Diep 2012

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  • MandalaB
    MandalaB Member Posts: 111
    edited November 2012

    I had my DIEP done last Friday- I am currently in recovery- I am pretty much a humourous set of legs and a face and a semi-good arm.
    LOL.

    I honestly can say I am glad this is all my own tissue- I had everything done at once and it was a 7 hour surgery- they told us 8-10 but I did well. I had Dr Sameer Patel from Fox Chase as my PS and Dr Miller for the surgical part.
    THE BEST.
    I have some bad pain- mostly in my arm where the lymph nodes were taken out, and my abdomen stitches-
    I told my surgeon to give me the biggest boobs he could (I was kinda small but a little deflated from nursing two kids - I went up to double d's nursing! eek!)
    and I got them. lol.
    the tummy tuck and boob job are my prize.
    I had the surgery on Friday- I left the hospital Monday. The only crappy part of that is that I left with all 6 drains still attached- and I have them still- I will get them removed tomorrow.
    But I hate these drains. UCK.
    I'm also being taken care of by my mom and I want to go back to my home- I shouldn't complaint though because people all around here lost their homes to Sandy so I'll STFU.
    Pain meds don't work either- I am waiting on a colorado UPS box with some medical mary jane cookies- out of anything I have ever taken- that is the only thing that works. Once that box comes- I can chuck this Dilaudid. I had to move up because the Percosets weremaking me sick. and I hate pills.

    I will rejoice when I can do the YMCA again. ...

    xo

    laugh laugh laugh!

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  • Rubybleu
    Rubybleu Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2012

    Hi Mandela!



    Hats off to you for making to the other side! It is great to hear you are on the mend and heading toward full recovery. I go in for surgery tomorrow morning. I will be watching your posts for inspiration :)



    Ruby

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  • MENA1954
    MENA1954 Member Posts: 194
    edited November 2012

    rubyblue, you will do just fine with your surgery!  Everything is going to be OK and then on to  quick recovery!

    Mena

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  • ymac16
    ymac16 Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2012

    Just got back from post-op visit #2 and now all the drains are out - yahoo!! Everything is continuing to heal well and I'm pretty much pain free. I'm usually achy by the end of the day but as of today, I'm pretty sure I'm done with the pain meds. Now, the only drawback is having to wear a girdle. It's really not too bad other than its digging into my crotch (actually where my thighs and crotch meet); on the positive side, it's providing support for my back which was still in a bit of pain. My PS is still sad that I've come thru this with smaller breast, but I'm absolutely satisfied since its my own tissue.



    Mandala, good to hear that you're coming along well. Watch that arm where they took the nodes - I ended up with pretty bad cording and needed PT to break it up. If you notice it starting to develop, the sooner you start getting it dealt with, the easier it will be to break up.



    Rubybleu, good luck with your surgery. Keep a positive attitude and I'm sure you will do fine!

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

    Congrats Rubybleu, tomorrow will be just fine. 

    I found recovery from this much easier than all my other recoveries. while my boobs look kinda funny at stage one-one is football scar and one is popsickle scar..went to pt today. she wants me to wear my LE sleeve for 4 weeks daily to try and clear up some cording I developed after I let someone draw blood and do bp on my good arm.

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  • Rubybleu
    Rubybleu Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2012

    Thanks ladies! I am feeling good and ready to go.



    Glad to hear everyone is doing well.



    Love and wellness,



    Ruby

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Ruby...hugs to you for tomorrow and you will be fine.

    Ymac: I'm jealous! LOL. I wont have my FIRST post-op until Wed....so I'm stuck with my drains until then even though I'm draining less than 1cc per day (only 2 drains)

    I've had a couple of tough nights...but mostly just discomfort, not pain. I only take my pain pills before I go to bed to help me sleep. I've been walking laps in my home but wasn't able to get outside until today due to the swelling...couldn't get into anything but my robe! I think the swelling has come down now ....at least enough to get into my loosest sweat pants!

