Diep 2012

Options
12357…122

Comments

  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited January 2012

    Yay redninrah! Take the stool softeners. Ask for them if they don't offer. It may take days to work. That may help get onto solid foods. Although, I liked the jello and broth better than some of the solids they gave me...

    For alexch, on DIEP vs TRAM and my surgeon indicated that he considered taking muscle a failure because it was not what the patient wanted. He also had a very low failure rate. Basically, didn't even think it was remotely likely to happen as he almost never has it happen. I had a CT scan a month or two beforehand to see the blood vessels and they had that on the monitor in the OR like a road map when I arrived on the day.

    I saw the surgeon's fellow today and am all on track. I love the look of the results. Nice shape. Despite surgeon's comment that I was "not so fat", I am fitting C bras from my 500g belly flap as bilateral DIEP (replacing 700g unilateral). I am almost standing upright. It is odd seeing the flat tummy!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited January 2012

    MEISTER... I did not have restrictions on lifting my arms... just weight restrictions.

    ALEX... I showered day two, as soon as the catheter was gone... and perhaps your PS can lipo your legs and other trouble spots at stage II. I did not sign anything about conversion... and had a CT scan prior to show a "map" of my vessels.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • M0m2Three
    M0m2Three Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2012

    Please add me to the list for a delayed DIEP.   I'll be having the surgery on 25 January 2012.  Had a bilateral mastectomy in late September and waited for the results.  I am so grateful for this thread.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    Ok everyone I am going for my final consult with PS before my DIEP surgery on the 24th. Does anybody have any suggestions on any questions I should ask him? I am really nervous and cant think right now. I know I am going to wish I would have asked something just dont know what right now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    oops meant to say I am going tommorrow

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    Ok so I wasnt emptying my bladder properly - so back on catheter. Got a headache. Rely light headed when I walked today. Doing overall much better

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    A little sore on the underarm of the flap. I'm typing with one hand only. Hospital food sux!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    redninrah- Thanks for all the updates. Glad you are doing well. Do you know how long your actual surgery was?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited January 2012
    tamlyn110 your question about questions made me smile. The only questions I had were really "you know what you're doing, right? This will work?" I did ask about the likelihood of finding the blood vessel would not be movable without ab muscle patch, and the failure rate, but I already knew his failure rate was outstanding and had thoroughly researched him down to getting back-channel information from the nurses and clerks on the surgical ward. If I didn't know that, then I would be wanting information on failure rate, primarily, and his assessment of my physical particulars. In my case, basically we had a social visit where I expressed my goals (not having my ab muscle compromised, not being as big as I was) and he was reassuring and confident but not arrogant. I tried to get information on how long I would be in the hospital, when the OR date would be, pre-op exams, and all that but all of that was sorted out by the admin supports, not him. It's turned out great, so far (almost 4 weeks).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    Hi all. Still at the hospital I go home tomorrow. So my cathereter was pulled out yesterday but my bladder was retaining too much so they put the catheter back in. Today they took it out, and IV drip should be taken out. I'm not on too much pain. The worst thing about this is I'm a belly sleeper so to sleep on our back is. Really really hard for me.

    I had a bad migraine last night that I couldn't control with tynelol but then they gave me an injection that got rid of the headache and put me to sleep.

    I feel good today, haven't showered yet, but u get the typical bed baths

    Staff are amazing, the food is not so great, but today I can have proper solids.

    I think with the drip out I should have a nice walk today. Yesterday I got a bit light headed. I am excited to go home, I can see now why ppl like recliners its really great for your back. I don't have one, but it's ok, I'm going to be staying in my bedroom. It's fully equipped with room service lol.



    I haven't had a bowel Mvt yet but taking the stool softners.



    Li is starting to look better. I haven't seen my boobs yet or my stomach,,,tomorrow.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    I was in at the hospital for 6.15 am and surgery was 8am and ended 12.so far I've got nothing to complain about, the staff are amazing here.

