DIEP 2014

goldie4040

Thanks for all the prayer's and well wishes for our Lily.  I have no updates as this is a slow process, and they are so far away. 

Pedicure, I was never asked to remove polish.  I never bothered with the manicure before surgery though. 

Everybody sounds like they are doing great.  Glad to hear it.  I was doing great, standing up and everything.  My tummy incision looked like it was going to pull through, but today it started to hurt and look red.  Sent pic to PS and now I am on heavy duty antibiotics.  So bummed. They told me to do whatever I wanted because at six weeks I should be out of the woods.  Pray they kick in soon.  I am little upset.  I sent him pic on Tuesday and he said it looked fine, and they had even cancelled my appt for yesterday.  I am thinking this could have been avoided. 

annajo

Goldie, so sorry to hear about your niece...  Wishing her a safe recovery.

The bandages came off my nipple today, and I just love it!  So amazing to see a nipple there, even if it is pale and full of stitches.  It's just adorable.

goldie4040

Annajo, so happy for you.

pollyanna5

First Post-op visit tomorrow with the PS.  Oncologist on the second.  Not looking forward to the 2 hour car ride.  I am so amazed at how tired and useless I feel as surgery was on the 10th.  I expected to be at least able to read or do paperwork.  Can't do it.  Can't even sit up straight totally yet for any length of time.  Still sleep a lot.  No appetite.  Changed my dressings and sponge washed, and I was done for the day.  I hope I can have permission to shower from the doctor.  Homecare doesn't want me to yet, as the drain hole is still open from the last drain removed.  I hope the doppler wires are removed.  They are now a pain, just itchy where they are stitched in.  Still having pulling deep in the chest if I move the wrong way.  Assuming it's interior stitches still , but they hurt.  Abdominal hurts, still some small leakage on the one side.  

Starting to get a bit nervous about the meeting with the oncologist on the 2nd.    Worried I am going to need radiation or tamoxifn.  I just want to be done and move on, have 2nd surgery in 6 months, and be done!

naiviv

Hello all,

Question about belly button... I am 4 weeks post diep. Belly button still looks pretty raw and skin inside looks whitish. No smell or pain and a bit of clearish  fluid still stains my tshirt.  Is this within your normal experiences?

My other incisions are pretty much closed with exception on 2 areas on belly that just threw out staples and one area on bottom of breast flap that I think the stitch wont let it closed. the other white stitches have come out thru incision and are dry on skin, but this stitch is laying flat. (ps and asst both said all normal)

thanks vivian

marvelher2

Thanks for everyone's input.  I saw my PS on Wednesday.  The lower portion of the skin looks like it will survive, so next week I will have the necrotic skin cut away from both sides along the incision line with a new suture line.  Apparently this is all done under a local.  This is good news regardless of whether I stay with the current implants or switch to DIEP down the road as I would like to keep as much of my breast skin as possible. I have decided to wait it out for several months as long as the muscle spasms ease up a bit, then see where I am.  The good news is that as long as Dr. Kind in SF doesn't go anywhere, I can still change my mind down the road if I just can't manage these implants.  This will give me some time to recover from chemo and regain some strength in case I decide to take the plunge and switch to DIEP.  Hopefully my insurance will cover it.  As for the anesthesia, even though I have polycystic kidney/liver disease, my liver and kidney function is still very good.  The biggest challenge for me is the bulk of my liver pushing against my rib cage and other organs.  But, I seem to tolerate anesthesia extremely well.  I was able to eat a complete meal after my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction without any nausea at all.  I have undergone two six hour surgeries in my past without any anesthesia incident, so I'm hoping that won't be an issue for me with DIEP.  I will continue to follow this forum, and may jump in with a question or two as I navigate this very difficult decision.

