DIEP 2013
Comments
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I can't even remember where/why I needed the backscratcher, just that I was soooo glad to have it. Thanks again to whoever suggested it! That, earplugs, an eye mask and my phone were among the few things I had brought that I actually used at the hospital.
Nihahi, I brought a bra but ended up ditching it pretty quickly. I was small enough that that was ok. The one advantage to itty bitty titties (sorry, just can't help saying that sometimes - it's just too perfect for my situation). -
Janet M - 2 Targets right here in Burlington! I can walk to one of them.
Thank you all for your information on the drains. I like to be prepared mentally.
I am actually only having one surgery. I'm not having the "staged" surgery. My PS said one surgery and he's done. I just have to come back for nipples after 6 months. I was starting to get confused - so I confirmed this with my husband and then did research online. I guess because I am completely done now with chemo and my only options left are radiation or a mastectomy and I chose mastectomy - that might be why. My PS also told me that he is going to give me a "lift" on the left side. My husband said the doctor came across as Mr. Perfectionist and that is good by him! We had done research on my surgeon to find out what we would be dealing with prior to my appt. He was rated as high as he could have been and all people said was "he does amazing work". I was told at least 3 nights in hospital and he sends me home "to take it easy". His post-op brochure has pictures and instructions on how to remove your own drains, too. I'm not going to do that - I have a nurse friend who can help with that if need be. Goodness, I hope I get more information out of him next Tuesday! I'm sure I will.
Janet M and Geralyn - did you have or are you having a "staged DIEP" procedure in Toronto?
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Seagan I wished I had brought the back scratcher , my back legs , etc. were so itchy and I couldn't reach very well to alleviate. I did bring my ear plugs and eyemask and I used the eyemask!! Slippers to slip on light weight robe and my phone all came in handy. Left hospital with 3 balls attached and they came out after two weeks. HHcat I had a home nurse until balls/drains came out, it was provided by ohip so I imagine you will have too. The drains under arms were painless to come out and the stomach drains were ok except my right side struggled to come out. They leave quite the large marks after! Also correct me if I am wrong but when I asked others here about what stage 2 was , because I thought I was just one surgery, it really means adjustments if necessary. HHcat I don't know what staged surgery means. I was to do one surgery and then nipples 3 to 6 months down the road but if there are any issues with symetry your PS can correct with liposuction or small surgery. That is what stage 2 means to most of the girls here. We in Canada will not get the adjustments as easily as in US , health insurance will not pay for plasic surgery that is not crucial. So to fix anything on my scar or bulbous belly I would have to pay for it. I did my surgery feb 28th at Toronto General and am now 5 weeks in recovery. Put my back out today, no reason , no exercertions, just went. Probably stress related.
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Yay Faith to hear you are heading home!
I had the hubby bring a backscratcher the second day I was there. I'm guessing (?) I had a minor reaction to the morphine, and I itched at the most random places, like my calf where I could not reach easily. The first night was ok because every time the nurse came in to check the flaps, I asked her to scratch wherever my leg, arm, back itched. I also used it to reach for things when I didn't want to strain to use my abs.
My room was normal temperature (well didn't seem like any different from the hallways and stuff when I walked around). It was my first night in the ICU where I had a warm puffy blanket (think down blanket look but with air in it), which I guess is to keep the flaps warm.
Hhcats-- good to hear that yours is a one step process. I'm being given too much time to ink about tweaks for the next stage, and that's probably not a good thing
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Sooooo, instead of the relaxing weekend we had planned......I'm sitting outside in the car while hubby waits with daughter inside the walk-in clinic. She called us to say she had a major migraine, complete with throwing up. So....into town we drive, get her here. Sit down and see someone we know, who comes over to chat. While sitting next to me she announces she either has tonsillitis or strep throat. OMG!!!!! I decide sitting in a waiting room full of sick people is not a smart move, 6 days before surgery. I'm typing on my phone, so just can't respond to some of today's messages like I want to. Catch up with you all later.
