DIEP 2014

Kat-ski

Hi!  Yesterday was a good day on the most part.  PS took the two breast drains out--yeah.  Healing is coming along as it should   I am augmentin again due to cellulitus on the right side which includes the old breast skin and my top part of the arm  grrr but taking it in stride.  I am so thankful that pictures were available of ladies that have gone through this.  Why was this important, I just didn't have a OMG moment what did he do!!  lol   I wanted to update and let ya know all is well on my side.  Kat

goldie4040

SBE, take a look at the Coobie bra's also.  They have them on Amazon. 

Janet, yes, we are works in progress physically and emotionally.  Amen.

Lahela, fresh scars look awful, you will be fine in a couple of weeks. I know AI was shocked after they put my implants in, but they have already faded a lot.   Hopefully, this is the last they will touch your noobs, and the scars will fade away to nothing soon. 

I was just reading a post on another site of somebody who had their stage 2 today, and they used her lipo fat to fill out the front of her breasts to give her more projection.  I haven't heard of this being done before, I don't think.  Anybody else?

jmb5

teacher, I mostly cleaned, stocked the pantry and made sure the laundry was caught up. 

Lemon, I had BMX and they found Paget's Disease in the "healthy" breast. I chose to have the SNB even though my BS said I had a less than 1% chance of cancer in the healthy breast. They can't go back and do the SNB after the mastectomy. It's my understanding they have to do a complete lymph node dissection if cancer is found in pathology after the mastectomy since there's no way to go back and find the sentinel node. 

jmb5

Today is 6 weeks post surgery. My hubby and I went to the mall tonight and bought 2 bras and a pair of Spanx. I can't stand the bulky compression monstrosity the PS gave me. Remember me telling you all about it? Zippers, hooks and velcro. The spanx give just as much compression.  Got measured and am a 34C. Yippee! I was a B before surgery, and thought I would be the same or smaller. They still need some work, but I like them. Now if I could just start wearing jeans.  

nihahi

kat-ski.....good to hear how well you're doing. I agree...the more you "know" going in, the less are those OMG moments. Of course, it still feels OMG when it's your own body!

teacher....I total agree with jeannie, having a shower chair, or a safe, non-slip "something" to sit on is super important. Recliners vs pilows is a personal preference...I had an electric recliner...loved it for 2 weeks, didn't need it after that. Cleaning and cooking....I'm thinking most of us veterans went way overboard on that, but, it is something "normal" that you can do, to help you feel prepared and organized and help fill the time before your "day". That being said, I have yet to hear about someone's family who suffered permanent damage from dust bunny attacks or repetitive take out suppers, either! I'd like to cast a big vote for making time for some things that you totally enjoy, and give your mind/emotions some ''release"......walks, coffee with friends, massage, date night with hubby.....whatever works for you.

goldie...I've only heard of lipo/fat grafting to contour areas that are "sunken or uneven". But, that doesn't mean some PS's don't use it for projection reasons, I guess. Since the % of fat that "takes" is not guaranteed, it would be an unreliable way to get projection I would think. Interesting question though! How are things going for you with your "wait".....keeping busy????

kelleyb....hope things are getting sorted out for you???

Cherrie

Kat-ski- Glad to hear from you. I have wondered. Now you know the process of healing can begin. Take care of yourself. 

goldie4040

Nihani, my waiting was getting to me, so I have moved my surgery to a month earlier. I am now scheduled for May 6th.  I can honestly say I am scared to death, but I can't live with this discomfort anymore. 

As far as the fat grafting for the projection, I guess it's like any other fat grafting, a crap shoot.  But, it would be nice of them to at least try. This women who had it done posts pics, and I can't wait to see her results, and see the fat grafting, and also see if it lasts.

BlueFox

I've got my date for surgery - I am going to be DIEP'd on Saturday 5th April.  I will be glad to get it over with.

I had my Mx last year and the recovery wasn't too bad - the only complication I had was seroma.

With delayed DIEP are there significant risks of the same complications that people can get with Mx such as reduced movement in shoulder and cording?  I was lucky to avoid these last time, but will I be running the same gauntlet with DIEP?

sbelizabeth

Bluefox, I had a umx, then aggressive rads to that side, then waited many months for the radiation damage to settle down.  It was after the rads that I developed shoulder issues, probably because the rads had stiffened and scarred the underlying tissues. Many months in PT.   Having the DIEP meant that a lot of radiation damaged tissue was removed before the flap was placed, and my should issues have improved.  I still have to be mindful to stretch frequently and maintain my ROM.  

