DIEP 2014

Sharon1942

Ronna, I was 69 when I had my uni DIEP. It was delayed about a year after my mastectomy for me to get finished with chemo & radiation.  I had no problems & love my final results!  Please feel free to PM me with any & all questions. I love being 71 (now) with perky boobs & a flat tummy! Just joined eHarmony!  Hehehe!  Finding the right, talented, experienced plastic surgeon is the key! You can do this!

Lilith08

I'm new to this thread. Am planning a PBMX but have not decided yet about reconstruction, mostly because I'm not crazy about the idea of implants. But when I read about DIEP, it seemed like a possibility. I've spoken to someone who had it done--I understand it's difficult but the results are great. I'm a little disappointed, however, to see that neither of the PS practices I've been referred to appear to offer the procedure. Certainly not featured on their website. And when I asked my BS about it in the phone, she said I'm "not the right body type." I guess I'll see what happens when I have my consults on Sept. 10. (But as for body type, I know I could easily stand to lose a good twenty pounds, and am not looking to replace anything very large...). Will be following here for a while.

enjoyevrymoment

Lilith, I think as you see when reading this thread, we all have different body types and the key is to find a PS that has a good reputation and listens to you.  Best wishes as you seek the right direction.  

Ronna, Age doesn't mean as much as skill of the surgeon in recognizing if you are a candidate and being sure you have someone who has experience in doing the surgery.

Everyone, hope you are all doing well.  

Sweetie1972

wondering if anyone else had muffin top 

Appearance? Can ps fix that?

Anonymous

Nov 11th is my Stage 2 DIEP procedure. I just turned 60 last Sunday (how the Hell that happened is beyond me, because in my dreams I am always still in my twenties...wishful thinking, I guess..or dreaming). Anyway, PS said I was healing fantastically for a gal my age, and reiterated what would be done in stage 2. He said I may need a few procedures....my chest wall is very flat from all the tissue they scraped out, so it will need a lot of plumping via lipo/fat grafting. Also need to fill the SNB crater created in 2009 from the lumpectomy. Just like for DIEP, I watched a nipple reconstruction video online the other night. Still trying to locate one for stage2. Always like to see what I'm in for. We are busy getting horses ready for Acadia...lots of prepwork for that kind of undertaking, as it's two days of hauling, with overnight enroute.

goldie4040

Sweet, sure other's have muffin top, and yes...,any surgeons will take care of that for you during stage 2. 

Heidi, you take it as easy as you can while dealing with the horses.  Happy Birthday!!!!   Glad you are healing so well.

ronqt1

Hi Sharon, got my answer from your post. That group is right near me. Will keep in touch. Again problem I have very little tummy and healing issues. Otherwise, excellent health. Hugs....

ronqt1

Hi my diep friends. Saw something from enjoyeverymo who mentions being a candidate. My PS says I am not the perfect candidate due to aging factors and my scarring and healing issues, but I will keep this in mind with all friends I have met on this site. Love to all and thank you. You have given me the confidence to do battle with him around the take it out dance and you will feel better.  God less those gals who go w/out reconstruction, I can't. Especially when you see on their counters all brochures for difference procedures. What a busines this Plastic Surgery has come to, even us who have overcome breast cancer.

Love you all, hugs.

GointoCarolina

Lilith08,

Just wanted to let you know you have many options for
recon...implants......the perforator flaps can come from your tummy(DIEP)
butt (SGAP),they can even use your thighs (TUG and PAP) There is also
microfat grafting for total recon or to add symmetry or size. There is a list of doctors who do direct to implant and flap recon at
www.breastrecon.com There is a lot of useful info there,too.

Sarahbb

I am so impressed with my PS, I sent him an email yesterday morning asking him about my hysterectomy and if there would be enough time in between that and the DIEP. I figured he'd email me back sometime, well, lo and behold, I get a phone call a couple hours later and it's him! He answered my questions and remembered me and asked how my weight loss was going. I've never had a doctor call me! Now I am positively sure I have the right doc!

