DIEP 2014

debiann

Drjr, I can relate to you. Tomorrow I am 6 weeks post deep and the burning chest  and nerve pain were awful. I don't like pain med, didn't even get the script filled, so I've been anxIously awaiting  there demise.   I was allowed to return to the gym last week as long as I avoided core exercices.  Happily the burning pain has definitely decreased, due to the physical activity I think. The heavy, swollen feeling is disappearing too and they are starting to feel more like normal breasts. Hang in there, it gets better!

 I had a 13 hour surgery with nerve damage to my right foot from the compression boots (drop foot). Testing shows the nerve.is damaged, but will repair itself.  neurolgist says it takes a long time. I have all kinds of crazy sensations in that foot, burning, stabbing, tingling, but I can now move it better and its slowly getting better. Exercise and movement help me, my pain is worse at night too.

I also had horrible hot flashes for the first month  which they blamed on decreased hormones, but they have gone away. I think it was my body's reaction to the anesthesia and it needed time to get out of my system. 

Good luck too you and I hope you are feeling better soon.

LiLi-RI

GOOD SUNDAY to all!

Tina: I hope you are healing well...water, protein and sleep!

Seashore: thinking of you...post when you can.

Best wishes Meg for Monday! We are all in your pockets!

So, I had no burning sensation at all, but I was post menopausal. I am wondering if this is what is causing the warmth and burning. I had those feelings after my full hysterectomy??

Lisa

Kb33

So.... Getting ready for my stage 2 in a few weeks and I finally got the chance to talk to dr about the size of my DIEP breast. It is a full size smaller than the other. And now he thinks he can only give me up to a half size with fat. Which means, it will still be smaller. He is suggesting a small implant. This is so not what I wanted... For the first time, I am so upset since all this began and I feel so ridiculous complaining about a half size imperfection.... But I specifically traveled all the way to NOLA to have the DIEP and paid all that money out of network and feel like I could have just stayed home and had a much easier surgery if I had only done an implant..... Sigh

I'm curious if anyone else has been in this situation? Is there a difference between only and implant and a small implant to enlarge? Will the rest of my breast still feel soft, warm and move.... I honestly don't know what to do....

LAstar

Would the half-size difference be very noticeable? I have necrosis in one side that has caused my breast to shrink to a B cup compared to a D on the other side. It's not very noticeable in clothes except that V-necks tend to pull toward the larger side. Transferred fat doesn't always "take" -- is there a chance that you could end up more that a half size smaller? An implant would be used like in breast augmentation, right? Between the muscle and the flap so that there is no need to used tissue expanders? BDavis had a small flap from her side/underarm to augment one side -- I think it is called a ICAP flap -- but I think she is considering a small implant as well. I'm going to have my other side reduced at Stage 2 to help symmetry because my recon came out larger than I'd wanted. There are rarely great options in this journey, are there? I hope you find the best option to get the results you want.

youngmama

Oh no. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a stuffed nose. I'm 11 days away from Stage 1. Is there a good chance that the surgery will be postponed? Anybody had a cold before their surgery?

MartyJ

kb33 - from my understanding, an implant with a flap is totally different placement than the simple implant you might have stayed home for. The implants are normally placed under the pectoral muscle. This placement works for many,but for me it created problems for many years. Implants with the flap are placed in top of the muscle. This relieves the typical implant only problems and is more comfortable. I had recon with implants 29 years ago and had them removed 2 years ago today and replced with DIEP. The girls are so much happier!

Re the burning - I was way post menopausal and still had it. It is nerves regenerating. I was told to touch gently, but constantly. Try not to obsess on it as that would make me hyper focus and the pain worse. The pain disappeared but it took several months. Just remember that this is a marathon not a sprint and it take your body lots,of time to heal. Be sure to give yourself the time, don't push things.

MEG2

Good Monday Morning ~ 2am here on the west coast. Up a bit early to get ready for my 5:30 am arrival time for surgery check-in; sleep was elusive last night...sigh.