    My DH and I walked to our local park and made one round! Probably a little less than one mile. It felt so good to be outside! I'm tired now....but very grateful! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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

    Good luck Ruby. You will do great. Mandala your post made me chuckle, as I can hear the duiladid coming through Ha! Brings back memories. Glad the recent DIEP gals sound like you are all recovering well. I still can't get in normal pants chachamom. Tummy swelling seems to be so persistent! Have a great holiday everyone!

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited November 2012

    1 month post-diep today and healing well! I'm off meds and taking longer walks but still get tired and sore by late afternoon. So glad I have Dec off from work too. Not sure I'd be comfy in my work clothes anyways. I think I want to live in yoga pants forever! I definitely have dog ears that will need revised, but the breasts are softer.



    Here's a weird observation...went to dr yesterday and my "problem list" includes "acquired absence of breasts and nipples" in my med record. Funny way to say bmx! Now they might need a euphemism for diep....northern migration of muffin top? :-)



    Well, I sincerely wish all of you a wonderful holiday here! I've been grateful for your support and have you on my thankful list. Blessings and healing thoughts to you!



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  • ymac16
    ymac16 Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2012

    I went for my first long walk outside yesterday - did about a mile. I was kind of winded and light headed towards the end but it was beautiful day in DC so glad I got it in! I also did a little housework, helped my mom change bed sheets and cleaned the kitchen surfaces. I'm so glad to be able to be a bit more useful and mobile! Just a bit achy at the end of the day so took some Tylenol, but other than that, I'm off the pain Dilaudid and Valium for good (I think). Now just have the annoying girdle which is hard to sleep in - also can't wait too long to go to the bathroom as the hooks and eyes and are hard to get undone, I'm sure I'm going to wet my self one of these days!! :). So, how long are we supposed to wear these things?? Is it OK to wear something underneath, like a tank top, to maybe lessen the feeling that the zipper is digging into my side? Also, do/did you have more than one so that you could wash one and still have another to wear. I really hate to spend so much money for an extra one!



    All in all though, I can't really complain - I seem to have come thru this pretty well with no major issues. So, I can truly have a Happy Thanksgiving!



    Wishing you all (or at least those in the US) a great Thanksgiving and for those elsewhere, a great rest of the week.

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  • CookieMonster
    CookieMonster Member Posts: 1,035
    edited November 2012

    ymac16 - I was told I could wear a tshirt under my binder and it helped a lot with the irritation. I ended up buying a couple different ones to wear, but they weren't the hospital provided ones, just one from Maidenform and one from Fredricks.

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    ymac16 - you might want to order a marena group girdle (like the LGT).  It has an open crotch.  You simply wear undies over it and pull them down to use the bathroom.  I am 12 days from my diep and am still wearing a lovely Veronique that goes from underbust to knees - it also has the open crotch.  I ordered the marena on recommendation of the NOLA in September thread so that I will have an extra that provides plenty of support in all the right places.

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  • sptmm62
    sptmm62 Member Posts: 665
    edited November 2012

    CG - That is the diagnosis code that was listed by my plastic surgeon when he billed for the DIEP, I thought that was weird too.  What the heck does that mean..LOL!  I like yours better, northward migration of muffin top...LOL!

    I do not have to wear a girdle, not sure why not, but glad since you guys all seem to say how uncomfortable they are. 

    I am doing well exactly one month post DIEP today.  Slowly getting back to normal as per doctor's instructions.  Went back to the gym and to running, return back to work on Monday.  I still have that strange goosebump feeling all across my chest, more annoying than painful.  I guess I will have to live with that for a little while. 

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited November 2012

    Sptmm62, so great you're doing well! You're definitely bouncing back quickly and I hope work goes well next week. I haven't been wearing a compression garment either. Maybe it would help but I found them uncomfortable. I have the goosebumps too (and itching). I'm sure the next few weeks will be even better given how far we've come. So glad you feel good and hope the holiday is a nice one!

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

    I returned to yoga classes. Doing some cardio. Did ten min today.



