Diep 2012
Comments
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bdavis..Hoping that life can return to a new sort of normal before too long for you, your family & friends. Living on the west coast, we've watched with disbelief and such sadness at what's happened with this hurricane. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of our Sisters on the east side.
Thanks again, bdavis, for the info on marena. I ordered w/the 20% off code and shared that I'd gotten info on marena from a member of bc.org. She said they had just spent the weekend at a conference in NO w/emphasis on bc patients!
Compression Garment up for grabs! At my stage 2 surgery last Thursday, my ps gave me an XL Veronique compression garment to put on immediately after surgery. I couldn't get it on
The measurement is: waist-33-35, hip 43-45, which are my measurements, but this doesn't stretch much and with my wounds, I couldn't do the shimmy to get it on. I washed and air dried it. If you want to look online, it's Design Veronique style #1653. I will be happy to send it off to anyone that needs it.As for Stage 2...I'm so happy! It was a little touch and go at the start because I checked in w/101 fever, but after finding another thermometer that read 100, the anesthesiology and surgical teams met in my room and discussed pros/cons of operating. My PS made final decision to go ahead. It was about 2 1/2 hours and I woke up feeling fine. I did mention to my ps that I'd always disliked the bulging thighs that seemed to stay no matter how much I weigh. He told my DH that he thought I'd be happy with the results of surgery...and I see they've definitely gone down!
Stage 2: they got rid of 2 hard lumps at the top of R breast, area of hard tissue under the R arm is gone, along with fat under both arms (this has a fairly long stitch line but I know it will heal well). I have about 7 pokes where they inserted fat in the L breast (that breast had been expanded prior to diep so a little more fleshy than R side). I was really happy with my symmetry prior to stage 2..so this is just great! Ends of tummy tuck area were revised (extra skin "dog ears" gone), a couple little lipo spots in the tummy scar where they went in and took the pelvic bulge out...YEAH!!! Then, there are the couple of areas of lipo in my hip, thigh area (not much, but obviously, the focus is breast reconstruction...I'm still happy!). it's been 5 days and I feel amazingly well. For those awaiting stage 2...this was nothing like stage 1. My ps said to take 2 weeks off, but I could totally go after 1 if I had to (school employee and w/nonschool days coming up, I'll have 11 days). Less anesthesia is a definite plus! Lastly, nipples in 3 months. I think waiting 4 months until stage 2 was good for my mental state. I was not excited about another surgery, but it went well and it's so nice to be 1 step closer to done!
Marty and Chachamom...Thinking of you and sending healing vibes to you for upcoming DIEP! And Painterly...my ps said it's not uncommon for them to do diep on 70 year olds!!!! Amazing! Sorry for such a long post...thinking of everyone!!!!
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Thanks, RonnieKay!......I'm looking forward to being on the other side!
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So....ymac...... Looks like we have the same schedule although you'll be first with being on the east coast........blessings to you!
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ymac... I suggest you set up your items that you'll need to shower and dress before you leave. I store towels on a top shelf.. and after my first at home shower, realized I couldn't get my towels down without reaching and stretching... So I suggest putting towels, toiletries, clothes etc at an easy to reach location.
Ronnie... glad to hear the Marena coupon worked out... I went from the Veronique to Marena and really loved the difference. And thank you for the well wishing... Half of my family is still without power, but people here are very resilient. My dear friend lost her beach house and then 2 days later thinks she had a stroke... turns out after scans she has lesions on her brain... and having surgery this week. I am sick with sadness... but am hopeful that its nothing...Please say a prayer for my friend Nancy.
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Yes chachamom, we're on the same schedule. I believe there's at least one more sister on this thread who is having it the same day. Blessings to you too!
Thanks bdavis for the recommendation. -
Definitely have Nancy on the top of my prayer list, bdavis, and hoping son's able to get college apps done..stressful enough without all that's added to his plate!
Ymac..best wishes to you too! My husband got a kick out of me turning my computer upside down to see your picture. I found that it was helpful to have a basket on my nightstand holding the tissues, glasses, remote, etc. Like bathroom items, everything needs to be easy to reach. I had a little tray on my bed to hold my water bottle (w/straw). Important to keep hydrated so have h20 close! I know a lot of people had recliners, I didn't, and my dr stressed rolling out of bed, not sitting straight up, so at the hospital we bought a couple wedges that kept my upper body elevated. They were awesome! It was so easy to just roll out...I did it without needing help in the middle of the night (irritated my husband but gave me independence).
Cg1234...woohoo for clear margins & nodes and good to hear you're feeling stronger every day! Dnadebbs...my center doesn't do implants because they say their job is to help you heal so you don't have to come back...but w/implants, you're a patient for life. Be diligent and you'll find the right place for that healing!
Michelle and Jenn...I had a stitch hiding just under the surface so that little area wouldn't heal. When they finally found it and cut it off, there was still a little part left that didn't heal until they cut that section out on stage 2..16 weeks later. So annoying!