    I have two young surgeons and the surgeon is the best in Ottawa. He is confident and professional

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    Oh and just so you ladies now they had to removed a small amount of muscle attached to the blood vessel,. I told them to do whatever they had to do with the best outcome, but I also told them I am a semi professional volleyball player and I intend to go back to doing this, so I need my abs, so don't do anything to screw that aspect of my life up.

    So far...so good

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited January 2012

    Redninrah - so glad to see you feeling up to posting.  Wishing you a continued speedy recovery!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    goldlining- Thanks for your input. "you know what you're doing, right? This will work?" are definatly great questions to ask. I already had all my pre-op tests so i am hoping he has looked at my Ct and can tell me by looking at it if he thinks everything will go ok and he wont have to take any muscle. Getting ready to go now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rthrift1
    rthrift1 Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2012

    I'm new to this discussion. However, I would appreciate any information I can get. I was diagnosed 10/28/2011 and had a double mastectomy 12/06/2011. I am scheduled for my CT scan that is needed prior to the DIEP surgery. I am scared, nervous, anxious...just a mixture of emotions right now. My question is this;  With my mastectomy I had 2 drainage tubes afterward and  removing the tubes was very painful. I am terrified at the thought of having 4 drainage tubes after the DIEP. The reconstruction surgeon did tell me that he using a different type of tube and it will all be round, not flat and square on the inside like my last ones. He says this should make things a little easier. Did anyone else find this to be extremely painful? I know there are far bigger and more painful things to stress about, but this consumes my thoughts right now. I've heard so many different stories.....Any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited January 2012

    I had a UMX with DIEP Dec. 15. Taking out the "boob tube" did hurt some. When they took out the ones in my abdomen, it didn't hurt at all (it felt weird, but no pain). So hopefully the lower two will be much less painful for you as well.

    -Judy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RetiredLibby
    RetiredLibby Member Posts: 1,992
    edited January 2012

    I had six drains (three on each side -- two on each side at the breasts and one on each side at the belly incision).  None of them hurt when the PS took them out.  The noobs (flaps) are completely numb, and the belly incision was numb inside.  I was expecting big owie, but felt nothing.

    L

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rthrift1
    rthrift1 Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2012

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am looking forward to getting this surgery done. I think the anticipation has to be one of the worst parts. I have found so many horror stories online. However, I tend to be a positive thinker and I keep reminding myself of how far I have already come. Cancer at 33 years of age definitely was a real shock for me! The support has been amazing though. I treasure life and the "little things" so much more! Looking forward to keeping up with the post here and following others who are on or have been on a journey much like mine. Again, Thank you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited January 2012
    rthrift1 I had four drains, and three were one material and colour and one a different material and colour. They were all flat and perforated in shape and the same size, and they all looked the same on the outside. The one that was different colour/material did pull a little more on removal, and it was the first one out, so I was pleasantly surprised by the other three. The nurse said there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to which is used where, which makes me think why not use the one that slips out without sensation? But anyway, I found these were positioned in a much less painful place than after my mx. That was like a knife in my ribs. These were in a less painful position AND they came out sooner (for me, 3 after 5 days, the 4th after 2 more days, vs. 2-3 weeks for mx). Drains were at the top of my hate-list, but these weren't as bad as I was anticipating. (Still glad when they were gone!)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mamachick
    mamachick Member Posts: 229
    edited January 2012

