Diep 2012

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  • MENA1954
    MENA1954 Member Posts: 194
    edited April 2013

    Fredntan, I am sorry you are suffering.  Sometimes I  wonder "  What else could go wrong?

    Then I remember that I was able to get through so much so far and I tell myself that one more setback is not going to kill me!  Hang in there, everything is going to be OK in the end... think of your perfect boobs and slim thighs!  ((((HUGS))))

    Mena

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    Almost home..whew what a long day. Thghs havebig bruises o them. Our last flight today was overbooked. And I negotiated 600 dollar vouchers to fly

    .couple o hours later. So we tookit.



    L

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited April 2013

    Fran, I hope you're resting comfortably at home now. Been sending you healing vibes! You are almost done with this long journey and will be soon enjoying spring with all this behind you.



    I do have a question for all of you who have done nipple recon. What method did your ps use and are you happy with projection. I meet with ps Monday and have been researching. Looks like there are so many techniques but projection is usually poor...like a 2-3 mm. I had worried about headlights but I think it's quite the opposite. It looks like projection is tougher for implants but my ps seemed to think us diepers did better with the thicker skin from our belly flaps. Any input would be appreciated.



    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    Inmy bed at last. Called my docs at prma and he called in some tramadol.



    I was also able to get better seats on flights home. I got letter from my PS saying i wascleared for flying and to assist me if needed. I got bumped to first class for first flight! It was only hour lingflight. Other three hour one got us near front andgotme aaisle seat!

    I wore my compression garmets. The ones that look like tattoos, DH says people were giving m

    e the look. They thought my arms were covered withtats:-)

    I got some cowgirl boots intexas



    I think my new girls look like boobs now. I think they will look awesome after I get tats on them

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited June 2014

    CG, I was given a couple of options for nipple recon.

    One was doing a flap with the existing tissue. My other option was to graft some of my existing nipple from my left to the right.

    I have quite a bit of projection on the healthy breast, so I thought the graft would be a better option for me.

    I am pleased with the decision. I now have a reduced nipple (you really can't tell) and a nice nipple of my own on the recon breast. I did not have any issues with flattening. Did not have to wear any funky devices. I had an occlusive dressing for a couple of days and no showers or immersion in water for a few days after. I just wore a light gauze dressing with my ointment and later vaseline to keep the area moist and free from scabbing. There was a little concern in the first week whether the graft was taking, but I babied it and it has turned out just fine. I have had one tat session and will need a second to gain a better matching color of the nipple and areola. I wasn't sure about doing this next step but glad I did. And happy I had a graft done.

    I have not lost any sensation in the donor nipple and since my nipple recon have a little more surface feeling. Probably coincidental.

    :)

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    I am kind of wondering how they attatch the nipple. After it heals:-) there isnt chance it will come off



    Am still itchy, been scrstching all day. Got the tramadol. Itchyness not as bad today.

    My voice is still screwy. They said this is normal after intubation

    Anyone else have thigh lipo? Wonder how in the hell they got me in this compression garment?



    My instructions say just to wash with soap and water. Says not to use alcohol swabs or ointments

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited April 2013

    Fredntan, you are cracking me up.  I have a mental image of the OR team wrestling with a limp, unconscious patient and that compression garment.  

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited April 2013

    Fran are you able to take an anti-histamine or something to help with itching until off the pain meds? You might ask for something to relieve it. Hope you feel less sore today!



    Depending on the method, the nipple should be still attached to your skin in places or stitched on well. Are you worried about your incision?



    Sandpiper, thanks for the info. Sounds like there are more options with nipple sparing and sharing. I had both removed and they were reluctant to spare on ca side due to tumor location. I didn't think or know to ask about prophy side.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    I just like tocomplain. The oragami nipple looks like it is sewed in well.need todrinkmorefluidstoday

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited April 2013

    You are coming home to wonderful weather. I am visiting my daughter in Chesapeake and it will be in the 80's this week.



    Leaving next Sunday and going through the Shenendoaha (spelling ??) Valley for a couple of days. Any travel suggestions?

