Diep 2012

Ilr010200 thanks, that's what I was thinking. That takes me into October.

I'm considering implant for my "good girl" too, myPS assures me that everything will even out but right now I don't see any way that there will be symmetry. I know it's only been 2 months but I would have thought it would have settled more by now. I'm massaging and lubing it all the time and it still sits higher and is a lot firmer then the other.

Luanne, you might be surprised by how much it will settle down in the next 2-3 months, but you may still want some adjustments for symmetry. They should be able to fix that at stage 2. My ps said he usually likes to do stage 2 at 3 months but I'm glad I have been waiting. They have changed a bit and now I have a better idea of what I want done.

I hear ya! Hope you're healing well and feeling better each day!

Hope everyone is well! I thought I'd give my report on the scar away silicone strips. I've worn them more days than not over the past few weeks and can't really tell a difference. Although you can wash them I've found they tend to roll up on my ab scar and don't stay put after a few days of use. I guess they've worked for others but I don't feel like it's worth it for the hassle. I'll stick with ps advice and just keep moisturizing.

I've never heard of them.

I'm moisturizing and deep tissue massaging like a crazed woman lol. My RO said I shouldn't have any issues if I keep up. Apparently massaging till it hurts is good for a reconstructed radiated breast.

Rebecca, I had heard about scar away on the nipple recon thread. It's supposed to lighten and flatten scars so they're less noticeable. They are stretchy adhesive strips kinda like bandaids. Something about the silicone backing is supposed to help retain moisture. Anyways, I think I'm too impatient for it.



Luanne, I had the same skin sparing mx with keyhole incisions. I have some thicker places in the scars but mostly where stitches had surfaced. I think it will smooth out or get revised at stage 2. Can't help with the fb question though. Did you google it? Good luck! :-)

Well...I spent a few days depressed this week!  Went to see the PS because my bulge seemed bigger and started to hurt.  It turns out, and all it took was his feeling the area, that the fascia layer that's stitched together over the top of the muscle during diep has separated. The thing that's most upsetting is that he said it could have been fixed during stage 2 in Nov, if they'd known that's what the bulge was from.  It was smaller at that point so I guess it wasn't their concern...even though it was mine & I kept asking about it.  So, he said it's a quick fix, closing it back up & possibly adding mesh if necessary, except for when you're on chemo...that would be me!  So, I'm asking for more prayers, Sisters, that those liver mets go away, I can cease the chemo for however long as possible, and can get this tummy fixed.  It's making me a little irritable and I don't like it   The good news...they took more pix of my toobs because they're so happy with the outcome.  They're impressed with the symmetry.  I am thankful too...but I said the picture would have my port in it too...they said they'd just photoshop it out.  Sometimes you just have to laugh, right!!!!

Wonder if the rest of you are glued to the March Madness....we're Gonzaga fans (DH alum) so we're on pins and needles right now.  Take care dear Sisters!!!!

Hi Ronnie!! I will pray those liver mets be GONE!!! So sorry your tummy got worse. I am certain I have a problem there as well. I can feel something shift even at times. It's creepy. Plus, there is the obvious bulge. I have more than one area unfortunately. Im relieved to know it's an easy fix. Hope the tummy stays numb. The 5" area of fresh incision again after removing necrosis didn't even hurt after stage II. I hope to take a good long surgery break. I need to get rid of the extra lbs first anyhow.  How are you feeling?

Shianne - I had one area that took its time healing on the ab incision, though it finally closed by 11 weeks.  I kept antibiotic ointment on it with a small pad to cover and increased my protein intake.  Go easy on yourself (and your husband).  The ab incision can be fixed at Stage 2 and it will change over time.

Martyj, three abds across the entire incision with a binder is the most comfortable for me, but is very bulky.

Tammy, I've been using the 4x4 gauze pads cut and folded to fit with the paper surgical tape. I had to have home care come daily for a bit and it was all supplied by them. I'm sure you could get it at a pharmacy tho.

Thanks guys, it helps to know its not uncommon.

Sbelizbeth... Lol, I have a use for all those pads I don't need anymore due to chemo!!! It actually gave me a good idea, mine isn't oozing but I wonder if I soak one on the saline solution and freeze it then place it taped to my rads burn would work?!

Thanks, shinnne, MartyJ. and sbelizabeth. Will have to give the sanitary pads a try.

Wounds close from within outward to the surface so I don't think you would want to butterfly strip it shut.

I also agree not to butterfly it closed... that is a quick way to trap bacteria and cause an infection.