Donna2012

6 weeks post surgery and today is the first day that I am standing totally upright!  This took much longer than I thought it would.

Bluefox, I am a delayed diep with a lot of radiation and I have not had any problems. 

I also am now beginning to think that having rads (in a way) has helped my appearance - let me explain....  I never thought of this before, but am beginning to realize it now.  Because I had rads I had a large amount of skin removed, so my flap is large.  I was a uni and had enough skin & fat, so size was not a problem.  I have a "c" cup, which fits my body well.  I have a football shaped flap, but only the top and side incisions are visible.  The whole bottom incision for the flap is right where my breast meets my rib cage - in that crease.  I think that this will give me a better appearance, since I do not have a "bottom" scar.  My flap is the same color as my surrounding skin and other breast.  The only thing is - due to rads, I have some red spider veins on the skin above the flap, which my ps said she will have her laser dr. get rid of, so I am not concerned at all.   Healing wise I have to be more careful, because any bra that has a band that is right under the breast would irritate that incision, since it is right there.  I have just been wearing tank tops and camis for now.   Just thought I'd mention this for others that may need a large flap, due to rads.  Cosmetically, I think it is a good thing.  

Teacher64

It's taken three months of daily work to get the cording to a manageable level. Getting new breasts will be wonderful but I hope the cording doesn't get worse since it's mostly under control now. Gotta have hope.

victoriasecret

Have had my consult with Dr. Hofers  office - looks like Sept. I also am on the waiting list in Hamilton but my decision is made sticking with Toronto General( I also have a consult in Burlington , Ont.) ...I think I will go talk to the doc there but the more I read I feel Dr. Hofer is going to be my choice ! I have been waiting somewhat patiently for Hamilton plastics guy ...but 2 years is a long time I felt the need to move on...now watch I will get a call pssh !!!

Janet_M

Victoriasecret - I'm a patient of Dr. Hofer and my experience was very positive. His patients, and his colleagues really respect and like him. He also makes every challenge seem very solveable. And, he's cute. 

lemon68

Goldie- congrats on a sooner date, I am the day before you so we can be nervous together!

Jmb- I think you made the right decision and I am sure you are glad you did. Your post sounds happy and that made me smile. 34C is smoking hot! I am going smaller from a D to a C, I wanted D's but then they said I couldn't keep my nipples so Cs it is, I am happy with that too.

Donna- did your skin from rads look bad or thin? I had 3 weeks of double dosing but I think I have healed really good. My BS didn't think the rads were an issue. Your making me wonder what its like on the inside of the skin not just the appearance.

Donna2012

lemon,  I don't think that my skin looked bad or thin from rads - just a tanned color & with some small broken red veins.  Having a large flap, most of the rads skin was cut away, which I guess is good thing. 

Jmb, I know what you mean about wanting to wear jeans again!  With the weather getting warmer, I am thinking about buying Capri yoga pants.  I think I will be wearing them for quite awhile.  

Anonymous

Donna - your results sound a lot like mine, as far as where my scars are and in what shape. I bet in 5 years, when scars have faded, we all end up looking more similar than different. 

I saw my PS on Tuesday last. We could do Stage III at any time, but I want to wait until August or so. She needs to lift and center the noob again....it's drifted down and away, unfortunately. There are three lumps of fat necrosis this time. And she'll have to lipo to fill in the top of the foob. She said she can do the nipple at the same time. So....I should be done except for tattoos at that point. I am leaning toward Vinnie. I will have my fipple and and native both tattood so the color matches (native has faded significantly and will likely need to "blend in" the lift scar around the nipple as it's fairly wide). 

For those who are struggling with the aesthetics of your foob(s) after stage I.....take heart. Remember that stage I is not supposed to be about how it looks. It's about moving the tissue and making it live.....if that happened for you then try to consider the stage I a big success. I was very disappointed in my Stage I. I know how hard it is, but chin up and eyes forward. Stage II and after are about making it lovely.....you'll get there. Hugs and patience for you all. It does get better.

