2018 DIEP Surgery

Lanne2389

Hi Everyminute - I had a lymph node transfer in July as part of my DIEP surgery. I think it is working. My affected upper arm is definitely a bit bigger than non-affected arm but not so big that clothes don't fit. I've also been getting massages as part of my PT to increase my range of motion, and that definately helps too. I'm not feeling that heavy or tingly feeling I did before.

Like you I'm hoping it is insurance against lymphedema showing up later. As for now, I don't notice swelling like I did before and right after surgery. Haven't worn my sleeve in weeks - I rarely even think about it anymore.

It did add to the length of surgery but not to recovery, I didn't notice much difference between my good side/good arm vs the transplant side.

The transplanted tissue was first taken from my opposite groin (which felt only slightly tender) via the tummy incision and then a second section was taken from my stomach. The first transplant “crumbled" bcs of the affects of radiation - and they had to do it over.

I had 17 lymph nodes removed as part of BMX - only 3 were positive but luckily those three had not burst (or whatever it is they do). My PS/surgeon told me they don't know how many nodes they get in the transplant chunk - they just hook up the veins and arteries and assume the best.

My insurance covered it. Happy I did it.

HappyGirl1631

Thank you Runrcrb!

MollyBeth

I am having DIEP surgery in February in NOLA. How can I get added to the patient page? I can email Liz my patient coordinator in necessary.

rdeesides

Hi Ladies, it’s official! I am joining your group. Surgery scheduled 12/12 with Dr. Gupta in Solana Beach, CA. I excited to get this done

OCDAmy

rdeesides, that is great news! Best of luck with your surgery.

MollyBeth, if you message Lula, I think she can help. She seems to know a lot about NOLA.

Shellybeans

Hi everyone - I had the procedure Tuesday to re-close my open incisions. They put a wound vac on my abdomen and my right breast - the left just has a small dressing on it. I'm doing okay and will get the wound vacs off on Monday. Really hoping this gets my recovery back on track. It was 6 weeks today and my wounds feel they way they did at about week 2. Looks like I'll have a lot of scar revision if and when I get to the next phase.

kickin-cancersbutt-2014

Made it thru stacked DIEP without a hitch.  Pain is primarily focused In the waist incision.  Got home today!  

Lanne2389

Kickin and Shellybeans - YAY! One day at a time...

kickin-cancersbutt-2014

I just read this, so I have no idea if you took action.  But, my suggestion would be to find a second opinion from a PS who specializes in DIEP with radiation.  

esny

Hi. 5th day post op from diep. Doing ok if I don't move! The pain is mostly in my abdomen. Just super tired and want to sleep all the time! Had some catheter trouble and wasn't able to pee fully the first few days after they took it out. It seems much better now that I am home.

Runrcrb

Esny - yay for being home! I was much happier at home - better sleep, better movement and better food. All the best.

Lula73

MollyBeth- I sent you a PM.

kickin-cancersbutt-2014

So, I left the hospital following my DIEP/Breast Reconstruction with a very strong outlook.  Able to walk the halls with ease and got to go home  on the 3rd day.  Got home and within a couple of days, I had developed this terrible itchy/red/hives rash which I thought may have been due to the Lycra Bra I was wearing.  As I am allergic to Lycra/Spandex.  So while the incision sites are healing well, this rash is unbearable.

Hoping to get back to myself soon!

   

Elijahgirl

Hi Ladies, I have not been on for awhile since starting back to work so a little update. I will begin Phase II, of my reconstruction as I will be getting my foob nipples on the 29th of November, once that heels I will get my tattoos. It has definitely been an adjustment getting used to the new me so hopefully this will help make me feel a little more normal. Is anyone else getting new nipples

Pharmdgirl7

kickin-cancersbutt-2014 and esny : glad that you are both home and on the road to healing! KCB, have you asked your PS about using an OTC hydrocortisone cream for your rash? Was the Lycra bra something they provided for you to wear, or your own?

I guess that I am next up for surgery next Tuesday. I was wondering if any type of underwear in particular is required after surgery? I've seen several different recommendations on the boards: bikini, c-section support underwear, and granny pants.

Please continue to keep us posted on your recovery.

Lula73

kickin - I wore a long soft tank top under the bra. I got them at target.

Pharmdgirl - good luck tomorrow! As far as panties you may not know what will work til after as you won't know for sure where your incision will end up. I went commando in the hospital

rdeesides

Speaking of what to wear after the surgery.... Did anyone wear pants in the hospital? I usually always wear my PJ bottoms in the hospital and I am more comfortable that way, but I have never had abdominal surgery, so I'm thinking I won't want them this time.

Rebekkah

Runrcrb

i wore hospital gown in the hospital and yoga pants with low underwear until drains were out - in mycase the drains were below the incision and in my pubic area. After the drains were out i wore high waisted underwear- keeping all incisions covered.

