DIEP 2014

GeorgieGirlKC

Hi all! Just popping in to catch up on things before I go for my second haircut post chemo!! It isn't very long but it is pretty woolie looking! Came back curly, it was straight as as stick before. JMB5 I feel you too. Compression is a tough one, especially in the summer. I agree with some of the others, a good cry is cleansing. Considering what you and the rest of us have been through, a day (or a few more than that) of grieving and allowing ourselves to feel whatever it is we are going through is healthy.  I have had tears a couple of times this week myself. My whole summer last year and subsequent months have been consumed with cancer and what comes with it and now this summer the reconstruction and the limitations that come with post op. While I am beyond thrilled with the surgery I am mourning the loss of everything I love to do in the summer months for a second year..gardening, biking, yoga, swimming, being outside (not very comfy in compression). Trinity, I did a uni and am happy with my decision although I wrestled with whether or not to do both sides. I have decided not to look back after going with my final decision, like a lot of the decisions made through this process. It just sucks that any of us have to go through this at all. Prayers for gentle healing for those of you who are on the flip side this week and continued healing too for those a little farther out from surgery too! Goldie/Lemon how are you CDM girls doing? 

goldie4040

So much to catch up on. 

JB, sounds like things are looking up.  I am praying for your new flap to take. Stay still and try to eat right, and let the healing begin!!  Hugs.

Naiviv, You sound great even after everything you have been through. You are a strong woman.  I admire that.  I really do. 

jmb, compression does stink.  I got to do mine in the winter and it wasn't too bad.  My surgeon at the time didn't make me wear more than spanx, and that was optional.  But, it hurt too much to go without it. I promise, this will pass sooner than you think, and you will have a rockin' bod when you get in the bathing suit next month.

Georgie, I am so glad you are happy with your surgery.  Yes, a good cry is needed at least every few days.  It usually happens when somebody tells what a great day they had at the beach, or how they spent hours trying on new bathing suits, or how the went hiking for hours, etc.  Life goes on around us, and we are standing still, but not really.  We are healing. 

I am practically upright.  In the morning's when I get up I am straight, but it doesn't take very much moving around before I am being pulled back down again.  I don't know why. Everyday is a little better.  I was forced to drive today because my husband had to get his car in the shop in a hurry, and we couldn't wait for somebody else to be available to follow him over, so I did it!!!!  I am a free agent again.  I can drive.  I also almost took a completely unsupervised shower today.  My DH stayed in the room to make sure I didn't need anything, but I pretty much took care of everything myself,  except cleaning up the bathroom when I was done.  I still let him do that....shhhh.  I could do it myself. 
 

jmb5

Thanks, ladies. Just knowing you all understand helps. So there is really such a thing as post-anesthesia depression? Well, I think I have it. Lol! I woke up so well in the hospital and felt so good, but the reality of the next 4 weeks sunk in. I feel like 2 steps forward, 3 steps back. A friend asked me if I'd do this surgery again, and I said yes. I really don't think I would have liked living the rest of my life with the crop circles. I was getting tired of them. My new nipples, although stitched and looking Frankenstein-ish, are actually kind of cool. The worst part of the liposuction is my knees. I would not have done the knees knowing what I do now. They are numb and more painful. The rest isn't bad at all, and had I not done the knees, I could have had shorter compression possibly. I never want to wish my summer away, but I am anxious for July to get here.

And speaking of liposuction... how long does it take for swelling to go down and to see results? Right now I see a small difference, but not much. Wondering if I will get a more smoothed out look.

Thanks again for encouraging me today. I feel a little better already. Praying for all of you ladies today who have so much courage and fight in you. Wish none of us had to go through this, but I'm thankful we can do it together. Hugs!

PS - goldie, Lol!! We won't tell. Milk it for all it's worth!!

lemon68

JMB- ((hugs)) I know today was hot and I know its not easy. You will be so happy by next month. Today decided not to wear my tummy binder, I am sitting here with huge tummy swell. Now I know why I am to be in compression..lesson learned. I don't dare go without breast compression as my swelling problem is horrible. I have been feeling very down too. My right side (radiated side) looks good and is smaller than my left side which is looking lopsided and angry these past few days. But I know this too shall pass. As the days pass you will look better and better, come and let us know how what a lovely job they did.

jbdayton- YAHOO.... I am so happy for you. Rest and heal, gently, protect that flap! I am so pleased to hear your news!!!