Thanking you for good vibes you've sent my way and giving me your "out of hospital" time-lines. PS confirmed on Friday that he thought 4 1/2 days, out on Friday am. Teacher and others - I am ready with the great lists you gave me back in early September and feeling considerably calm in the comfort of my own home at the moment, I think as a result of all your advice and being able to read all the surgery stories on the thread. It helps to know that y'all have come through with flying colors (with a few bumps here and there) and that I'll be back giving you an update on my experience and hopefully giving some newbies the same calmness.

Signing off for now, will check in when I'm able. Wishing peace, good healing and serenity to you all for the week to come.

Teacher64

MEG - thinking of you

julieho

Meg - thinking of you and praying all goes well.

Evegibb

Hi everyone,

I've been trying to catch up with all the posts, this forum is very active!!! I still don't have a date for surgery yet, I've been asked to call in December and will hopefully have a date.  In the meantime, I've been reading everyone's posts and asking myself if I am prepared to follow through with the surgery.  I know I do not want to live the rest of my life with one breast, but I'm also scared of going through surgery again.  It's been over two years since MX and my life has gotten back to normal.  I'm afraid to go through surgery again and of the recovery, yet hopeful to have two breasts again! It's all very confusing, but I am very grateful to the women on here who share their stories with honesty.  Thank you for that!

Janet: I'm wondering about the "SpongeBob" look?  How will your next appointment "fix" that and give you a waist back?  I'm already kind of boxy and a little concerned about it getting worse after surgery...... Also, I'm sorry to hear about your apprehensions for your next appointment.  I kind of understand given my comments above. I'm sure you will be very satisfied with the results and also relieved it will be the last stage!    

 

debiann

Evegibb, I certainly understand how you feel. I'm 6 weeks post Diep and already worried about scheduling stage 2. "Maybe I don't really need nipples," I keep thinking. But, I can tell you, despite the not so pleasant recovery, you will be very happy to have a breast back!

jmb5

debiann, I was nervous about stage 2 also. Maybe even more than stage 1, because I just didn't want to have another surgery after recovering from the big one. But I'll tell you, it was sooo worth it. I had fat grafting and nipple reconstruction, and I love the nipples! It was amazing how much better it made me feel emotionally to look in the mirror and see nipples and not the crop circles. The ointment and bandaging was kind of a pain, but that time went by quickly and I'm so glad I did it. Tattoos next spring, and they'll look even better.

Teacher64

I nearly cancelled my stage 2 and am SO glad I didn't because I like my nipples. I will be getting 3D tattoos next week so the end of procedures is just around the corner. Tomorrow is one year since diagnosis and I feel like I have been running all year. No one would ever put this journey on their bucket list but soon I will check it off

jmb5

I was thinking I read on here that some of you have gone to another board, it might be called "Living beyong the flap"??? Am I making that up? Lol! I wanted to find another board for women who are done with surgeries and treatment. If there's a good one, can someone post it here? Thanks!

LAstar

Yes, this is the moving-on thread: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/... I read this thread here and there, but I'm not actually "beyond the flap" yet.

Stage 2 is a piece of cake after going through Stage 1 and, as they say, "it's where the magic happens." I was out walking in the bayous south of NOLA 2 days after my Stage 2 and back to work in two weeks. The nipple regimen and going back to drains are a little annoying but so quick in comparison to the long recovery in Stage 1. It's never fun to deal with surgery, but this one is quick and so much easier. Then you can just shop for swimsuits and cute summer dresses for a fun surgery-free summer of 2015!

Janet_M

Evegibb - Spongebob no more! I had my stage two on October 14, and after 90 minutes walked out with two big nipples, and no dog ears. My dog ears were like pillow case corners that stuck out on either end of my scar where my waist was supposed to be. In order to remove the ears, my surgeon cut ovals around each 'ear', removed a blob of fat/skin, and sewed me up again in a nice smooth line. It extended my tummy scar to about 22", but as I already look as though I've been sawed in half by a bad magician, what's a few extra inches? I was awake for this procedure, and it was painless. After I was bandaged, and walking, I put my hands on my hips and it felt SO good. So much like the old me.

