DIEP 2014

Dyvgrl

curly, look me up when you are in AK! I'll be about 8 weeks post DIEP.

lemon68

Rosebud- Thanks for your updated, what an informative post. I feel like I am reading everything I can see at this point!

Beebop- I am sorry you are still in pain. I have had abdominal surgery and I know the pain that comes from a sneeze or a laugh! I hope you are feeling better soon.

Goldie- a whinefest sounds good and a celebration when we are on the other side and the surgery is over.

nihahi

• March 10... jbdayton... stage I DIEP - Houston, TX

jbdayton....sending positive vibes for a safe surgery and gentle healing.

lahela

Glad to hear good news from so many of you!

Beebop, I had the same kind of pain as you are describing, right in a thicker part of my scar - it was caused by a bout of bad coughing that came with a cold. PS intern said I may have torn the incision a bit internally - that was 5 months out! He said it takes such a long time for scar tissue to mature and sometimes just a simple wrong movement can damage it. It healed as soon as I stopped coughing and hasn't been an issue since. An ultrasound can rule out a hernia or anything else nasty, though, so best to be safe!

SouthernGirl1974

welcome Jbdayton, I am in Houston also sending positive vibes your way

SouthernGirl1974

So my right breast is not healing like it should so I have yo go in on Tuesday and will get it stitched up and this was the good breast and now she wants to act up lol oh well

lahela

SouthernGirl, I had a similar thing! My left breast was the good one but it was the one that got an abscess and required more surgery! Maybe they are just playing up because they feel left out 

Teacher64

In spite of extensive to-do list, sort of antsy now that surgery is week away. To give me something to do, insurance sent a mountain of paperwork about what they paid and what is being denied from December surgery. What part of pathology and anesthesia was not necessary??? Duh, I was supposed to bite a stick and look myself to check margins and nodes? It makes me wonder what they will deny for the DIEP...anesthesia (again?) or maybe the cost of sutures, yeah those must be very expensive!  Ok, I'm truly grateful to have insurance when many don't but it boggles my mind how claims are paid or denied. There doesn't seem to be a rationale.

brendarj

Curlylocks - glad you are back, missed your posts and your trips wonderful and a great positive thing focus on during the dark times: We are planning a trip to Maui in December  with children and grandchildren and I can't wait.

And now for my rant, hope this allowed cause I need to vent. Yesterday I went to a baby shower for a friends granddaughter. I was talking to a  few friends that had asked if I had a date yet (for surgery), when  another  so called friend interrupted and stated that she doesn't know why someone my age (60) would put myself through that It's not like I would be wearing a bikini again or be looking for a man (married to same wonderful, supportive guy for 36 years). I did manage to control myself  and tell her  that after 3 years of having to strap on heavy prosthesis and stuffing them in my bathing suit that I wanted my body back. What I really wanted to do was drag her into the bedroom take off my top and ask her if SHE WOULD BE HAPPY LOOKING LIKE THIS. I know I want this, am prepared for the recovery, and that they won't be the same as before but they will be there, part of the new me.  Thanks for listening, rant over and that person is no longer on my friend list

I'm not crazy am I?

lahela

Brenda, you are not crazy at all!!! You want to feel complete and not have the hassle of the prosthesis and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! 60 is young! My mum is considering implants at 70 after she saw my DIEP boobs (she's about 4 years out from her BMX for bilateral multifocal IDC) because she hates the prostheses too. It's your body and you have to live with it, so you should do what you want.   {{{big hugs}}}

TBerg

Brenda,

NO, you are NOT crazy. people are just stupid. It amazes me how unthinking people are at times. I don't believe that she intended to be stupid, but I also got the same kinds of comments, and I am 50. People made me feel like I had to explain why I wanted to have breasts again....It is bizarre. People who have them don't think about things like clothes fitting, or bathing suits, or how many tops there are that show clevage!

I am 6 weeks out and still recovering, and I dont't regret having a double masectomy, butt I am glad I had my DIEP surgery, and am looking forward to step 2.....

Dyvgrl

when explaining the DIEP process to a coworker she actually had the nerve to say, "Wow, I wish I had cancer!" I was so pissed I couldn't see straight. I sent her links to underthereddress.com and thescarproject.org and said I really doubt you'd wish this on anyone much less yourself. People are so inconsiderate and stupid.