Georgie and Goldie my Cinco girls.. sounds like we are all doing okay but all have our own issues. I guess this is where we are all supposed to be. I am sad about missing the summer too but I am trying to do a little here and there. I miss sleeping normal!! Are either of you taking pain meds still? I have to take one in the evening and 1 in the morning. The pain is horrible, I am sure from the swelling. I have tried 2 Advils but that does nothing. During the day I feel alright and don't need them. I drove today too Goldie!! Just to Target all alone I went in and did a quick lap around store got a few things and came home ready to rest..LOL funny about DH and good idea. XO

Vivian, congrats on being almost drain free!! I know how good it feels. Glad things are going well.

Dyvgrl

lemon,

I'm 3.5 weeks out and I quit the pain pills. I take Ibuprofen twice a day. It doesn't take the pain away like Dilaudid but it's nice to get back to normal as far as potty breaks, driving, focusing etc. I've been off them for two days and when I wake up I can't wait to take more IB. Ugh!! Just don't want to take them anymore and the pain is tolerable but still there. Hope everyone heals well. I still have major swelly belly and boobs but doc is a no compression guy so not really sure what to do about it... 

JerseyMomOf3

It is good to hear how you ladies are doing, and encouraging to hear about driving! I am 3 weeks out tomorrow and I think I have the three week blues. I haven't driven yet and am starting to feel a bit anxious to get back in action a bit - we have three kids at home and things are chaotic even with both my husband and I managing schedules, cooking, cleaning, etc. he is on his own and it is a lot to try and handle.  I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher today for the first time. I took it very slow. I have phone calls and thank you's to write but have felt a little blue and not in the mood. I am only taking Advil but sometimes I need three, my chest gets sore. I too have a lot of swelling and need to keep wearing the binder or it is really uncomfortable. 

lemon68

Dyvgrl and Jerseymom thanks so much for your feedback. I took off my breast compression tonight and put on tight ribbed tank. I am going to try it tonight and see how it goes. I am also going back to the recliner tonight. Its so odd how one PS wants compression and another wants none. it feels so FREE to have it all off for the night, like a treat. I hadn't tried 3 Advil but will give it a try tonight. Jersey I think you might be getting a bit restless at 3 weeks. I am just one week ahead and I have been feeling it too. I am not one to ask for help. I have been doing quite a bit maybe more than I should be. I am just not one to lay around. My PS said I will feel better by the end of June! I really turned a corner last week at just over 3 weeks, felt like the fog lifted. I think back to what nahahi said months ago, this is a marathon not a sprint. I try to hear her in my head when I am feeling frustrated.

How old are your kids Jersey? I have 3 here also my boys are 14 and 20. I also have my sons GF who is like a daughter to me, she is also 20. They are all wonderful and very helpful to me. It is my DHs bday on Saturday and the family wants to go to the zoo. I don't know how long I will last. DH said he will get me a wheelchair and push me around, sounds like fun! I don't have trouble walking but the zoo is huge I am not sure I could take a nap on a bench..LOL

((hugs)) this thread has been such a blessing, love you all

k79miller

I just found a great guide that I thought the newbies might enjoy.

http://www.bradayusa.org/Documents/breast-reconstruction/breast-reconstruction-recovery-guide-planner.pdf

Trinity0723

Thank you all so much for your encouraging words. It's such a blessing to be able to vent to y'all and for all your encouragement. 

I feel like jmb even though I haven't had anything done yet. I feel depressed. I'm sure about my decision, even though I'm really disappointed I can't have the prophy. 

I called my PS and they said no stage 2 surgery. Just nipple tattooing in office. 

I went to see my onc today for checkup. I only saw PA. I was asking her about recurrence stats and she told me that estrogen  positive cancer can reoccur anytime. That was good news. 

On another note. Any recommendations for post op bras??

Should I take extra pillows to the hospital? If so, how many?

Teacher64

jmb, I'm looking forward to stage 2 but apprehensive about compression for August when it's often over 100 in Texas. Think I will ask tomorrow because each PS is different.

jmb5

lemon, thanks for cheering me on. My daughters 8th grade graduation is Thursday. I'm either going shopping tomorrow or wearing sweatpants. Nothing else fits with the swelling and thick compression. I vote shopping. 

 I took Percocet for a month and then switched to prescription ibuprofen that the PS gave me. It was 600 mgs. 

Are you going to the Cleveland Zoo? Make your hubby push you up the big hill. Haha. 

JerseyMomOf3

Lemon, do you have twins too? I have identical twin daughters (15) and a son (12). My son can be helpful if I need him, he was my favorite binder helper when I couldn't do it myself, he put it on so well! LOL

My PS said breast support was preferable but not necessary. I have been wearing a sports bra during the day and sleeping in a cami at night. I just bought some new sports bras that are very soft and stretchy from target that I really like- medium support, no closures, adjustable and convertible straps. Nothing to dig in anywhere.

My daughters are at an age where they do not help much, they are very focused on their school work especially with finals next week. It is great you have so many helpers (and drivers!)

3 Advil really helps me more than 2. I try to get by with 2 but sometimes just need the extra.

Lemon, what kinds of things are you doing? I can walk well but I have been hesitant to do much with my arms because I am afraid of injuring myself. I owe a call to the PS because I think I have some fat necrosis, but he has not been helpful on activity guidelines. I did line up a physical therapist to come and start me on a program for arm stretches, etc. I have no pain in my abdomen but my chest is still pretty sore.

JMB congrats on the graduation! Definitely go shopping. I am finding a maxi skirt with a tank and a jacket or cardi to be pretty forgiving.

Dyvgrl

JMB,

Go shopping!! II've been wearing jersey knit  maxi skirts out and they are super comfy, cool, and accommodate ab binders, drain tubes and everything else. Plus they're just cute! Found some at Macy's, Target, Penney's, they're everywhere!

The1toC

jmb5 Ihope you are feeling better but that urge to cry, well please honor those feelings and bawl! I think it will really help your healing.

I must try to figure out how to post a photo. I hope it will make you smile. I have the opposite type of problem. Feeling pretty good 4 weeks from my DIEP, not bathing suit ready mind you but ready for time at the beach. Problem is that is so cold with the breeze cooled by the icebergs still on the lake (Superior) in June!! It is a rare sight so I will get a photo posted.

Hope grad is wonderful!

goldie4040

I am down to pain pill and muscle relaxer at bedtime. Nothing else at all during the day.  My pec muscles are really giving me a problem because I had implants under them, and now they have been sewn back in place.  So, the are really my biggest issue regarding pain.  My tummy doesn't hurt, it just won't let me stand completely straight.  I still getting a burning pain when I move wrong on the upper right side of ab, but it is slowly getting better. 

Jersey, if you had your bmx with your diep you are going to be more sore than the ones who had delayed diep. I was miserable after my bmx with expanders.  So, unloading the dishwasher was a huge step.  You are doing great.  Three weeks is a hard time.  I cried most of that week.  Just turning the corner this week, week four.

JMB, a cute summer maxi dress would be perfect graduation, and it would cover up all your compression!! 

Trinity, look in the packet the plastic surgeon gave you. There should be a list in there recommended bras for after surgery.  Also, you will not need pillows at the hospital, but you will need one for the ride home in the car to put between you and the seat belt.

Thanks for the link K79.

Teacher, I know what you mean.  My stage two will be in August too.  Hmmm. I will just kick the air down to 70.

Lemon, let them push you in the wheelchair. It will be relaxing.   Everybody will through stuff on top of you to carry, but do it!

Yes, Cinco girls, I think the anesthesia fogs has lifted.  I find I am thinking more clearly, and becoming a little bit less emotional.  My DH even commented on that today. 

Dvygirl, hang in there.  Swelly belly and swollen boobs will get better.  I have no tummy compression at all, and the swelling is getting less everyday.  I still have swelling under arms, but less than last week.  I have some Flexee tummy control panties I got at Costco, and I wear those when I am up and about. Even a little compression seems to make a difference in my comfort level. My boobs do not want any compression.  They are much happier free and easy.

nihahi

You are ALL doing great. It is quite a "trip down memory lane" to read your posts. Lots of variety lately in PS directions/instructions. It is important to follow your own docs guidelines, I believe. Likely they are meant to compliment his/her specific surgical techniques. But, it is always not a bad idea to ask for the "why's and what about" info too.