    My bad/radiated breast is finally softening up. I massage it a lot.



    Still have tightness under the radiated arm pit. Been going to pt. I may stop going. I have my exercise routine down. And she has shown me how to lymphatic massage. Been having to wear compression sleeves after I developed cording on my good side after i let someone draw blood and do bps on that arm. I thought that arm was fine since no lymph nodes were removed. Boy was i wrong.



    Returning to work in dec as nurse. I have gotten quite used to being off and in recovery. This is my fourth and final big recovery

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

    First appt with the PT yesterday as well (7 weeks out). He gave me a bunch of stretches to do that will stretch my abs and loosen up my shoulders and neck, and strengthen my back.



    Even though I have healed well I am feeling a bit beaten up because I am being woken in the early hours of every morning with my abdominal muscles spasming. I know it's not likely any of you will be experiencing this since I'm assuming it is as a result of the muscle involvement I had with having the free TRAM and mesh in there. It is really painful though and so I am hoping that the stretches my PT gave me will loosen the muscles up and it won't be a permanent problem...



    Jenn

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  • sptmm62
    sptmm62 Member Posts: 665
    edited November 2012

    OMG, so much for the tummy tuck! I just tried on my pants for work next week (I have been wearing sweat pants since surgery), and they are all tight!  They were loose before!  What the heck? 

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  • Marcie47
    Marcie47 Member Posts: 248
    edited November 2012

    I am less than 1 week from surgery day and very restless, did others experience this issue? I know it will be here before I know it, but at the moment it is crawling to get here! I saw my doctor Monday and he said everything looks good... So now we just wait, hopefully I'll get some sleep between now and then :)

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  • ketch
    ketch Member Posts: 157
    edited November 2012

    I've got my date with Dr Kline! Feb 21st. I will be glad to get this over with and on with my life!

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  • ymac16
    ymac16 Member Posts: 138
    edited November 2012
    MartyJ, thanks for the advice - my PS gave me a Marena but not a crotchless one so I'll look into one.

    Sptmm62, the pants issue may be because you didn't/don't wear a compression garment. My PS told me I had to wear the girdle because it helps reduce the abdominal swelling and with the incision healing. I'm sure you still have swelling, which from what I've from from some other posts, takes quite some time to go away.



    Marcie47, I was definitely restless before the surgery, but I put that restlessness to work by cleaning and organizing my house plus working long hours up until surgery day!



    Good that you have a date now ketch - gives you something definite to look forward to in 2013!

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited November 2012

    Hi all...I had my diep on Nov 1st with dr M in Nola.  On Nov 6--day after hospital discharge I noticed that the left flap did not look right.  Back to the hospital to have it removed due to flap failure.  I still have 1 hip drain and am hoping that it comes out really soon!  Dr M had to pull the skin so tight on the left side when she removed the flap --it's my radiated side-- that she now has be going to hyperbaric wound care everyday to make sure the insicion does not open up.  I am not sorry that I chose the diep procedure because I knew that I did not want implants.  I now am waiting to get strong again so that I can go back to Nola in March to get a boobie made from my butt.  So one will be belly and the other tushy!!  Thankful for this awesome forum with such amazing women

    Maggie

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2012

    We are all so different. Didn't have to wear any girdle or binder and was actually forbidden to wear a bra for 6 weeks.



    Wore boxers and pajama pants at home for a bit. Was in my jeans pretty quick however. And I wasn't bigger than pre-surgery.



    Might have nothing to do with the lack of a girdle or binder.



    Bet you'll be good to go sooner than you think!!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited November 2012

    sptmm62 be patient - the swelling will go down. I can pull my jeans down without undoing them now but it's nearly a year for me. Like dltnhm, my PS was a no-garment guy and I'm kind of glad because I had no rush to unswell, and I enjoyed reasonable comfort while I waited.

