DIEP 2014

jmb5

For those of you who had your surgeries last year or even earlier, how does your abdomen feel now? I'm almost 5 months out from stage 1, and am wondering if  this numb, bloated, uncomfortable feeling will ever go away.

LiLi-RI

hi everyone! 2 days in ICU and now in room. Surgery was 10 hrs, major trouble breathing during recovery. An injection of narcon and it worked! More later. Lisa 

tlbradyful

thinkpink, my bb was a big, big scab that fell off and created a new scab. It finally fell off about week 8, and now looks perfect. You are doing great to not pick.

tlbradyful

Teacher - I'm right there with you with stage 2 anxiety. I am afraid of stage 2 as well now that it's 11 days away. I want it to happen and I'm hoping for magic, but I'm afraid of all of the stuff that comes with it. I do want beautiful breasts so here I go again.

tlbradyful

jmb and annajo - it's great to hear that nipples make a big difference. I am still only about 80% sure I want them. I am sure I will go back and forth over the next week. jmb, I have been wondering how your summer of compression was going.

pollyanna you sound much better after your followup visit. hang in there.

Zenful

jmb, I had Stage 1 last September and my abs are finally feeling normal. I had a heck of a time doing sit-ups for the longest time due to weird muscle misfiring. But now swelly belly is gone and when I do ab work, it feels like the muscles are working correctly again. Patience grasshopper!

goldie4040

jmb, don't judge that lipo yet.  Give it a little time. I know what you mean about compression.  I where very light compression on my tummy right now, but when I don't have it one (leave it off after shower's to let incisions completely dry) I feel weak, and uncomfortable.

Teacher.  I can't wait till stage 2 to fix all my imperfections too. 

Cherrie, I love your doc's attitude.  I wish they all felt like that.

I see my PS on Monday to see what the verdict is on my poorly healing tummy incision.  The ends of the incision are beautiful. Close tight and almost invisible. The middle is the problem because I was pulled so tight I still am not straight yet.  They had to sit me up to close my tummy. Can you imagine?  Geez. 

I visited with a woman today who is two weeks out from her diep and she is standing up straight.  There was no doubt she was uncomfortable, and she still has one abdominal drain putting out 40 both morning and night. She might have that for another week yet.  She looked a wee bit pale and tired, but all in all she is doing very well. 

SBE, thank you for your diep time line.  It's truly amazing what you have accomplished this year.  I am glad you are almost done, and feeling more comfortable.

They are bringing my niece out of her coma, and we are praying they can manage her pain.  She is in a highly regarded pediatric hospital in Germany that specializes in burns.  Evidently, Germany excellent medical system.

pollyanna5

Good to hear about your niece, goldie!

I was okay standing upright initially, but that was probably due to copious amount of morphine in the hospital.  Since home it's been difficult, and last week, I mainly slept.  Now that I'm awake a bit more and up a bit more,  I seem to be hunched more when upright.  Definitely without the binder.  Everything feels tight.  I did walk 4 blocks yesterday, not sure if that overdid it.  Small blocks, but perhaps that is why it felt cruddy yesterday.  It felt so good to shower!  Although, I felt weak and unable to straighten, so it was a short shower.  The binder when I put it back on when dry, felt better right away.  If we had the diep, with no muscle used, why does the stomach feel so weak.  I understand it was big abdominal surgery, but I feel like the binder provides all my stomach strength.  From reading,it seems that is everyone's experience with the binder. 

Janet_M

jmb - I'm a year post-surgery and my abdomen feels almost perfectly normal. I say 'almost' because I still feel tightness on and around the scar tissue. But there's no bloating or numbness anymore. I can't even remember when it happened. For months after my DIEP I woke up every morning being uber-aware of my breasts and tummy and then one day I just wasn't thinking about it anymore. 

That is not to say that it's not on my mind - 'cus it is - but it's on the back burner (along with my nipples). I'll even find myself in the middle of a phone call or conversation, absent mindedly massaging a dog ear, or the sensitive area near my right armpit. And I still massage my tummy scar vigorously with bio-oil several times a week. 

I agree with tlbradyful - it's great to hear that nipples make a difference. I postponed mine partially due to to a scheduling conflict, and partly due to indifference. I dread the thought of more surgery, but it sounds like it's rewarding so I'm feeling inspired!

Goldie -  I had the same issues with clean end and a ragged middle, due to being pulled so tight. The middle is finally starting to fade but I think I'll have a bigger scar than some of the others I've seen. From what I understand, it's not uncommon to be sat up during surgery. Not just for the tight tummy, but for the girls as well. Sounds like they used every spare inch of extra fat on you - when all is said and done you are going to be one svelte lady.

Also, I'm wishing the very best for your niece, and her family. I wish her comfort, and safe healing. 

Janet 

Sammyjokk

Goodmorning sisters, I'm SO full of anxiety this morning it's aweful. I have severe sleep apnea and breathing problems really scare me. 

lahala,  sending positive energy and prayers for your surgery tomorrow.

lahela

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. I will take something to help me sleep tonight, for sure!

