DIEP 2011

Had the DIEP on the right breast and an implant on the left as there was not enough tissue for both sides.

 
Sharon

I just came home and stepped across and just looked at everything that I was not pleased with.I will get around to some serious cleaning next week( maybe). As long as my bedroom and my sitting rooms are clean. I run the little light weight vacuum over the floor and all is well.

NotAfraid - Wowza, you look smokin', girl. Looking at you, no one would even suspect you've recently had big time surgery. You remind me of Susan Sarandon - totally hot.

Nicurn4444 - join the 21 Club, there are three of us now on the same date, 6/21/11. Too bad we can't hold hands. We'll have to compare notes afterward.

Alex - you are too funny with your Girlie Wisdom list. So true... And thanks for posting your packing list. I'm a total list-maker for EVERYTHING. Currently working on pre- and post- lists (bought Colace today).

Mscal02 - it really pumps me up that you are loving your new body so soon after surgery. Now that you have the Docs go-ahead, grab your DH and lock the bedroom door - lol.

JustLaura - welcome to the thread. You and Mo (Ladym13) are both on the same date. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and sending good healing vibes your way.

Thanks to Snobird and Pupfoster for the well-wishes. We love to hear your success stories.

Thanks for the positive support of my pool pic.  I posted it to show those of you having surgery soon that life gets better really fast.  I NEVER would have thought I'd be lounging in a pool with my dog on my lap at 9 weeks post op.  I'm just filled with gratitude towards my PS AND to my body.  While the body may like to produce cancer, it also heals with amazing rapidity.  I'm grateful for that!

I get compared to Susan Sarandon a lot - but she has bigger boobs then me now.  

Mikita; I am 59. I heard the nurses outside my room when I was taken to the floor after having my DIEP surgery holding a discussion, when finally they came in and all the time they were debating about my age. My GD had been there to visit when one of them had asked if she was my DD? One of them preceded to tell me that there was no way that I was 59. 39 maybe but surely  not 59. I had to tell them to just look at my paper work,there is no mistake the DOB is correct. I had this blue surgical cap still on my head, no make up and looking a hot mess. These were young and old nurses. I tell you that God is good!

mscal:   lol   Yep, he surely is!   I must say I'm ok with makeup and guys at work have made the comment that I sure was "aging well".... and I look a lot younger than 58... But, now, without makeup would probably be a different thing! lol   Altho, I do have the added pleasure of having my eyeliner tattooed, so I'll never really look like a real ghost!!

notafraid: you are totally rocking that suit. Is Thurston wearing bathing attire? My sister has a pug - that is a great photo all the way around!

alexanjb: Pretty soon you will be on the other side telling us all how great you feel!

So many getting ready for surgery -- I'm trying to spread the word about DIEP - it is such a great option! I'm about 10 weeks or so out and my diep side is loosening up as well -- I've been doing some massage and that seems to help, but that would be up to your PS to okay. My tummy is definitely moving more towards feeling normal - not as tight and the feeling is almost normal. My belly button scar has some lumpy places, but I have decided not to worry about it . . . they will fade and diminish with time, or I'll just get used to them. 

Snobird: thanks for keeping us posted - good to know what to expect in the coming months!

Anyone want to buy a teenage boy, 17, charming to others but horrible to his own parents . . PM me if you want to make an offer  . . wait, I'll pay you to take him . . arghhh . . breathe, breathe, breathe . .  . 

and I think you ladies will like this one, I got overheated today talking to my sister outside in the sun on a park bench in front of Applebee's after lunch, and then grocery shopping.  I took out my flubber out at red light, stuck it in my purse and said to myself-"never again".  I should have thrown it out the window!!!! (sorry officer)

You gals know what the flubber is...rubber foob

Not afraid you look fabulous!!!! alexanjib good luck with your surgery!!!!!! Whenever you can sometime in the future you need to email me that girlie wisdom. Cracked me up Take care all of you. Love lois 

mmtitle@rogers.com  

Hi Everybody,

I just wanted to pop in again.  My surgery date is looming (June 21st - seems like a popular day).  And so is my 40th birthday (June 13th).  I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to read your stories, and the special treat of seeing a picture today!   I have to say that some days, I am terrified about this surgery, and wondering if I should have just gone for a straight mastectomy, but then I log on, and read your stories, and I feel so much better about my decision.  Thank you for sharing your strength and your optimism.  Dare I hope to walk away from this process even happier with my breasts than I am now (they aren't that great really, but now that I am losing one, I feel strangely attached to it)?  It seems risky, but after reading today's posts, somewhat conceivable!

I have some pre op stuff on Friday, which I think is blood work and a CAT scan.  Can anybody who is having their surgery with Dr. Zhong in Toronto, fill me in on what to expect.

Also, I can't remember where I read it, but there was some discussion about sentinal node mapping, and that the injection is quite painful.  Any tips on this or first hand experiences?

Thanks!

Suz39, soon to be Suz40 

I just read about 4 pages of this and can barely breathe from the panic. It sounds worse than I thought. I was just diagnosed Brca 2 positive and I'll have surgery the beginning of July. I don't have the exact date. Now I don't know if I can go through with it. I don't have cancer. Please tell me I can do it.

Suz39- I am having my DIEP on Tues the 14th with Dr. Zhong and I have my preop and CT scan on Friday too...what time are you there...?

Happy 40th for Monday:)

Thank you everyone for the encouragement - 23 huh, I think I can make it! I knew I could count on you girls for cheery words without judgment!

Canarychick: BC is breast cancer. Of course you are scared - this is a big procedure but your surgical team will handle the hardest parts and you will snooze away and wake up with the potential breast cancer tissue gone and two soft noobs that will eventually be lovely breasts and then you will be well taken care of to get you through the hard parts.

I think there is something in our guts that tell us that we must use our own tissue as opposed to implants. DIEP is state of the art in breast reconstruction and for good reason. Once you complete this process (stage 1,2,etc), you're done! No worry about replacements every 10 years or so or the other issues that go with implants.

Suz: the sentinal node mapping didn't bother me a bit . . .I was so interested in the process and asking questions, well, and also having my DH massage me to help the isotope stuff migrate! I'm so glad they no longer have to yank out all our lymph nodes just in case!

Kathy

sorry ladym . . Happy upcoming Birthday to Suz! I think I can remember what turning 40 is like . . now if I can just remember whose post I read . . .  . . \

My turn!  Off to see the wizard.  Strangely calm.

Hi Ladies: I just got back from my walk. I could hardly sleep last night for the anticipation of it. I am looking forward to tomorrow and when I can go farther. I am starting slow probably 1 mile. I could not get either of my pedometers to work this morning.My DH called me a hot skinny girl this morning.I am off grocery shopping before it gets too hot outside.

I am so glad that Xray is doing so good.

Alexa: You and the wizard are going to do great!

Dutchy: Good for you. I still have a few months before I am there.