DIEP 2014

Teacher64

Sweetie - nothing like a shower. As for the Ken Doll, as for it to be fixed in stage 2. I look like new there!

Vivian - hope you are better daily. Why are BB so complicated?

MSW2012 - my stage 2 was 4 1/2 months  after DIEP. Some just wait longer. I think the healing time is important.

Jackie - it will be Monday before you know it!

The only time a doc told me emphatically NOT to lose weight was when I met my PS to discuss DIEP. It was like music to my ears!

Andrea623

MsW, mx and diep is a big surgery. I kind of feel like that's what I'll be doing since my implant will be removed and the muscle repositioned back to it's original place. I'm pretty nervous about it. Thank you for sharing your story.

JuicyJackie

Dear awesome ladies, thank you for the welcome!  It's kind of a re-welcome...I was part of the DIEP 2012 sisters.  I was so excited to get the DIEP Flap surgery and was equally disappointed when my PS didn't think I was a good candidate for that procedure.  His reason was my long history of smoking, now after a bit over a year with these horrible implants he has reversed his opinion...to my delight.  I do hope Wilbur will not be upset with me for spelling his name incorrectly, but I think he'll overlook that.

Janet, awesome party!  LOL!!

Andrea, I can't wait to get these nasty implants gone too...so uncomfortable, too big and too cold along with their moving around.

The1toC, enjoy your camping trip, sounds wonderful.

Goldie, I've had these implants (Gummy Bear type) for 1 long year plus 3 months. Thank you for that wonderful list you gave me, I think I've got it all covered.  I'm sure my DH will not go back to work until I'm okay to be on my own.  

Aff, Stinking cigarettes, I could have been on the flapper side had I not smoked.  I did quit in 2004, it wasn't easy, I stopped many times but always started up again. What kept me on track this time was the thought of starting the process of quitting again, I never wanted to go through that again.  And it worked!!  Yeah!!  Congrats to all of the ladies that have quit!!

Sarah, thank you for your well wishes. 

Teacher, you are so correct, Monday morning is just around the corner!

Sending healing wishes to those that have had their surgeries and calming thoughts to those waiting for their procedures.

Gentle hugs!

Jackie

Sarahbb

Just got the call that my hysterectomy and ovary/Fallopian tubes removal is scheduled for September 11. Does this make it an unlucky day? Yikes, just realized when I wrote it down.

So, that fun is going to happen....

Andrea623

Sarah, no that doesn't make it an unlucky day. Think of it as the first day in your journey to beat this beast.

Sarahbb

Thanks Andrea!! I appreciate it!

pzercher

thanks, Goldie, for the reassurances. Saw my PS today for three week follow-up and she was relieved all of my bruising was gone. So glad to hear pec tightness will loosen with time, and I feel better now that I have been given the 'alll clear' to work  at stretching the scar tissue. PS said stage 2 was okay anytime after 3 months.

Sarahbb, Sept. 11 sounds like a fitting date--good for you. I guess Sept. 9 will be my official cancer-versary: the day I looked in the mirror and saw the dimpling and thought, "uh oh, I think I know what that is...." How have others recognized that day? I would like a a Toronto-style party I think....

enjoyevrymoment

MSW I waited 5 months, went to U of Penn.  I think it doesn't hurt to wait, I was glad things were pretty stable before I got the Stage 2.  My stage 2 was nipples only so that may have had some impact.  I was going to get the tattooing by Vinnie but he says you have to wait at least 5 months from nips to tats for optimal results.  So that part too is subject to who you ask.

The1toC hope you have a beautiful time in Wisconsin camping., and a great surgery on the 27th!  How nice to relax prior to it and get all those feel good vibes going.

Goldie, my bb didn't look normal actually until probably three months.  Don't know why it took so long, it was super large and lots of redness.  Hope yours feels all better soon.

Vivian, how is that new left flap faring? You are one plucky lady to be at a conference, hope you got to the Luau!

Aff, trimmed two stitches myself today, I have heard of some people who don't spit em out but I did last time and am again now.  As long as the parts all stay together I am ok with that!