Debiann - I am equally thrilled with my nipples. I went nipple-less for a year and spent a lot of time thinking , 'Who needs nipples anyway? The thought of nipple protectors and bandages and a (very short) recovery and disruption to my life made me want to avoid it all. But the procedure was painless and simple, and I love my nipples more than I thought I would. At night I take off my nipple protectors and guaze and wear a loose T-shirt, and every time I catch a glance of myself in the mirror, or peek down my shirt, I feel positively gleeful.

It's been a long f*cking three years since my diagnosis but I feel so complete, and almost wholey healed. And, no regrets whatsoever. (except for leaving my nipple protectors on the dresser last night, and my cat started playing with them, and now one is lost. So I had to use the lid from a bottle of water)

Teacher64

jmb - the Moving on after the flap thread is a good one

debiann

Lol, good cat story Janet. 

You get drains again with stage 2? Yuck.

I'm holding off stage 2 till I'm finished with herceptin, so probally June or July. My daughter is getting married in October and I just want to feel good this summer for her shower and to help her prepare for the wedding. How long is the recovery from stage 2? I'll need some fat grafting to one breast, nipples added and dog ears removed.

ritaben

any one had dr le doux as reconstruction surgeon for a diep in pmra san antonio tx ? I would like to know more about his work. thank you.

jenjenl

jmb...i get my tattoos from Trent in December. Traveling from Charlotte,.NC

I just got back from the hospital for my final Surgery. It's hard for me to believe that it's all done!! I'm very happy with the results. I was having pain under my radiated boob. He noticed i had more scar tissue so he removed it and did i little fat grafting to soften the area.

Have a good day, smile and get outside it you can. xo

jenjenl

jmb...i get my tattoos from Trent in December. Traveling from Charlotte,.NC

I just got back from the hospital for my final Surgery. It's hard for me to believe that it's all done!! I'm very happy with the results. I was having pain under my radiated boob. He noticed i had more scar tissue so he removed it and did i little fat grafting to soften the area.

Have a good day, smile and get outside it you can. xo

Teacher64

Debiann - I didn't have drains for stage 2. That was a relief!!

wintersocks

Hello,

I saw my onco/plastic surgeon today (very briefly) I must say. He pulled my tummy around a bit, there were student medics in there, so I felt he was talking to them rather than me. I thought I heard him say the nipple will be on at the same time?? Maybe I misheard that.

I met a couple of women in the wait room, who were post diep and they spoke very highly of him and they were very pleased with the results. One woman had had both done and said she was up and about and feeling fine within 2 weeks/ She was very nonplussed about the whole thing! So, I am good to go on the 15th Dec, providing the NHS doesn't change it's mind again! So all in all I am quite pleased.

The only fly in the ointment is my 6 month check tomorrow. I feel anxious.

I do hope all our Diep flappers are doing well.

Lilyn

Hi my doctor sent referral to Toronto General Hospital for consult for DIEP. The referral was sent to Dr. Hofer's clinic and

I was given an appt with Dr. Anne O'Neill who is now on the team with Hofer and Zhong. I was very pleased with the

consult and feel at this time I will go ahead with the surgery. (took me five years to decide) My question is has anyone

had their DIEP by Dr. O'Niell? I believe she joined the team there in 2012. Just wanted some feedback. Thanks Lois

jmb5

jenjen, How did you get in so soon with Trent if you just had surgery? I asked to be seen before the end of the year because of insurance, and they said I had to wait a minimum of 5 months after my last surgery, even if there was nothing done to the nipples. My last surgery was the first week of October, so that put me into March. You'll have to let me know how you like them. Trent's doing mine too.