Sammyjokk, I'll send you my best healing thoughts as soon as I wake up!

LisaLou12

Hello, and so glad to have found a forum for women going through what I am. I feel like I have found someone to talk to who understands.

I am 5 days away from a failed diep flap reconstruction, on both breasts. The right side had been radiated 4 years previously, then my mastectomy was 3 years ago with no reconstruction. I simply can't believe it was unsuccessful - my surgeon, Jason Rosenberg - Gainesville, fl - is top notch. He has a 98 percent success rate and the diep is all he does. So of the 100 surgeries he does a year, I am one of 2 failures...I mean really! Their was a problem with connecting the blood vessels in my chest to the flap on the radiated side - the blood vessels fell apart and their wasn't enough blood flow to keep tissue alive.

Wouldn't you think they might know this in advance?

I was so sure this was going to be the end of my breast cancer saga...I'd have new breasts and a tummy  tuck...a new look and able to put the last 5 years behind me. Now I'm back to square one with a painful belly and sore chest, 2 great big incisions, and will spend my whole summer recuperating (again) so I can return to work in the fall at the high school where I am the media specialist. I'm so upset. My physician has said he will " make it right", but I just can't see enduring more painful surgery, wasting my time off, and money - all this medical expertise is very expensive, until you meet your out of pocket maximums. I'll hear what Dr. Rosenberg has to say on Tuesday .

Sammyjokk

Lisalou12

I'm so sorry your DIEP wasn't successful. Very scarey. I can't answer your question about the doctors knowing things in advance. In my opinion I think until they get in there they really don't know what to expect, everyone is different. I hope someone more knowledgable here can answer for you. Just wanted to let you know everyone on this board is super supportive and your not alone. 

Sending healing thoughts your way. (())

Dyvgrl

I have a scab that can off too early and now have an open spot. What should I put on it?? It just looks so gross! It's not deep or anything just raw looking. It fell off in the shower so I dried off and cleaned it with an alcohol wipe then put a non stick gauze on it. That fell off while I was sleeping and it's just kinda gooey looking and I want to clean and cover it but the doc is impossible to get hold of. I have an appt with my PS here tomorrow morning but want to do something now. Any suggestions?

Zenful

LisaLou, I am so sorry that you have had to endure so much. My heart aches for you. Try to rest and regain your strength, and get plenty of protein to help with your healing. Please keep us posted on what your PS has to say.   ((Hugs)) dear. 

DeeW29

Hello my pink sisters - Tomorrow is the big day. I am relaxing today and I'll probably do a little dancing. I know I'm not cooking dinner today. Hopefully my mom or grandmama will provide dinner. I have everything I need for when I come home. Laundry is done and my daughter will be with my sister and my mama at my house while I'm in the hospital. From the words of my survivor sister, I have my prayer warriors, I am with the best doctors I can get to, and my toe nails are painted.

Deandra W.

Teacher64

LisaLou - so sorry about your journey. Let us know your decisions. Be strong.

Sammy - just show up tomorrow and you will be a flapper when you wake up.

Lahela - happy nip day tomorrow. I'm anxious to hear about it.

Dvygrl - when that happened to me, I was told to bactracin and a non stick bandage for a couple of days. Check with your PS tho. 

goldie4040

Sammy, the anesthesiologists know how to deal with all kinds of breathing disorders.  It's all good.  Promise. Welcome.  And, keep us posted.  I know we are going to hear from you and you are going to be fine!!! 

Lisa, I can't express how sorry I am.  There are other options available to you.  I know right now that might now be a consolation to you, but once you accept this and you are ready to move on, just now there is always something they can do.  Grieve this disappointment, and don't let anybody tell you that it is trivial, because it is not.  Welcome to our group.  I hope we can be of some help to you.

Janet, thanks for the kind words, as always.  I am hoping PS has some words of wisdom tomorrow.  If my whole tummy incision looked like the sides I would be doing a very happy dance.

lemon68

Sammy and DeeW, sending calming thoughts to you for tomorrow. See you on the other side, rest and let them do their magic.

lahela- congrats on your nipples for tomorrow, does that sound odd? Guess not to you all.

LisaLou I am sorry, I cant imagine. Good luck on Tuesday I am sure he will give you the options available. ((HUGS)) I truly feel for you, sometimes life just isn't fair.

Goldie, thanks for the update on Lily, please let us know how she is doing. Glad she is in good hands there.

My PS told me that during the diep all of us are put into a sitting position for closure and getting the breast mounds in the correct position. I am just glad I was asleep. My tummy incision also has good ends but in the center a few tears where it looks like its a little open, actually one on each side. Right now dry and scabby I am using Aveeno all natural lotions. My breast incisions are dry too.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.

thinkpink4ever

tlbrady, thanks for letting me know what I can possible expect with my new bb.  Sounds like I'm following the same path as you.  I'm at the big, big scab phase.  Lol!  And also, like you, I'm close to the 100% level of wanting nips, but I need to find out a little more on how Dr. Sullivan will do them.  So, I'm gonna follow your lead on that too.  If you decide to get them, I want details please....

