DIEP 2014

Anonymous

The normal aging provess takes our hormones, slows our metabolism and makes us gain weight. That is why, when you reach menopause (either naturally or surgically) it is harder to keep weight off because everything slows down, shrivels up, and gets lazy. Only way to overcome it is to stay active and be disciplined in our eating habits. 

aff

9 weeks post surgery and my abdominal incision spit out another stitch this morning! 

It's absolutely beautiful in NJ today. Hope everyone has a great day. Down to the final 3 rads...woo hoo. 

Shine14

Wow to all the people who quit smoking! I have never smoked but can only imagine how hard it would be to break such a difficult habit. Especially for those who quit right after their diagnosis, with all the stress. I am always amazed at the strength found in our little group! You ladies are such an inspiration!!

AFF - reading your posts about going back to work were so inspiring to me. Going through all this really does change you. And how great that you can look back and appreciate the time spent with loved ones during recovery as a unique blessing. I cannot wait to see what this next chapter of your life holds for you! Thanks for sharing.

So what does it mean to spit a stitch? Are the stitches dissolving and dropping, or is your incision opening?  

Optimi - I love your attitude!  Makes that radiation twice as effective.

Sweetie - The first time I stood up in the hospital, I was in tears, mainly because I was scared I was going to split open, but every time I got up it got easier.  The nurses said that and I thought "easy for you to say" but it was absolutely true.  Keep moving and breathing deeply!!

crs - I am praying for you!!  Keep us posted.

My belly sure was puffy yesterday!  I am going to wear the compression garment most of the time now to try to stay on top of it.  I can almost stand upright!  Except when my belly puffs.  The doctor didn't want me to stand upright for 2-3 weeks so I still walk piked over.  Tomorrow is 2 weeks... wow!

Thanks for all the support!  So glad I found this forum.

aff

I, too, am an ex-smoker. I am 44 and it's hard to say that I smoked on and off for 30 years. I quit for 4 years in my 20s and for 5 years in my 30s. I have now quit for 4 years in my 40s and I pray this is the time that sticks. 

Optimi - I also really dislike my port scar. Not sure if I dislike it more than my abdominal scar, but I do not like it at all. Your friends and family are very lucky to have you in their lives. You must be a constant ray of sunshine to everyone you touch. Your attitude is inspiring. 

crs - thinking of you

Shine - the stitches dissolve but some of those little buggers don't want to cooperate in the dissolving process so they end up working their way out. It doesn't create a wound opening. They just pop thru and I pull them out. The tiny hole closes right away. Also, I just stopped wearing compression 2 or 3 weeks ago. I wore it round the clock for at least 6 weeks. I felt so much better with it on. 

Teacher64

Janet - topless with tiaras. I can so picture that!

Optimi - cloud nine news is always wonderful to receive!

I went for stage 2 follow up with PS. He apologized that I was so bruised and said I'd need to come in twice next week for ultrasound treatment due to the size and hardness of the bulge of scar tissue.Then he will reassess. His medical assistant took some stitches out. I told him the nipples, scar revisions, removal of side breast tissue, and loss of "Ken doll" (He liked that term) and mons lift were great because we'd talked about them but the icing on the cake was the bit of fat grafting over the leads on my pacemaker. It may not seem like much, but not seeing and feeling that knot of leads to the PM made such an emotional difference for me. He worked a miracle for me. He said that part was the biggest challenge of my stage 2 and it had nothing whatsoever to do with my reconstruction. I know all the other scars mean that I'm being rebuilt after cancer and will be able to put it behind me at some point, but that knot of wires was a constant reminder that I am and will always be dependent on the pacemaker. I am thankful for the device that allows my heart to keep beating and the technical skill of my PS for making me feel better about it.

goldie4040

Yeah, Janet!  You came out of the closet too.  I like that "not giving up something" statement.  

I trying to imagine the get together you went to with all the reconstructed ladies walking around topless.  It sounds surreal. I am picturing dim lighting, masks that cover just the top of your face (the kind you hold up with a stick), and strange carnival type music playing, but softly, and half naked women hawking "their" reconstruction as the best kind...

Janet_M

Goldie - Good imagination! In reality - it was like a cocktail party where some of the guests were topless, and walking around saying. ' Go ahead. Touch them!'

goldie4040

Janet, it still seems weird.  Did you get to bring your DH?  

