DIEP 2013
Comments
-
Ironmagnolia-- you sound like your recovery has been awesome as well! I have to admit, I am taking advantage of the help since its there and because I'm surprised how easily I get tired. There's nothing like a shopping trip for fun
. -
llr010200. I totally understand how your feeling there's a lot of ups and downs with this. I hope to post an update before you go in for your surgery but it's tough to say
we can certainly look forward to following each others recovery!
Heavenschild I had never taken meds for anxiety before now however my bs just prescribed Ativan for me and I've only taken it once but it calmed my nerves 5 minutes into a meltdown. Needless to say I like having it on hand As for the Jacki you can ask your hospital or go to this site for more info.
www.ALittleEasierRecovery.org
The one I got looked different than the one pictured on the site but I liked it better personally -
Janet M & Nihahi - yes, being a participant and walking to the OR would put a completely different spin on it, you ARE being a participant, I really like that! There is kind of a helpless feeling of being wheeled somewhere.
Cuetang, you are doing great!
-
Hi, 10 days out and starting to feel better day by day. One of my biggest hurdles was getting up from a sleeping position, no recliner, been on the couch. There are lifting restrictions but how else to position myself without pulling myself up?
How are you all managing with that?
Incisions are a little sore but the area with the most discomfort has been my upper right abdomen. PS can't explain it.
One drain left hopefully to be removed next week.
The best to all recovering and waiting for surgery and many thanks to the wonderful contributions from so many.
Hugs-Laura -
Had a bit of a downer day yesterday so didn't post, but was reading everyone's messages. Words do not truly "tell" how much it means to share the "pre-op nerves", and to hear about the "post-op successes". Timely topics lately about the need to find some way to get to sleep. I took Tylenol nighttime last night, and probably got no more than an hour or two of non-restorative sleep. I have decided to throw in the towel and will try to get ahold of someone this week to give me a rx for some "industrial strength" help.
re: walking vs "riding" into the OR....I don't really have the choice. In fact, once I have gone through admitting and changed into the lovely hospital nighttie, I have to walk from one building, through a rather long corridor, into the main building then down an elevator, to where the surgical "holding area" is. My PS told hubby and me that hubby would be with me, until I actually go into OR, the pre-op nurse said no, he leaves you in the admitting area!!!!!!!Yikes.....if I have to go that far and that long without him for support, I'll be a basketcase!!!! I have a pre-op clinic appointment this Friday, and am really, really hoping to find out that the routine will be what the PS said, not the nurse. My PS does his markings, etc. in the actual OR, so I have to be able to stand, sit, etc, so won't be getting any pre-op sleepy meds either. That "mental scene" plus the "unknowns" of recovery are playing havoc with my mind at the moment. Thanks for understanding, ladies.
Just a word to those ladies who look forward to driving rather "early" in the recovery process. Please remember it isn't just about how you feel, or what meds you are no longer taking, it also is about your ability to react quickly to an unexpected event. Could you really jam on the brakes or crank the steering wheel in an emergency????? Driving isn't just about you, it's about what the other drivers/pedestrians around you may do. I had a patient once who insisted on driving around when she felt "good enough". She felt good while moving slowly, or sitting, but still had low strength and slow reaction times......tragic, lifechanging results for 2 families......please be sure you are truly ready before you put yourself in that scenario.
Just want to say thanks again for everyone who shares their experiences here...it helps so much.
I think the list at the top of the thread is missing a number of names and dates.....best wishes to anyone who is coming up soon.
-
Nihahi...I'm with you. I want my husby with me every moment. He's been the rock I've needed these past two years of dealing with this nightmare, and no hospital rule nonsense is going to change that. There's absolutey no reason he can't walk with you to wherever the pre-op holding area is, and to stay by your side until you enter the surgical department. If there are other people wearing street clothes where you are...your husby can be there.
I've used ambien off and on since I was diagnosed. I've ALWAYS had insomnia issues--in fact, just a year before my bc diagnosis, my GYN put my on hormonal replacement just to help with the insomnia. I sincerely believe the estrogen patch I was wearing woke up and fed my estrogen-positive cancer like a seal to a great white shark, and believe me, breast-cancer related insomnia is much worse than menopause-related insomnia. I've been grateful for the restful sleep ambien provides me when I need it. The article that was quoted about ambien and increased risk of death is NOT a double-blind, prospective research study. It doesn't demonstrate causation; it just lines up statistics.
Anyway...our surgeries are just a couple of days apart, so we can prop each other up as we go along. Just keep thinking of the beautiful result on the other side! I don't know your circumstances, but I've been flat on one side for a year and I'm thoroughly tired of being lopsided, with a lumpy and dog-eared scar, and managing the foobie thing.