Teacher64

Brenda, a resounding NOT crazy!! Chalk that and the "I wish I had cancer" comments to people who are insensitive and rude. In the south we just say "Bless her heart." Read because she just doesn't know better into that! 

sbelizabeth

Wow, Brenda...vent all you want, you're in good company.  What a self-centered, thoughtless, RUDE thing to say.  I'm afraid I WOULD have unbuttoned my blouse and displayed, for all to see, the devastation that was my chest.  "Yes, I'm hoping for something sexier than this!"

While I was riding my bike a few months back, I encountered a male friend riding his bike on the same trail.  "Oh, hey," he said cheerfully, "Have you had both surgeries yet--you know, to removed both breasts?  Have you had any scans to see if the cancer's still around, or are you just waiting and hoping to make it to five years?" 

The things people say...

brendarj

A real big hug and thank you. The tears after reading your responses were tears of joy that there are caring people out there that do understand It shouldn't have bothered me that much but she managed to plant that tiny little seed of doubt. love you all.

Sign me smiling and once more confdent

victoriasecret

Michele

Yes I am still on Avrams..wait list..I saw him 2 years ago exactly..I was also on his emergency list . They called Christmas before last as someone had canceled but my son who lives in China was coming home ...sorry but he took priority over surgery . So still I wait. I too am very high risk  I carry the HNPCC gene-bowel cancer gene. He is the specialist in the area and that makes his wait list insane !!2 years I had to move on I am happy with the new consult and Sept. is perfect for me as my son is returning in April for a visit and it gives me the fall to recouperate.

If I do get a call from Hamilton well then I will rethink as it is much closer than TO..but my gut says Hofner.

Cheryl

victoriasecret

Brenda- There will always be morons in this world sorry you met one ...I have met a few myself !!

Love C

nihahi

brendaarj.....Haven't you heard.....60 is the start of the "golden years"!!!! We have just as much right as anyone else to start that phase of life as happy and healthy as possible. I'm convinced (age 63) that I have decades of years left.....it's MY decision and mine alone what I "need" to be happy.

As the others have said....those comments were completely inappropriate and uninformed. Sounds like you handled it well....now put it in the past. I think most of us have found ourselves "smacked and speechless" at some comments....and come up with a pretty snappy response after the fact...wasted energy, imho. Think of the "seed that she planted" as a promise of a new start on happiness for you. Her comments were no more than fertilizer!

GeorgieGirlKC

Hi all! Made a trip to San Antonio to check out PRMA. Met with Dr. Pisano after doing an online and over the phone discussion with them. It is nice to know there are many good places out there to have a flap surgery. I have been following along the discussion board but didn't have much time to post as we drove down to S.A. from Kansas City (a 12 hour drive if you don't stop), had the consult the next day and then drove back the day after. I am still feeling pretty tired from the radiation and everything else that came before it. When does the fatigue go away? And the brain return? Have so not felt myself since dx. in July. Michelle, glad to see your update and learn of your travel plans. It is so nice to have something to look forward to like a special trip! Glad to hear that recent friends are on the path to healing and recovery. Brenda, wow! So sorry that someone would say something so incredibly thoughtless and unsupportive. I hope you feel surrounded by the love and support of this group and of your immediate circle at home. I wonder sometimes if people even stop to think about what comes out of their mouths?? No one wants to go through this or struggle with the decisions, worry, and heartache that accompanies this diagnosis. JBDayton, thinking about you today and everyone else who is in their various stages of healing or waiting. 

Georgie

Teacher64

Finishing my workout today with massage by trainer. His next client came in and wondered what she had to do to get massage. G said have cording in your arm and she wondered what that was. I decided to speak up and said it was a result of removing lymph nodes along with cancerous breasts. Her comment, "I've seen you working out the last couple of weeks and you don't look like you have cancer." My response was, "Great. Because I don't anymore."  

GeorgieGirlKC

Teacher64 awesome response! Ok, have a question. I just finished reading some of the information I rec'd from my visit at PRMA from my reading gleamed that the 2nd and subsequent revisions for DIEP are not covered by insurance and are considered cosmetic. Holy Moly didn't see that coming! Can anyone else speak to their experience in this area regarding insurance and 2nd surgery? 