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  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 452
    edited April 2013

    How long after the peeling stage does the rads burn start to feel better?? Lol, I'm sitting here picking dry flakes off my arm pit and boob lol

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    Luanne-shouldnt be long



    I had to remove my compression garmet last night.. Took some laxatives, some gas meds, some prunes. Slept on my sides some last night. I hate that comoression thing. Squeezes everything down.

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  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited April 2013

    Hi Fran, like you, I have need for laxitives, gas meds and prunes, but oppsite from you, I like compression. It makes me feel supported :-)

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited June 2014

    LOL @ Tammy. I thought I was the oddball in this group in regards to compression. I wore my binder (s) out as I wore them for a couple of months not the 4 weeks. When I went back to work I could only get through part of my day without it and needed the support for the back half of my work day.

    Glad you are home fran

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  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited April 2013

    @sandpiper1, it must be the water in Three Rivers...

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited June 2014

    LOL @ Tammy. ;)

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  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 452
    edited April 2013

    I loved the compression leg wear!!! So sexy lol

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    What brands are youll loving . I can tokerate it during day, but last nite i took it off. I am barely eating. I am eight days out from part two.. i feel nausea a lot. Am taking phergan.. my energy is low house is a wreck. Should have had my mom come up.. i neveriagined I wouldbe this sick

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  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited April 2013

    Fran, I still use the binder given to me by the ps office a couple of weeks after surgery. I had it cut into 4 pieces and wear one over my abdominal incision almost 24/7. Keep in mind I have tiny wounds that are appearing/healing. The narrow binder also keeps the dressing in place. You can still ask your mom to come to you...

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    I am actually going on a bc retreat starting sunday. I am eating better today. Just hate the way sx makes me feel.

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  • shianne29
    shianne29 Member Posts: 452
    edited April 2013

    A retreat sounds like a nice idea. I'm so sorry you feel so poorly. :-( sending hugs and love!!!

    I got all my compression stuff from hospital too.

    Tammy, I never thought of cutting the binder!! Great idea!! I don't wear mine except for exercising and the wide band is a pain in the butt!!!



    Hope everyone is sleeping soundly!!

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited April 2013

    Hi Girls!  Just had to catch up on what's going on with my Diep Sisters!   Fred...hope your recovery is going well & you're noticing some nice changes to your already beautiful physique :)  

    Cuetang...Yes, my ps did take some fat from the pocket in the underarm area...and it's so much better!  He also surgically cut fat from the area that popped over my bra under my arm & that's wonderful!  I had a bit of necrotic fat where the breast begins in that area so that was cut out.  All in all...except for the fascia tear (and OMG...hooha...thanks to ALL who mentioned it!), my breasts are terrific.  One of my chemo nurses said I really need nipples but don't think I'm caring right now :) 

    Cg...I LOVE that you noticed feeling different on those "Frisky" days...Good for YOU!!!!   And Beckers...It's truly amazing what you've given to our future Diep Sisters!  Seriously, if just one step...adding nipples....can be avoided AND getting to keep your own, wonderful!  You're our Famous Sister! 

    OK...so now I'm talking hooha!!!  I seriously thought my puffiness was due to the torn fascia, but I just bet it's a little too much skin there.  It bugs me too...thanks for mentioning it, girls!  My Awesome News...all my blood tests...tumor markers & liver function panel...are NORMAL, so my onc thinks a couple months down the road she'll give me a chemo break and I can get the fascia fixed.  OMG...I'm so happy!!!  She's not even doing scans on me yet because she knows the liver tumors are shrinking by my tests being so good, and said she's NEVER had anyone respond this quickly to treatment.  She said in the beginning that since my scans were normal in June for diep, it meant my tumors came quickly & that could mean they'd shrink quickly!  Praise the Lord!!!   I feel really good considering weekly chemo & herceptin.  Am down 20 pounds walking & eating right!  Actually excited to wear a swimsuit - aside from my flabby almost 60 year old arms...ugh.  Anyhoo...see the PS next week to talk about fascia stitching AND hooha downsizing! 