Have a great Sunday, and do something fun to get you mind off the calendar! xxoo
-
Seacretgardn, can you get some in home help? Or you can rent a recliner that you can get in and out. I do hope you find a good way to cope better. My second and third week were the toughest for me due to my ab-incision opening up. I had arranged to have my 4 sisters taking turns staying with me for the 4-weeks post-op. With multiple complications, I wouldn't have made it without them.
nihahi, can't help you with the sleeping aid for I couldn't get enough sleep post-op. The night before surgery, I didn't sleep much because I was getting ready at the last minute. Also, I told myself that I would be sleeping for 10 to 12 hour straight the next day. I am not the world's best sleeper, but I refuse to let it bother me anymore. On a good night, I sleep for 5-6 hours, the bad ones could be at little as a couple of hours. I would take a nap whenever I feel sleepy during the day. I completely agree with you about driving, being more conservative is better. Also before you take a longer drive to work, maybe make a couple of circles in your neighborhood or to the local grocery store to test your overall ability to handle everything after a major surgery. Better days ahead, nihahi! -
Nihahi - sending many hugs along your way! I've never in my life used any sleep aids until my breast cancer diagnosis. I got to a point where my body was crumbling from being so stressed and maybe getting 2 hours of real sleep a night and I just threw in the towel because I became a real mess. Im not trying to advocate meds, but it sometimes gets to a point where you don't want to crumble before the surgery where you need to be able to heal well and go in a positive mindset. Post surgery, I haven't touched any of my sleep aids or anxiety meds, and I hope it stays that way! For the past 2 months since my diagnosis I'm actually getting real sleep.
As for walking vs riding, I certainly hope that you won't have to go through all that that you described from the pre-op nurse! Thats so awful. Why does the hospital have their pre op area so far from the OR?
Is that how your hospital is laid out? I've had three surgeries in the last year (different health issues) in three different hospitals and always got rolled in on a gurney, and it was always a short distance. My markings were done first in the pre op area, then the loopy meds put in and then rolled off to the OR. In the DIEP case, I didn't even know they had put the loopy meds in. I got rolled into the OR and was scooted to the operating table, felt totally clear, and within a few minutes I was out. The hubby wasn't allowed past the pre op area, which was at most a 30 second distance from OR.
You also make great points on driving. Even if I were ready, I don't think my family will let me near the car keys for at least another few weeks. I'm not sure what's the standard time that the doctors realistically clear one for driving after a DIEP?
I hope today is a better day for you and that the "blues" have gotten better! I don't have much to be able to help with the worries and fears before surgery (which I know is so awful), only the reassurance that you will feel so much better after surgery.. Feel free to PM me if you ever need to chat. (Hugs)! -
Seacretgardn -- can you put more pillows underneath so you don't have that far to get up from? I'm not sure how to describe it, but if I'm in bed, but I do a funny combination of a log roll, using my elbow, and pushing up on something like a nightstand to get up quickly. I definitely don't think that's the right way...
-
secretgard my surgery was feb 28th, sorry I keep forgetting and putting wrong date out there. I have had no problems with stairs or going into my own bed. The pillows are still piled up though, for me to sleep in a slightly sitting position. I try to get out every day but still hunched over a little bit. Tummy feels tight and boobs are defn more sore than in hospital. Lots of aches and under my arms it feels like there are big folds. I got the last two drains out on thurs. Still feels like I will never feel normal again but I know in time......
-
Nihahi - sorry you're feeling blue and worried. My fingers are crossed that the PS is right or, if he's not, that you can somehow get an exception so your hubby can accompany you further.
Regarding sleep aids: when I was having trouble sleeping during my radiation therapy and didn't like Ambien, my radiation oncologist suggesting trying a particular form of OTC Unisom (the kind with doxylamine succinate). Many of her patients had better luck with that than many of the prescription meds, even at just half a tablet. This often works great for me, though not lately. I may try a full tablet tonight.
Secretgarden - I didn't have a recliner either, just a couch that I used with a foam incline pillow and other regular pillows. Doing the "log roll" off that worked pretty well, though it's a nice flat couch (worked better than the hospital bed!). Later I also found it helpful to reach under my knees with my hands; it helps leverage your arm strength to sit up. I wish I had other suggestions. I wonder if you could get a home visiting nurse to come consult with you on options? -
What do the surgeons use to close you up after a DIEP? I am worried (and I will talk with my surgeon about this) because since chemo, bandaids make me red and itchy, and now it appears I am having an allergic reaction to the dermabond skin glue used to close me up after my port removal. Will this cause me problems with getting reconstruction?
