DIEP 2014

TinaHoff

Viv, we're praying for some good news for your young man.

SwgeeWi

Hi ladies. I see some of you are from Ohio. I'm originally from Findlay, now in Wisconsin, near Madison. I had a lumpectomy Nov. 2012. No chemo. Finished rads March 2013. Ive had lymphedema in my breast and have had cellulitis 4 times. i was hospitalized May 2013 for first bout.Then again last month. I had breast reduction surgery in 2008 and my BS thinks the lymph system in my breast just can't handle things becuz its been so compromised.  i have an appt. on June 16th with PS to discuss mx plus Diep reconstruction. BS mentioned reduction again on the other side to even my breasts. Can they do all of that at one time? That seems like so much at once but i really hate the thought of surgery after surgery for an extended period of time. What does nipple surgery entail? Can they do a bmx with recon from abdomen for both breasts or only one? So many questions, so depressing!!  Any advice, tips, etc???

jmb5

Thanks, Ann. My attitude is better but I really did overdo it yesterday. My legs are really sore. Been trying to take it easy today. Good news on the rads. Hope all goes well with that this summer. 

Dyvgrl

SWgeeWI,

I had a mastectomy on left side, TE removed and right and bilateral DIEP done in one surgery. 10 hrs long. Fortunately I don't remember recovery and woke up fairly comfortable. They managed my pain well. It's definitely doable, just a long recovery but oh so worth it.

The1toC

swgeewe DIEP flap can create 2 foobs if one has enough belly fat. There is a newer procedure a few PS do called VLNT and is a lymph node transfer to try to relieve the lymphedema. That is all I know. I think it can be done with DIEP. You will find lots of info of ladies experience with DIEP reading back on the board.

Jmb5 so glad to hear you are doing better.

Teacher thanks for the cording info.

sibrhusky127

Hi all

I am now about 6 weeks post diep surgery.   All was going great, but the my belly button incision started to leak a little bit of clear fluid.  .  Then my incision near my hip burst open a bit and drained a fair amount of fluid.   The doctor put me on antibiotics and is watching me.

I didn't expect this after 6 weeks post surgery.    Has anyone  else experienced drain this late?

tlbradyful

I am having a lot of difficulty keeping up now that I've started working again. So many of you have had surgery since I last posted. I am glad to read of your progress. 

Viv - prayers for your sweet SO son. Nothing is more distressing than serious problems with our children.

Milky - The most important thing is you are healthy with no lingering damage. 

Swgee - Your case doesn't sound like the most involved I have read about on this thread; what they have suggested is quite doable. Unfortunately, even the best case is over an extended period of time and usually includes at least one additional smaller surgery.

Ann - You are often on my mind and I am thrilled to hear your RO is concerned with causing the least harm to your new breast. Small victories!

Polly - The horror stories were very scary to me as well. We don't talk enough about all of the things that go well. My DIEP was better than I could have imagined. My pain was well managed. I had a lot of time to relax in the hospital. I learned to love the compression because swelling does happen. I look wonderful and wonder if I would even have a stage 2 except the size isn't even. The children will probably enjoy the special treatment they receive while you are away. 

1toC - I used one of the honey products (I can't remember the exact name) on my radiation wounds. It is amazing.

Goldie, what panties????? I need great panties! I have VS cotton high cut bikinis and they work fine, but if there is something else, I need it.

Zenful

SWgee, I am from Toledo, but work in Findlay. Small world!  I had two breasts made using belly and hip fat, so even if you don't have a lot of belly fat, they can find it elsewhere. 

rose111

Viv- sending prayers for your SO son. Hope he is improving.  Please let us know how he is doing.

Teacher, I also had cording, but it eventually went away on its own.. When I fist noticed it and made an appointment to see the surgeon, he called every staff member into the room (after asking me if it was ok) since it was so uncommon, no one in the office had ever seen it before.  He joked-this is probably the last thing I needed, having something so unusual  that all medical personnel  on site rushed in to the exam room.  Glad to hear of your progress.