MsW2012

Shine14, I remember after my mx when the stitches started poking through. Having never heard of such a thing I was scared and upset. Omg, my stitches are failing! What's going on?! It must be a somewhat new phenomenon because I've had surgery before and never such a thing! Now it is a matter of course but it still seems so strange. A couple of mine have looked just like white cotton string, but mostly it's the "fishing line." All of a sudden there's this line sticking out of my skin. I tug at it gently and usually it comes right out. Somehow it always feels good, kind of like a scab falling off. Almost all of mine have been tiny little knots, either still intact or unraveling. There's no bleeding and yes the tiny little hole closes up very quickly.

goldie4040

Hey Georgie!!!!

Is tomorrow your day!!!!?  Hope you stop in today.  It not, may Wilbur be with you tomorrow, and I know your stage 2 will be just as awesome as your stage 1.  If I remember correctly, you are travelling to PRMA, right? 

OneTexasday and Teacher, are you using the same PS?

pzercher

Happy, happy news that so many of you quit smoking! My dad died of laryngeal cancer when I was 22, and I helped nurse him to the end. Quitting smoking is such a great thing for you to do for yourselves and your loved ones.

Sarahbb: It seems like our docs are often looking for Goldilocks. Mine told me women who do the best are not too thin (not enough tissue, very tight abdominal scar...) and not too heavy (something to do with the healing and vessels).  I had to gain some weight before my DIEP and still did not match my healthy breast in size (which my PS warned me about beforehand, and that was okay with me; will have a lift and slight reduction at stage 2).  But going flat is a viable choice also. I still think about that sometimes. Women on this site have been so happy with their results, it gave me the extra oomph to go ahead with it, but I have learned about myself that I am not very happy with anything that feels "unnatural" to me on my body. No single choice (flat, implant, flap) returns you to normal, that is for sure. But one of the best reassurances I got was from an older cousin of my dad. We have an extensive cancer history in my family, especially breast and colon, and her mother, aunt, and sister all had breast cancer. She got prophylactic BMX but no reconstruction, and she kindly told me it was the best decision she had made and she has never regretted it (and her husband was very supportive). In her 70s now! My dad's two sisters had breast cancer as well, one at exactly my age. At any rate, don't feel too rushed to make a decision--time will continue to help you figure out what is right for you regarding reconstruction.

Goldie: I will be honest--I was disheartened to hear that you still experience pec pain and tightness after the DIEP. But I appreciate the straight talk. And hopefully it will improve for us over time. So hard to be patient...

Janet: Can we come party in Toronto? I think it is amazing that some of you got the chance to see and touch the end results before your surgeries. I think that would have helped me with the reality of the TEs.  I never could accept the balloon-like feel through my skin. Yuck. Before my surgery, I did offer my sisters and nieces the chance to feel the tumor, which they all took me up on.

Teacher64

Goldie - OTxDay and I don't have the same doc.

Georgie - yeah for stage 2. Hope it is all you want and you don't bruise.

Sarahbb

Pzercher: I guess there must be a magical perfect weight! . I guess it isn't so bad, only 15-20 lbs. I have to lose.  That's so cool to hear that your cousin said she was really happy with going flat. I seriously would have chosen that if I were real thin, as I think in my opinion, it looks more streamlined. On me, I would look pretty bottom heavy. I just think I would regret not doing it. But if my PS said he'd only do implants, I would have said no thanks!

goldie4040

pzecher, hang in there.  Most pec and chest tightness resolves. So far I don't know anybody on here who's chest tightness hasn't gone away.  I am just waiting for mine to go away. I am sure yours will too.

goldie4040

I have heard about that "sweet spot" on the weight issue for diep too.  20 to 40 pounds overweight seems to be what they like.

JuicyJackie

I've been reading and trying to catch up, you ladies are so awesome and your posts are very informative and inspiring.  My day is coming up...Monday @ 11:00 I'll be in Baltimore.  I do hope Willber will visit while I'm "out" and I'll watch for the pink bus.   I guess I'm beginning to get the jitters a bit but I'll be so incredibly happy to be rid of these horrible, horrible implants.  They are so uncomfortable, they have moved and are just creepy cold.  I will so welcome nice warm foobs!

Sweetie, thank for sharing your first standing up experience, that has weighed heavy on my mind.  I know I'll get through it but it's sure not going to be easy.  Sending you healing wishes and gentle hugs!

GeorgieGirl, prayers to you tomorrow as you take the next step of your journey.

