DIEP 2011

SAMayoFL,

Have you looked at the thread on 3D nipple tattooing?  Haven't seen any pictures, but there are some ladies who did at and are thrilled with the results.  You may want to check it out, if you haven't already.

canarychick,

Don't be scared.  You are one (maybe two) steps closer to the end of this!

 I haven't had recon yet, but have had dbl mastectomy.  My best advice:  when your pain is under control in the hospital, and you are ready to go home, make sure they discharge you with the same pain meds.  I made the mistake of listening to them when they told me to "just take Motrin" on top of the percocet, when I was getting about 4 different meds in the hospital. No need to suffer, if it can be avoided.

 Good Luck!

Drugs are wonderful - use them.  You won't need them for long.  

When I first started my journey to get DIEP, I meet with a general surgeon.  We discussed options but I was the one who brought up DIEP.  He looked at me as if I was crazy and said "but, that's a 12 hour surgery!".  

Being post DIEP (which was a mere 7 hours), I have to laugh at the first surgeon's comment.  So what if it is a 12 hour surgery?????  It just shows me how UN-educated the general medical community is and how WE have to take responsibility for our medical care.  

And, yes, the Doctors work for YOU - and so does the insurance company.  I had to remind my insurance company that BOTH my husband AND his Employeer PAY THEM to provide insurance.  This isn't a favor they're doing for us.   

NotAfraid - You are soooooo.... RIGHT ON!

ladym and justlaura: you all are on your way!

Almost midnight, had my last drink of water, bed time!!  Im off to the see the Wizard at 6am!! Thank you all for the positive vibes and prayers! Gnite!!

I am so excited I just talked to Xrayest (Lori).  Her first question was, "How is Alexan?"  Four days after major surgery and she is concerned about Alexan.  I am also happy to report that both ladies are doing well.  Lori is in some pain but is happy with her "racks".  Joy said she is doing great and the pain meds are wonderful.  It's Misszed's turn today.  I hope things go as well for her as the other ladies from this week!

Susan

I'm thinking about misszed today.  

I'm so glad others are having this surgery - and successfully.   

Hi Ladies: Anyone heard from our peeps? How are they ?

Hey everyone, Lori is at home and was in a lot of pain yesterday.  I am hoping that days 3 and 4 (Thursday and Friday) were her worst and it will all be better from here.  Joy is doing really well.  She said her pain has been minimal and that the pain meds were great!!  Misszed's (Susan) surgery was over around 6:30 last night.  Her DH text was very short saying that it was over and she was going to recovery and everything was fine with her.  All three from this week are on the other side and starting the road to recovery.  Hooray!!

LadyM and JustLaura, you are up next, I believe.  Can't wait to get news from you!!

Susan

I was able to have SIEA flap.  That means they used the lower abdominal tissue not the upper.  My doctor is a wizard.  Yes!  It looks like a boob already.  A swollen and tight boob, but a boob.  As for my list of things to take to the hospital.  Well.  I never made it to ICU until 9 PM and my family was told they couldn't see me, my husband took the bag back home and I didn't know where it was until late Thursday.  The only thing I really got any use out of was the chapstick and the earplugs.  The ICU was incredibly noisy and it wouldn't have mattered for me because they did the Doppler every 30 minutes anyway.  I was totally sleep deprived by the time I moved to a regular room and my room mate had the TV blasting.  So.  Ear Plugs.  I came home yesterday and had a shower right away.  My PS said he believes in whatever makes us feel good and what is soap and water going to hurt?  Gotta love him.

Hi Ladies, I was gone camping again this weekend. Even went out in the boat. I am glad to hear the most resent DIEPS have gone well YEAH !!!

Fri. my friend took her pink tractor on a tractor ride with 240 other tractors it was a 2 day event, she was the only pink tractor.Yes I live in Iowa and we do hick things like this lol. I caught up with her Fri. night and hubby took picture so I want to share my first new boobs flat ab picture with you ladies.Had my first hair cut Fri. also.

Alexa: I am so glad to hear from you. I have been thinking about you and praying for you. Take it easy and don't  be in a hurry to do anything around the house. Allow your family to wait on you for as long as they can. Do take short walks through the house but rest when you feel tired.

Alexan, Welcom back!!!!!  Wooohooooo!!!  I am so happy to hear from you.  Was the sleep deprivation the worst of it?

C8nday, 8 days will fly by!! 

Sue, you look absolutely fabulous!!  How are things looking up close and personal?  How are your incisions coming along?

Mspradley, it is wonderful to hear from you!!  Didn't you have your stage two already?  Have your wounds started healing better? 

I heard from Misszed today.  She said she is feeling better today and has gotten up twice to walk.  Woohoo!!!   Praying for you girls from last week and for you girls coming up this next week!

Susan

sue--love the pic!!!!  you are so beautiful & your friends pink jd tractor is just too cha cha!!!!!!!!!