Diep 2012

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2012

    Thanks Rebecca and hope ur doing well with recovery and tamox! Will try to post tues eve before the big day. Have a great wk everyone!

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited October 2012

    @cg1234, I did think of gaining weight before reconstruction, but my breast surgeon discouraged this in the strongest possible terms, and thinking about it now, I don't know if there would really be any advantage to it. I weigh 125 lbs, which is about what I should weigh at five-foot-seven. If I were to allow my weight to go up, have the surgery, and then lose the excess weight, wouldn't my new boob shrink away to nothing? I suppose if I were to weigh 130 for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be a major disaster, but I don't know if it would stop there. Before I changed my eating habits about 10 years ago I weighed over 160 lbs, which is overweight or possibly obese for my height. I don't want to go back there again, especially since being overweight is a known risk factor for bc.

    But I'm not going to try to gain weight. Before my MX, I was really freaked out about being one-sided, but it has turned out to be pretty much a non-issue. I have been going about with only one breast since June, and when I wear loose fitting tee shirts and sweatshirts (which is what I usually wore before surgery) the asymmetry isn't very apparent. When I was first diagnosed, my goal for reconstruction was to replicate the original breast as closely as possible. Now, I think if reconstruction allows me to wear a regular bra without it sliding up on the MX side, I'll be a happy camper. Even though I expect my foob to be smaller than my remaining natural breast, I don't think I will look lopsided in clothes--since I hardly do now with no reconstruction yet.

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited October 2012

    Curveball... I did not lose weight after surgery... perhaps though you should consider getting your fat from more than one donor location. I did and it worked out great.

    Kimdy... I traveled for surgery and did have a  problem. For some of my problems I saw my PCP ... had a lung function test and had infected port issues... But I also had incision issues and emailed photos to my doctor daily and spoke with them daily until they decided they needed to see me and flew me back to them (They paid for the ticket). No regrets.

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    Had PS follow-up yesterday. He is pleased with my healing and I now won't see him until March next year, when we will talk and organise any scar revision, shape tweaking and my nipple reconstruction.



    I'm off work until Friday this week. Planning on entirely relaxing and enjoying these last days at home!



    Jenn

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    Gosh jenn isnt it kind of early?

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    Early? Back to work?



    I have been off over 3 weeks and I work in an office situation. My PS is happy for people to go back to office work after 3 weeks :-)



    Jenn

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  • mclark55
    mclark55 Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2012

    Hi there everyone - I'm a member of this site (love it!) and I also write a blog to help others through the BC journey.  My articles this week will be a discussion of the various types of reconstruction surgery (I had a LD flap myself).  If you feel like it, I'd love to have comments on how the TRAM flap surgery went for you, what things you like about it, what things you don't like, so that my readers who are trying to make a decision about what to do will have some feedback from those who went through it.  Here's a link to the page where you can comment:  http://marnieclark.com/types-of-reconstruction-surgery-the-tram-flap/

    Your thoughtful comments are very much appreciated.  Thanks so much!Smile

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  • texmingo
    texmingo Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2012

    Kim,

    Since last oct, I am doing weight watchers, (have lost 82 lbs) and lots of working out. Over the summer, would do aqua jogging everyday, really got me in shape!

    Today is day 10 for me, down to 1 pain pill at nite, to assist with sleeping. Have my first post op tomorrow, hoping to get the breast drain out, think the 2 ab drains still pumping out too much to go away.

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited October 2012

    Marnie... I went to your site, but you only have TRAM on that page, not DIEP... Do you have a DIEP page?? Or GAP flap??

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    Waiting for my rub-on nipple delivery! It was shipped last week but orders from the USA to Australia can take a while. Has anyone used these?



    Jenn

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    Never heard of rub on nipples.



    But Marnie i am so thankful my hosp sold littlw wooden scratchers-iv drugs make me itch lke drazy. I also brought tiny mirror so i could see the boobs when nurses where checking dopplers.

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  • regenschirm
    regenschirm Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2012

    Tomorrow I see surgeon again to discuss results of the angiogram and hopefully a plan for the GAP. I feel pretty good overall. Trying not to overdo things (this is really tough). Not used to being mindful of carrying groceries etc. i am adjusting to being back on femara and trying so hard not to feel discouraged. One week back on it and the joint pain is back. :(.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    I restarted my tamox tonight, its 1 am. Think its a combo of tamox and friend who may start this damned journey. Why cant it be the ones i dont like.. Willswitch itbackto am

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    It's only 6pm here...



    Sorry you are not sleeping well, and fingers crossed for your friend...



    Jenn

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  • Hoya03mom
    Hoya03mom Member Posts: 135
    edited October 2012

    Still having some memory issues from 13 hrs of anestesia (or maybe just growing old!) so don't remember who asked what...but my abdominal scar is purple too...breast ones are healing nicely with circular part almost totally healed...few small areas where there were sutures stuck that have finally worked their way out.  I too have a few hard lumps in abdomin, and just this past week have noticed more pulling especially after eating.  Trying to be good...but I am a stress eater and this is a stressful time for our business.  Someone asked about good protein foods....scrambling eggs with a table spoon of cottage cheese is great; also freezing fruit, adding yogurt, protein powder and FUSE drink was my mainstay diet the first few weeks (of course my surgery was end of July so cold smoothie tasted great...maybe not so much in 30 degree weather)...as far as pain from node surgery prep, since they were using general anestesia, I was totally under before they even started...I remember nothing...last memory is PS drawing on me...don't even remember them hooking up IV.

    I am getting fitted for compression sleeves for mild lyphedema and going to PT twice a week....since I was told I had 1% chance of developing that in my one node removed left arm, I was surprised when it hit.  Trying to adapt to life without carrying heavy items...the good side is my skin has never been softer...massaging twice a day with bio-oil I have the arms and hands of a 50 year old (instead of my current 62)  Can't wait to go back to PS to find out if black hole of belly button will ever close up...not bleeding any more, but looks like deep hole.  I would love to go swimming, but afraid of developing infection.  Anyone else dealing with belly button issues?

    Jenn...I too am way too big...but they say up to 6 months for all swelling to go down...still think I will need some of this sucked out since don't want to live with bowling balls on chest...way too big and heavy (husband thinks they look awesome...but he doesn't have to carry them around!)

    Investigating 2nd stage and touch up options.  Pretty sure I am not going to have nipples added...just one more surgery and chance for problems...but am considering Vinny Myers...http://articles.philly.com/2012-10-22/news/34629112_1_double-mastectomies-breast-cancer-marisa-weiss  Nice article about his 3D nipple tattoos.

    Good luck to all with upcoming surgeries...it does get better day by day

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2012

    Thanks to all of you for the inspiration and information! I don't know what I would have done without all the great advice and encouragement as I prepared for this decision.



    I am calling up my inner strength and am about ready for tomorrow. Just hope I get some rest tonight. If you don't hear from me later, I'll post from the other side when I'm not so loopy! Hugs to all of you in the next week!

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  • kimdy
    kimdy Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2012

    cg1234 praying for smooth sailing...& a quick recovery!

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  • texmingo
    texmingo Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2012

    Day 11 and 1st post op appt, and 2 out of 3 drains out!!!!! What a difference it makes. Of course, after that, quick trip to grocery store and a walk around the block, needless to say, think it will be an early nite!

    Next dr appt next Tuesday, and hopefully, the last drain will be gone. Will try for 2 a day walks for tomorrow.



    Hope all are well

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  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 337
    edited October 2012

    Cg1234, wishing you a spectacular outcome and a fabulous recovery.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    Welcome back to the other side Cindy. Hope everything went well

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    I am down to 1 hip drain. I pulled the other one this am(per my docs okay) it was easy peasy



    Got spanx compression girdle. Couldnt take that binder anymore. How in the world to people wear these things. Am so glad i got xl. Got the kind with not thigh sleeves. Just have to pull thething to side to pee.

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2012

    Good morning! A little hectic last night making sure all was done but I got some good sleep. I'm surrounded by wonderful support and feel strong today. I am ready to kick cancer's ass! Lol!



    Smile and I hope you each enjoy something special this beautiful day!! Please think of sptmm62 as

    she is enroute to diep this morning too. Be back soon!

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    See you on the other side ladies :-)



    Jenn

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  • regenschirm
    regenschirm Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2012

    I have officially had it with the girdle. Made to week 6. I am sore but after doctor visit yesterday I have no official limitations. Still tired. Things moved quickly back to "normal" with the family.



    I have a couple of good,strong perforators so sGap it is. Now I wait for a date. It will probably end up being january or so. Whatever next available is. Doc says they get an uptick in October and also end of the year rush (plan year turnover). I am not too concerned as I know that next year will bring 2 surgeries.



    I am going to focus on walking, exercise and eating well. Date will probably be here in no time at all.

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited October 2012

    Good to hear you came out with plans in place. I bet these months will race by and it will be surgery time before you know it!



    Jenn

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited October 2012

    I have only had my girdle on for few days. Got a XL spanx panty style that goes up to bra. Wear a panty liner with it. Hated the binder more. Couldnt imagine ever wearing one just because

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  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 1,883
    edited October 2012

    Fredntan, where did you find the spanx? I'm ready for mine. Does it roll down?? does it cut into top of thighs? And...what do they cost?? Maybe I can on Amazon.

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  • regenschirm
    regenschirm Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2012

    I got a spanx - brand called assets at kohls. Ran around 30$. I have some that cover thighs and then just the panty and both go up to the bra. I also cannot fathom wearing these "just because". I feel like a sausage in a casing!! But the extra support helped alot and it was definitely a step up from the binder. I also got size XL. My normal clothing size is 10/12.



    Still no wrd on a date- but feeling good to have gotten the go-ahead!



    Here's to hoping that all of you ladies recovering from surgeries this week are moving right along. Those early days seemed to drag on but now looking back I can't imagine where the weeks have gone!

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    I used Assets after stage 1. Just had stage 2 and ordered a Marena girdle; I'm so impressed with these! So comfortable and really good high tech compression, so i ordered some more. Most days I wear the Marenas. If I need to go out in public in nice clothing, I do wear the Spanx or Assets, then change back into Marena when I get home.

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  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 1,883
    edited October 2012

    Jenlee, I have been in abdominal binder for over 2 months, I feel like I maybe need a medium level of compression. Don't want to be a tight sausage. :o) I am also overweight so I don't want it to roll up or down. What are your thoughts? I'm kind of on budget being on disability but will pay what I need to for comfort. I'm also having stage II Dec 27th. They will be doing lipo, fat grafting and abdominal scar revision/dog ears at sides. Scar is really low. Do you have any advice with all of this in mind??

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