Enjoy, So sweet of you to share your girls with the 2 newbies!

Crs629, Sending prayers and good wishes to you.

Sarahbb, I couldn't agree with you more about the implants.  They may be right for some, but I'm not one of them.  Good luck on your weight loss.

Teacher64, Darn that nasty bump and rash, you have sure hit some unwelcome speed bumps in your quest.  Laughing at your coffee table book!!  So sweeet of your PS to fat graft your pacemaker, glad it made you happy.  Wishing you well.

Optimi, I'm so happy for your good news!  

aff , Spitting stitches, they don't sound fun, I'd be kind of afraid to pull them out myself.  Nice weather in Jersey, I'm originally from Jersey and often visit family and friends.

Goldie, this goes back a bit but I really liked your Kohls dress, it looked very nice on you.

My DH will be my sole caregiver, he has gotten me through my previous surgeries.  No sisters or friends close by, he'll be taking 2 weeks off to care for me.  I'm sending you all healing wishes in your recovery and gentle hugs!  xoxo 

Jackie

Sweetie1972

was able to get a shower today and boy did that feel good. They are sending me home tomorrow afternoon!  I will feel so much more comfy to be at home

JuicyJackie

Sweetie, I'm happy for you, there's no place like home!  Congrats on the shower!

goldie4040

Jackie, how long have you had the implants.  I know it will feel great to get rid of them.  Wilbur will be there with you for sure.  He takes different forms, but he is always there watching over you.

Your husband should be enough for the first two weeks.  Do you have somebody close by you can call if there is an emergency (a neighbor?)  That is what we did when my husband went back to work.  I didn't necessary have somebody sit with me in the house all day, but I had people on call certain days, and they knew it, so if I called they would always answer.  By the end of week three I felt strong enough not to worry to much about having on call help.

I will tell you the few things I think are a must for you at home comfort.  A shower chair.  Something to hold your drains while you shower, and even a pouch to put them in during the day so you don't yank on them accidently.  I couldn't live without my recliner (not a power one), but a lot of gals do fine with lots of pillows.  Remember to have lots of protein when you get home.  Your appetite will be down the first couple of weeks, so try to get the protein in first.  Oh, do not forget your stool softener every day, starting before surgery and right on through till you are off the pain meds.

Welcome, I know you will do fine.  I am glad you have been lurking and learning.  We will be anxious to hear from you next week.  Please let us know.  We are great company when you are home recuperating too. 

naiviv

Very early good morning,

Lots t o catch up on and read. I hope all newbies and phase 2's are recuperating with little discomfort and those waiting don't have too much anxiety.

I am 1 week post lefty last flap and rightly phase 2a. With a misbehaving belly button. Incisions all look good, some itching. Some swelling. Drains pretty active. BB also still very wet and weepy. It looks like it will just close, skin opening is smaller but I know it is open/hole on inside. 

I made it to work conference taking it slow, fell asleep yesterday ( 8 pillows) early until now. Pain is better. Just need to watch movement and people. Drains are a pain, but have been able to conceal within a wider skirt. I am also wearing pads around all incisions to protect them. My left arm is pretty restricted in movement and strength. Back hurts if sit for too long,  but I am here and will enjoy and relax. Hope to make it to LUAU at 8 tonight.

heal well

Vivian

Andrea623

Georgie, good luck today! I'll be thinking of you!

Goldie, what kind of pouch did you use for your drains? I haven't had drains since my BMX and I think I just pinned them to my surgical bra. I sure remember hating them though!

Sweetie, yay for taking a shower! I'll bet it really helped you feel human again. I'm glad to hear you'll be going home soon. It's the best place to rest, cause it seems you can never get rest in the hospital.

Jackie, I hate my implants too. My radiated side is particularly uncomfortable, and because I don't have enough belly fat for both sides, I'm only having that side done. I see my PS in 2 weeks and I'm going to ask if I have enough for even two small breasts. I just want the implants gone. If I may ask, why did you go the implant route first? I had to cause I had lost a lot of weight after my dx, so diep was out.

Sweetie1972

I got the Ken doll effect and yuck I hope it goes away

Sarahbb

Jackie: Good luck!! I hope everything goes great! We'll be thinking of you!!

Sweetie: yeah to the shower!!! And on going home! I'm sure you'll be able to relax more in your own place!

Naiviiv: sorry to hear about the belly button, I hope it starts behaving for you! Wow a work conference so early out! Brave lady!