Optimi hope chemo going well.  Sarah, glad you are scheduled.  I have had some really nice things happen on Sept 11 since the bad day, it isn't the dates fault nasty people did things. You will do great.  

JJ- hi!  

Andrea and Annie, I am sending you any weight you would like, UPS or email, whichever works. ;0  Best wishes, PS are amazing what they can do so hope you are pleased.

Going on vacation for a week, how will the boards function without me HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.  Have a wonderful week, I am going to be reading mindless literature, avoiding sunburn, and probably going to a movie or two.  Hugs to all

The1toC

Sweetie  I know each day will be better and better for you and likely especially good once you get home.

Sarahbb gosh you are so strong facing all of these life changing decisions at such a young age. I know your 3 young ones are great support and inspiration. You can do anything Sarah superwoman! Even losing some pounds for surgery.

Andrea623

Enjoy, if only it was that easy!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

LiLi-RI

Hi Ladies : It has been a week or so since I posted. I had graft surgery last Thursday. The PS took my right dog ear and grafted to radiated boob. I won't know if it took until Aug 26th. It has been 8 weeks, and this past surgery took me down. I am trying to find my strength to finish this marathon.

Welcome to all the new women!! You will always find someone to listen to, vent to, and try to answer questions! Lots of virtual hugs too!

Sweetie: I hope you are home and comfortable.....the first couple of weeks for me were the most challenging.

Sarahbb: The 9/11 surgery is the first step in the process! You can do this journey with help from everyone in your life. Accept. For me, that was tough!

JuicyJackie - Good luck on Monday!

To all my other sisters - positive healing thoughts!

Lisa

jbdayton

LiLi -I am praying your graft is successful.  Time for good news.  

JuicyJackie

I have an embarrassing question I haven't seen addressed.  I am blessed with incontinence and wondering if anyone else needed to wear a pad while recovering.  I'm hoping I don't sneeze, strain, cough or laugh but these things could occur.  I'm worried about anything rubbing against my tummy scar so I've bought some bikini panties but also have some larger undies from before I lost weight.  Any suggestions?  I've bought some of those large blue hospital type pads to sit on, maybe that's all I need??

Sending gentle hugs to everyone.

Jackie

Sweetie1972

I had a catheter in for 3 days and they put an absorbance pad on bed under you. So no need to worry about that the first few days.

MsW2012

JuicyJ, I also had the catheter the first couple of days, no problem. Don't worry about the hospital bed, they are always protected.

About underwear, my daughter got me a six-pack of large men's boxer briefs. They were perfect! Soft, fabric-covered waistband, they rest at the waist well above the incision line, and they're nice and loose. My mid section is still ultra sensitive, so I am still only wearing undies that rest above that incision. After a couple of weeks my swelling went down and the boxers didn't fit anymore.

Hope that helps.

JuicyJackie

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question Sweetie, I hope you are home, settled in and all things are going well for you.  You're a week ahead of me so I'm keeping tabs on you.   

I'm a little more worried about after the hospital, when I get home. 

Andrea623

So, I can share boxer shorts with my husband? Lol!

I sent my PS an email asking if it was possible to do both sides, even if I end up with two small breasts. He said I had to come back in so he could evaluate me. I would hate to put off my surgery, and I doubt I have enough for both sides, but I'd really like to get rid of both implants.

goldie4040

Juicy, have you tried Poise pads.  After my hysterectomy due to large fibroids which really messed with my bladder, I had to use them because I would have a similar issue as you when I coughed, or sneezed.  They work great

Lili, did they graft your dog ear to make a nipple?  Sorry if you already explained, and I missed it.  I try to read everything.

Sarah, Sept 11th isn't a bad day.  It's the day you are going to start fighting to stay healthy.  It's a good day.

Pzecher. today I took no pain meds for the first time since stage 2.  I will probably take some in a just a little while, but I slept most of the day.  I kept my grandson's last night and I think it took every last bit of energy I had left...lol

Andrea, never thought of boxer shorts.  Good idea!!!

Andrea623

Goldie, how are things looking now? It's great that you haven't had to take your pain meds today! I hope you continue to need them less and less with each passing day.

Sweetie, are you home from the hospital yet? How are you feeling?

