Diep 2012

Hi redninrah - at 2 weeks when the NP took out the last two drains, she said that I could wear a girdle instead. I didn't own a girdle at the time. I have since gone out and bought a couple of "waist cincher" type things. (shopping at Fredrick's of Hollywood felt a bit odd at this point, but it worked) I got one at Fredrick's and one at Maidenform. They're so much more comfortable than the stupid one from the hospital.

-Judy

I suspect the binder is just extra insurance. I've noticed that at UCLA the doctors have been very careful/extra paranoid (two sides of the same coin).

Well, it's raining here so the tournament is cancelled (that's what happens in So. Cal.). Now we're back home and everyone's tired, but we're all up right now.

Try a bigger size. It doesn't need to be suffocating just firm. Try a Marena or Spanx. The material is much softer.

I agree with Snobird. It doesn't have to be too tight or uncomfortable. Any shaper like Spanx or Marena that provides some compression will be fine. A larger size so it doesn't roll. The hospital gave me a binder which was very stiff and unbearable. It dug into all my sore points. I couldn't wear it. My PS doesn't like binders and says they lay down ridges. He recommended Spanx instead.

Ok , will be two weeks tomorrow. I'm going to send my hubby to shoppers drug mart to get a new one, bigger size. This thing is stiff, and curling up everywhere.

I'm wondering if I wear just yoga pants high enough?

I don't own spanks....what are they and where do u buy them from

SHIP- Yes my surgery is at Magee. It is Tuesday (24th). How did everything go for you? How long were you in the hospital and how was your stay there? Are you pleased with your results so far? Did you go to Aestique  because that is where I go and I know Dr. Gimbel also works out of there.

The treadmill seems ambitious but honestly, it was a great improvement to my backache to get moving. I just walk at a comfortable speed and go for duration. It's not for cardio, but rather to get the blood flowing and build up endorphins to feel good. I have been using 4 mph setting on the treadmill but I have long legs and any slower I end up overstepping the belt. I use a heart rate monitor to make sure I am not overdoing the cardio. I have done at least one one-hour session a week, and the last couple of weeks have done almost 90 minutes. It's easier if there is football or skating on TV and the time flies. I delayed restarting after my first mx because I was kind of still hurty and weak, but I kicked myself after because the improvement in my pain level was remarkable and I had not taken advantage. This time, I made up my mind to go as soon as I could.

I read a lot on these threads and then started having consultations... I met with a local PS recommended by my BS, (who does not do DIEP) , but he gave me a name of a PS who does... then went to NYC for a consult with Dr Allen... then flew to New Orleans and had a consult with the doctors down there... and that's who I chose.

TAMYLYN:  I did not go to Aestique, as my BS made the appointment with Dr. Gimbel directly through his office in Shadyside - so I have been working directly with his office practice, too.  My surgery was Mon., Jan 9, and I was discharged Sat., Jan 14.  I could probably have gone home a day sooner, but the weather was bad that day and my family thought I should stay an extra day.  I have absolutely no complaints about my time at Magee.  The nursing staff and residents were top notch and took really good care of me. I had a LOT of nausea in recovery, and it took a good while to get that under control - that is my typical reaction to anesthesia and pain meds.  I was nauseous for a few days, and they worked really hard to fix that for me - it cleared up considerably when I went off the PCA and on to pain meds by mouth.  

So far I AM pleased with my results.  My lumpectomy/rads had left me with a really asymmetrical situation, so just fixing that was a big deal for me.  I like Dr. Gimbel and feel very comfortable with him.  You'll have to let me know who your residents are, too.  Who is your BS?

What else can I answer for you?  Everything is pretty fresh for me, so feel free to ask me anything, and I'll do my best to answer.  I will also be thinking of you this week and keep you in prayer.

TAMLYN:  I'm sure you are getting nervous.  I scheduled all kinds of activities on the day before my surgery, knowing I would be obsessing.  I stayed busy and went to bed early--I had to be at Magee at 5:30 AM for a 7:30 AM surgery time.  I was really surprised at how many other patients were there that early.  I actually had to wait a short while to be checked in, and then we waited another short while to be taken to the pre op room.  There was one other DIEP flap surgery that day.

My surgery was nearly 12 hours.  Dr. Gimbel came out of the OR and talked to my family about 6:30 PM, but I remained in there for another 50 minutes or so.  I was in recovery for three more hours while they managed to get the nausea under control.  The surgical team called my husband from the OR about every two hours to pass on information directly from the docs, and he was able to update a big list of friends via text as the day went on.  He was, however, the last person in the waiting room - long after everyone else went home.  He was permitted to come to my room, when I finally got there, and they brought in a chair/bed thing for him to (try to) sleep in.  He finally gave up and went home around 3 AM, as the nurses came in every hour to check the flaps and the chair was quite uncomfortable.  I didn't even know he was gone until much later. 

Let me know about your PET scan and any other questions you might have.   

Thanks SHIP & MARY- I am trying to keep busy by cleaning. What fun. LOL.

Surgery is at 8:30

Petct scan came back negetive- YIPEE!

Awesome news, Tammy!! Thinking of you today!