Polly, my surgery is now less than 2 weeks away and I feel exactly the same as you describe.  Thank goodness we have the encouragement and advise from all the great gals on this board who have gone before us.

pollyanna5

Thanks all !  Mostly ready, just need to stock up for the pantry and fridge for the sitter.  I've decided to stop googling pics/ and stories, and just show up as some of you have said.  What I don't like is being a single mom going into this.  Doing things alone is rough, but stuff like this is extra rough.  My ex is only taking the kids for his weekend, I'm hiring a sitter for the week, while my mom is with me.  My dad passed away 11 months ago, and this time last year, almost to the week, he went into the final decline, so my mom is dealing with that (as the rest of the family is) and now this.   She's having a rough time.  My church, family and friends are being great.  I made a list of what I need, expect to need or may need, and  I have meals for the month, people doing some laundry and grocery shopping, driving kids, helping mom when she is tired from helping me out with the kids, cleaning, etc.   For a type A like myself, letting go of control for a bit is hard, but I'm worknig on it !  II know I am not lazy (although I feel like it), and I have to let people help so I can heal.  If I try to do too much, too soon, I'm guessing I would mess up and lengthen my recovery.

naiviv

Thank you all so much. Please keep him in your prayers. Surgery is set for Monday 7:00 am. 

I am 17 days post Diep. I am driving ok, walking better, pain overall is less. Have tightness, pain along parts of incision and my last drain is really bothering me. My breast feels normal no pain just a strong twinge every once in awhile right in the nipple area. I'm thinking nerve regeneration maybe. I still get tired and exhaustion comes easy if I push.

I hope you are all recovering well and best wishes to those going to surgery.

Will update on Monday.

Thank you again and you are all in my prayers.

Vivian

Jeannie57

I'm sorry I haven't been following this thread much. Vivian, you guys have been/are going through so much! Prayers going up.

I got my nipple tattoos on Friday, no pain at all. It was bloodier than expected but settled down now. They will never look like the originals but I am embracing the new me and moving on! You all will get there, too. Hugs.

goldie4040

Tbradyful, they are from Costco. The are tummy control panties made by Maidenform for Flexee.  I love them.  They have just enough tummy support to give me some comfort.  I always buy a size up even before surgery.

Rose, I now so many people who got cording after lymph node removal.  I don't know why your surgeon would think it's that unusual.  Teacher, from what I understand it is annoying, but very treatable with correct PT.

Sibrihusky, I am so sorry about your tummy.  I have been babying my incision these last 5 weeks because I am so afraid of mine opening.  I am clueless as to why this has happened to you at this point in your recovery.  Did you start doing anything heavy duty because you felt so good?  I hope it all heals up quickly. 

lahela

sibrhusky127, perhaps you had a seroma - I have read in another thread on BCO that if left undrained, they can cause an incision to open. Let us know how it goes.

pollyanna5, trish01254, Optimi, OneTexasDay and TLeighMD - all the best for this week!

trish01254

Polly, sounds like your Type A is really helping you be totally organized pre-op.  

I too should stop reading.  I find, the closer the surgery gets, the closer the emotions are to bubbling out of me.  I cry over everything - a song on the radio, Viv's SO son, my name on the top of the list, when I get a hug from DH, you name it, I'm crying.

My last "normal" days will be spent visiting my mom on Cape Cod.  She has dementia.  Now that makes me cry too.  Her abilities are deteriorating and i'm not sure how much longer she will be able to stay in her home.  Being with my mom takes all my focus off of my problems.  Mine are nothing compared to hers.  I feel guilty because I would really like to stay home and nest but I won't be able to.  I haven't seen her since May 11th and it will be at least August when I can get up to the Cape to see her again.  

Prayers and hugs to all.

Teacher64

Rose - my surgeon was also surprised to see the cord visible all the way down my arm. As it became less and less visible, he wanted to know what I was doing to pass it along.