    For the gals having DIEP in cool climate places this time of year, I thought I'd pass along my wardrobe tip from having mx and then DIEP in the past two Decembers: I lived in jewel-neck (not scoop or V) cardigans (paired with Lululemon pants). I wore these with the camisole and drain bulbs and without camisole or bra. My favourite was a cashmere blend cardigan from a discount store but I also had an acrylic knit from a department store that was also soft. They were not clingy or tight, so I could even conceal a drain bulb in the small of my back, and were tidy enough to wear to casual social, holiday, and work appearances with a scarf or necklace and as easy to put on as a pyjama top. 

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited November 2012

    Logged on to say Happy Thanksgiving to all Smile  Just caught up w/last 5 pages but on our way to daughter's home for early dinner...so will catch up later!  I'm thankful for all of our sisters on the road to getting our bodies back & living long, healthy, happy lifes!

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

    Happy T-day to all DIEPsters!

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  • ReadingMama
    ReadingMama Member Posts: 573
    edited November 2012

    Well, I haven't been on in a while, try to keep up with this thread, but it moves fast.  I am almost 1 year out from DIEP and don't have any regrets at all.  My left side is smaller due to radiation, but I don't notice it much anymore.  I am going for Stage IIb on Monday, the 27th, to try to fill in any crease/indentation.  Crossing my fingers it works and the fat stays this time.  Also, my breat was also more under my arm than I liked, but that is gone now, so for all those who see that, it may get better.

    Maggie, sorry your flap failed.  I have done HBOT twice now and will due it again after the 27th surgery.  Each treatment was 90 minutes long and I just watched TV.  I did I think maybe 10 treatments the first time and 4 the second.

    I slept in a recliner after the bmx+diep and it was great for me.  I used an airline pillow and had the TV remote and comfy blankets and helped me alot to not sleep flat. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    I've been walking some, also tire by the evening and the itching is driving me crazy!



    ....then on tues my mom wasn't feeling well and we ended up in the ER for several hours before she was admitted and had Gallbladder surgery on Wed. She's in a lot of pain now even though it was laparoscopy so she may be discharged tomorrow. Our Thanksgiving dinner plans were postponed and we (DH, DS & I ) went to Claimjumpers for dinner.

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  • JuicyJackie
    JuicyJackie Member Posts: 41
    edited November 2012

    Hi!  I've been reading and reading and finally took the step to join in.  As I begin this scary journey I so appreciate your stories and helpful information.  I was dx at the end of August, after the initial shock I told my BS that I wanted both breasts removed.  She would only remove one, my left.  I surely wasn't thinking clearly and went with it, I just wanted the cancer out so on September 26th my left breast was removed.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be... some of the pre stuff was pretty rough.  BS removed 4 nodes and my underarm still hurts.  I still have my stinking drain, going on 9 weeks now - therefore JuicyJackie.  Now I have the uniboob look and I'm not happy at all.  I have an appointment on Tuesday to meet with doctors from Johns Hopkins to discuss prophylactic mastectomy and DIEP Flap reconstruction.  I have a list of questions for them.  I'm going to be pretty much alone during my recovery, other than DH initially.  He's been great but he has to work.  I'll be 70 in April and I was glad to see that there are others in my age range.  Thank you so much dear ladies for sharing your journey so the path won't be so scary for those of us that follow.  Peace and loving healing wishes to all.

    xo

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  • gotoell
    gotoell Member Posts: 29
    edited November 2012

    Hi Chachamom I'm curious where you had your surgery I'm in upland California and scheduled for a uni diep, after a failed expander/implant reconstruction due to radiation. My surgery is going to be at Loma Linda with Dr. Cody, had trouble finding someone in the area.

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

    Juicy Jackie... I suggest you meet with Bernard Chang at Mercy. He was on my short list of qualified DIEP surgeons. My list included Chang (Mercy), Massey (South Carolina/NOLA) and DellaCroce (Or Sullivan) (NOLA). In the end I chose DellaCroce in New Orleans.. But you live close to Chang and you are 70, so travel may be more effort for you. Also, NOLA just hired a 4th surgeon who trained under Chang... that says something right there.

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