incision I'm worried about getting an infection and wondering what you are all doing to keep things clean and manage the scabbing. 

naiviv

Hello all, best wishes to all.

Day 7 post diep feeling a bit better , less physical pain. I ventured out to dinner, but it was honestly a bit too much. Restaurant was very close, but the chair, sitting a certain way was just too much. Plus my appetite has not been great. I came home and medicated, half an hour later I was much better.

I see PS tomorrow for first appt post surgery.

Sleep well,

Vivian

The1toC

jmb5 so sorry you had to experience that. Sounds like you were on the receiving end of a lot of displaced..um...emotions. Maybe one of your purposes for surviving is to be such a wonderful example for others , that you take the high road, that you value yourself and stand for your beliefs, not lashing out to hurt with texts, etc. (Gosh I can't believe such a text!).

I wish for you the best experience for stage2!

Brendarj FYI the old Maple Leaf Gardens has been turned into a fabulous Loblaws with great eating area and interesting yummy food sweets tea, etc. It is likely nearby where you are staaying (also nearby to my MiL but I think you wouldn't be interested to visit her)

Dyvgrl my PS said the glue will just was off. I am still waiting although a tiny bit is gone -scabs still there. I am just gently washing with bodywash and not trying to force anything; I am so terrified to open an incision since local hhospital not likely to deal with it and am +8hr from PS hospital. I wonder if it would help to apply some bacitracin antibiotic ointment to those too early red areas?

Dyvgrl

yeah everything is starting to peel. I used some Hibiclens to wash and put a nonstick gauze on it

goldie4040

jmb, what an insensitive b...h!!!!!  If you don't punch her, we might all come down and take care of it for you.  GEEZ.  Good luck tomorrow.  It's not as bad as you are anticipating.

Naiviv, one week is too soon.  I am surprised you made it through dinner.  Please rest.  Give yourself more time.  You are a strong person.  Bless you. 

dvygirl, I have scabs falling off too.  Stop picking...lol.  But some gauze over anything oozy so it can scab over again.

Brenda, count down week. It seems long and then it goes so fast.  We got ya!  You will do great.

I am still not standing up straight. I had a dream last night that they admitted they made a big mistake and I might never stand up again.  OMG!!!!  I woke up sweating.

Zenful

dyvgrl, just a word of caution about the hibiclens. When I had my stage 2 surgery preop appointment, they gave me a small bar of Dial soap.  When I asked why not hibiclens as was given at Stage 1, they explained that many women were using it beyond the presurgery prep, and it was causing their incisions to open up. I would stick with soap. And try to let those scabs come off naturally. If they used glue, I was told I could begin to "tease" them off after two weeks, but there were a few spots that hung on a bit longer. 

Teacher64

Wow! I missed a busy day. DH got through second cataract surgery so much easier than the first.

BellaMomma - hope stage 2 was a breeze.

Ann - mapped and ready. Cheers for you.

Jmb - next time you see your neighbor, just think "Bless your heart!"

Donna2012 - keep us posted on the laser. My crop circles look like bulls' eyes with red circles all around. I've never had an incision look like these. I think I will ask my PS about something to make my chest look less like targets.

Tlbradyful -I'm with you on normalcy, except for getting out of bed.

Naiviv - take it easy. I know it gets boring sitting around, but don't push it.

I got to workout yesterday. Last week I couldn't do three reps. I did the stretches my trainer recommended and was able to do complete workout and felt wonderful. Today is stretches day so I can workout again tomorrow.

aff

jmb - thinking about you today. Good luck with Stage 2!

brendarj - I'm right there with you...8 days and counting 

jbdayton - wishing you all the best for your surgery on Monday - sending you all positive thoughts!

Dyvgrl

yikes! Well the only area I used the Hibiclens was on the breast drain hole that looked like it was still open. It had a scab that came off in the shower and just didn't look completely healed. The other stuff I'm just leaving alone and keeping clean. Thanks for the info!

Janet_M

jmb5 - Your neighbor is an idiot, and I'd like to punch her in the face for you. I admire you grace, but sometimes taking the low road is just so much more satisfying. 

Teacher - My crop circle were also bulls eyes. It's been almost a year for me, and they're just starting to fade. At about 4 months I started massaging them vigorously with bio-oil. Now they're looking a little better but I've still a way to go. 

Goldie- Hang in there. Your skin will stretch and you will stand up straight - and it will feel SO good. Sounds to me like you're on track considering how tight they stretched you tiny tummy.

Dyvgrl

spent the whole night coughing and sneezing from birch pollen allergies. That feels oh so good on the abs and chest. Going to have to quit my Dilaudid so I can take my allergy meds. Gonna be a rough day... Plan on taking some Ibuprofen but not so sure how that's gonna manage my pain. Wish me luck!!