Oh, one question that I just thought of.  With the DIEP procedure, what happens if the abdominal area has stretch marks from a previous pregnancy?  Have any of you encountered this?  I am very short waisted, and as a result, my pregnancy was carried low and projected out dramatically, causing some deep stretch marks in this area.  I guess it depends on how much actual skin is needed, but I'm curious as to appearance on a breast if this skin is transplanted?  Maybe it doesn't matter so much?

Finally, Goldie, while I don't know you and just got started on this forum, my heart goes out to you for what your family is going through.  Burns are so difficult to recover from, and to happen to a 15 year old girl is truly tragic.  My heart goes out to Lily and her family….

thinkpink4ever

Like Vivian, I've been wondering how this belly button situation is supposed to go.  Mine is a big scab, which I would never pick at, but I'm curious at to how long it will be before it falls off.  And my belly button seems higher, but it's still in the same place, right?

Vivian, did you have a scab first and it's now raw because the scab has fallen off?

One love,

tp4ever

goldie4040

Ladies

It seems like everybody's belly button does it's own thing.  I definitely have a little scabbing left in there, but I am leaving it alone.  I am 6 weeks out.  Mine also seems higher, but from what I have heard it is I the same place. 

Marvel, welcome.  Thank you for the kind words about my niece.  We just keep praying for her.  As for the stretch marks, depending on how much skin they use from you tummy, yes....the stretch marks can go along for the ride.  But, since you have implants in they will probably make the small circle flaps in the middle, and not much will show once nipples, etc are done. 

jlbloom

Goldie, I just dropped in to see how things are on DIEP 2014.  I'm so sorry to hear about your niece.  I will definitely add her to my prayer list.  Lahela, prayers for you on Monday.  I had the same thing done four weeks ago today.  I am very pleased.  It really makes a difference.  It feels like nipples turned them in to boobs instead of blobs.  Good thoughts for anyone with surgeries coming up!  ...Julie

Zenful

So are your belly buttons completely scanned over?  Mine looked normal on the inside with a thin incision line all the way around it. 

aff

My belly button looks the same as Zenful. The inside looks like a normal belly button and I have a circular incision all the way around with dissolving stitches. I do not have any scabs however it is redder than my abdominal incision. I called my PS about it yesterday because I was a bit concerned and he said it was normal to be a bit red. 

Morningsun1

After it healed, my belly button incision got pulled inside the bb, so you can't see the bb incision.

thinkpink4ever

My belly button looks smooth and round on the perimeter, and inside is just a big black scab.  I don't see any incisions or stitches.

One love,

tp4ever 

goldie4040

I was told my belly button would suck in eventually. Still waiting.  I guess they all have different techniques, as with everything else.

lemon68

annajo- Congrats on the nipple and happy your so pleased!

My belly button is almost healed a bit of scabbing inside but mostly I think dry skin. I have no incisions around it and honestly right now I think its my favorite part of this, its perfect. I used Silverdene on it and in it up until about a week ago, PS said Neosporin was also fine.

Goldie my tummy incision looks really bad by evening, I am still wearing a binder, I take it off in the evening and then bloat out! This morning when I woke up I had a waist! Sadly, its gone now.. sorry your on the anitbiotics but with a tummy that tight I think its just needing some extra care. You were thin before this, once healed its going to be perfect. Hang in there.. I am praying for Lily.

naiviv

think pink,

Yes at first it looked like a huge scab inside . It fell off and now skin looks raw and whitish / yellowish and is weepy . The fluid is clear and pinkish. It is a bit red around perimeter. I do not see any incision / sutures at all. Am told its normal, but where is skin coming from to cover the whitish area?? I forgot to ask.

I try to keep exposed and air it out, it is dryer that way.  I was told just to wash all incisions with mild soap and water . Blow dry warm air or use fan to make sure are dry.

I could use alcohol swabs around incisions to help with excess glue and adhesive removal.

Prayers for all

V

JerseyMomOf3

Lemon, so glad you like your bb. I really like mine too. I used some bacitracin on it and the scab fell of a couple of weeks ago, it is now just pink. I don't see any incision but I think there is a dissolvable suture still sticking out a little on one side.