    Hi All, found this thread and thought I would join if you don't mind.  I am scheduled to have a DIEP on Feb.29th.  Had a BMX Oct. of 2010 with TE's and exchange in June of 2011 with implants.  Hated them, too heavy, too much muscle and not enough projection.  Very, very strange looking.  My PS does not do DIEP so he recommended Drs. Craigie and Kline in Charleston.  Had a consult just before Christmas.  They were wonderful in that office.  Spent over two hours with me and my DH.  Came out of there knowing so much more and now I can't wait till the end of Feb.  Glad to hear that it seems everyone is happy with their results from DIEP or with their decision to have it done.  I will have no problem with the donor site being enough, have plenty to use. :) Also not looking forward to the drains again, but looking forward to the outcome and the comfort after they come out. My first drains were more painful at the entry into the skin where they were stitched it, it really wasn't bad getting them out. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    Went to PS appointment today. He answered my remaining questions and told me that my CT scan had a few things that I had to have more tests done. They saw a spot on my liver that they think is probably just a cyst or hemangioma, a cyst on my kidney, and lesions on my spine which they think is osteopenia. I have to have a petscan done next friday to make sure all is ok. Anybody else find out all this other stuff with their ct results? Kinda freaks me out a little because last ONC. appointment they said my Ca 27.29 tumor markers were a little above normal and it has never been above normal not even with my breast cancer. Onc doesnt seem to concerned though so as long as nothing shows up it is an all go for Jan 24th.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited January 2012

    tamlyn110 - I've read multiple places that CT scans (and MRIs) often reveal more things most of which end up not being problems at all, but which lead to even more testing and higher anxiety in the patient. What they've seen are most likely nothing to worry about, but worry we will, anyway, right? I hope it's all OK and glad that the Onc isn't worried about them.

    -Judy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012

    CookieMonster - Thanks. I feel alot better knowing that the onc is not really concerned and that there are lots of other things that explain what the spot and lesions can be. I already knew about the cyst on my kidney because I had that 2 years ago when they did my first Petscan upon diagnosis. I have been reading that chemo and even going into "chemopause" can cause osteopenia so that makes me feel better. Will keep you posted as I find out.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Seashellie
    Seashellie Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2012

    Hi Tamlyn110,

    On my pre-op CT they found a spot that the radiologist called "most likely a small cavernous hemangioma". Neither my Onc, BS or PS were very concerened and said that the way it was described on the report is consistant with a hemangioma and it would have been worded differently if the radiologist thought it was suspicious. They also said that CT's uncover lots of incidentals that are nothing serious but create a lot of testing and stress. I was still a little freaked but decided to just go ahead with the DIEP and maybe get an MRI down the road to check it out.

    Hoping that yours are just incidentals and that your DIEP on the 24th goes smoothly.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tamlyn110
    tamlyn110 Member Posts: 195
    edited January 2012
    SeaShelly-  Thanks :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited January 2012

    My CT showed something... that hemangioma sounds familiar... in uterus.. So I had a scraping of the uterus... now that was fun..LOL... It was nothing.

    As for drains, I have had about 12 drains..none hurt coming out.. As a matter of fact, I pulled about half of them myself.. Just make sure the bulb is open. You don't want it suctioning while being pulled.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PastorC
    PastorC Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2012

    Hi all!  Add me to the group as a probability.  I was just diagnosed last week with IDC and have decided on a bmx and DIEP.  I have lots of questions, many of which are being answered in this forum.  

    I see an ONC on Monday - what questions do I ask her??

    I have a consultation appt Friday with a DIEP surgeon who has been doing DIEP since 2007 at least (first online pt posting I could find)  Again - what do you wish you would have asked at your first appt?

    So many thoughts, questions, and concerns!  

    Thanks for being near and sharing

    Colleen 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited January 2012

    Colleen.. A DIEP doctor has to have lots of experience... It is very technical... SO I would ask how many she does per week.. the right answer should be 2-10... If its less, I might look elsewhere. Maybe do a search on here for DIEP doctors in your area, but perhaps be willing to travel.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited January 2012

    Hi - I was supposed to leave on friday but when they opened me up, there was a hematoma under the flap. So I had to go back for more surgery. Shit happens, but I'm so unhappy I have to stay in hospital longer. I want to be with my girls at home. So now I go home tuesday

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited January 2012

    (((Redninrah)))  Shit does happen, but better they found it before you left rather than once you were home.  Wishing you clear sailing from here on!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories