Diep 2012

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    Hi Beckers, I would think you'd want really good compression after your stage 2, especially with the swelling from the incision revision and lipo. With both stage 1 and stage 2, i was VERY swollen. i was tracking my measurements and a week after i started with the Marenas, my waist measurement was 2 or 3 inches smaller, hips about 8 inches less. Also as the swelling has gone down, the garment is more comfortable but still providing adequate compression. The Marenas come in the model that does zip up on the sides, so you wouldn't have to roll it up. I just pad the incision areas with ABD pads for comfort.

    I also got the other kind without zippers that pulls up. There are rather large openings in the crotch area so you don't have to pull the garments up and down every time you urinate. I wear undies over the girdle. Last week, I actually found one of the garments on eBay, new in package, for a great price, so you might look there. If you get the long ones, mid-calf or ankle, you can wear them as leggings with a skirt or long top, but today I have then on under yoga pants and you can't even tell.



    Bdavis may chime in here, as she was one of the ones who sold me on the benefits of Marena.

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

    i find the spanx kind of uncomfortable, especially early morning. Is it okay to toss it off for a few more hours sleep?. I found mine at belks on sale around 27. Makes the top of my back red and itchy.

    Where will they find more fat for stage 2. My rt boob the radiated side is probably size smaller.

    Guess i will break down and get the marena

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  • kimdy
    kimdy Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2012

    Hope this is not a stupid question...but how do you know what size and kind of compression garment to get?

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  • Maxine58
    Maxine58 Member Posts: 38
    edited October 2012

    I developed lymphadema in my right arm and trunk after my mastectomy and controlled it with compression garments, pump and self massage for almost a year before getting my DIEP Phase I surgery in August of this year. I have found that while I still have some minor swelling in my underarm and trunk, my arm and hand have not swollen even once since the surgery. I had read that the surgery had a small chance of improving the condition and am thrilled that mine has resulted in a reduction of time that I have to wear compression garments for my trunk and I have not had to wear the sleeve or gauntlet at all.

    As for recovery, I found it was helpful, since I live alone, to get my kitchen, bed and bath prepared so I did not have to reach up for much. I also bought bottled water and small containers to break up my laundry detergent so I didn't try to lift it out of habit! My biggest issue was that every top I owned was a pullover, so I made sure to purchase a comfy zip robe and some button up tops I could get in and out of easily the first couple of weeks while caring for the drains.

    I truly wish you well and hope that your experience becomes another inspiring story to share as well!

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

    OK, I am shocked and left wondering about this....



    There is someone on the October surgery thread who has just messaged to say her surgeon has changed up her DIEP/TRAM flap surgery tomorrow and now her surgeon is going to:



    - do a skin sparing mastectomy leaving the skin unfilled for 2 weeks

    - cut the skin and flap at her abdomen and leave it hanging (?) for two weeks



    If after those two weeks the flap survives he'll then do another surgery to transfer the flap...



    I am shocked. Wouldn't this just be asking for failure and infection - or is this common and I've just been under a rock and never heard of it?



    Jenn

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    Jenn, I'm no surgeon, but that sounds absurd to me. Just makes no sense. If I had her phone number, I might be so bold as to call her and suggest she find a new surgeon immediately!

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    Hmmm, I saw her posts and she's a nurse. She seems very confident in her decision.

    I hope it all turns out well for her!!!

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

    Kimdy, i am size 10 & was barely able to squeeze into xlspanx. I have worn that darn thing 2 days now. And have itchy rash from that band on the back. Tried to pull it off. Guess i will order marena garment tomorrow.

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

    Ok girls, I tried on every style, size, shape, brand I could find in Kohl's today and these hurt! I got some cheap Hanes brand at Walmart to try tonight but figure it's a long shot. I found myself choosing it because the fabric felt lightweight and was more stretchy. Ha. May have defeated purpose. I bet I will have to try Marena. I'm 5'10 and size 16/18 though so not sure what size. I will check Amazon.com.



    Jennt28, I'm equally surprised that that woman is having 1/2 surgery now. Wounds would start to heal. And infection....oh my.....How in the world would they keep them open that long? I hope that surgeon is good.

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  • MandaLynn
    MandaLynn Member Posts: 73
    edited October 2012

    Hi ladies, wanted to jump in here with a message for Fran,



    I had my delayed bilateral diep at PRMA with Dr C and Dr A 8 weeks ago. I posted on this thread a looong time ago (but I read often). I've been following your progress. I have to laugh because one of the worst moments for me was the first poop after a week of nada. I think you had that specialness too!



    I noticed you had radiation too. I had radiation and TE in for almost 4 years. On my radiated side, it wouldn't expand (another surgeon in Calif.-long story). So, they had to move skin with the flap on both sides. I'm now 38C but the radiated side is a size smaller. Did you have any skin moved as well? I only ask because I'm a little disappointed in how they look. They're kind of jagged looking (the scars) . And, I have fat necrosis. I'm also feeling really unsure that they can get the skin on the radiated side to stretch and fill with grafted fat to make them even.