My abdomen steri strip fell off today so I can see my ab incision finally! It looks very well healed. Count me in on the bloat issue, though! I wear a binder at night and my waist looks fabulous in e morning. In the afternoon/evening it is all swelled out again.  I am really, really, really hoping that improves over time. 

Marvel, I had really bad stretch marks but somehow they found some unmarked skin for my breasts!

Question for y'all, do you have any areas of skin on your breasts that are less full? Hard to explain, but I have one area where the skin looks a little looser, like it is not filled as much as the other parts of the breast. When I squeeze that area a bit the skin wrinkles a little, where in other areas the skin is stretched more taut. Anyone have this too? 

optimi

Rose111, praying for you today as you are making your way to the other side!

I got my last two drains pulled today...wohoo!! I also got fitted into an abdominal binder and a surgical bra. I can't believe how much better it feels with the added compression. All in all I am l astonished how good I feel just 9 days post surgery. I thought it would take me a lot longer to feel energetic and be walking effortlessly again. I am sure a lot of credit goes to my wonderful PS too. I highly recommend Dr. Horton and Dr. Buntic in SF!

Marvelher, I was scheduled to meet Dr. Kind as well but after meeting with Dr. Horton canceled my appointment with him. I have heard and read a lot of good things about him. I am sure you are in excellent hands regardless of what you decide on down the road. As for stretch marks...yes, they do travel along. I have stretch marks on my left breast now which looks kinda funny but is something I can live with. 

I also have a big scab as my belly button but no incisions around it. Interesting how different PS use different techniques.

Goldie, your niece continues to be in my prayers. Please keep us posted on her condition!

goldie4040

Thanks, Lemon.  I hope you are right about my tummy.  And, I have the same issue.  Nice waist in the morning, by evening I have to take off my panties because they feel too tight around waist.  I hope this passes soon.  But, I hear it is normal.  Almost everybody had the swelly belly in the beginning.

Naiviv, sounds like you are taking care of belly button, but if it gets any redder, or swollen take a pic and send it to you PS.  I did that last night and I am on antibiotics now.  Better save, than sorry.  I had a friend whose DIEP went perfect, except her belly button.  Ended up on a wound vac  for a couple of weeks.  I don't want to scare you, just be overly careful. 

Optomi, there is no doubt in my mind that a good PS can make all the difference.  I so glad you are doing well so quickly.  Now, the energetic part, beware....that anesthesia can be tricky.  Tomorrow you might nap for hours.  Not that here is anything wrong with that. 

We were talking about stretch marks following along to your breast, well guess what I found today in the middle of my crop circle.  A freaking pubic hair!!!!!   Just one, but it is there!!!!!  I have heard of other's who have a whole crop of them, so I am feeling lucky it's just one....lol.  I use to have one stubborn nipple hair that I plucked for years.  I guess God wanted to make sure I still had one.  Thanks!!!!

sibrhusky127

Goldie4040 -- Yes, it is around the incision that hurts right now.  Some swelling.  Have been wearing the binder (again).  It helps some.

I will certainly keep your neice, Lily,  in prayer.   That must be SO hard for the family....especially since she is in Germany.

lemon68

Goldie, I had to laugh... I had this one hair on my left side drove me crazy of course I would forget about it and DH would say something..LOL The other day I checked and its gone, hopefully for good. Don't think with the nerves cut it can return, pluck that hair!

Jersey I might try and wear the binder at night instead of all day and see what happens. By the time I take it off in the evening it leaves marks on me like my jeans did back in high school!

Optimi Yahoo for you and being drain free!! That was the best feeling, so free. Glad your feeling so good but don't over do it, you deserve some tender loving care, let the family take care of you.

I did a 3 mile walk tonight around the city on a Ghost Walk with the family. I was worried I would start hurting but other than a few mosquito bites I feel great. We did see any ghosts but it was a lot of fun and got to learn a lot about the history of our city. Our neighbors on both sides came along, lots of fun.

Hope everyone has a good weekend~

GwennyMD

Goldie - I will keep your niece and family in my prayers.

Pollyanna - I had similar instructions but my sisters were able to wrap my midsection in plastic wrap so that I could take a shower.  It felt really great to have the water run down my back as I sat on shower chair.

I had stretch marks on stomach and breasts.  PS used small amount of stomach skin for crop circles.  He was nice enough to make sure that the stretch marks went in the same direction.

Healing prayers for all of you who are in recovery.

lahela

I already had stretch marks on my boobs, but my crop circles are free of them - I guess it's just a question of placement.

I noticed yesterday that my BB has gone back to its normal shape at last (10 months out!). I had a deep inny before, then after DIEP it was an outie for a long time, now it's back to being an innie    I still swear that it's higher than before, but it seems to be slowly coming down as my abs improve.

For the swelly belly, PT to strengthen your abs will help when you are healed enough. I hardly get it at all now and then only slightly - I used to look 4 months pregnant every evening! Just in accessing the blood vessels and the disturbance of everything will have a big effect on them and they'll take time and work to get back into shape.

Thanks for the wishes Julie. I'm getting quite anxious about it now. Trying to have a relaxing weekend but my mind is constantly ticking over. DH and I were on our way out to see some friends and watch some music in the park last night and while we were on the bus the nurse called to tell me I have to be at the hospital at 6.45am and will get drawn on at 7.30 for an early surgery. At least that means I won't be suffering from coffee withdrawal all day!

pollyanna5

Post op visit with PS went well.  He removed the dopplers, thank goodness!  They were awkward, and just seem to catch or tug on things.  They didn't hurt coming out, but felt very odd.  It's felt like I heard it coming out in my head for lack of a better word.  I don't know how deep they were in, but it felt like they were in deep.  It wasn't as bad as the drain tubes coming out (which weren't that bad), but it was odd.

He said all my incisions are healing well.  I'm supposed to massage them 3 times a day with oil/cream to prevent something (I can't remember) what.  Keloids? Hernias? Not sure, but he said it helps with the healing.  

I don't have to bandage the incisions anymore, unless they week a bit, and just cover that area.  I can shower, so glad about that!  

I asked about exercising.  I was really looking forward to getting into a water exercise class offered for those recovering from surgery.  But not yet.  Just walking, and slowly increasing it.

No lifting.  Which I knew.  I just have to be very careful.  It's so easy to do too much.

My belly button is weird looking.  I know they did something, still not sure what.  I forgot to ask.  It doesn't look like it was cut around the edges, but clearly it was moved/done something with in surgery.

Binder for at least 6 more weeks.  Light sports bra.  I go again Aug 1 for another f/up

Oncologist appt July 2. 

Teacher64

Weighing in on bb issue. All my life I was an innie...til DIEP. Now I am a combo...innie on bottom and big pouf on top. It was scabbed and oozy til it finally healed. It took the longest to heal and looks the worst.

JerseyMom - I have divots in both breasts and the left has loose, wrinkled skin on the bottom side. I've been told that fat grafting in stage 2 will take care of those issues.

Lahela - I understand your anxiety. Keep us posted.

Annajo - wonderful news about your lovely nip.

Yesterday I got the stage 2 packet from my PS. Now I am anxious and nervous. Going into DIEP, I didn't have any real expectations other than getting rid of painful TE's and getting some shape. This is different. I want to look better and more like my old self, even if my nips are pale for a few months. The scars I have now are from arm pit to arm pit, minus the inch spared in the center, hip to hip and raised and ropey. Throw in the red rimmed bulls eye crop circles and I could be a topographical map! All I see is the red road map. I know it's a mind game, but I'm so scared it won't be any better. My PS is fantastic and has told me he will work with me til I'm 100% satisfied but the fear is here. The consent form indicates breast revision, abdominal scar revision, and fat grafting. I'm making a list of questions to call about Monday. 

