DIEP 2014

jbdayton

Many prayers for Lily and her family that God will put his healing hand on her.  Prayers for you and the rest of her family for comfort through this battle.  

gila4936

Goldie, I'm so sorry. Prayers for Lily and your whole family.

I'm glad to read that some of you have had that same chest pain when sneezing. Fortunately I haven't sneezed much but I do have allergies and I'm afraid that the more I go outside the more potential there is for sneezing. Ouch!

aff

Goldie - I am praying for Lily and your family

julieho

Prayers for your niece and family.

nihahi

Goldie.....sorry for such difficult news. Sending prayers and hugs to you and also to your niece and her family. 

brendarj

May God bless Lily and her family

JerseyMomOf3

How are folks caring for their incisions once the surgical glue and/ or steri strips come off? 

I have a call into my PS but wondering what everyone else is doing.

Thank you!!

Zenful

my incisions were healed by the time the glue came off. 

JerseyMomOf3

thanks Zen, mine are healed as well but they are a bit pink in places where the skin is probably a little tender still. i put bacitracn on those spots but I was wondering if folks used any special creams on the incisions to speed healing and/or minimize scarring.

aff

jersey - my ps told me not to put anything on the incision once the strips were off. I was told not to use bacitracin on the incision. He told me I could use aquaphor if there were any tender spots. 

thinkpink4ever

Goldie, I am lifting Lily and your family up in prayer, my friend.  We serve an awesome God.

One love,

tp4ever

JerseyMomOf3

Thanks aff, just talked to my PS office too and he is ok with aquaphor or Shea butter, etc as well. 

lahela

Goldie, sending all my positive thoughts to Lily and her parents and you.

DeeW29

Hello All,

My surgery is Monday. I heard someone say this is the big surgery. I had a BMX in January 2014; someone said that was the big one. I plan to get a pedicure this evening so I can have pretty, colorful toes. Is this ok? Someone told me no color on toes while I've heard it's ok. I feel like I have so much to do in the next few days. Yesterday was my last day at the dance studio (my choice of workout). I have to get extra pillows,  medicine, groceries, laundry things, and finish up a few assignments for class. I am in school getting my masters and I'm trying to stay ahead as much as I can. Any advice? 

DeeW29

I know this might sound crazy, but I sometimes feel like I'm the only 32 year old going through this. 

julieho

deew29

I know you are not the only 32 year old going through this but as someone who was 53 when I was diagnosed I just have to say I am always in awe of you young women.  

Getting your Madters, dance class...and I know a lot of middle age women doing the same it god bless you all.  My life is somuch more mellow now.  I really miss that energy.

Much love and good luck with the surgery.

Julieho

JerseyMomOf3

hi Dee, you can ask your surgeon- mine had no problem with a pedi and I was really glad I had those bright cheerful toes! I feel for you having to go through all this so young. I am 45 and I feel "too young" too, though surely not as young as you - I was under the misimpression that this was something that happened when you were much older. At any rate wishing you all the best with your surgery. I had both a BMX and DiEP and recovery has been much smoother than I expected. Keep us posted!!

optimi

Goldie, my prayers and thoughts for your niece, and your family! What a horrible thing to happen! 

DeeW, I am 32 yrs old and just 1 wk post BMX with immediate DIEP flap and I can tell you that it is very manageable. I am feeling very good in fact, walking lots, in barely any pain, and generally my spirits are up. The first week was a bit rough but flew by since I napped a lot. It is hard to not be anxious before such a major surgery but stress beforehand is often the worst part. Oh and btw, I had a mani/pedi right before surgery and it is safe. Nowadays surgeons don't check for nail color changes during surgery anymore.

MartyJ

DeeW29 and Jersey, well to all of you - I was 33 when diagnosed.  Had the right MX followed by the left 3 months later.  Just wanted to tell you that we are never too young or too old.  I am now 62 and had my Stage 1 DIEP at 60 (several sets of failed implants later).  Life is good (so are warm, soft boobies).

DeeW29

Thanks Julieho,  Jerseymomof3,  Optimi,  and Martyj!!! I'm going to get hot pink toes. The anxiety level is up and down. I want the negative committee in my head to have several seats! I know it's going be alright. 

Teacher64

Dee - get those toes ready. I was complimented on my red hot toes. My PS said nothing on fingers due to finger clip that measures oxygen. Where are you having surgery? Mine was at Forest Park in Frisco. Sorry you are going through this so young. I'm 64 and still too young for this journey!

DeeW29

Teacher64,

I agree about being too young! I will be at Presbyterian Texas Health on Walnut Hill in Dallas.

MartyJ

DeeW - If you get a mani - just use some of those great Essie shears (I love Ballet Slippers beneath Mademoiselle).  As long as it is shear the pulse ox will read just fine and they can easily see color changes.  Just in case someone gets fussy, tuck some of those nail polish remover pads into your bag.  Then you can remove the polish on just the finger needed.  Usually satisfies everyone.  Be sure to do your nails and shave your legs and underarms at least 48 hours before your surgery so the tiny, unseen nicks have time to heal.

thinkpink4ever

Dee, I was diagnosed at 40 the first time, and 53 the second time on May 1st of this year.  My BMX and DIEP surgery was two weeks ago today, and I'm feeling pretty good - stopped the pain meds last week.  I had a pedicure a couple of days before my surgery and am still rocking hot pink toes.  It was wonderful to wake up to pretty feet!  My anxiety level was way up there up until the morning of the surgery.  The motto to remember is "you don't have to be brave, you just have to show up".  And it's true.  Once I was there being pre-op'ed for the OR, it was too late to turn back.  I just wanted to be a cancer free flapper on the other side!  I was asleep before I knew it and woke up in recovery, and it was DONE!

One love,

tp4ever 

J1971

Teacher 64

Yes! I start out on a side, but the heaviness is too much!

tlbradyful

Goldie, I know you feel so helpless and am glad you have prayer. I'll join in and try to think of some bargains of my own for Lily. Peace be with you this evening. 

tlbradyful

Dee - I went ahead and got the pedi (and mani with no polish). I bought the polish in case they wanted to remove a toe or two I could repaint. They didn't!

DeeW29

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It really helps!

Teacher64

Dee - as stated...all you have to do is show up. Your drs and the med staff will take good care of you. I've been to Presby for several heart procedures and know you will get quality care. Relax.

lemon68

Goldie, big prayer for Lily and your family. To have child so far away when they need us..horrible.

Dee, I was DX right after my 44th birthday and thought I was too young. I hate to see anyone have to go though this but you are too young and its just not fair! I am sorry you have to be here. The surgery is tolerable and honestly I really don't see anyone unhappy with their results, its not a sprint as they told me its a marathon, that has been the hardest for me. But I am 6 weeks out and so far looking good. I keep thinking how blessed we are to be going though this in these times, years ago women were not so lucky. I was able to have my mani and pedi, just 1 nail had to be unpolished. Doing your toes yourself after surgery just didn't seem possible for me, I couldn't bend to do them..so get them done now. Keep in touch and let us know how you are, your going to be beautiful and healthy.

Marty this made me smile -

Life is good (so are warm, soft boobies).