GeorgieGirlKC

Sarahbb that is awesome and impressive! I love to hear positive things like that! 

GeorgieGirlKC

Ran across this on Facebook. Fits right in with stupid things people say and some ideas for how to respond. Some of them are pretty good! Thought I'd share!

https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/8-ways-to-resp...

Shine14

Hi Everyone! I have been off for awhile and read the last 4-5 pages to get caught up. Whew, lots of ups and downs for all. Sorry about the blue period everyone was experiencing but it sounds like most are bouncing back. I had a little dip, too, but am doing better now. After my sister left and I didn't have someone bringing me meals on a tray... That took a little getting used to! But I am happy to be almost functional again.

Vballmom - I love your attitude! I have to reset myself every day or two and remind myself that this whole process was a big deal, but I won't let it get me down. We need to recognize how strong we are and I also have been humbled by all the acts of kindness I have witnessed over the past few months. I am a woman of faith and I can't help but see the fingerprints of God throughout my journey!!

On a more superficial note, I would like to thank/curse you all for all of the bra recommendations! I agree with Teacher I think who said we should start a group for people addicted to pretty bras. I have bought any yet, but I know my old ones (mainly underwire) won't work well, so I will just have to go shopping!

My oldest leaves for her freshman year in college next weekend so we have spent the last week getting her ready. She is a wonderful girl and so caring during my recovery. This last week I have pushed it a bit more than I probably should have so we could have fun and she doesn't have to play nursemaid so much. I figure I can kick back in a week when she is gone. Maybe the guided imagery can help me be calm about the big goodbye too?! Worth a try.

I do miss my active lifestyle! The PS said I can start running in two weeks, after my 6 week appointment. My walking pace is picking up, but I still feel like a snail.  

Teacher64

Sarabb - there are caring docs out there that take time for human connections. My PCP, who is a DIEP sister, has called numerous times to follow up after I've seen her. My PS has called after every surgery and his med assist keeps in touch via email/text. I still think it's crazy to send an image of a problem area via text or email, but it has helped get fast feedback to tell me not to worry or to come in for an appointment. My docs are keepers!

Shine14

Niknak!  I have been thinking of you and glad that you checked in and are doing well.

enjoyevrymoment

Georgiegirl,

Wow that link was inspiring but also sad, to hear some of the stuff people say.  Those comments are not worth our time and energy, both which are in short supply right now  The most moving part of that link was somewhere where someone shared about the fact that a positive attitude cures cancer or a negative one causes cancer.  While I believe there is a mind-body connection I think there are lots of people who had great attitudes who died of cancer and some real pieces of work who never get cancer  

I choose to dwell on the many wonderful people who didn't act like a buttinski, who brought wonderful meals, sent pretty cards, gave dark chocolate, took me to appts, prayed and are praying for me, etc.  Thankfully I think there are more of them than the mean people  

LAstar

Sarah,  I love this news about your doctor.  I might have to check him out.  Have you seen his results photos? 

I have some friends that attended a natural therapeutics school in New Mexico where they were taught that cancer is caused by excess pride.  I heard this long before my own diagnosis but thought it was pretty pathetic to teach their students to blame people for their cancer. 

ChrisInPA

Can anyone shed any light on what a "pain blaster" for the abdomen is?  There are several references to it on here, but I couldn't figure out what it is.  Is it something you ask your PS about?

Lilith08

Thanks, All--and GointoCarolina, thanks for the link. I'll definitely take a look at that site.