    Love my new physique, but swelling is still coming and going. I'm going to go ahead and get a marena. I've been using the flexees from Kohl's.



    In fact, if anyone else reading this had a delayed diep. I'd love to hear how you feel about it. I think I spent too much time looking at before and after photos and now I'm thinking that most of those were immediate diep at time of mx. I want to be a little more realistic now before stage 2.



    Edited to add- I'm not trying to be negative in case lookie-Lou's are reading this. I don't regret the surgery at all. They feel great (especially to my hubbie... Wink wink). Just think I'm a little.... Ack can't describe it. Not sad, not disappointed, just .. Well, I'm just pissed I didn't know about this when I had my mx. There.



    Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread.



    Amanda

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

    @jenlee & Jennt28, I looked on the Oct surgery thread for the post you mentioned, and although I am not sure I understand exactly what is being described, it does sound like a most unusual surgery. Leaving an open area for such a long time does sound as if it would invite infection, but may not be completely crazy. Several years ago, my mother had heart bypass surgery and almost didn't survive the operation. Her condition was so precarious that she was brought out of the OR with her chest still open and stayed that way for several days, until she had stabilized enough that it was thought safe to continue the surgery and re-close her rib cage. I was totally freaked out by just the thought of this, and didn't see how it wouldn't just kill her outright, but I am glad to say she not only survived but is still living today. The situations are not exactly comparable, but what happened with my mom at least shows that it is possible to leave a large wound like this open for a number of days, without infection being inevitable.

    I too hope it all turns out well for mgdsmc.

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  • regenschirm
    regenschirm Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2012

    I had delayed(attempted bilateral) DIEP at PRmA w dr pisano about 6 weeks ago. The irradiated side had the flap that worked. I can't compare how 2 will look yet but...i definitely don't look like the photographs. For one thing the interior flap portion is a different tone and is rippled with stretch marks. But I have less truncal lymPhedema and had immediately reduction in pain on irradiated side. I love how it looks in clothes. And how it feels relative to what I had before. But contrary to what most of my friends think this is not like getting a cosmetic "boob job".



    The doc says in time the rippling should smooth out. I have to assume the scars will fade some as well.

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

    My rippling has smoothed out reginschirm. I'm almost 3 mos out now.

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

    Glad to see a question about rippling. I don't have rippling on my breasts but do on one hip towards the end of my abdo incision line. Very much hoping it will calm down over time...



    Jenn

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    Kimdy, Marena has a chart on their website, but their customer service is excellent. You might wait until after surgery and then measure for the garment, express shipping isn't that much. As I mentioned, I've "shrunk" quite a bit since surgery a few weeks ago, but my compression is still good. I imagine it's possible to need to get a smaller size at some point.



    Fran, for my stage 2, they needed fat to fill in above my breasts. They took small amounts from love handles, inner thighs, and knees. I wish I could have had more taken from inner thighs - I have big thighs even if I'm thin - but I was afraid of ending up with loose skin! Everything looks pretty good now.

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

    Jenlee, how do you feel now? I'm having stage II Dec 27th and returning to work 4 weeks later. May include heavy lifting. Do you think I will be pretty good by that point?

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

    Amanda i dont know how you endured 4 yrs with that TE.



    My radiated boob def smaller. The good boob cooperating perfectly.

    I dont think i lost a lotbof skin on the radiated side. No ripplingnhere



    Just have horrible case of the itches. Might go back to my binder until marena gets here

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited October 2012

    Spanx aren't meant to be worn continuously. Besides the skin irritation they lose their elasticity after a few hours.

    Invest in a genuine compression garment.  They're made with fabric that resists bacteria, etc. so you can wear them longer without issues.  Marenas are made with smooth fabric so they're extremely comfortable.

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  • kimdy
    kimdy Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2012

    Do you need to take a compression garment with you when you travel for surgery phase 1?

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

    I ordered and got 10% off.

    Kimdy, it couldnt hurt to bring it, but i am not sure if you need to buy post diep since your measurements might change. Idk. My docs had me in binder until i got rid of drains

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited July 2014

    Stage 2 Nov 29. Just a little revision of breast incision and a nipple to add. Despite what PS & I think was a stray suture coming out of and incision......that has healed well. My procedure will be under conscious sedation. Same day surgery. No time off from work. Though I happen to be off a few days @ surgery time. PS said he'll fashion the padding @the nipple so I can function within my norm. Going to share my existing nipple with the new girl. Never thought I would do it but somehow think the look will be more natural & minimize the amount of projection I have always tried to hide all of these years. Calling it my nipple reduction/donor procedure. Like so many I am ready to be done. Told PS I luv him but need a medical holiday from everyone. And get in before year end deduction rolls back over. ;)

    Enjoy the day girls.........beautiful Fall day in the northeast.

