DIEP 2013

Faith - Yes, I went home with the OnQ ball still attached. A little annoying, but no big deal really, and I think it was working wonderfully because after it was removed, I had more pain (not a ton, and really sporadic, not constant - but I did see the difference.)



Sooo funny how the docs all have very different opinions/approaches to compression and bras. Boston docs said binder only after drains came out, and wear for 3 months, more or less 24/7. When I asked about switching to a Marena, the PA said I could send them something I'm interested in to see if it would be ok, but really they just like us in the binder. The binder was too long on me up/down-wise, so the PA cut off one of the 4 panels. (I am 5'2" - barely....!) It is just like a big elastic band fastened with velcro when you have it stretched tightly around you, reaching from hips to just under chest. Nothing fancy. NO bras for at least 4 weeks... not sure what will be approved after that.



KiwiMum - be sure to ask your doc about fat grafting on your healthy breast. During decision making for me, I inquired about lift/enlarge on my healthy side if I only went uni. My doc could lift, and that would've made it a little smaller. In regards to fat grafting, they said that "some docs would do it" but they do not because it can cause false alarms on future diagnostics (mammos) or conversely, they assume it is not a problem when it shows up and it turns out it is something to be concerned about. He could offer me a small implant on that side, but that kind of defeated the whole process of going DIEP in the first place for me. I don't mean to scare you, just want to share what I was told.



So happy to hear of all the amazing recoveries and those getting closer to your big day! I am now 16 days out, walking around the neighborhood a little, doing light house chores (mostly just taking care of myself) and at this point out of the bed more than in it. But I still schedule myself downtime in bed to read or sleep.



I like the idea of requesting pre/op/post reports. Thank you to whomever made that suggestion awhile back!



Jeannie

Kiwi... A woman celtic_antique here on the boards had a small flap put on natural side to supplement... Perhaps PM her. Her name is Maggie.

The new foobs don't bounce back like the originals. If I wore a bandaid over an area that was not healed yet, when I took it off there was an indentation and you could see exactly where the bandaid was which would eventually go away. The left one now feels like an original (but numb), but still feels like it is just hanging there - I wonder how it is supported? The right one b/c of the radiation is not as pretty and kinda looks like a hamburger bun. I was scared to sleep on my side at first because of the blood flow, but after getting up several times to check, the places where the foobs became indented bounced back.

Cuetang-thought of you as we were driving to Chesapeake today. I saw the exit for Fairfax. I am visiting my granddaughter, daughter and her hubby for 3 weeks. Driving from Michigan.



I put this out on another post too....... What have some of you been using for SCAR TREATMENT? I have heard of Kela-cote from my doctor and others here. Has anyone tried anything else with success?

Cherrie-- you were truly right in the neck of the woods here! . Perfect timing on your trip as the weather is supposed to get getting warmer here and be nice in the next few days. Have fun with the family! As for scar treatment, my PS office recommended biocorneum, which was $120 for the "large" bottle. I usually like to research my options beforehand so I didn't get it today. They said if I didn't want to buy it, mederma or kelocote would work.



Moviemaniac-- I mentioned earlier today about no ab work from my PS but I think that's because I'm less than 3 weeks out from my surgery.



Sbelizabeth-- I'm not sure if I would be fascinated or horrified to be able to see my boob after the mastectomy. . I think it's totally awesome that you're getting this documented and that it definitely will help others in the future that have to go through this.

Nihahi, this all makes sense.  Thanks.  I wondered why my 3" long bunionectomy scar is virtually invisible.  It's because I wear shoes that put pressure on it almost 24/7.  Not practical for breast scars, but interesting!

Great information, nihahi. Will you please name a moisturizing product with medical grade silicone in it?

Ladies so good to read your posts this morning. I woke up this morning had my breakfast and got queasy which I think was my bodies way of saying stop denying it you are indeed nervous. When I dropped my 12 year old son off at school this morning he mentioned that this will be our last drop off together for a long time.. tugged at my heart strings in a big way.Also Im not sure what sparked it but I just randomly started crying in the shower yesterday honestly while crying I was asking myself"why am I crying"

Did anyone else get nauseous in the last few days leading up to surgery?