I see people here talking about Stage 2 DIEP, and having DIEP long after cancer treatment. I think if I can't find the right solution when I need it, perhaps I can go ahead with the PBMX and go flat. Either I'll get used to it or it'll give me time to find the right PS. Does that sound OK? I mean, it seems there's nothing to keep me from doing it as a completely separate procedure later on...

gila4936

I had Stage 2 yesterday. I'm doing pretty well, staying ahead of the pain. I was bummed to wake up with two drains but hopefully those will come out Tuesday. They didn't put me in a bra, I'm just wrapped up with giant ace bandages, which I have to leave on until tomorrow. Then I'm not sure what I'll do. Pretty sure I threw away the surgical bras from Stage 1. Meanwhile it's a great weekend to be resting with the start of college football!

Shine, glad to hear you're doing well. I've been wondering about you. Did you by chance tell the PS about our connection? Dr. T said something to me yesterday and I thought he must have been talking about you. Gotta love the small world connections!

Anonymous

Both my BS and my PS always responded within the hour, if not five minutes, of my texting or emailing them. I thought that was pretty darn impressive!

Sarahbb

LAstar, I am seeing Dr. Cober, there is another member from the DIEP 2013 thread who used him and is very happy with her results. The office will also give your number to past patients and they will call to chat about the procedure. You know, I didn't ask to see before and afters. 

I do have to lose weight before my surgery, which is sort of a bummer.

Morwenna

Lilith,

Stage 2 refers to a second operation to tidy up or refine the first surgery, stage 1, which is more about just getting the tissue transplanted and "taking" in a healthy manner. 

I believe what you are thinking of is delayed vs immediate reconstruction. Many people go this route, for various reasons, but it seems it is really "never too late" to go back for reconstruction, while, as you say, some individuals are quite content with being flat.

I am quite large naturally, and hate being one-sided, so I'd rather be flat and at least symmetrical, but I have decided to go for a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate recon on the right side, at the same time as a delayed recon on my left (cancer) side.

I just got a call yesterday offering me October 14 for my surgery, so I guess I am joining you ladies!!

nihahi

Mo.....just sent you a PM.....glad to "see" you here!

The1toC

ronqt Sorry you are having these experiences. I hope you are in a position to shop around even if you have to travel a bit. So far as I know those who cannot have DIEP or other free flap have really bad vessels, not enough fat or health too poor for such long surgery. And I think there are very few who fall into these so I bet YOU are a candidate. If your PS does not do them (like mine doesn't) then they won't be talking to you about it-mine won't even say "another option but I don't do is the DIEP" I think largely because of $: he doesn't get a cut. P,ease consider that a PS does not usually see the long term outcome of their surgery so often a TRAM is more or less the same as any other type of recon. From their  POV. Please do not rush into a reconstruction you don't want or feel right or comfortable about just because it is booked. It is okay to cancel and provide someone se the opportunity to have surgery on that day. Any surgery is scary to go into but I believe that it is important to be at peace with your decision for type of surgery.

Shine14

Hi Gila, Glad to hear everything went well with your stage 2.  I almost messaged you this afternoon to see how it went.  Funny that Dr T said something to you.  It was strange at my two week appt he said something about you, but I cannot remember what, something about your recovery had gone well, except your belly incision problem so he had made the connection.  When I first met Dr K I told him how helpful this forum had been as a source of information and support, and that I had met one of his patients.  He seemed interested in the forum.  I wonder if they checked it out?  Funny to think of them reading our posts.

The1toC

Thanks for the well wishes, the ride home went just fine aand eneventful. A pillow between me and the shoulderbelt and some tylenol.

Gila I am just 2 days ahead of you and also surprised by the drains. But was able to pull them today. Hope you are feeling good and will soon be drain free.

