DIEP 2014

aff

6 days and counting...

Doing my best to stay busy. I have plans with family and friends this entire weekend. Trying to stay as active as I can without too much down time leaving me very little time to think.

Have plans with large group of ladies tonight for dinner and drinks. There are about 12 of us going. A local band is playing and I'm really looking forward to a great night with great friends!

LiLi-RI

Hi Ladies!

Just checking in...My surgery date is 2 weeks out, and I am so worried about the entire process! All of your posts are so helpful ....So much to know and prepare for with little time and focus! I can't wait to be on the other side!

I hope you are all enjoying a gentle weekend!

Lisa

BellaMomma

iowagjrl, Let's meet too!

JerseyMomOf3

To all the gals having surgery soon, please know it is completely normal to have a wide range of feelings leading up to this. The best advice I received came from the wonderful ladies on this board. They told me to trust myself - my instincts, my research and decision making that led to this choice. They also told me that I didn't need to be brave, I just had to show up. I didn't feel any feelings of real fear until 2 days before surgery. I started to second guess and get cold feet - like "What the heck was I thinking?!" but answering these thoughts with trust in myself and in all the sound reasons for this choice was really comforting, as was the feedback from this board and the support of my DH, friends, family, therapist, etc. I was very nervous the day of surgery so I just decided to show up. I was scared going to the OR and I actually cried the whole ride on the stretcher down to the OR. A nurse came with me and held my hand and gave me tissues. I think I just needed that release of emotion. The only tears I have shed since the surgery are tears of gratitude for my wonderful doctors and nurses and for the benefits of this remarkable and amazing procedure that has been such a blessing to me.

in hindsight, it really is true is that there are a lot of "what ifs" but dwelling on them can be paralyzing. It is natural to worry, but pointless to let that overwhelm you because it is likely they won't happen. If a complication occurs, your team will deal with it, and you will get through it -They and you will deal with it if it happens. if you have certain concerns that worry you quite a bit, you can discuss with your surgeon. I asked my Dr a few "what if" questions and he had a plan B for everything which was very comforting. We are all here for you, and cheering you on!! Being on the other side is a much better place! Sending you hugs, strength, and peace.

BellaMomma

AnnBR & iowagjrl,

I am staying at Kahler Grand which is connected to Mayo's by Subway. How about meeting at Kahler Grill at 3:30?

I have an appointment earlier, but would really like to meet you both!

If that works let's exchange phone numbers on private message. 

AnnBR

That works for me, and I sent you a PM. I can meet before my appointment too if that works better for Iowagirl.

gila4936

Hello ladies! I'm new to this thread and haven't gotten very far through in reading it just yet, but I'm having BMX with DIEP on June 3. I feel like I have so much to do this weekend but all I really want to do is sit here and read!

BellaMomma

• Ann & Iowagjrl, 

Morning works for me too. Can meet anytime from 8:00am to 10:30am, morning is actually better if it works for you. Afternoon works too.

Let me know, looking forward to meeting you!

koalabear

Pollyanna, sounds like you are doing the right things prepping for after surgery. Another thing you may want to consider is a meal train. A lot of folks want to help but don't know how. I think there are a few meal train websites so people can sign up for certain days and know what others are bringing. It helps tremendously to know that your kids will get fed with homemade food rather than takeout. I don't have any kids but when my sister was going through surgery for BC, her neighbors and other PTA parents chipped in for her two kids - made such a difference!

To all the gals having surgery soon, good luck. It is true when they say the hardest part is waiting.  And when you get there, it'll be over before you know it (admittedly, I took an anti-anxiety pill the night before to help me sleep which doc approved/suggested). I feared pain the most and honestly, the pain is manageable. I chose to probably have a little more pain meds than I needed because I was so afraid and I don't think I was ever really in pain - just all in my head.  I'm the worlds biggest wuss - so if I can do it, you can do it!

k79miller

gila...Good luck!  I think everyone on here will tell you that we all experienced the exact same thing that you are right now.  I think the nesting keeps us busy to help keep our minds off of what we're about to go thru.  Just relax & enjoy these last few days before you're on the other side with the rest of us.

pollyanna5

koala, thanks for the advice !  My church will be bringing in meals for a few weeks, longer if needed.  I'll let them have take out a few times !

Trinity0723

rose - glad I'm not the only one feeling that way. Was going to post yesterday that all of the sudden I feel horribly stressed and  unprepared. Glad I'm not alone. 

Today is last day I take tamoxifen so the reality of surgery is setting in. Trying to get everything together for hospital and post op. 