So today was the first time I subbed without wearing compression since fat grafting and having the abdominal scar lowered. I was on my feet almost non-stop all day, even got a few groceries after teaching. I cannot believe how bad my belly is swollen! Holy cow, I look 5 months pregnant! And I have this weird lump-like spot near my belly button. What the heck?! I put compression on and will sleep in it tonight, and will wear it when I sub again tomorrow. My DIEP was in January, and I feel like this swollen belly is never going to go away.

lovecat3

Hi I traveled to PRMA Sept 25 for a unilateral stacked DIEP w Dr C

After 4 years without a breast concave and painful scar tissue I could not be happier

I woke up after a 12 hour surgery to the most beautiful breast this surgery was life changing for me

Everyone was wonderful compassionate the hospital staff took excellent care of me

I had a private room my friend that traveled to help spent all 5 nights w me

Honestly it wasn't that bad of recovery I had 3 drains flew home with one they really weren't that bad

We stayed at the Hyatt it was great they were very accommodating

My BS here was astonished w the results!

My biggest regret is I didn't do it sooner

I'm 7 weeks out this Thursday back to walking 3-4 miles doing most of my normal daily activities

I am looking forward to stage 2

If you have any questions please PM me

After 4 years of undressing in the shower hiding from my dear husband I now feel happy a sense of freedom a new beginning PRMA gave me back what I thought was lost forever

Lovecat

Anonymous

kb33- I have the same concerns/issues as you. I want to be a 36c again on both sides! Yesterday was my Stage 2 and I am too trussed up and swollen to tell yet. They look even...but that will certainly change as the swelling goes down. I have an excellent PS...but he will not guarantee symetry at this stage because it is too soon. He also mentioned a small implant...which I would rather not have. I actually snuck two notes into the OR taped to each boob. They read: Righty, "When I grow up I want to look just like my sister." Lefty, "I am the sister."

I am 5'4", 60 years old (though I have no idea how that happened) and weigh @ 135. I also had that terrible burning skin sensation for about three months after surgery. I have remained incredibly active throughout this pissy ordeal; only placed at Parade Rest for about two weeks post DIEP. It has totally amazed people that know me...all active horseman like myself. One gal said I was like a Jack Russel Terrier...no one would know I slowed down until I dropped dead. I got a good kick out of that!

georgiagator

Lovecat, that's wonderful news to hear and encouraging to many, including me as I am having surgery next Monday. Even though I am going to a hospital in Atlanta and having immediate reconstruction, it still inspires positive vibes.

Evegibb

Thanks Janet, that's reassuring....... I'm at work right now and busted out laughing at your cat story, thanks for that!!! I'm so glad to hear you went through with the procedure and are pleased with the results. It makes me a little excited to move forward and gives me something to look forward to.  I'm just feeling a little impatient waiting for a surgery date. I know I will be super anxious when I finally get a date, but at least it will give me a timeline to go with. 

I can't say thank you enough to all the ladies on here who share their experiences.  I'm so glad I found this forum!  It's also very helpful hearing the experiences from women who had their surgeries done by the same surgeon who will do mine.  Its so reassuring, and I'm so very grateful!!! Thank you ladies!!!I look forward to paying it forward and sharing my experiences once I have the surgery!!!!

Ridley

Jmb -- interesting about the swelly belly -- my surgery was about 6 weeks before yours and I had some fat grafting and dog ear revision about a month ago. By the end of some days, I feel (and look) swollen too (a few times in the afternoon, I have felt my shirt was tighter and thought -- it didn't fit like this when I put it on this morning!)

The funny thing is, my surgeon doesn't use any compression as his experience is that it doesn't make any difference.

Lilyn -- my second surgeon was O'Neill -- I had bilat recon with Hofer and as he explained it the surgery is too long for one surgeon.  In addition to him and O'Neill, there was a PS who was just finishing up his fellowship in PS micro-surgery and two other PS residents.  I had a great experience at UHN.  PM me if you have any questions.