DIEP 2011

I didn't wear the binder until the day I came home.  I took it off for the past two nights to sleep.  I find that it is now to big for me.  It only fits when I wear it over my cloths.  It rides up an into my breast(not a good ting), if I wear it under my cloths.  I went to price out a new on, but they are super expensive.  I might look into getting spanks, I guess.  Where can they be found?  I thought i might just pin it smaller so it fits better at night.  Any thoughts?

The Bay carries Spanx.

So RED.. what did the PS say about the bloat?

Does anyone have pics they want to share of this swelling?

Went to my PS today for my 6 wk post stage 2 visit and he was pleased with the results as am I and I will go back in a year. It feels so good to finally be at the end of this journey. My body is not perfect but it never was and I can dress without a prosthetic.

Thank you to those that post regularly and share information. Without this board I would not have been as knowledgable about my reconstruction options and might not have gone the DIEP route. It's been almost 18 mo since I found bc for a 2nd time in my right breast. I feel so blessed to have had DIEP as an option.

Ok ladies, I tried something new today.  I went yesterday to get new tensor bandage to wrap myself up with.  They were $10 at walmart, and the self stick style was $8.  Then I remembered where I work we sell what is called Vet Wrap.  It goes around a horse and holds the gauze.  It cost about $2.50.  For me ait was a lot less.  It is the same thing they have at wallyworld..and comes in a lot more fun colors.  I wrapped it around my breasts and tummy and up my belly...OMG it is much better at holding things that that stupid ill-fitting girdle wrap.  Fits much better and has good hold as well.

Hi Lala63. You will probably find more posting activity on the DIEP 2012 thread. 

Your wife is lucky to have you taking an interest. She's welcome to join the boards too.

I am not sure if the sensation outlook is that much different for DIEP versus other reconstruction. Other people who have had both might comment.

I have skin sensation on quite a lot of the area. Some of it isn't that rewarding, like a sunburn feeling across the chest when the clothes touch it. I had a reduction many years ago, and my experience with that is that some nerves do regenerate, but I wouldn't say they all did. The skin sensation wasn't a worry or priority for me at all, so that did not factor into my decision. I was all about looking nice in clothes without foreign bodies to potentially aggravate allergies, and the flat tummy was the bonus. However other people have posted that they were interested in the skin sensation issue, so I hope some of those weigh in with experiences.

Lala.... I am 3.5 months post stage II so maybe not the best barometer, but I would say that I do not have feeling in the areas that a bikini top would cover. I do feel in my cleavage and right up to my tan line, but that is it SO FAR... I am still very early in the game.

Lala63.  I had DIEP five weeks ago.  My "good' breast is still a little tender but that is slowly getting better. My nipple has lost a little sensation, but my PS said it should come back.  The nipple is not completely removed during the surgery.  So I should get all my sensation back..As for the rest of the surgery, I couldn't be happier.  There was very little pain. 

Oops, I thought this was the DIEP Stage II thread! Sorry!

I had the gathered up nipple and they used the aereola skin, so it looks natural.. I will also have tattooing.

This was JUSt a question on the NOLA thread. I didn't have this, but many do... maybe go read the answers on the NOLA in SEPT thread.

Thanks, I just went for the tattooing last Tue. one reason is the hosptial I had my DIEP done at is 3 1/2 hrs away so doing it in one shot saves some trips. They turned out good, I guess this means Im done.

just a check in...Miss you Blackjack, zap, and evyone else that has been here for me. I've been lurking ,hopefully last surgery on the 25th this time it's diep, we'll see I just want you to know you've been my hero's thank you.  love leesa

PS said today that she'll do the nipple recon by gathering up the skin on the flap and then tattooing about 8 week later. Has anyone had this done?  What is the outcome? Do you regret having the nipple reconstructed, wish you just stayed without?  Thoughts?

grt42btexan:  the PS said the nerve movement, sharp pains and numbness could stay with for 2 or more years!  My DIEP was end of April so it is so much better now than what it was. At the beginning even the sleep and pain drugs didn't work; now I sleep and every so often I'll take an ambien.  Now I seem to be bothered with more random icheyness all over.  

Anyway, cancer free and it's worth it as long as I stay that way!