Lisa, glad you're feeling better.  Keep focusing on healing, my friend!

Zenful, how long after surgery were you able to start doing sit-ups?

goldie, great news on your niece.  I'm still praying for her and her parents, and for you and other family members.

sammy, I know how you feel.  It wasn't long ago that I was at one day pre-op and nervous as heck.  I have "undiagnosed" sleep apnea that was determined by those who have been sleeping with me.  No, not random men.  Girlfriends that I travel with - lol.  They say that I snore very loudly and seems as if I stop breathing or am struggling to catch my breath.  Hopefully, you won't have any problems, my friend.  If the doctors know that you have sleep apnea, they are prepared to make sure that your breathing is regulated.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.

lahela, good luck to you tomorrow!  Praying for you...

One love,

tp4ever

DeeW29

Thanks Lemon68!!

thinkpink4ever

LisaLou, I am so sorry to hear that your flaps failed.  I know that Dr. Rosenburg did everything possible for a successful surgery.  It's just that sometimes the treatment is so hard on our bodies, that it leaves us a little less healthy.  Your blood vessels had been through a lot.  Stay encouraged, my friend, and I will be praying for you...

One love,

tp4ever

 

goldie4040

dvygirl, my doc told me to cover the semi open wounds with maxi pads.  I thought to myself, well those are really fat, I think he must mean like a light day pad, or panty liner.  So, that is what I am doing.  Do not take the backing off or it will keep sticking to your clothes...lol.  But, I tape those over the wound and it is very absorbent and soft, and there is no leakage to your clothing!!!  Oh, and don't get the ones with the wings.  Just get some generic cheap ones.

lemon68

Goldie, that is a great tip, wish I knew it a few week ago. Smart!

k79miller

Sammy-I have sleep apnea also, although I don't know how severe it is.  I use a CPAP machine.  As far as I know, I didn't have any problems during surgery.

Lisa-so sorry about the failed DIEP. 

My 2nd stage is July 24th & I can't wait to get the nipples.  Right now I still don't feel like my girls the real deal.  Hopefully, the nipples will change all of that.  I'm 3 mos out from stage 1 & stomach feels good but it does look bloated some times.  I don't know if it's swelling or maybe it's just my muffin top.  Is there any way to tell if it's swelling?  I don't really notice a difference between the mornings & at night

 

Zenful

pink, I was doing a few crunches two months after Stage 1, but it hurt in strange places, and the muscles that I thought should be firing weren't.  I am now four months out from Stage 2 and have been doing crunches for month or two and slowly feeling a little more normal. I guess it just takes  time for the muscles to work together properly.  You will get there. 

jbdayton

LisaLou - this may be a little wordy.  I went in for a bi-lateral DIEP in March.  I woke up with only one new breast.  Luckily it was my radiated side.  He was only able to do one because my DIEP artery and veins were too small to do both.  He used my right belly flap to do my left breast.  The first 48 hours were tough he only gave me a 10% chance that flap would make it.

The second morning out he came in and discussed doing lat flaps and small implants in two days.  I was not a happy camper but did agree to it.  So he scheduled it.  On day 3 he came in and said the flap was going to make it and I could wait and see or go ahead with the lat flap.  I chose to wait.  I really did want a tissue flap only.  

Flap survived and we began the discussion of what next.  I knew I wanted another tissue flap if at all possible.  Of course the conversation started with he could do an implant and match it very nicely.  I then asked him if I could go talk to NOLA or PRMA and get a tissue flap and then let him finish the sculpting.  His website only advertised lat flaps, DIEP flaps and implants.  He immediately said that would not be necessary.  He had the NP get his textbook to show me my other options.  He wrote this textbook while working and teaching at MD Anderson or teaching at Baylor not sure of the timing.  He had performed numerous other types of flaps.  I ended up choosing a Ruben's flap.  Believe me I was surprised at how many other options were out there.  

I realize I still had my internal mammary artery.  I understand there is another artery that can be used from the underarm area.  I hope that is true, if so, there is hope you can try again.  

Don't give up until you have exhausted all the options to consider.  I know the timing is not good with being a teacher.  Time vs. money vs desire is a hard position to be in.  I will pray that you can make a decision you will be happy with.  (((((HUGS)))))

Dyvgrl

I put some polysporin on it and a nonstick gauze pad over it. It's seeping and seems to stick to everything without some sort of gel/ointment on it. Gonna shower and clean it out and let it air dry for a bit...

aff

LisaLou - I am so sorry to read about your surgery. You have found an amazing group of women here that will support you and a great place for venting when needed. My prayers are with you 

Lahela and Sammyjokk - best wishes for tomorrow. We'll be thinking about you

DeeW29

Best wishes to everyone who will be joining me for surgery tomorrow!