Trinity....perhaps it's more of a "semantics" thing with your PS saying no to Stage 2??? My PS considers Stage 2 to be the body shaping lipo type of procedure, not specifically required for fat grafting. Here, they do not do that, as part of breast recon. BUT.....he does additional shaping, fat grafting to the flap, and tummy incision dog ear revisions, as needed. He refers to that as refining....I refer to it here as Stage 2, to be more in line with what most ladies label that type of surgery. Then again, maybe you'll be one of those ladies who actually doesn't want or need refining. Have you asked your PS about flap revision surgery in a different terms other than "Stage 2"???

goldie....a week ago, you were tired of being "pointed" constantly towards the floor....this week, you're upright, for short periods. There you go...PROGRESS!!!!! Don't look at it as what you can't do tomorrow, look at it as what you can do now, that you couldn't do last week.

Hugs to all.....patience and gentle healing!

Dyvgrl

just watched a video on Vinny. http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2014/06/02/a...

Has anyone used him? Who does the tattooing at the end? PS? I don't want to go through all this and have a jacked up tattoo job...

goldie4040

Dvygirl, Vinnie does great work, but you might have a 1 year wait.  It's crazy.  There is a woman I know who is a BS survivor and also had a DiEP.  She was a tattoo artist and permanent make up artist, and now she is perfecting her nipple tattooing because she feels she has a calling now.  Let me tell you something.  She is doing great work!!!!  She is in Florida, and I just might try her if I can't get in with Vinnie when I am ready.  If you like I will send you some pics of her work. 

Nihahi, isn't it something?  Yes, progress at last. Thanks for all the encouragement.

Dyvgrl

that would be great. I know there are lots of talented artists out there. I just want that last step to be awesome!

lahela

Vinnie has trained tattooist from all over the world - I'll be having my areola tattoos in England with a guy who spent time in the US with him    Nobody in Switzerland does it, so I was thrilled to find him. There's a list of recognised tatooists here:

http://www.pinkinkproject.com/Links.html

GwennyMD

DVgirl - my PS was also a no compression guy but he let me try it after a few weeks.  His reason for no compression is that he feels that it reduces chance for clots.  After all incision were healed I told him that I wanted to try a compression garment or at least a spanx type because I wanted to reduce the swelly belly. I did not like the stomach compression because I am so short waisted and it did not fit right.  I did not wear any bras until week 4 and then I mainly wore the stretchy bras that everyone mentioned previously.  The girls did feel better with the bra support since they were so heavy.

To all of you recent flappers, remember that you are improving everyday, but it will still be a slow process.  I will probably have my next revision surgery next month but I plan to take all of the fat for the grafting from my upper belly. It was never flat and I think that it has grown since the DIEP.

Hugs to all. 

Donna2012

dyvgrl,

I have an appt for my tattoo w/ vinnie in oct.  His waiting list was 6 mos, but he recommends waiting 5 mos after nipple reconstruction - so it was fine with me.    I have already paid my $400 deposit to get on his schedule.  He is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from my house, which is great.

JerseyMomOf3

Thank you for the support ladies. Goldie, good to know week 3 is just a tough week. I am so happy to hear you are getting straighter! Keep going, that is wonderful progress.

It is so encouraging to hear week 4 is a better week. DH may need me to drive on Monday so I am going to try over the weekend if I feel strong enough. Some days I have more energy and can be up and about a lot and the next day I am wiped and spend most of the day in the recliner. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed! I think I can try next week. PS said no sleeping on my side and I am a side sleeper so I don't want to risk rolling over in my sleep!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day. I am going out to lunch with some work friends who I haven't seen since before the surgery so I am hoping this will lift my spirits. I hate feeling so blah, blue, and sidelined. I was on strict bed rest for 3.5 months when I was pregnant with my twins. This reminds me of those days in a way! But of course this will be a lot shorter and is much easier.

Hugs to all!

