DIEP 2013

Blue - I have an LGS (has size zippers), but will be adding an LGS2 for after drain removal at stage 2.  They are the same, but the LGS2 doesn't have zippers.  I also have an LGT (zippers and short legs), but the legs seem to roll up all the time.  Sizing will be the challenge.  

Nihahi - I am not doing physio, but am trying to do things at home.  Walking 2.5 mi at least 4x per week.  I do a modified push-up off a wall just to get that area moving (seems to be effecting my upper arm more than chest, where the pec crosses onto the arm).  Plank.  BUT, I didn't start doing the weight-bearing strength stuff until 8 weeks post op.  I am a back sleeper with a bad back.  I think I was about 8 weeks out when I was sleeping flat without a problem, unless my back was bothering me.  The boobs have not been a problem.  

Marty....did you have sternum pain?? I'm kind of hoping that having a stretched out pec muscle gives the docs better access to the mammary vessels, and might eliminate the need to resort to the rib thing? There has got to be SOME benefit of going in stretched out!!!!!

I"m not posting, but I'm reading.  I'm gald nihahi asked the question about the implant. I, too, am having an implant removed during the DIEP surgery.  Mine has only been in since july, 2012, but I hadn't even thought about it. 

My surgery is not until the end of May and I can't wait! I don't come here often, as I'm trying to not get myself worked up so far in advance.

Everyone's postings are encouraging. 

Got word from the surgeons and the green light for surgery . They said to just follow up with my reg doctors office and they can decide what to do as far as my liver goes. I take that as good news and they arent too worried about it !

Hi Ladies,



Today is exactly 2 weeks after my diep and I feel really good. I got my last 2 drains out today and boy it makes a huge difference, my mobility is so much better. After the doctor I was able to change into clothes I could go out in and have a nice lunch with my husband....what a treat! I can't emphasize enough that my experience so far has gone so well, no issues at all with the flap it looks great, my stomach looks even better with no bloatiness and the scar looks very even and fine not angry at all, and the pain is becoming a distant memory. Good luck Faith

Nihahi...thanks for your reply . I know this is such a scary journey and I gained knowledge and comfort from those who went before me on this site. I will continue to post updates and please don't hesitate to ask any questions. Here's to moving on with life!

Moving on with my life and not having the reminder each time I look downward is why I am doing the DIEP....plus, my tummy needed some tucking. I'll admit to a bit of vanity, but the main thing is to get as much back to normal as possible!

Thanks, Bleugirl, for the tip on the backscratcher. I am itchy too and always have mine handy. But, I'd not thought of taking it with me!

Just wanted to add to the post-DIEP discussion as I am now 8 weeks out. Tomorrow I am going back to work and I can't wait.I feel like my old self only better. I had a mastectomy 9 years ago with no reconstruction then was diagnosed again this September in the other breast. Had another mastectomy and a bilateral DIEP on 12/12/12. I am loving having two breasts again. I look at the clothing catalogs coming in for spring and summer and have to remind myself that I can by things with spaghetti straps and bathing suits without special pockets. I can drive my son to school in the morning without "strapping on the boob" as my husband called it in case I get stopped or have to get out of the car for some reason. Even better is the tummy tuck that I got and really needed. Two of my 3 children were 9 and one half pounds. I did not have a flat stomach prior to getting pregnant and had had an ovarian cyst (benign) and removal of my right ovary years before. My abdomen always created a problem with clothing. Now it is gone! I go in for my Stage 2 on April 15th. I feel fortunate that I should be done with everything by summer. Wasn't expecting to have breast cancer this year, but I also wasn't expecting to have two breasts and a flat stomach this summer!  I feel good in my new body and feel that I am stronger emotionally for having gone through this experience. I just want to quell any doubts or fears. As everyone says this surgery is so worth it!

What a difference the drains make. Two days ago I could only walk the treadmill for about 4 minutes, today I did 15, slow and steady but 15, the only pain was my knees that I think is due to inactivity. So I think doing what you can as soon as you can is important....and it feels good!

I see the plastic surgeon next week.  I SO can't wait.

Faith729 - 

Thank you so much -  I hope to follow in your calm footsteps.

I feel the same about the support I get from the lovely ladies on this site. (Better than ativan, almost.)

Bleugirl.. I had that leakage once. I had pulled a hip drain and after sleeping, I awoke to being all wet. Its actually a good thing. Had it not found its way out through the old hole, and the hole had healed, it would have caused a seroma that would need aspirating. My suggestion is to increased compression at the hole to encourage it to dry up.

Good luck lilyun! I had another good day drove myself to target and did some shopping...did 20 minutes on treadmill. My only concern is feeling better than I thought I would just over 2 weeks out that I'm think I'm going to go stir crazy. My doctor has me off for 8 weeks which I think is going to be too long but I don't see him again until the 27th to see about going back to work sooner. I was thinking about going back 1/2 days maybe week 5 but do not see him again until week 6.