Has anybody had any issues with belly button? I'm scared to lose it. Maybe because it's mine and there's nothing wrong with it. Any comments on joint pain?

Thsnks 

Trinity0723

I have tried to get my BS to do prophylactic on right but she's against. I'm worried about DIEP only one time. Any encouragement??

AnnBR

trinity0723, I did not lose my belly button but my PS said he enlarged it (I really can't tell). Your feelings are normal. Just stay focused on the end result, the first few days will go by so fast!

Ann

iowagirl1

Ann and Bella.  Don't change your plans for me.  I have a 10 a.m. appt in plastics.  i could meet before my appt or after but I can't stay until 3:30.

Zenful

trinity, I still have my belly button. Many of the ladies joke that if you close your eyes and point to it following the surgery, it is in a little different location, but that's the least of my worries.  As long as I have nice soft living breasts, I am a happy lady. If you should later decide to do the other side, fat can be harvested from other areas besides the tummy. 

BellaMomma

iowagirl, We will work out a time. It would be great to meet you both!

goldie4040

Trinity, you are getting the normal anxiety before surgery.  I haven't heard of anybody losing their belly button during a diep, ever.  It might feel like it's in a different place, but usually it's not.  Just feels weird.  I know you are ready to go, but you brought this up, so I am going to put my two cents in.  If it feels wrong to keep the other breast, it is never too late to change your mind.  You have every right to get another opinion.  I chose to have both off because of my family history, and fear of recurrence.  It turns out that was the right move for me.  They found pre cancerous stuff through out, and my MRI was very suspicious for cancer in both even though biopsy only came back positive on right side.

Cindy, nothing like a compliment to make your day.  I know you look awesome!!! 

You guys are meeting up sounds like fun.  Take pics for us.

K79, the nesting is what kept me from going crazy the week before surgery.  I cleaned and threw stuff away.  I actually started to cry at one point because the last time I got like that I was pregnant.  I got all nostalgic.

Welcome Gila.  You do have a lot of reading to do...lol.  Please keep us posted on how you do. 

brendarj

gila our surgery is same day. Best thing is the great advice and support that you can get on this thread. I feel sooo ready

The1toC

brendarj WOOHOOO! I bet you never thought you would have the opinion that you feel sooooo ready. I am so pleased for you and excited to hear your experience on the other side.

Cindybthenp bet you looked stunning with your new bod in the skirt. We are usually our harshest critics. Thanks for sharing your feel good.

Bellybuttons...you get to keep it. It will have an incision the whole way around the edge where it meets the belly and will be almost invisible after some healing time.

Ladies who are nearing surgery keep up the nesting and tasks! It is human nature to try to control the things we can especially in the setting of a whole big unknown. Know that you are doing your very best at coping (and heck if you are getting it together to clear stuff out etc.,you are really doing well!)

rose111

Hi Trinity,

I am scheduled  for umx on my right side since this is my second occurrence on this side.   When diagnosed the second time,I asked my surgeon if I should consider having both breasts removed.   He said that he would do whatever surgery that I was comfortable with.  I trust and like this doctor, I have seen him for 5 years since he performed my  lumpectomy .

After consulting with MO, RO and others,I decided to go with only uni.    I have no family history and was   Diagnosed at very early stage both times.

Once I made the decision, the surgeon said we will focus on treating what we know and not what may happen in the future.   This feels right for me, but it agree 100% with Goldie that we all have different circumstances and should do what feels right to us.

I am so glad that I found this group.   It is very reassuring to learn of everyone's experiences.  Thanks to jersymom and others for encouragement.   I have started nesting too, glad to hear that this is normal and common.

Hope everyone has a happy and  healing day

sibrhusky127

I just wondered, does anyone know how long the recovery time is for stage 2?   How long would I have to be out of work?  

Thanks!

Zenful

Once again, that varies from person to person, but the average time off is two weeks after Stage 2. It is a much easier recovery than the first stage. 

LiLi-RI

JerseyMom- Thank you for your wonderful and powerful post! It helps to know that all we need to do is show up. I am nesting too. My fears are based on the fact that I am single and live alone. I am 52 yrs old, and I hate to ask others for help. I was initially diagnosed 1 year ago...and all good friends were present...now less than 6 months after radiation, I am diagnosed with BC in my other breast...this has been a long journey with no down time...it is hard. Lisa

pollyanna5

What did you find on average to be the recovery for stage 1?  I can't seem to find an average, it seems to be all over the board!  I get they we are all individuals and hea differently, but just would like to know a bit.  