The1toC

Dyvgrl: I just switched to mostly ibu as well (except evening tramadol x1) and found that 400mg ibu every 5 hours or so is helping my swelly belly a bit!

At least the birch pollen is a pretty chartreuse green!

BellaMomma

Thanks for your loving support. You are the best!

1st Day after Stage 2. In industrial strength bra and girdle. Doing well.

He fixed the dog ears, opened up the  incision to cover flap, and did lipo to get the inverted nipple he built at stage one to evert. Still all bandaged up. Won't know what it looks like till tomorrow.

jmb5-Thinking of you and sending you positive healing thoughts! Those comments that were made to you by your neighbor were totally unacceptable. She definitely has a problem. You are such an up, helpful person, ignore her.

Zenful-Always good to hear from you! Thanks for your encouragement.

AnnBR-Glad your DIEP was a success! Sorry about the positive node and radiation, Please let me know how your doing,

optimi

jmb, I can't believe how mean ppl can be!! Absolutely horrible thing to say. But you should be very proud of yourself to have handled it so well.

Goldie, your comment about you having been staring at the floor for few weeks now made me laugh out lout.  I am sure you don't think it's funny but I am sure you will be standing straight very soon!

Naiviv, so glad to hear you are doing so well. I hope soon enough you will be able to enjoy a nice dinner out!

I had my pre-opp appt yesterday which lasted several hours but made me leave a little less anxious about the upcoming surgery. I still can't wait for the day of surgery to come and pass hopefully very quickly and without complications. How long have you ladies stayed at hospital after procedure? My PS told me that I would most probably stay 7days unless they were convinced that I did great earlier. And she mentioned that I would not get out of bed until day 6 as they have had patients lose their flaps due to walking earlier. I am kind of glad to be under the care of docs and nurses for that long although I will probably feel different once at hospital lol.

Wishing all ladies undergoing stage 2 surgeries smooth surgeries with great results and speedy recoveries. 

For all of you recovering from surgery..a painless restful day.

GeorgieGirlKC

Hi, just finished catching up with all the posts!! Wanted to check in. I will be 4 weeks post op on Monday along with Lemon and Goldie, the Cinco De Mayo Girls. Have been thinking about all of you and praying that with every day there is improvement in healing or the quick passing of time for those with a date ahead. Been laying low here, underestimated the amount of fatigue that would accompany recovery.  A nap on the couch is close at hand this afternoon. Good to be caught up with the board and what is going on with each one of you. It is a blessing to find such a wonderful group of new supportive friends out here! 

jmb5

Thanks for all the nice, encouraging comments about my mean neighbor. I am still kind of shocked since I tend to see the good in people and not expect that kind of behavior. I'm over it now. No time for negativity. 😊

Stage 2 went great!! I woke up well out of the anesthesia and got to leave pretty quickly to come home. I feel so happy!! My legs hurt like crazy but once the Percocet kicked in they felt a lot better. My breasts don't hurt at all!! They are swollen but look great! The compression garment is hideous but not too uncomfortable. They said wear it 24/7 except to shower until my follow up appointment, which is June 10. I keep thinking about what one of you ladies said about stage 2... It's where the magic happens. 😊 My husband has gotten a kick out of that saying too. Lol. 

Hope everyone is healing well. I pray for this group often. God has given me such peace through this journey and I am thankful that I get to walk it with all of you. 

Trinity0723

lemon - is there a forum where you can post pictures. I'd be interested yo check it out. 

Trying to figure out my packing list. I'm sure it's already been addressed on here but I'm not sure where. If someone will just point me to the page it would be great. 

I'm confused about the whole post op bra issue. I would really appreciate some guidance. 

My surgery is June 30, any chance I'll be able to go see the fireworks on the fourth? 

Blessings all!

brendarj

The1to C I was in Loblaws Loved the wall of cheese. Hoping to have more time Monday to check out Joe Fresh

Goldie4040 Thanks and it is going alot faster than I expected Pre_op went well. The staff at the hospital were great and I'm now more sure than ever that tis the right way to go for me

aff we are 3 days apart. We can compare notes. I know every surgeon is different I wonder if there is a lot of difference between procedure in the USA and Canada

Teacher64

jmb, glad you are doing well. 

goldie4040

Jmb, yeah.....glad you are home and happy.  I am glad they gave you the Percocet.  Lipo hurts for about a week, and then it becomes a bearable ache.

Georgie, I see my surgeon next week too.  I hope I am standing up by then.