Polly - you are giving those who feel helpless a gift when they assist with your children or do chores around your house. That was a big challenge for me because I have always done for others. A dear friend cried with me and said she knew she couldn't make me better, but she could do things that would make getting through easier. She was right. Allowing others to do something for you increases your control over your recovery and healing.

Teacher64

This is a busy week for many, so just show up, ladies. Let everyone else do the work.

aff

Good morning ladies. Just wanted to take a second to tell you my surgery went well. I'm still in ICU. Should me moved to a room today. Pulse checks are strong but I spiked a fever last night so it was a bit of a rough night. 

All the best to everyone scheduled this week. 

LoveAllMyBoys

Hi --

I am brand new here…scheduled for BMX with DIEP on June 16th.  Where can I find the post re: post-op?  At this point I am trying to gather as much information as I can…

Thanks!

JerseyMomOf3

Hi aff, welcome to the other side!! Glad you are doing well! From what I have read fevers and low blood pressure are not uncommon after surgery. I had very low bp and ran low grade fevers at night first couple of nights. Rest, relax, and gentle healing to you!! A big Jersey Strong hug to you!

JerseyMomOf3

Welcome LoveAllMyBoys! Not sure what post you are referring to but someone else may know. There are lots of different experiences post-op - folks on this board are wonderful and can answer any questions you may have.

Good luck this week to Polly, Trish,Optimi,OneTexas, and TLeigh! We are all cheering you on.

Prayers to you Vivian for your SO son.

Teacher, glad you are getting relief from cording.

Sibrhusky, sorry to hear about the incision- let us know how you are doing with it.

Georgie, good to hear you are doing so well.

I am 3.5 weeks out and feeling much better. I am still pretty tired though, I take a nap in the afternoons most days. Iam tired partly i think because I stay up late and get woken up so early by my family getting out the door. I haven't driven yet, I am starting PT exercises and think once I feel a bit stronger I will try driving. I have full range of motion but my chest muscles are still very tender (had BMX and DIEP at same time) especially sore where they must have connected the veins and disturbed muscle and rib. I am very happy with my healing progress though, I walk every day and am starting to fold laundry and can make myself simple meals, doing something new every day.

LoveAllMyBoys

Jmb5 --

Definitely go shopping!!  This particular post hits very close to home for me.  My son is graduating 8th grade on the June 18th…my surgery is June 16th, so I can't be there.  Graduation was originally scheduled for June 20th and I was hoping that I would be able to push to be out of the hospital by then…but there is no way I will be out the morning of the 18th.  My husband and my parents will be there, and I'm asking everyone I know to take pictures and video for me…but I am SO sad that I will be missing it.  :-(

goldie4040

Trinity, here is the info on the woman I know of that is going nipple tattooing.  Her name is Michelle Brantley, she wrote the following to me.

My number is (941)744-7890 I am located in Bradenton, Florida

 She is a BC survivor herself. Until she gets a following like Vinnie did, people won't be flocking to Florida.  But, I have seen her work and it is very good. Her rates a ridiculously reasonable now.  Later on I am sure they will go up.

Lovemyboys, I am not sure what you are referring to.  There is a list somewhere of what to bring to the hospital.  Is that what you are looking for?  If you are wondering what happens post-op I think reading all of our posts would give an excellent  perspective on anything and everything that happens.  The good and bad.  BTW...welcome.  Ask all the questions you want.  We are here to answer them.

J1971

Good morning ladies--

Best of luck to everyone waiting for her OR date! And strong wishes for a quick recovery for those in early weeks. Those first few weeks are rough- just take time to let your body heal and accept the help of others!

