Diep 2012

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2011

       I wish you ladies the best!!!  Good luck with your surgeries and keep us posted on the results!  Someday I hope to join you!!!   HUGS!!!!   Katiejane

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2011

    GREAT NEWS!!!  I was able to change my insurance for the year 2012.  Instead of an HMO I now have an open access plan(OAP) meaning I can use facilities and DR's nationwide! No referral necessary!!!  Have already checked-Dr. Massey is covered under this plan!  So, put me on that 2012 DIEP list!!!!  Thank you all for your suggestions, without them I would have never known this was a possibility!!!!!  YeeHaw!!!!!   Katiejane

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    Oh Katiejane.. I am so glad to hear it.. I knew they did it for me so I thought it was certainly worth asking... YAY!

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  • Bethwall256
    Bethwall256 Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2011

    Hi, new to this posting stuff, but can use all the info I can get. Dcis in left Brest. Mast. And diep on the 4th. Any tips or info would be appreciated. Nervous about the lengthy surgery and recovery time.

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2011

    bdavis,  I don't know how to thank you for suggesting that I try to change my coverage. I think I'm still in shock!  I would not have made the call if it wasn't for your suggestion. WOW!!!  I'm just so excited!  Guess the next step is to contact Dr. Massey's office and get the ball rollin'.  :)   katiejane

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    I am sure it will all work out!!

    Beth... There is a DIEP 2011 thread that may be worth reading.. there's a lot of information on there... what to expect, what to pack, how to prepare before you go into surgery...etc.

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  • Bethwall256
    Bethwall256 Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2011

    bdavis, where can I find the DIEP 2011?

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/761010?page=118#idx_3527

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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2011

    thanks vjsl8 good to hear!!! 

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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited December 2011

    yay katejane so happy u were able to do that what a diffrence isuance can make,thats why i changed to a ppo for 2012 i want to be able to consult with and pick whoever i feel i trust the most.i have that trust issue cince my first ps really did not care enough to do what was best for me,or send me to someone who who could and that was the diep my skin was radiated and he never should have put this implant in me, but glad i will have a say now! good luck toyou

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  • JustLaura
    JustLaura Member Posts: 276
    edited December 2011

    Katiejane - I'm so glad to hear your health insurance nightmare turned out to be shortlived. I'm sure you will be telling us your scheduled DIEP date with Dr M soon! Yeah!!

    Bethwall256 - You will do great for the surgery and the recovery may seem daunting but will pass quickly. Do read that DIEP 2011 thread. TONS of good advice there.

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  • alison34
    alison34 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2011

    hi ladies

    i get my diep surgery 5th jan 2011 and am pretty nervous to say the least

    i really want it done but i am just really worried about the long surgery time and recovery

    anyway only 6 more days to go

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  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited December 2011

    alison34 - I'm scared of the long surgery time and recovery too but I am more and more certain that I will be having DIEP done in 2012, hopefully in May or June.   I'll be thinking positive for you and will be following you to see how it goes!

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited December 2011

    Congrats katiejane!

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  • ladym13
    ladym13 Member Posts: 251
    edited December 2011

    Good luck Ali...I will be thinking of you on the 5th and sending all the positive energy I have from me to you...you will do great kid...fb me anytime.

    p.s. there is a DIEP 2011 thread also that has loads of info.

     Mo

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    Yes there is...

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/91/topic/761010?page=118#idx_3533

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2011

     You ladies are a fantactic bunch!  I feel so much compassion and support here. I try to discuss this surgery with family, co-workers, friends, and physicans(I work in a hospital-OB/GYN) and no one seems to understand the surgery much less my feelings.  The DH has told me to do what I want and he will be there for me.  But on the other hand he doesn't think I should mess with my body because of the lymphedema.  I've explained to him that the lymphedema is the primary reason I want to do this, tummy tuck and boobs are my second priority. Anyway, I will see Dr. Massey on the 6th of Feb. for a consultation and my husband will be at my side. Thank you all again!    katiejane

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    YAY... I am glad your husband is on board.

    It does seem to be hard for people to wrap their heads around this surgery.. And yet as people see me bounce back, they say, if God forbid they ever find themselves in my shoes, they will come to me and find out more info...  and all have said they'd do the same thing (have a MX over lumpectomy)... Most people have no idea this is an option, which is the sad part... Doctors don't inform their patients of all their options, only the options THEY can perform. I actually can say I am thankful for chemo in that it gave me the time to research my options.
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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited December 2011

    A lot of  people & doctors don't know about the DIEP procedure, I only learn of in on this website.  I am so glad I did, it was worth waiting for 3 years.