JuicyJackie

Thanks for your answers.  Goldie, I've been wearing Poise pads for years, maybe I'll try attaching them to boxer shorts.  I'm worried about fabric rubbing on my tummy incision.  I'm thinking maybe commando and absorbance pads will work. 

Sweetie1972

Andrea I came home yesterday. I'm very sore and tired other than that I'm a okay

Andrea623

Sweetie, I'll bet it's great to be home! No one ever gets any rest in a hospital.

mary625

Re: incontinence, I am really worried about getting the compression garments off and onto the toilet in time.

MartyJ

Mary - the one that Dr. M uses has an open crotch.  The biggest concern will be if you forget to pull down your panties - something that happens to all of us.

Sweetie1972

my compression garment sits right above the hips. It doesn't interfere at all. Don't even have to remove it to use bathroom

Sarahbb

Thanks for all of the support! Means a lot to me! And now I've got "Sarah Superwoman" as a mantra! Thanks 1toC! 

Jackie: I would think, if you are home and not too many people are over, just use a large pad under you, and go commando! Less clothing to worry about.

As for the compression garments, I'm imagining they have an opening so you don't have to take them on/ off all the time? That would seem most practical.

Sweetie: I hope you're doing well!

Goldie: that's great about the meds! I have a bad back and take pain meds everyday, I wish I could take nothing!

Andrea623

is the compression garment just worn around your middle then? What about a surgical bra?

lemon68

Hi Everyone,

I am pages behind. I am just leaving tomorrow for my work trip to Chicago and don't have time to read everything.

Optimi- Congrats I am so glad to hear all is well, all is fantastic!!

Goldie, I have been thinking of you, almost sent you a text the other night but didn't want to wake you. I need to go back and read and see how everything went. Same for you Georgie, hope you are feeling well today. I am IN on the tattoo, I need to start looking at them and see what I can find. I am sorry I have been a bit absent. I did see PS again yesterday and do Pre-op. My left side is getting larger, its pretty bad. You know I have been the tough girl here about it all but I cried and cried hard the other night. I know I am going to get fixed its just my nerves on being away from home and feeling so lopsided. I am coming home on 8/24 and have surgery 2a on 8/26. Just fixing the left issues and the dog ears, its a start right?

Teacher- I also have been thinking of you daily. I hope you are doing okay. This mons lift sounds like something I wish I had asked about. I have the "ken" syndrome too. Its like a lump!! Maybe it was before and I never noticed? eekk... Jealous you are fixed but you have been a 'rock' for me on this board.

I know I am missing most of you, will catch up soon. My thoughts are with you all.

Lemon

goldie4040

Oh, Lemon.  I am so sorry.  There is no shame in having a little pity party.  You have been so overwhelmed with work, and then your surgery not turning out exactly they way you planned. It's about time you had a good cry. I hope it made you feel a little better.  I agree, figuring out what to wear for your trip must have been hard, especially with summer clothes.  I know when you get back the PS is going to fix everything, and you will feel so much better.  You can call me, or text me anytime.  I don't care when it is.  I am usually up at all hours anyway.  I can't tell much about what stage 2 looks like yet.  But, if it's anything like stage 1, you can get a pretty good idea. I can definitely tell you my nipples are big...lol.  But I keep hearing they won't stay that way for long. 

Andrea,  I didn't wear compression at all after my stage 1.  I took it upon myself to wear tummy support panties when I started to get out and about, but I was pretty much commando at home for the first 3 weeks.  Every PS has his own rules.  Have you asked if he recommends compression?  I did find that when I was out and about having slight compression on felt good, but tight felt awful. 

Sarah, am sorry about your back.  When you have your diep make sure your PS and your anesthesiologist know about your back.  They will position you on the table in a way that will take pressure off of it.  I asked for a pillow under my knees, etc.  I still was more sore than usual when I woke up, but it could have been worse.  They can work with you.  The mistake I made this time was not asking them to move my arm positions once in a while. My shoulder was pretty sore after this surgery.

Andrea623

Goldie, I will ask him about it. I'm calling on Monday to schedule another evaluation to see if I can have a bilateral diep instead of a uni. I want the implants gone! How is your BB doing now?