I was curious, as we all are after this surgery, if my favorite jeans were going to fit.  Well, I got them up and buttoned, but being bent over makes it hard to tell for sure.  I have lost some weight, but my tummy is swollen.  The jeans zipped up and buttoned.  One giant step for mankind.  They were off in 2 minutes.  LOL.  I won't be worried about jeans in Texas till next October anyway.

Optimi, it is so crazy how each doc has a totally different view of what promotes good healing. I was out of the bed ASAP, other's not so fast.  6 days in bed seems excessive, but if I were you I would take advantage of the rest.  I am curious if they will have you on that spirometer many times a day to keep your lungs clear?

Bella, sound like you are doing great and you sound happy with results!!!  That is awesome!!!

dvygirl, you are freaking me out.  I take zyrtec everyday for my allergies. Nobody has told me not to take it with my pain meds.  I hope I am not doing something wrong.  I don't feel any different.  Last week when I was still taking a good amount of pain meds I forgot to take my zyrtec for two days.  Wow, same as you, sneezing, drainage, coughing, etc.  It doesn't feel great on any of the incisions. 

Dyvgrl

http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/dilaudid-wi...

I always look up drug interactions but knowing how Zyrtec makes me feel doubled with how Dilaudid makes me feel, I just assumed I'd feel super loopy. If you feel fine, I wouldn't worry about it. I did notice there was a MAJOR interaction with Tylenol so don't take that... 

aff

optimi - I met with my PS on Tuesday. He said I would be in a chair on day 2 and walking on day 3. It is so interesting.

brendarj - yes...I will be interested to see the similarities in our care. There are quite of few of us going within a week or so of each other.

Cleaned out my garage today. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when it was done. My kids are all set for the summer with their bikes and summer toys completely organized. It is such a relief!

thinkpink4ever

I'm keeping all of us in prayer, and hope that things are well for everybody these days....

jmb5, so glad that your Stage 2 went so well!  I know that's a wonderful feeling...

optimi, in bed for six days?  Well, talk about having to be a GOOD patient!  I'm scheduled next week in NOLA, and I'm curious to see how long it will be before I'm up and out of the bed.

Dyvgrl, ouch!  I suffer from allergies as well, and can only imagine how that sneezing feels.  I DO wish you luck, my friend....

tlbradyful, so glad to hear you're feeling well.  Stage 2 will be a breeze for you!

One love,

tp4ever

Teacher64

Goldie, with you on the no jeans til October. I wore demon crop pants today. I couldn't wait to get home from my hair appointment to get them off, but my hair looked good! I'm going lighter, one shade at a time, to hide the gray. New boobs don't go with ugly hair. 

AnnBR

Bellamomma, so good to hear from you! Will you be in Rochester on Monday? That's when I begin my radiation treatments. If it weren't for this type of surgery and our amazing Dr. Saint-Cyr, the node would never have been found. It was in the middle of my chest, jammed around a vein next to my rib. Not that close to my original IDC. I am so thankful.

For the question about the bra, your doctor will give you instructions. My PS wrote me a prescription which I got at the mastectomy shop. He wanted support, not compression and I am to wear it all the time. It's actually quite comfortable.

Someone asked earlier about what to wear to and from the hospital. I bought a pair of long yoga pants which have a nice wide waistband. I wore an oversized sleeveless tee with an oversized button down blouse which I wore as a jacket. I wore it to and from the hospital as well as to all my post op appointments.

Ann

thinkpink4ever

AnnBR, how did your doctor find that node?  I'm curious...

One love,

tp4ever

goldie4040

Dvygirl, Zyrtec use to put me down for the count, but I have been taking it for years, and I can take two in one day and not get sleepy from it.  My husband can't handle them.  He is hung over all day from one.  Are you saying there is a reaction between Tylenol and zyrtec?  Interesting.  I am pretty sure sometime in the last 10 years I have taken them at the same time.

naiviv

Hello All,

Ist PS appt. Lost 2 drains. 3 to go. Said all looked well. Changed my antibiotic, because of staph found on path report of left breast(failed one)  He is suggesting a side flap which has it's own blood supply together with a small implant to try and match the diep one. He says he can get close but it will not be a full match. I was not in mood to listen too much. I go back on Tuesday and Ill ask questions then, I want to know if 2 implants will look the same. I want a matched set.

Vivian

Dyvgrl

Goldie,

No the reaction with Tylenol is Dilaudid. 

Kat-ski

New MO has me coming in tomorrow for a Prolia injection.  I am on arimdex.  Two nights ago, I could hardly get up out of bed and then move.  It was horrible.  I did make it to the bathroom but I wonder if the armidex is really doing a number on my joints, muscles, etc.  The next morning the back of both thighs were stiff and sore.  Today I am fine.  I just don't understand.  I just wonder if any of the ladies have any experience with the combination of both drugs.  Thanks Kat