    Katiejane, I understand your concern with the LE.  I have it in my arm & truncal on the bc side.  Even with my amazing doctor they didn't really support the LE or do anything to protect my arm with either surgery.  I did the DIEP because of having cellulitis many times last year because of a damaged scar line from rads. So far my LE is improved & no more infections.  I hope all your plans work out this time for NOLA. NJ

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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited December 2011

      NJ,   I am very surprised and sorry that you didn't have LE support during your surgery. It is my biggest fear that this will make my LE worse but Dr Massey said that with the tissue that is moved from the belly comes nodes that will hopefully "take root" and develope collateral circulation of fluid. You say your LE is better? That really makes me smile!!!  Wow!  Are you pleased with your results? 

    I do know that I will have LE treatments before and after surgery and will also be wrapped during surgery.  It's once I get home and begin the recovery process that worries me.  :)  katiejane

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited December 2011

    KatieJane... I didn't have Dr Massey, but she has heavily influenced the SCSH in NOLA and the way they treat LE. I don't suffer from LE and was not wrapped for surgery, but think I am the exception. I did get massage therapy afterward though. Dr Massey also instituted a green LE tattoo on the GOOD arm while in the hospital so you are clearly marked. She is a pioneer with LE treatment and prevention.  You are in good hands.

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  • ReadingMama
    ReadingMama Member Posts: 573
    edited January 2012

    I will be joining for Stage 2 and for nipple recon and tattoos.  No idea when yet, definately not till spring as I just did Stage 1 on Nov 30th and am still recovering.

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited January 2012
    Katiejane, yes I am happy with my results.  Especially since stage II reduction, I look much more balanced.  Before I was C on one side & a B on the other but now they are the same size realitively speaking.  I didn't want to push my luck with the bc side so we reduced the non-bc side.  I'm sure Dr. M will do a good job for you. NJ
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  • Katiejane
    Katiejane Member Posts: 789
    edited January 2012

    NJ,   So you say this surgery has reduced your LE.  Where did you notice the greatest improvement? Did you wear compression garments before your surgery and do you still wear them now?  Oh, so many questions!!! LOL!   And how long was it before you felt you could resume your activities or work?  Thanks for your time and input!    katiejane

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  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 832
    edited January 2012

    KatieJane, I just wanted to say congrats on getting the insurance straightened out.  Wading through everything is tough but good for you for questioning and persevering.  I had immediate DIEP in NOLA and I'm still amazed that I was able to figure things out in a relatively short time period.  I owe much of it to bc.org board support.  I met Dr M the morning of my DIEP and she is so nice; she just wanted to introduce herself!  I don't have LE but am paranoid about getting it.  Rather, I am grateful for the LE education I got at CRBS so I can be aware and cautious.

    It's been a little over 2 weeks since my Stage 2.  I had nipple recon, too;  they are huge!  I am still fatigued and healing.  I can't wait to start stretching again, as my belly is tight and smooth.  I see a Stage 2B later in the year and the 3D nipple tattoos.  Oh, my Stage 1 (BMX, right axillary node dissection and immediate DIEP) took 7 hours and Stage 2 took 5 hours.  I've had no complications but it sure takes time to heal.  Well worth it, as I plan on another 40 years. 

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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2012

    Thanks Cider8!!! Love hearing these inspiring and truthful stories,yes there is pain in recovery but well worthit you say ,thats sounds good to me !

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  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited January 2012

    The success stories are what keep me moving forward to plan my delayed DIEP this year.  So scared of the surgery and recovery but it seems like EVERYONE loves their outcome.

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  • mrsnjband
    mrsnjband Member Posts: 1,409
    edited January 2012

    Katiejane, I wasn't  wearing my compression garment before the surgery.  I had cellulits several times & wearing the sleeve would aggravate it. So at that time I was trying to keep the cellulits away so I could have the surgery.  My arm did really well after surgery.  I didn't start wearing my sleeve until I went back to work 9 weeks after the surgery.  At that time I realize how much smaller my arm was & the sleeve wasn't hurting me as much around the top band.  I think I still have some truncal issues but I want to be sure I am well healed & then I think I will try to go to my LE therapist for refresher course on doing the manual lymph drainage since my anatomy has changed a little.  I haven't be doing it since the cellulitis.

    I started putzing around the house the day I came home from the hospital.  I picked up the house & did laundry.  I used a pincher thing to move the laundry one piece at a time to the dryer.  I used it to pick up things as well.  I would take my puppy for a walk.  My job was a little more demanding which is one reason I didn't go back to work sooner.   NJ 

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  • ReadingMama
    ReadingMama Member Posts: 573
    edited January 2012

    Just a quick Happy New Year to all and may 2012 bring peace to our decisions and skill to our surgeons!

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