Gini thank you so much for continuing to read and respond. Knowing a little more of what to expect is a huge help !



Nihahi awesome info on the scar care thank you !



Also here is a website for special pillows that I received as a gift. They are specifically made for comfort under the arms after mx etc.

etsy.com/shop/PreciousSurvivors

Jackie - my PS said no ab/core work for 3 months. But you are nearing the 3 month mark, yes? Couple more weeks?

Faith...I was just like you....finding the tears coming seemingly out of nowhere....the activan has helped, as has the distraction of my daughter's issues. I think it's better to acknowledge and release stress when possible, it's a normal reaction. 

A product doesn't necessarily have to be 100% medical grade silicone, but the more the better, but then the $$$ goes up. Kelacote and Dermatrix(sp?) have some, I'm not sure what %'d. 

I will not speak about massaging fat grafted areas, or fatty tissue, as it would be just my opinion, not knowledge. But for massaging scars, you should be ok to start around 3 weeks post surgery (on a well healed, non-complicated scar). First you need to allow enough time to let the collagen fibers form and "bind". The massage and moisturizing are used to help "re-align" the collagen fibers to lie flat and in "lines" as opposed to whorled and knotted. You need to massage the scar area specifically, which is tricky over soft "squishy" tissue. Push down on the scar firmly, then keep pressure on while rotating around and around, both directions and also back and forth lengthwise. Put moisturizing product on your scars before starting the rub down. You may find that some areas feel quite loose, others seem almost "stuck" and the normal skin around it seems to be more connected to that area than others. These are the spots you need to focus more on. Make sure some moisturizer is left on the scar when you're done too. The scar will look redder for a few minutes afterwards, as you have increased the blood flow to that area, but will settle down. 

I wouldn't get too freaked out about the scars we will/are having. They will be neat, controlled surgical scars, not traumatic, uneven ones from non-surgical "injuries". Although highly personal to US, they are easily concealed from the public. There are no miracle, guaranteed scar free surgeries....maybe someday, but not now.

Faith, I am a shower cryer! No one can see me - hear me....!



I was not nauseaus leading up to surgery, but was nervous and starting to wonder what I'd gotten myself into. And there were days post-surgery that I looked in the mirror and said WTF did I do to myself??



But now with drains out, incisions healing, and having nice soft girls instead of the icky hard TEs on my chest, I am happily looking forward to Stage II shaping and wearing pretty girlie undergarments again in the not so far off future. I love my cleavage - I am certainly not big (full B maybe, small C? That's what I've been hoping for anyway... about the same as before...) but the TEs did not come together in the middle.



You will be on the other side VERY soon! And your son will barely remember the few weeks that you could not drop him off at school.

sbelizabeth.....I sent an email to the Jacki people after reading your post, and have already gotten a reply!!!!! Looks like they will go "out of their normal range" and will send me a garment too!!!! Thanks for that info.

Janet...yup.....the "what have I done" thoughts here too, but as soon as the alien boob starts zinging, I remember why. 

I ordered the meditation/healing after surgery tapes on the weekend. Does anyone know about how long it takes to receive them?????

Off to take daughter to her doc appointment.....to find out what showed up in her bloodwork that made them call her in so quickly. Think good thoughts, please, for her.........she is such a good person....things just HAVE to start turning around for her!!!!!

Hey does anyone know of a good meditation CD or track that is available on iTunes ?

Cherrie... The NOLA docs can give you the sheets of silicone scar treatment..They did for me...I assume Dr Massey does the same.  And its very expensive. So perhaps ask them. Also, about massage, they recommend that you do not massage ANY fat grafted areas. I am 8 weeks post op and still won't even sleep on my belly, but massage is a no no. Someone recently asked this question on the Ask the Doctor forum, and that was the one thing Dr D said to avoid. Now, if your scars on abdominal, where no fat grafting was done, that is another case.

Yay, thanks for the update Judy!