I am just over 3 month post-op and life is much better on this side! I made it to the gym three times this week plus a walk with the dog. Working at near normal speed (just can't walk as fast as I used to), work days are back at full days (10 hrs plus).....and no increased pain. I still maneuver out of bed in the morning, I can roll over carefully at night and manage a couple hours side sleeping! Its still pretty funny watching me attempt floor exercises! My uniform (I am in the military) doesn't fit right, but that is small at this time. I can wear normal bras or go braless at night! I go back to my PS in September for Stage 2.

I may try to find those abdominal flattening undies at Target-- I still have daily variations in swelling in that area. 

jmb5

LoveAllMyBoys, sorry you will miss your son's 8th grade graduation. Missing my girls' activities were hard on me, and it can be very emotional. You will get to hug him and tell him how proud you are of him and that's what's most important. Maybe you could write him a letter before surgery that your husband could give him after the graduation. Might make you feel better. 

aff, glad you are doing well. Time will pass quickly and you'll be up and moving before you know it. Hang in there! 

I have another question regarding stage 2. Well, actually stage 3. Has anyone had a second fat grafting surgery? Is that even possible? My radiated breast is really disappointing me. The ridge near my armpit/top of the breast area that formed after the initial DIEP surgery, although better after stage 2, is still there. The radiated breast is also smaller and flatter. I really thought it would be matched up a lot better after stage 2, but now that the swelling has gone down, I'm disappointed. Any thoughts? I really don't want to do fat grafting again. I have my follow up Tuesday and will see what my PS says. 

jmb5

If anyone wants to be added to the DIEP 2014 surgery list, please private message me your information. 

Ridley

Jmb - I haven't had stage 2 yet, but when we talked about fat grafting to fill in a flat area on one side, I remember him saying it might take one than one procedure.  

Ridley

tlbradyful

Polly - Don't worry, your type A will have no choice but to rest and allow others to help once it's over. One thing that helped me when I was moving around, but sometimes alone, was having the most common items I may want sitting out on the counter. I didn't have to try and reach (which can knock other things down onto your new breasts) and I didn't have to bend down for lower shelves (because I couldn't get back up). I also stocked up on single serving sized juices, etc. 

Trish - Uncontrollable emotions are normal. Try soothing music and yoga or stretching. It will be a benefit post-op as well. It sounds trivial, but really works.

Teacher is correct, people feel happy when you allow them to help.

Love all my - The good thing is you will be there for his next graduation! We are going through all of this treatment and restoration so we can have many more celebrations in the future! Everyone else will take such good care of him that he will be too busy to miss you for long.

pollyanna5

Thanks all.  Almost ready to go!  I'm being purposeful about stopping. the. insane. planning..  The kids and dog will be here, the house will still be standing and beyond that, it's gravy .  Im sure with my 12 lists, my sitter will be fine , lol. I've stopped.  She's competent, the oldest of 5 kids, 22, awesome with the gang, so I need to relax.  She has all the information she needs, schedules, contacts, homework lists, activity lists, special food lists (two with celiac), etc.    I'm sure she'll know to do the dishes, prompt them for baths, etc.   

So per my 5 year olds' favourite song, I'm going to "let it go, let it go"   Silly, but that works for me today.

They are having baths now, and then we're going to watch a movie.

I agree with the others, missing their activities and recitals (2 this week) is hard.  However, as the nurse told me when I tried to reschedule surgery and my MRI (dance recital conflict), that I'm missing this year, so I can be here for all the next ones, and "next" things in life.  

I didn't realize with the immediate  DIEP surgery they actually take your breasts right off.  Stupid, eh? I thought they took out inside material, ducts, lobes, etc and just refilled (lack of a better term) with your abdominal flap.  I didn't realze they come right off and are rebuilt with abdominal flap.  For some reason, I thought the girls would look exactly the same because the exterior tissue is the same, just a bit smaller .  I have to lose both nipples anyway, until rebuilt later on.  I hope it's not too long (in Ontario, so once it's not an emergency, you can wait awhile at times)

I wish I could shut my brain off with this ::(.

milkyway2

anybody feel discomfort after eating meal or after overeating i still try to eat in portions .