Sweetie1972

hang in there Jackie. 

Evegibb

What a great group of woman on here! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences.  I'm still awaiting a date for surgery and it's on my mind A LOT!  Reading the posts on here is so helpful and insightful.  Its very reassuring knowing that I can come on here after surgery and have all you experts answer any questions I might have. 

Janet: that little party sounds awesome! How did you hear about it?

Sweetie: thank you so much for posting on here right after your surgery! It helps so much to have feedback from woman who are newly out of surgery as well as months post op too!  For everyone else who is either recovering or awaiting surgeries, thank you for sharing and good luck to those going into to surgery, I wish you all a speedy recovery!

aff

Welcome Evegibb and Jackie!

Naiviv - wow! Glad you are feeling so well. Hope the bb starts to cooperate. 

Sweetie - One day at a time. Glad you're going home. Sounds like you're doing great. Don't worry about the ken doll effect. It does get better. 

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

annieb4

Andrea, I also have the problem of being small. My PS told me, though , she could get me hopefully of couple of nice A/B's...I can't go the implant way, because my skin has been so stretched and damaged by the radiation and it is to thin. She told me I could possibly go with implants but that they would have to be very small and I would have a very high chance of CC and infection.

If you don't mind me asking how much do you weight? I am 5'6 and weigh 134. My surgery is actually scheduled for January, so I have been eating, and hopefully can put on a couple pounds. I figure any little bit will help.

The1toC

I definitely need to do some catching up of several pages.  There is alot going on amongst these lovely ladies.

Jackie sending you good wishes and Wilbur-ventures for Monday.

My own Stage 2 is planned for Wed. Aug 27. I just ordered my spanx for post op.  Should i get a shower stool again? sounds really like just alot of bruising and tenderness, not really down long....My surgeon's PA said "after everything you have been through so far, this is nothing". Hope she is right!  Still not looking forward to the long drive (8hr) 2 days after. 

Trying to get 'everything' done this weekend though b/c our family does to overnight camp next week, then home for the weekend and then drive down to Ann Arbor on Monday  for my big day. So excited about camp! We've nver done anything like that before. And the area of Northern Wisconsin is gorgeous!

Andrea623

Hi Annie!I don't mind you asking about my weight at all. I'm always happy to help. I've put on weight this year; I'm 5'4" and am now around 128 pounds. I've always been about 118, but since going off hormones, have gained weight, all in my tummy and hips. I would be happy with a B cup. That's what I was before all this began, and I don't mind being small. My implants are 350 CC, and my radiated side is not comfortable. The other side looks too wide, and it just want them both gone. I hope my PS can do it.

MsW2012

Good morning everyone, from sunny Calif. 71 in the house right now but we'll be closing up the windows in a few minutes to keep out the 90+ that arrives by afternoon. Welcome home Sweetie! Glad you have DH to take care of you. Try not to worry too much, remember those first couple of weeks home, a lot of us get in a real negative funk and it will pass. Week Five rocks!

Andrea623 you didn't ask me, but the reason I had an implant first was my first PS told me I didn't have enough fat for a flap. Turns out I had plenty, it's just that PS1 didn't have much experience with DIEP and PS2 does them almost every week. Also, I imagine mx with DIEP would be like two major surgeries in one. The mx was a huge recovery, and the DIEP seems even bigger. I don't think I would want to do both at once, especially after having been through 18 wks of extreme chemo and a year of Herceptin.

Naiviiv about the bb, mine looked totally freaky and awful at first but now, going into Week 5, it is looking cuter than before! And I still have some redness and swelling to lose.

annie64, I hope you can trust your surgeon to assess how much they can do with the amount of fat you have. I am 5-6, 140 and there was enough for one C. It probably varies on where you carry your fat. I had a big, breach baby who stretched me out  so a lot of fat settled in down there! At Week 5 my noob still looks like a double-D or so but the plan is to shape it down to a C at stage 2. I guess it's like a potter, you start with a nice big piece of clay in order to have enough to shape something beautiful from it. I hope that helps.

I have a question for you all. I've been following up with the micro-surgeon who assisted with my DIEP, because the PS has been on vacation, but the MS said they wait at least six months before Stage 2 surgery so that everything has a chance to quiet down and take shape. Yet when I look at the surgery list above, it looks like most of you ladies waited only about three months. Anyone know the thoughts behind that timing? Maybe depends on the extent of the mx, meaning the size of the hole to fill?