I am still not pleased to face a second breast surgery recovery in under 3 months.  I'm better from the reduction, but it took a while to come back.  And abdominal surgery at the same time, yikes!  I've had 4 c/s, so I'm guessing it will be like that, just more so.  I recovered from those pretty well, but my last was 5 years ago almost.  But, when I couldn't use my stomach muscles, i used my arms.  That won't work this time! 

I think once I"m at the hospital the anxiety will got down.  The planning for everything at home will  all be done, and it will be in others hands then.  9 days!

jmb5

sibrhusky, I had my stage 2 on Thursday and am feeling pretty good. My legs are sore from the lipo and I am tired, but that's about it. I'm not taking any pain meds at day 3. My nipples look like they should really hurt, but I have no feeling there so they don't. Lol. If I had a desk job, I'd go back to work this week. If I was on my feet a lot, might wait a week or two. 

Right now I am hating the compression. I was told to wear it 24/7 until my follow up on June 10. It goes from under my breasts to below my knees. It sucks. I'm curious what those of you who have had stage 2 lipo had to wear for compression, if anything. 

naiviv

Polly,

It is very different for all of us as I've read here.Not sure there is an average.  A lot of factors effect how we respond and are able to do things.

I was in ICU for 3 days and then went home. Pain is managed well with meds. The hardest for me was the in and out of bed, followed by going to toilet ( it was low). I am 5'10.

These helped tremendously during first week: Hospital bed, through insurance. Rented a recliner that helps you get up. Purchased an elevated  toilet seat. Borrowed a walker. The only thing I didn't have was chair for shower, it would have also been helpful.

Today is day 11. Pain is a lot less, tightness is still there and certain movements bring on pain. It is easier to get in and out of bed with out any assistance. I can sit and get up without using the recliner features. It feel great to take a shower and it is easier to stand. I do have a chair I placed in bathroom to sit afterward and let my incisions dry with a fan while I try and do something with my hair and put lotion on etc....

Walking and standing for long periods of time are still very tiring. I can straighten myself up, but as I get tired I bend a bit. The walker is a security blanket for my longer walks. I am still not doing anything more than this. No cleaning,dishes,cooking etc. I did place a load in wash,very slowly and set it to dry. I will get tired enough to take a nap or two during the day (after a walk).

From wherever you start the day of surgery, they will ask you to do more as days progress. For me things got easier with time and the most challenging was the first week.

I wish you the best and if you feel particularly challenged come here and asked, most of my answers have been found here and they have helped,

Take care

Vivian

BellaMomma

jmb5,

I had Stage Two last Wednesday. I also am in compression garments 24/7. Both are industrial strength! The bra is full chest, Velcro front opening. The girdle starts where bra ends to below my knees. The sides of the girdle zip and have hook and eye. Almost like a Victorian corset. I am also padded with foam and abd's. under the girdle.

I am quite bruised, but feel better than Stage One . I think the outcome will be good. Wanting out of this  compression gear asap too!

Rubiayat

I am almost four weeks post surgery and last night I felt a hard lump at the bottom of my breast where the crease with my chest is. I imagine this could be fat necrosis. In the past week I have overdone it a few times. I've lifted something too heavy, pulled or pushed on a heavy door. I've had chocolate a few times (the caffeine can constrict blood vessels). Could any of these activities caused the fat necrosis? I'm feeling really upset with myself that I could have done something to compromise my flap.

Also my chest, above where my cleavage normally starts, is still really sore and swollen. Is anyone else experiencing this too?

jmb5

Bella, my compression is the same with the hooks and zippers. I took it off today to shower and I literally have dents on the inside of my knee from the lipo. It looks gross. Hopefully that will get a better shape down the road. My poor body looks like someone beat the crap out of me. Lol. They told me no bra, but then the PA told me I could wear one after a couple days. After surgery they put "donuts" on to protect the nipples, but didn't send any home with me. I called to ask what I was supposed to do after my first shower and my PS said to buy nursing/breast pads and cut a hole out of the middle. I really don't see what good they do because they aren't thick like the donut so my shirt still touches the nipple. I just wear a cotton tank top so hopefully it's okay. I have to put ointment on them too, so it gets in my shirt. The weather is beautiful here and my kids are going to swim after church. I so badly want to put my bathing suit on and sit in the sun, but it wouldn't look very good over my compression monstrosity. Haha. I kinda want to cry and feel sorry for myself, but then I think of how far I've come and how awesome all of you are doing. So I'll just keep pressing on, and remember all the things I have to be thankful for. Too many to count.