Frednta...will you have PT? I had the same soft top, firm bottom but with time and pt it seemed to soften quite a bit, and compression-YES. Regenshirm, will you have pt when you're a bit farther down the road from diep, or did your pt tell you what to do to get rom back? I didn't go in until about 9 weeks and she said she usually sees people at 4 weeks out...but it worked so quickly, I was amazed. Hoping LE stays away! I also do mld...when you see the diagram of why it works, it makes such sense!
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Ymac, I would definitely stress the Colace! I am two weeks post DIEP today and aside from the drains, easily the worst thing I dealt with post op was the constipation. Tried Miralax but that didn't work so I finally went with Colace and that worked comfortably within a day. And move everything you might need, dishes, clothes, etc down to a lower level. I still can't really reach up far.
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I'm not doing PT this round. I did it after my initial mast last year. just need to get my ass in gear and get serious with exercizes. I have gotten quite lazy
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Found a home for the compression garment
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Ymac, alcohol pads and a measuring cup (with mm or cc's) for drain stripping. I used Bag Balm to keep incisions moist. Bottle of hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. I lived in big vneck t shirts (easy to get on/off by myself). Good luck!
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re: keeping incisions moist... I wouldn't do that without your PS's permission. It can be risky to moisturize incisions before they're fully healed, risking infection or the incision opening up. After it's healed, I think you can go for it. But you might be asking for trouble to moisturize before it's fully closed.
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I second what jeskachi says... I had an incision open... keep those incisions dry or better yet, talk with your PS for proper care.
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I am now 27 days post op, still have 1ab drain in, (averaging 80-120 cc's a day) trying to fight off a slight fever since the weekend and under the new breast some sloth. Absolutely no energy and problems getting a good nights sleep. But, all in all, would do this again in a heartbeat!
I think my biggest issue is living alone and trying to do too many things on my own, then getting upset when ppl don't realize how hard this is, like my friend who is an RN.
Did get extended for STML until 11/22 for now.
Second the others with getting things that you need low and handy,and maybe extra pillows for the bed. -
I agree about moisturising. My PS requires moisturise and massage from week three but that is only after you have seen him for the follow-up visit and they are happy with the incisions healing...
Having said that - they told me to start massaging/moisturising at that point even though I still have a few tiny stitches trying to poke out.
Jenn -
You poor baby, what does your doc say about all that drainage? Thats long time for drain.
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I expected to be a bit constipated after the GA - I didn't go for four days after my SNB so I thought I wouldn't have to worry about going to the bathroom for a few days while I had my urinary catheter. After two days I needed to 'go' and because I couldn't use my tummy muscles I spent half an hour on the toilet! It was difficult but after that and for a few weeks it was very loose.
My small abdo hole has scabbed up again and the nurse says no need to dress it now. I was worried about them mentioning a clip inside me but apparently if it is there it's dissolvable anyway so I will not pick anymore! It's really itchy there though...
Plastics nurse was happy with what was the necrosis on my right boob but was worried about healing and possibility of infection during chemo. She said the yellow soft stuff is just fat (yuk). I went and checked on chemo ward to make sure they know about it and I can still start chemo tomorrow. They took swabs to check it's not infected and we'll monitor it so fingers crossed. It's a pain though. God knows how long I'm gonna have to dress it till the skins grows back... -
Oops... Sorry. I moisturized ONLY at the direction of my PS. definitely don't want to steer anyone the wrong way. I will be more careful.
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Yvonne, I ended up using colace and sennakot. The miralax was just too gross to drink. The ps should give you measuring cup and alcohol pads etc to manage drains. I got post-op Rx filled early which someone suggested to me. the back scratcher was also awesome for dealing with itching from pain meds. As long as you have some help they can always grab anything else you need. I found by 2 weeks I could do most things like shower on my own.
Btw, has anyone tried the marena bras? I went looking for sports bras yesterday but it's hard to find front closure that are also comfortable. I finally got an under armour one that will work. Am still wanting a little more support than a regular bra for now due to more sensation and soreness. Otherwise I'm healing well but was totally wiped out after spending 2 hrs out!
Good luck to the 3 of you having surgery soon and Ronniekay, glad stage 2 went so well! -
And Betsy, let us know about your friend. I hope everything is ok.
Hope the rest of you east coast girls have power and did ok with the storm last night. -
Michelle...I'm thinking today, our time (Thursday), may be your day after chemo. Have been thinking about you and hoping that the nasty stuff kills off any little cells that may be lurking, that the good drugs keep you comfy, that you have a thoughtful nursing staff, and people to wait on you & spoil you through it all! AND that your skin heals beautifully through it all!
Texmingo...sorry you're having to endure a drain for that long...ugh...but as long as it's producing, it's what's best. It would take much longer for your body to have to absorb that fluid. As for sleeping, my doctors stressed that the anesthesia has to work out of our systems and that can cause interrupted sleep. I think Goldlining expressed finally coming out of fogland quite a few months down the road and I agree! I work with budget #s, etc., and until just a couple weeks ago (4+ months post diep), I could hardly believe the mistakes I was making! Luckily, I'm more clear-headed now...and haven't lost my job yet..LOL!!!!