I'm thinking my anxiety is partly due to getting the stage 2 packet and real pain that came after a workout Wednesday. All I've been able to do since is walk, even sitting down and getting up has hurt. This wasn't expected and I feel steps forward have disappeared. Sorry to be such a downer. I haven't felt this deep in a hole since I got the dx last year. Too many emotions flying around. Just like everyone else, I just want to be "normal" again.

nihahi

teacher....it definitely IS a journey of steps forward and backwards. It's ok to find yourself in the "just show up" scenario again. I'm pretty sure the mind tries to take us back to the "worst case scenario" both emotionally and physically, because that is "familiar territory", but I'm betting you'll be like the majority of Stage 2 veterans....and soon are thrilled with how much improvement comes with that second time around, and how much "easier" a recovery it is. I hope that is how it goes for you.

lahela....sending hugs to you...!!

sbelizabeth

Just for perspective...I am recovering very well from revision #3 of my DIEP.  All surgeries have gone well and I'm very happy with the results.

• April 2012 left mastectomy
• May 2012 37 radiation treatments
• April 2013 DIEP, bilateral
• August 2013 revision--shaping of the breast mounds
• December 2013 revision--shaping of the breast mounds, addition of left nipple, excision of large radiation scar on back near shoulder blade
• June 2013--revision, plication of abdominal muscles, shaping and fat transfer to breast mounds, addition of right nipple

 

There's probably just one more surgery to go to finish the removal of the big radiation scar on my back, then tattoo of the areolas, then...adios, operating room!

As you can see, at least for me, it has been a slow marathon, not a one-time sprint.  But it's been worth it.  Despite the fading scars, the gradually diminishing feelings of tightness and discomfort, I feel whole and beautiful again. 

JerseyMomOf3

Teacher, thanks for the info about fat grafting taking care of the loose skin areas.

I can understand you feeling low- I think this entire process has its ups and downs. I was showing my body to a friend who is having the DIEP with Dr Levine too and pointing out to her where I need revisions...dog ears on each side of ab incision, the wrinkly loose spot, the bit of necrosis, and the lumps and bumps of the other breast- and it all just sounded like a lot as I was talking about it, a bit overwhelming. Plus I have red incision scars where I had my 2 excisional biopsies, which are both now closer to the nipple area since DIEP, and with my one crop circle sitting higher than the other I look more like a Picasso painting vs a topographical map! 

Getting more surgery after DIEP is not the most wonderful thought, either - who really wants more surgery? I am comforted by the gals who have been through their revisions and are sooo happy. We will be too! The nice thing about scars is that they keep fading with time...

PS I love your PS's attitude about working with you until you are 100% satisfied! 

Cherrie

It is the goal of many PS's to look good naked, not just in clothes. If my mind could erase the scars I would look pretty damn good. We have amazing doctors don't you think? 

jmb5

goldie, I am so sorry to read about your niece. I immediately prayed for her and your family. Keep us posted.

annajo, I had my nipples done 3 weeks ago, and I didn't realize how much I'd like them. Lol! It just makes my boobs look so much more normal. All the stitches have fallen off except for one, and I have a scab on the bottom of the left one that has been getting smaller. (Radiated side heals slower.) It's amazing how good they look, and it makes me feel more "whole". I still have to wear the donuts and am hoping my PS lets me quit using them when I see her on Tuesday.

I'm still in the below the boobs to below the knees compression since the stage 2 fat grafting. I think my abdomen has become dependent on it again, because when I take it off, my tummy feels uncomfortable. It was so flat after my stage 1, but it is hard and looks like I'm 4 months pregnant half the time. I just feel bad about my body right now. I liked that nice flat tummy and the liposuction didn't seem to slim my legs down at all. Maybe I need to give it more time, but they don't look any thinner, just kind of lumpy. I really need to start working out again. I'm sure that would help. Just frustrated and not liking my body very much... need to get used to the changes.