Beebop

Thank you bailey!  I really needed to hear that tonight.  Wondering if it was all worth it, but I know it is and I know it will get better.  I think I went in thinking it would come out great and I would not need another procedure.   Even though the PS tried to prepare me that the biggest thing for them is getting the blood flow to the flaps.  Looking forward to being at the end of all of this.   Hugs to you too!

goldie4040

OMG...I am such a light weight.  I went to happy hour with a friend, and one glass of wine puts me over the edge.  Looks like everybody is having a pretty good day.  Glad to see it.

Donna, yeah!!!!  Standing up straight!!!  

I spent the afternoon listing things on a smaller version of Craigs List that our town has just for itself.  It is so cool.  Clean out your closet, through up some pics, and people call and come get it!!!!  It might be my new addiction. Somebody bought 4 bottles of body lotion that I don't react well to, and I was ready to throw it away.  I sold lots of other stuff too.  It was great.  Heading back into the closet's tomorrow.

Anonymous

I was thinking this morning (I know, alert the media) about those posters and plaques that say, "Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet".....we flappers need to think, "Be patient, my PS isn't finished with me yet" as well  !

brendarj

victoriasecret

Had my consult with Dr. Hofer in July 2013 and as of last week there are still 3 or 4 ahead of me but from all I've read and heard he is well worth the wait. I know two years is a long time I've been waiting 3 years for the completion of this part of my life and have found the knowledge and willingness to share of the amazing women on this site make you feel that you are definitely not alone. Sometimes only someone who has already gone through this can truly understand what we are feeling.

Debwarrior

Bailey, thanks for the good, helpful advice. I'd rather think of myself as a work in progress right now than finished as much as I would like to be finished. But it sounds like stage 2 or 3 can help a lot. Goldie, congrats on getting an earlier date.  My ps said he would use lipo to give me more projection and cleavage. I hope he can. I understand that not all of the fat takes so it may be a multi step process. For those of you who have had lipo or who know of others experiences with it, some have experienced it as quite painful and others have not. I'm wondering if there are more and less painful places to draw fat from. I have plenty of butt fat and thigh fat and while I have a flat tummy I still have those love handles on the sides. Any advice on least painful places to draw from? Thanks.

Cherrie

I would say that inner thighs were most difficult, but everyone is different. Lipo just wasn't that painful for me. I really had good results with the love handles. I went down 1 size right away. I have never noticed a change with my thigh lipo and it has been 6 mo. And that was  after 4.5 mo. of compression too!! Also, my skin there just didn't bounce back like the rest did. Maybe it was too long in compression. Ha Ha

Rosebud14

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks post BMX/DIEP for me and I am sooo happy to be on the other side of this adventure. Recovery is slow but sure and I am lucky to have had no complications. My surgery took 9-10hr, a team of 3 PS and 2 BS and I spent 5 days ina private room at the Siteman Cancer Center. So far I am pleased with the result--PS says I will be about 80% the size I was before. I will be happy with anything in the B range. Friday I had the last of my four tubes removed with no pain. My path report showed 0.5cm of tumor still in my breast and LCIS in my 'good' breast.

Thanks to all of you I knew what to expect and I felt you were all there supporting me. I would like to give a shout out to Jeannie for saving me from having a constipation crisis. Glad to hear the good report for Beebop and Kat-ski.

I am a little concerned that I still need pain meds to get out of bed but I am trying to cut down. Also, I am wondering how long I should take the muscle relaxer, I really can't tell if it is helping me.

Moviemaniac

Rosebud, as far as the Muscle Relaxant goes.....if you stop, do you notice an uptick in unpleasant sensations/pain if you don't take it?  That might e your cue that you still have some need of it.  

I am amazed at all you new flappers, and flappers to be......you all seem to be in a much better place than I was at this time, last year!  Hang in there, as Bailey says, you are a work in progress,and you WILL get there!  

Teacher64

Is it "normal" to have the attention span of a toddler as surgery date nears? I find myself unable to concentrate to read or even watch a movie, worse at the end of the day. Sleep doesn't happen unless I take Lunesta. I made a to-do list to accomplish two or three specific tasks each day and am on target, although today's didn't have anything except church.

Moviemaniac

Yes, Teacher64...for some of us, it is....and I found that for a long time after my Stage 1 DIEP, I had ADD.......it has improved steadily over time, the further out from surgery I get!