    Love to you all!!!!!

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  • Beckers
    Beckers Member Posts: 1,883
    edited April 2013

    Ronnie!!! So good to see you! I am doing the happy dance!!! What wonderful news! Love our hooha issues...ha! Glad we have somewhere to come and have someone who can listen and relate. Are they sure you fascia is torn?? I talked to my PS about this. He thinks I am ok. I work in a rehab gym and I am doing estim on ab muscles. Another experiment! I am his ginea pig I think, but the PT thinks it is a good idea. Girl, I am just so happy to hear of your improvement. You also may be rocking a bikini at the rate you are going. :-)



    XOXO

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2013

    Recovery done. Cleaned whole house. Kitties where very happy for clean toilet and water. The cook isnt back yet. But leaving for bc retreat tomorrow. My dd tried to tell me she couldnt make it. Oh boy did my bp go up.



    That is wonderful news Ronnie. I cant remember but did you feel that something was off when you found the reoccurance? Was it elevated tumor markers or routine scan? My old MO seems to think that no scans and no tumor markers are the way to go. I can agree about the scans, but not tumor markers. I see another MO, but he is far and not n network.

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  • lilyun
    lilyun Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2013

    Having Stage 2 on Monday but I have been fighting a virus coming on all week. Stayed in bed all day today. I want to be well to have the surgery even though at this point I feel nauseated by the thought of it! After spending this weeekend in bed the last thing I want to do is lie around for two more weeks. My daughter and husband went out to eat tonight. I hate to think that I am going to be out of action again. I think that I am more nervous about the discomfort than I was with the Stage 1. Does anyone know if we have to sleep on our backs again? Will I be back to the recliner for the next couple of weeks? How long till you're feeling like yourself? I am having nipples, breast contouring, belly button reconstruction, dog ears removed, extra skin removed from back, and my favorite the "hoohah lift." On top of this I had to have interviews for a new position and evaluations at my present position all moved up to this week because I won't be available the next two weeks. It seems unfair that I have to have so much stress at once but as I have learned life is not fair.

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  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited April 2013

    Ladies, I hate to be the ignorant one, but my DIEP is Monday and I'd like to know what to expect.  What, exactly, happens to one's hoo-ha?

    I know the abdominal skin is pulled tight but do your lady bits wind up under your nose or something? 

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited April 2013

    I haven't noticed any difference with my lady bits sbelizabeth. Maybe with less flesh on my abdomen I can see them better, but that's about it... Hubby certainly hasn't commented on any difference :-)



    Makes for interesting reading here lately though, and I feel for those who ended up with a bit more changed downunder than they were expecting.



    Jenn

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited April 2013

    Sbelizabeth,

    I had ss/ns umx with immediate DIEP a year ago January. Absolutely no change to my 'hoo ha'. Can't even picture what these gals are describing. Interesting discussion.



    I didn't have any type of dog ears or a puffy abdomen that some describe either.



    Hope you are able to relax this weekend!



    Diana

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  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 1,423
    edited April 2013

    I remember being so embarrassed to ask my doctor about this but she laughed and at first called it the "pushin cushion" and then said when she revises my scar she could lift the "hooha." She mentioned that it is the best perk of all. Ha Ha I still laugh every time I think about this. You girls will have to let me know. I am scheduled May 10.



    Sbelizabeth- my pubic area became puffy. It was out there. I would be embarrassed in a bathing suit. My doctor called it droopy. She said it happens a lot and most girls don't mention it. I am glad I did. It may not even happen to you. I will be thinking of you on Monday. You will do great. Relax tomorrow and TRY not to think about it too much. Can't wait to hear from you on the other side. (((((Hugs)))))





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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited April 2013

    Katie - my hooha stayed in place st S1. It is more about pulling skin down than pulling it up. Hence, they have to move your belly button.



    Lilyun- yes, you will be sleeping on your back at first with pillows under your head and knees. Recliner if you are more comfy. I had Stage 2 done on Friday. The pain is different. I still need help getting up. Perhaps because we added an abdominal plication. Thankfully, my DH is here for all my needs.

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