Beebop

lahela -Thanks for sharing!  I was beginning to think I was the only one.  The pain was so bad over the weekend so I had planned to call the PS today.   I woke up feeling a lot better.  Still sore and tight, but I can move without the knife stabbing pain.  I have also had a cough for about 6 weeks, so maybe that was it.  Hope it continues to get better.

Teacher64

GeorgieGirl, I will certainly call my dr office tomorrow and check with their insurance gal. As much hassle  as insurance is giving me now, I wouldn't put it past them to not cover.

jbdayton

Hi, my name is Cynthia. I am jbdayton's daughter. She has just come out of surgery recovery and is in her room with us. She is doing well, talking, and doesn't seem to be in much pain. I will let her explain the details later, but her doctors said she only had good veins on one flap and they were only able to do her radiated breast. But, she is still in good spirits and wanted everyone to know how things were going.

annajo

sending wishes for a easy and peaceful recovery to jbdayton!  There will be options.

My 2 least favorite drains were removed today!  I have one left but it's not as bothersome as the other two.  The PA told me to expect gushes of blood tinged fluid from time to time over the next few days.  She assured me this is a good thing but I can't say I'm looking forward to it!

Ridley

Cynthia - thanks for posting an update for your Mom.  So glad that she is doing ok, but so sorry that they could only do one flap.

Brenda - sorry about the thoughtless comment - totally agree that you are not crazy!

Curlylocks - I think you are halfway done now, right?  Hoping the next two treatments fly by.  Your future travel plans sound great.

Ridley

Jeannie57

Currlylocks, so good to hear from you!! Only one  major meltdown seems incredible to me....you are doing great. I'm glad you have some things to look forward  to. You are often on my mind and in my prayers.

I still can't believe the stupid things people say to us. We all have a right to get our amputated boobs replaced if we want to! It is federal law to cover reconstruction and that means the whole process. I don't understand how stage II or nipples can be denied. Fight!

Cynthia, thanks for the update on your mom. I'm sorry she couldn't get two flaps and I'm thankful you are with her. 

Beebop, I'm glad you are starting to feel better.

Moviemaniac

Brendarj....You can't fix STUPID.......I am sorry.

lemon68

Brendarj- thoughtless, your not crazy she is just inconsiderate among other things.

jbdayton- Glad you are in good spirits, glad your daughter is there with you.

annajo- happy you got your least favorite drain out, you seem to be doing well quickly

Kat-ski

Wow!!  There are people in this world that just don't get it!  Remarks and comments are just uncalled for.  I have had comments made saying how can you spend this kind of money knowing that you may not have many more years left!  Excuse me, I am 61 and am planning on living until it is my time to go.(my mom mainly is the one who is against this-sigh- I just pulled my top up one day and said could you live looking like this everyday when there are options that it can be fixed? And then she said it a week before I had my surgery, so I showed her again!! )  My daughter made a remark about this being elective surgery the other night and I thought about it and just said no I don't think this is considered elective surgery because I didn't have a choice to keep both breasts.  Good grief.  Yes, the golden years are the best.  My hubby has given me a couple of "wolf" whistles already!!  I know that if any of my family or friends might have to go through this, at least I know what not to say.  It is our personal choice and thank God there are PS that do this and are pleased to see us just smile again.  I haven't smiled or talked upbeat in two years!!  Even hubby has noticed it.  

Well, the two hip drains stayed in today.  The nurse said I will probably have one in still when I travel home March 19.  Tomorrow, I will call and set up appointments with the new PS that does this in Grand Rapids.  My cellulitis is clearing up and the augmentin also helped my belly incision to settle down.(I will ask next week about stages 2 and 3 to see how PRMA will be billing it.)  So all is great here except the weather.  My 4 year old grandson(contrary 4 as we call him) made up reading time with me yesterday by bring 13 books to read. lol   My one year old just climbs over everything in his path and he even brought a book to me to read.  I am getting in as much Grandma time I can.

You all are in my thoughts and may we all have positive reinforcement within our circles.  Kat