-
Geralyn - congrats on the last drains out! Hang in there for normalcy - though easier said than done, I know. I know what you mean about feeling things will never return to normal, and I'm only 4 weeks out. I find I hit periodic lows where I get so tired of feeling sore and tired and limited. We can only ride those times out, I suppose - and hopefully find comfort here, with others who can relate. Wish I knew the secret to patience, though. It's never been a strong suit of mine.
-
christina0001 let the nurses and doctors know ahead of time that you have allergic reactions to tapes and bandages!! I had a slight reaction to tape used for a pain tube put into my stomach(test thing). Seagan thanks for that but 4 weeks I would think that I would be almost normal , although I know it needs at least 8 weeks to feel like I could work again. I vacuum , mop, wash dishes, cook, sleep in my own bed from beginning. I know compared to some I am doing really well. Had a friend of friend over today as she will go into surgery april 15th. So many of us!!! xxxoo to all
-
Christina0001 -- I definitely have dermabond, not sure about others. Seagan and geralyn thanks for your info on your experiences now. I get a bit frustrated at feeling tired so easily at times. I keep seeing discussions about a "new normal" but I miss my "old" normal so much!
-
Hi ladies, thanks for letting me "meltdown on your shoulders". Doing a bit better today, not sleepwise, but "frame of mind"wise, as I have committed myself to pursue the medication boost. I'm going to my regular yoga class this morning, then going to track down an appointment to get the rx script. Part of my "bottoming out" I think is due to the reality that I have been coping with increasing discomfort/pain for over a year because of the capsular contracture around my implant. I have done the flat chest look, didn't want it, did the implant thing, had one rupture, now this one contracted.....so ready to be "me" again!!!!!!!
Christina....my PS does multiple layers of internal sutures, then finishes with steristrips to close the wound edges. It concerned me at first, thinking it wouldn't be strong enough to hold the abd closed, but realized that it is the internal sutures that are the real "strength" for that area.
Geralyn....OMG....you had me freaking out when I thought you meant you were 2 months post surgery and had just gotten your last drain out!!!!!! I really don't like the drains at home idea AT ALL!!!!!! My PS insists on lifting nothing more than the weight of a cup of coffee for 6 weeks....., no pushing or pulling. How soon did you start your vacuuming, etc? Sounds like you are doing amazing!
Hugs to ladies who are "going in" this week. Hugs to those still waiting. Hugs to those showing us it gets better.
-
Nihahi Im sorry this has been such a long process for you
I hope you get some relief after your appointment!
My preregistration paperwork listed that my husband and I would go our separate ways upon arrival the morning of and I nearly lost it. So I checked with the doctors during my pre-op eval to be sure he could accompany me until surgery time and they said that was totally fine and generally people do. So I would definitely plan on asking and insisting because it is important to you and that should be important to them as well. Hang in there (((hugs)))
Im wondering if any of you ladies have asked about shifting positions and getting in and out of bed after surgery? If we cant lift anything etc how will that not put strain on us it's just like lifting no?
Also my ps doesn't want me to wear a bra for weeks post op is this common? Just wondering if the girls will be too free when Im out and about if you catch my drift. -
I wore a snug tank top. I couldn't handle the free-ness. I was instructed to go braless for a few weeks also. I started to wear a sports bra with formed cups (no under wire) and that helped with any swelling that I was having.
-
I know nihahi , it must have been wishful thinking that I had surgery 2 months ago. Finally realized I had put wrong date!! I sweep and vacuum but don't pick up anything heavy. If I don't do it nobody will. So for correction the last drains came out exactly two weeks after surgery and I see my PS one month after surgery on march 28th. The drains at home are ok , just a pain to walk around with and sometimes they open and leak. My nurse said to keep them drained often and pin lower so as they drain down and keep record of how much and how often. I wore a skirt and pinned just above knee on the skirt. I put a long sweater over top. I try to do as much as possible without putting any strain on tummy or chest.
-
Faith.....your nurses and/or physio should teach you how best to shift positions/get out of bed/out of chairs/off the toilet while you're still in hospital. If they don't....ask for that teaching. You're absolutely right that pushing to get up, is just as much of a "no no". Do you have chairs, sofas, etc. at home that aren't the low, squishy kind? That's something not often considered but might be an issue too.
I am definitely going to pursue the "hubby stays with me" plan.....it has been the major cause of stress for me since the pre-op nurse laid that bombshell!