JerseyMomOf3

I also wanted to share the good news about my pathology results. No invasive cancer was found, so no chemo or rads will be needed. The right breast had even more DCIS - at least 5 different areas of DCIS and the entire breast had extensive atypical cells of all different flavors so the breast surgeon said "good call on the mx!" the left prophy remained just that - not a speck of an atypical cell anywhere. But I wanted the prophy for many reasons and my breast surgeon said for me it was a no brainer to do both given the situation with the right breast, some family history, age, etc. I have absolutely no regrets about the BMX or the DIEP, and am so thankful for this good pathology report. Just wanted to share with all of you, ! I am so grateful.

pollyanna5

Few questions about what to buy for the next few weeks with surgery 5 days away...yikes!

I'm guessing like c-sections, elastic waist is a given !  I'm going to head out tomorrow to buy a few yoga capri's.   Do you expect a lot of swelling? If so, should I go up a size?

Ditto for the chest. Swelling, I'm assuming, like after my reduction? I'm still wearing some spandax sports bras from that in March, as he didn't want any wires for awhile (6 months? year?).  Besides, TMI, but they don't really need a lot of support, they're just there.  Hope that parts stays the same!  Should I just stick with these? After my reduction, I didn't wear any for a few weeks, due to the drains.

I've read alot of you had compression garments.  Were they supplied or did you buy them?  He didn't mention any when I was at the appointment.  But, I've only seen him once, to qualify for the surgery.  Should I just pick up some spanx granny panties types? 

I'm Igoing to get some slip on croc type shoes  They may be ugly, but I'm guessing comfortable and I don't want to deal with shoes afterwards.

I just have some bigger tees, I was going to use.  Would you suggest button up shirts? It's hot here already, so I don't see a lot of button up cotton tees in the stores. 

How much tissue did you find that they removed in the mastectomy and immeidate DIEP? I lost 6-8 lbs of breast tissue in my reduction, so I'm guessing similar again up top, and am curious about how much is removed from the abdomen?  I have about 30-40 poinds to lose still (lots for them to use!), but am curious how much they take.  I was surprised how much they took in my reduction.  I've been joking with people, that I've lost my chest, I'm going to lose my belly, now I'll just need to lose my butt .

It is going to be nice to be somewhat flatter after 4 pregnancies (Including one with twins where I stretched to 60 inches around!).   I realize it won't be completely there,  but it will bet better.

The oncologist called yesterday, and said in a message to call her back today, but they had found califications in the upper quadrant of the other breast that were non-invasive from my MRI last week.  I haven't spoken with her yet, but I'm assuming that is DCIS again?  They are now going to do the biospy on the other side as well.  How strange to have a simultsneously cancer develop on the other side, but not metasize! an

FRankly after arranging things for the kids, the house, school, the dog, etc, I'm stressed out and tired!  Just showing up on Tuesday for surgery will be a relief as the hard prep work is done!

aff

Jersey - That is great news! I am so very happy for you!

pollyanna5

And, how mentally with it are you after surgery?  I'm tryng to figure out what to pack for 5 days, books, my laptop? 

Dyvgrl

Donna,

How does he handle insurance? Shouldn't that be covered? I really didn't put a lot of thought into it until now but I've seen some messed up nipple tattoos and has me wondering!

Dyvgrl

great news on the pathology, Jersey! What a relief, huh? 

Polly, I wouldn't worry too much about what to bring, I was in the hospital for 4.5 days and was pretty out of it or tired most of the time. I had my phone and iPad but never touched them and I think I watched TV once. Most of the time you are either sleeping or someone is doing something to you! Just bring Chapstick, toothbrush, hairbrush and maybe some slippers if you prefer. I used whatever they gave me at the hospital. Everything gets dirty, so don't take anything nice. Afterwards, all the normal stuff people have listed are helpful. Yoga pants and maxi skirts have been go to items for the bottom and camis with shelf bras up top. Tanks / camis are my new favorite shirts because they are soft and comfy on the girls. Just get a size up so you can get them on without a struggle and you will be swollen. My doc wanted support but no compression so these work out ok. I like more support but that requires bras and assistance getting dressed so for now I do this cuz I can do it in my own! 

AnnBR

congratulations Jerseymom!