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Thanks RonnieKay. Today went okay once I finally got started. I sat in the waiting room for 2 hours, then they hadn't turned on the scalp cooling machine, or checked with size cap I would be wearing so I didn't start till 5pm (had arrived at 12!)
No effects so far. Had no reaction to the Taxotere whatsoever so that is good. Wondering how I'll feel tomorrow...
Met a lady who is in the middle of chemo and is scheduled for DIEP after treatment. I told her I had no regrets and to just go for it! Hope she gets through it as well as me! I did warn her that not everyone is the same... -
Thanks for all the advice! I'll let you all know how I fared when I'm able to.
Best wishes to chachamom and Marty (I think). -
Best wishes to chacamom, ymac, and ?Marty! May you have a pleasant, peaceful hospital stay, the best nurses, and a speedy recovery....looking forward to hearing from you on the healing side.
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hi all,
i am just jumping in to this thread. i am scheduled to have a unilateral diep next thursday..... a week from today. i live in california but came to houston to have it at the medical center here. i had a latissimus dorsi flap recon done earlier this year and have been so unhappy with the results that now i am here to do this bigger surgery.
BUT now that i'm here and it's on the books and i've had my preop and my ct angiogram etc etc i am SO NERVOUS! i am freaking out about it and on the verge of cancelling the whole thing! not sure why i am second guessing this decision. has anyone felt this way before their surgery and then been so glad they went through with it? man i could use some reassurance. i am nervous about the recovery, nervous about sleeping in a recliner, nervous about having a wierd belly button, nervous about going through this whole ordeal and then not being happy anyway. i'm a mess. help! thank you in advance! the whole reconstruction part of breast cancer has been harder, i think, for me than the stupid treatment part.
scaredy cat christine
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Chrishat - I have to share my two favorite words to hear after being a member of the BC survivor club "PERFECTLY NORMAL". That's my response to your concerns, everything you are feeling right now is "PERFECTLY NORMAL".
Reconstruction is a big decision, no matter which method is chosen. For me, DIEP has been the truly restorative choice. Even though the surgery is longer and slower to recover from, I couldn't be more pleased with my choice to do it. After failed implant reconstruction, I wanted a forever solution and once I am finished with all of the stages, I am very happy that I won't have to go through all of this surgery again.
I am very pleased with my results just after stage 1. My new breasts are soft, warm, jiggly and I no longer dread glimpses of my nudity before or after showering. It is wonderful having breasts that feel like a part of me again and I feel whole! I have stage 2 in ten days and admit the nerves are trying to get the best of me. It's not nearly as bad as the jitters I had before stage 1 though. Also, the calm after the raging storm of nerves comes immediately after you wake up from surgery. The build up of nerves was the worst part for me and the rest of it is easily doable.
No regrets here, just plenty of happy dancing with a whole lot of jiggling going on! You'll do great and lots of fabulous ladies here to share your journey with.
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christine... I concur... I can't imagine anyone jumping in head first with no reservations. I know I asked myself what I was doing, but had to trust that I had made a careful consideration and to follow that well thought out process. In the end, I am also glad I made the decision I made. Mine were skin sparing and so were not soft and jiggly for a long time, so also keep in mind, everyone has a separate surgery and recovery. I have yet to hear from a DIEP patient who truly regrets the fact that they chose DIEP.
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Christine, as the ladies above noted, it is perfectly normal to be "freaking out". Today I am 4weeks post op for my diep, and I am happy, (even with 1 drain left, who now has a name, Fred!)
The day before surgery I went out for some retail therapy, once I got home from the hospital I looked at the stuff and thought what was I thinking! It really was a very ugly purse.
Come on the boards, they are a wealth of information, all delivered by angels.
Sending good thoughts your way -
Tex,did you name it after me? My name is a mix of my name fran and my hubbys ted
Personally since I was treated so wonderfully at Methodist hosp n San Antonio, I found this last sx to be so mch better than my initial mast at sloan kettering last year. I woke up with no memory of OR in recovery laughing. My pain was treated-morphine pca-cant get any better than that. Had the little ludocaine ball to belly.
Again constipation was my worst enemy.
Texas people/southern have wonderful bedside manners. Now get out and enjoy some texas food! -
thanks so much you guys. this nervousness has kindof taken me by suprise, i was so sure of myself. do we really have to sleep in a recliner for two weeks? sheesh! and hate those drains...tex 4 weeks seems such a long time! who knew it would become your companion with his own name! did you have any complications?are you able to walk standing up straight? i agree people in texas are warm and nice. i am having my surgery at methodist in houston and the surgeon, aldona spiegel, is sometimes able to reconnect nerves and get some sensation back in the breast....has anyone had any success with that?
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ps i did just have a big plate of bbq, super delicious. i keep telling everyone i'm 'boob building'.
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