My PS doesn't want me wearing anything (bra wise) for at least 2 weeks post surgery. Then he said I could wear a soft, front-fastening sport bra. I think the main thing is they don't want any compression on the flap. I can't get my head around the "no support" thing either, as I'm thinking that would actually increase the strain on the vessels and incisions. Even more than normal, as the early days are when we can expect to be the most "bent over"....so the ladies will be really "hanging"!!!! I'm probably a bit unique, as one foob will be the diep flap, the other real boob will have an "augmentation implant" removed, then he'll do a boob lift, with some boob reduction too. So I'm going to be two different scenarios at the same time. The sport bra, no matter what size I tried, was not really comfortable, even before surgery. I'm gonna ask if a "loose" cami with a built in shelf bra would be ok.
-
Skigirl and nihahi thanks for responding I was hoping to do cami's with shelf bras or fitted tanks at the least but will check with my ps for confirmation of course. My boys play baseball and the thought of going to their games with free hanging girls makes me chuckle a bit but Id rather not anyway
Two weeks from today!!!! Nerves are in knots
-
For the newbies, I found a wonderful site for a hospital/home jacket for the drains:
http://www.alittleeasierrecovery.org/
It looks exactly like what you will need with a drain pocket on each side for the breasts and two for abs. You can also check is you hospital partcipates in the program.
I had to tie a sheet to the post on the end of my bed to pull up on for a couple of weeks to get in and out of bed w/o assistance, but you could use something rope-like. Even getting a bed rail would work, but I was too cheap to buy one.
I wore a camisolle with a shelf bra in it for the first six weeks per doctor's orders, but I really felt like I needed support more. It's the compression thing, they really like flaps to get good blood flow.
-
Heavenschild that's the site I posted did you find out if your hospital participates? Was it even you that asked me about the Jacki or have i officially lost my mind? At this point that's very possible lol
-
Hi all -- I had a single DIEP on 3.6.13, and am remembering that it's helpful to have other folks for companionship during this! I haven't been here in a while and am just catching up (on my phone!), so I will try to be more up to date soon!
Me: Just had my last drain out today (others at 8 days post-op, plus the On-Q pain pump), and I am now wedged into this petroleum-smelling binder! Any wisdom on the binder front? No bra or caffeine for 6 weeks, though hoping to go to work a bit after 4 weeks. We'll see! Sleeping on the couch (would try a bed arrangement, but my 3-year-old sleeps on bed with us, so not just yet), and planning to start walking tomorrow. Just got clearance today.
My biggest q's this point are dealing with the binder once I want to wear regular clothes instead of a tshirt and yoga pants, and how I'll deal with being at home and wanting to eat everything in sight!! -
FWIW I saw my surgeon today and I did not have an allergic reaction to the dermabond, I had an allergic reaction to the disinfectant prep stuff he used before he took the port out. I'll have to ask the recon PS what she uses cuz I sure don't want to go through this twice.
-
heavenschild - wow, i like that drain jacket! The drain after my UMX was such a pain, this looks like it could really help a lot. I am really thinking of buying one.
-
faith729 - you may have already posted about the Jacki - what I really miss most of all is my memory. I don't know how I came across this jacket this time. The City of Hope in Duarte out here participates, but I am hoping to go to NOLA for my Stage 2 (a girl can dream, can't she?). My sister got me a vest that you wear under your clothing with pockets from the cancer society, but it had velcro on the inside and was itchy, but it was thoughtful of her.
-
Got my req's in the mail today for pre-op bloodwork, so that's on tomorrow's agenda. Also booked an appt for tomorrow with my family doc to get some "helper"drugs. Must have been karma, as usually it takes a month or more to get in to see her, but they had a cancellation just before I called!
Faith....right there with you with the "nerves" situation. Really, really hoping the meds will help. This is sooooo unlike me to have such out of control panic-type anxiety, and all my usual solutions are no longer working!!!!! I can tell my hubby is getting frustrated with me and my nerves, even though he understands. Thank Goodness for you ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heavenschild...you made me chuckle...which is quite the accomplishment lately, with your "what I really miss most of all is my memory" comment. Thanks for that.
Emily...I'm sure some of the "veterans" will have some answers for you.
-
Heavenschild so funny Im with you on the memory thing.Will you have drains after stage two? I was thinking that stage one was the only time they were needed ahh??
Nihahi good luck with your blood work. All the husbands out there dealing with us have their work cut out for them. My husband is starting to show his nerves a bit now and though he tries hard not to and it isn't in his nature to worry about anything it's scary for them too I think. -
I'm just writing on a pain-meds wake up
, but popping in to say that to hold the drains, I wore the same camisole as I got for my mastectomy, and it's been great. I was so surprised that my PS didn't give it to me ahead or have any plan for one, since having the drains is so uncomfortable and expected!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team