Ridley

Teacher64 - happenned to me too! I had huge focus issues after diagnosis.  As I got closer to surgery, I started not sleeping as well. I asked my gp for something to help, as I didn't want to go into surgery exhausted.

As for focus, I just started back to work mid last week.  So far so good with the half days I've worked, but time will tell!

Time for patience and kindness:)

Beebop

Teacher-That is totally normal.  I have never been the same since chemo over 2 years ago.  The anticipation of surgery just adds to it!

Rosebud-I'm glad recovery is going well for you.  It is a long process, but not having complications, you'll be feeling better every day.

8.5 weeks out and I finally got through my sickness (tamoxifen induced) and now I have an excruciating pain in one area of my incision.  The PS drained a bunch of fluid last Thursday, but that did not provide any relief.  It hurts when I move, it feels like someone is stabbing me.  Getting up and down is the worst, oh and sneezing is nearly unbearable.   Has anyone had anything like this?

goldie4040

Lemon, we can be recuperation buddies. That will be great.  I promise not to try to one up you.  Not a race, just a whine fest!!!! LOL. 

Hey guys, if you are worried about where you brain went, mine left the day I got my dx and I haven't seen it since.

Curlylocks

Hi Ladies,

I am back to the land of the living after treatment #2.  No bone pain this time as my oncologist prescribed Celebrex.. thank heavens!  Just constipated at times and Really tired.  I did manage to drag my butt off the couch today and walked quickly on the threadmill for 15 minutes...better than doing nothing I figured!

The steriods cause you to bloat, oh man my tummy looks like a beach ball these days!

I had my first major meltdown a few days ago since this new diagnosis and it was not pretty:(  I told my hubby I am scared that this disease is never going to leave me alone.  I told him that I worked so hard to get to that "good place" in my mind and not let that elephant in the room overtake my life and boom this happens and I feel like I am back at square one:(  I feel so bad getting upset in front of him and dont like to project negativity as I worry about how he is dealing with all this too.  I asked him how he was doing and he said he was okay, seems okay emotionally... I just have to remember that this journey is about climbing that large mountain and I am bearly still at the bottom of it!

Trying to think of positive things to look forward to in the future...I have a cruise that I am going to on July 5-12 to Alaska with my two sisters and a number of breast cancer survivor friends that I connected with via this board 8 years ago.  We go somewhere different every year.  My hubby and I are also looking at planning a trip south in November 2014 to celebrate the end of treatment a belated 50th bday for me (my bday is May) and an early 50th for my hubby (his is January 2015).  We are looking at Curacao as it is further south so probably safe from crappy November typical rainy season.  We have visited Barbados twice before so want to do something different.  It helps to think about these things when the days are low and the thoughts are negative.

Beebop - I feel bad for you, maybe perhaps they can ultrasound the area to make sure nothing is going on?

Ridley - good for you, normalcy is always good:)

Teacher64 - I had major issues sleeping the 4 months leading up to my surgery.  My brain was wired 24/7 on DIEP, was hard to focus on anything else.

Bailey - wise words Bailey.  I am pretty happy with my new fobs.  The only thing I might do is get 3d Tattoos at some point in the future.

victoriasecret - Are you referring to Dr. Avram in Hamilton?  I had him for my prophylatic masectomy and DIEP reconstruction in December 2013.  I only had to wait four months from consult to surgery due to very high risk family history.  I had two sisters with bc and had it myself in 2005.  Dr. Avram does have a very long waiting list, his work is amazing.  Maybe keep him on the back burner if things dont work out with Dr. Hofner.  The problem with the DIEP surgeries in Ontario is that unless you have active cancer or are considered high risk for reoccurance as I was - you have to wait a very long time for surgery.  My surgery in the end was not prophylatic as they discovered a new Primary BC via my pathology.  It was the smartest decision I made, saved my life!

Brendaarj - I have heard wonderful things about Dr. Hofner.  Hang in there, your turn will come...hard waiting though.

Donna - awesome for standing up straight!

Bluefox - welcome!  I had both a PBM and DIEP and had no cording.  My right arm was hard to lift and sore two weeks post op but that was because of the way they had my arm placed during the long surgery.  Congrats on the date, it will be here before you know it...

Hope you are all doing well.  Hugs to those with upcoming surgeries and healing issues..

Michele