I am trying to do somegood walking or at least not sitting around too much. The bruising on thighs is COLORFUL! Honestly though I thought there would be a bit more gone. I suppose I should appreciate that I didn't have to exercise it off.....

goldie4040

ronqt1, I know somebody who had a true tram.  Not a muscle sparing tram, and it is a barbaric surgery.  They remove your muscles and replace them with mesh.  There is absolutely no reason for this surgery, except your surgeon has no experience in anything else.  The muscle sparing trams can be a very successful surgery too, if it's necessary to get a better vessel.  But, a full tram...no.  He is right, if would be a horrible recovery. My friend is 20 years out from hers, is only 55, and has to roll on her side to get up from a prone position, and she can't do a lot of things that would engage the stomach muscles, and her back is ruined from compensating for not having stomach muscles.  Please don't consider it.  There are so many good PS's in NJ who can do the right thing by you. 

Sorry, I took my hydrocodone and it let's me say exactly how I feel.  Maybe I should go wake my husband up, and run down the list of things that have aggravated me today....heheheh.

1toC, so glad your ride was comfortable and you are home.

Heiditoo, Iike your docs more all the time.  They treat the whole person.  So important.  Part of that is getting back to your patients when they are worried, or need an answer.

Sarah, how you doing with the weight loss?  Hard to do, I know.  I know this sounds silly, but it worked for me when I wanted to take off some weight.  Drink a full glass of water every hour, and especially before you eat.

Gila, what did they do that you have drains after stage 2.  You probably explained before, but I missed it.  Glad you sound good!

Tomorrow is my grandson's bday party, so I get pizza and cake!!!!  Yum!!!  I also get a wee bit jealous watching my DIL's mother running around with the kids, and I can't.  She, and I are the same age.  We use to commiserate about our backs together. I think I got her beat now. Don't get me wrong.  Nobody makes me feel badly about it, nor do I feel left out, just my own pity party.

How's this for a great cake?  His favorite cartoon! Hope you all have a great weekend. Don't know why it inserted side ways.  Sorry.

Sarahbb

Goldie, first of all, awesome cake!  I've watched that one quite a lot with the kids. The weight loss stalled for a bit, because I was having a bad reaction to the low carb diet. So I'm switching to healthy, all inclusive plan! Of course watching my calorie intake, and walking. I am concerned however about how soon I will be able to get back to exercise after the hysterectomy, it's only 12 days from now. Also the unknown reactions to menopause and estrogen patch. Thankfully I don't need to lose a ton, just about 10 more to go!

I suppose if I don't make my goal I will have to push the surgery into next year...

Also, I hope you will be running around with those grand kids soon! I think we're all entitled to pity parties every now and then!

butterfleyez

Hey ladies

Im trying to catch up on all the posts but only on 172. You miss a lot in a week. 

I'm 2 weeks into my stage 2 dog ear recovery ( and 10.5 months from Diep) and I am so happy to not have those pointy edges anymore. I didn't bruise that bad ( well my skin is dark so maybe I just couldn't tell as much lol) but I'm HATING this compression thing.  I am in Tx Just walking my lil pup I can feel sweat dripping down my back and in all kinds of ungodly places. I feel like I need to wash it everyday ( TMI?). I'm careful to drink minimal fluids to avoid the bathroom tango at work. My 2b will be nipple and maybe some lift and side boob fixing. Hopefully before the year ends. 

It's amazing as I was catching up that I felt I was reading my own thoughts. I was definitely having a rough week emotionally and really feeling like I don't have anyone to relate to outside of this group. This is like a therapy diary entry that you don't have to do a lot of prep for. This scar revision recovery is nothing compared to the diep as far as pain is concerned but for some reason it's been hard on me emotionally. I'm just ready to be done and back to norm yet I'm painfully aware that I'm striving for my new normal. Friends and family have a hard time understanding why I'm still having surgery. They say things like " I thought you were fine now". my job is pretty competitive and i have a new insensitive boss. He violated my privacy and emailed a few people that I was out on medical leave... not trying to drag you guys back on the topic of being in a funk but it was very helpful to read I'm not alone in these ups and downs.  It's just frustrating. I'm fairly young (36) and single and only moved here 5 mos before surgery so no family close by. I hope the moderators know how much this site means to so many. Ok done pouting