    Sending sunshine & hugzzzz

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

    About Marenas... I suggest waiting until a week or so post stage II surgery, measuring yourself and then CALLING Marena. When I used their chart online, it was not accurate, but the rep on the phone was. I also found a 20% coupon... just google marena coupon. I think it would almost be impossible to order the correct size before surgery or even right after. Most doctors will give you something to wear in the meantime, but perhaps check.

    As far as time off after stage II, I was back at work 2 weeks later. And my doctor said I had a lot done. I had had a DIEP and GAP flap, so I had revisions everywhere.

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2012

    Hi everyone! 3 days out and flaps look great! I'm pretty swollen but it's not as bad as I expected. Snb was fine and frozen sections were clear. I'll get my final path next week though. I have to say that with the exception of one pca, the team has been amazing! I've been eating solids since yesterday and walked about 25 ft. Pretty tired though.

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  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 504
    edited October 2012

    Beckers, I'm about three weeks out and am very active and working on reorganizing the house. I think I could pretty much do anything, but am trying to avoid very heavy lifting. I had major revision to my abdominal incision and more work done on shaping breasts, so I want to "protect" everything. Not sure how much you're having done...

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  • regenschirm
    regenschirm Member Posts: 82
    edited October 2012

    I am trying so hard to be patient....really want a date set so I can do what I do and know what to plan for.



    The only residual discomfort for me is in the abs.



    It is amazing to me to compare the reconstructed side with the non-reconstructed side. Gives me an appreciation for what they were able to do. I did not realize how concave I was.



    I am so enjoying being partially restored. Cannot wait to be all the way there!



    How are people going about nipple recon?

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited July 2014

    Awesome Cindy!

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  • DFOnt
    DFOnt Member Posts: 145
    edited October 2012

    Hi ladies

    I just think it's weird that most of you seem to be wearing compression garments or binders.  I had nothing!  I have just started wearing tighter underwear , and jeans and it feels weird sometimes when I take them off! At almost 7 weeks post op, I seem to still have a couple of stitches that haven't dissolved, scars are healing, couple of hard lumps in new breast, supposed to keep massaging. Go for 2nd follow up in about 1.5 weeks. Should find out more about 2nd stage then.

    Something I forgot to ask about...when is it ok to take baths again? or go in hot tub? Was it just while the incisions were healing?

    Deirdre

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

    Hi Cindy. It's so nice to hear things are going well for you!



    Jenlee, I am having some necrosis removed from abdominal incision, dog ears on hips fixed, some lipo, fat grafting for more projection on left breast that looks flat at end, revision of SNB scar, revision of vertical incisions on breasts. Sounds like a lot. I found a high Bali girdle that feels good on my stomach for now and then maybe order Marena after stage II. Hope to have lost some weight by then too.



    Regenschim, I had nipple sparing. They don't match too well though. I hope you get date soon!



    DFont, I can't imagine not wearing anything. It is still somewhat uncomfortable for me not to and I am almost 3 mos out.



    Hope everyone else is doing well.

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited October 2012

    Just starting day 4, and I think I'll get to move around more after foley comes out. I was so puffy after all these fluids but I think that helped keep me from nausea/vomitting. I'm so happy with progress so far and care has just been superb. My little boy came to visit which was wonderful, but my sweet brother cried and that just broke my heart. Told him I didn't think I looked that bad...lol! Will be nice to wash hair today though. Happy healing to all of you this week! I appreciate all the encouragement.

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  • ymac16
    ymac16 Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2012

    Hello everyone. I've been following this board off and on for some time but never posted. I am now less than 2 weeks out from my bilateral DIEP surgery (November 9) so have been reading the posts more often. I had a BMX last November (had IDC in RB and DCIS in LB). The original plan was to have BMX and DIEP all in one surgery, but the cancer had spread to the nodes so the PS wouldn't go thru with reconstruction with the possibility that I may need radiation (fortunately I didn't). Have had TEs in since surgery and I can't wait to get them removed!



    There is a lot of great advice on here so thanks to all of you for your posts. I have a few questions. What should I bring to wear home from the hospital? My PS said I would likely just want to wear a housecoat/robe at home but I can't go out like that! Can I wear underwear? What clothing should I get to prepare? She also said I would not be wearing a bra or any kind of binder initially and that when its time, she will provide them for me.



    As far as working, I've planned to be out of the office through the end of the year due to physical limitations, but I figured I would be mentally prepared to start working from home in about 2 weeks - is this practical? The PS said the surgery will last about 14 hours - will being under anesthesia for this long affect my mental recovery?



    I'm excited to finally be getting over this last big step in this whole terrible ordeal but I'm also kind of terrified!

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