Lanne2389

rdeesides - you may wake up with a compression panty or girdle and/or bra. Your PS can tell you what her/his practice is. I took an easy-on robe to the hospital for walks then wore longer nighties at home until the drains came out. Your tummy and breasts will be swollen for a few weeks - keep things loose! If your Dr put you in compression garments you’ll likely be wearing them for several weeks or more once you are home

parachutes

Goosebumps...do you get them on your foob?

So the other day was the first time I noticed I got goosebumps all over my DIEP breast EXCEPT on this one area that's been giving me problems since day one. What the heck does that mean? I thought the tissue was necrosis becuase it's so dang hard. It feels heavy like a tissue expander and maybe I'm feeling numbness. The more activity or yoga I do the more it hurts. Could this be nerve related and not necrosis at all?

OCDAmy

No goosebumps, maybe it does mean some nerves are coming back?

In terms of what to wear in hospital, I had a catheter the first day and once that was out was in no mood or position to be putting on any underwear or pants! The nurse helped me get cleaned up my second day and helped me get dressed to go home. I wore loose yoga pants. I wore abdominal binder home but not in hospital. No bra!

I'm not getting the nipples, just 3D tatoos, I don't want permanent hard nipples!

esny

Hi all! Doing much better 10 days post op. Moving around much better. Drains out two days ago- this time they did NOT hurt coming out! Wearing an abdominal binder (now that drains are gone) and a VERY loose bra given to me by my PS.

Underwear- I wore regular underwear to the hospital, but went comando most of the time I was there then wore their super stretchy undies the rest of the time. Asked for some to take home as they just felt right to wear. High waisted and stretchy.

I would say you are fine with either PJ bottoms or wide band yoga pants to wear to hospital -- which every you feel most comfortable wearing home (the looser the better).

Wanted to say that you will need help getting out of bed the first week or so. It is really hard not to use your arms (as my PS said he did not want me to use mine).

Pharmdgirl7

Esny: glad those drains are out and that you're feeling more comfortable getting around!

Thanks, ladies, for all the tips about undergarments, it really helps me to plan. The biggest challenge has been finding button-down shirts...especially short-sleeved ones at this time of year. Temps will be in the 80s in NOLA while we're there...hello again, summer!

donna1964

Hi everyminute. Im sorry Im not responding to your questions but was hoping you could answer some of mine. I looked through your history of posts and noticed some similarities.

I am also from upstate NY, Saratoga. I am 8 years out and had my original DMX with tissue expanders and silicone implants at St. Peters. I haven't had any official complications but have always felt really tight and uncomfortable with my implants, even though they are only 280CC. I am 54, very active, like to run (but just 5Ks). Anyway, I finally got the nerve to look into options for implant removal, although I dont want to go flat. I was pleased to find out that my insurance CDPHP covers the MSK docs. I have a consult with Dr. Disa at the end of the month. I am hoping he can explain every option available, but I am leaning toward DIEP although feeling very nervous about recovery. I see that you had him as your original surgeon, but you are now going to NOLA. Can you fill me in on why you are not using Disa? Did you consult with him before deciding to go to NOLA? I was also wondering if you have heard anything about how the pecs, after having been stretched for so many years, can go back to normal? Any other advice would also be much appreciated. Thank you!

Gemini_girl

HELP! I had DIEP surgery done on Monday. I have the OnQ pump in for pain, although it’s empty now and a couple of smaller wires in my abdomen as well, plus four drain tubes. Two for my chest and two for my abdomen.

My question is, what do you wear with all these tubes. Loose pants are very painful, ust the wires going up underneath them bothers me, wearing a robe works, but that won’t do when I have to go out.

Any ideas?

Runrcrb

Gemini - how about a tunic? And wires? Never experienced those - sounds painful.

esny

Donna - just had my diep at MSK using dr Mehrara (associate of dr Disa). Cannot say enough good things. They are VERY good there. Feel free to ask me anything about my experience at MSK

Gemini_girl

I got three drain tubes taken out today! Super happy about being almost “free”! I am a little bummed though. My right breast that was radiated feels like there are rocks in it. I asked the PS and he said it was scar tissue. The whole reason that I wantedDIEP was for the softness and this feels very painful. Do you think I should give it some time? Has anyone had this? I’m both happy and sad.

Lanne2389

Gemini girl - massage massage massage. Do it in the shower or anywhere else you can get away with it. You may also be able to get a Dr referral for physical therapy and they can do a great job for 30-45 minutes (and also address range of motion issues if you have them). Mine took about 4 weeks to start loosening up - the hard spots start to feel mushy. Massage is good for all recent incisions once they've healed

Gemini_girl

Lanne - thank you for the response. I totally forgot about PT! I have been massaging it until it feels like it’s had enough. Will you have to constantly massage to keep things soft now?