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My mind is a bit foggy but I'll hopefully answer all the questions.
My room was kept really warm because my PS believed that was essential for great healing.
I left with 4 drains and the qball. One for each breast and one on each hip. The qball is a device similar to a drain that is inserted under the abdomen incision and carried in a small black bag. It disperses pain med to the area sort of like a sprinkler. That's how my PS explained it. 3 out of 4 drains and the qball should be removed on Thursday.
The ride home wasn't bad at all with my pillow I used a twin size and often tested my chin on the top. I was more worked up with nerves etc so that I think is what made me a little queasy. My ride is about 45-60 min.
The back scratcher came in handy for me for a couple reasons first was because I had a strong reaction (very itchy everywhere) from the morphine.
The second was my room was warm and I spent a lot of time on my back also I had circulation things on my legs which felt like a massage most of the time but often got itchy also. stay well ladies -
I have noticed that several of you have referred to getting itchy from the pain meds. It might be worth considering the antibiotics. Some can generate that kind of reaction - bactrim in particular. If you have an itchy reaction, do let your doc know as it may be easy to resolve with a change in meds.
Nihahi - maybe you need to just go into isolation for the week? At least, give your daughter a face mask when she moves in so she doesn't share whatever she has with you. Here's hoping for the best!
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Martyj....it's getting to the point of insanity, it seems. At this point, it's laugh or cry, I've decided to laugh. Daughter is back at her place, with pills, icepack for the head, crackers and gingerale for the tummy. We told her to just rest tomorrow, not get stressed about the packing. If need be, we'll just throw everything in boxes and deal with it here.
We finally got home, to find a notice has been posted, that the whole condo will be without water for an entire day this week, to fix a water leak.....again.....just gotta laugh at this point!!!!! Maybe all the "glitches" now mean the surgery will go off without a hitch!!!
Faith, so glad to hear you're home safe and sound. Rest up, keep healing, now you're one of the "veterans"!
Robin...hope your surgery went well too.
Sister in Seattle called today to say she has my "betsy's" in the mail!
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Nihahi - when I had chemo - I was forbidden to go to the walk-in clinics by my hubbie and by my family doctor. So stay away as best you can. And you gotta laugh at the condo water issue - life always intervenes when you need it the least, right? When I was in my pre-op meeting for my lumpectomy in October - I suddenly get a call that the kindergarten has had an outbreak of lice. I calmly told the school secretary to call my best friend who would take my two little lovelies and do the treatment on them. The school secretary already thought I was on the meds!
Geralyn - I assumed it was the ole' OHIP thing. No tweaking allowed unless you are pretty much deformed. That's why I'm glad my guy is known for his "great work!" Time will tell. And yes, I get the home nurse too. I'm thinking that is a good thing in this case.
Oh and don't get me started on the joys of Morphine - I love morphine and have never gotten one itch from it. Of course, when I was in premature labor with the twins, my husband raced in and asked "How are you?" I told him I was in pain but just didn't care - morphine is good. But I'm getting a back scratcher none-the-less.
Everyone have a great night. Especially you nihahi! Hang in there.
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Faith so glad you are home safe and sound. You did it!! Yea!!!
1 day to surgery.... Such anxiety!! I'm afraid I'm going to chicken out.... -
Hi All!
I have been watching this group but I didn't have a date for my DIEP Flap, now I do. June 7th is my date and I have learned so much for you all! I am thinkful for so many women who are willing to share so much!
Best wishes to all!!
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Faith, welcome home and best wishes for a lovely, comfortable recovery!
Robin...you will NOT chicken out. Just keep thinking about feeling "whole" again. I hope you get a great night's sleep and enjoy your Sunday.
Nihahi, with everything going south like it seems to be for you, it's a guarantee your surgery will be flawless. Not much longer to wait.
Sherbab, welcome!
This whole "keeping the flaps warm" is pretty wild. I hate being too hot! I hope they don't try to make it a jungle in my room, I'll rebel.
We moved our son and daughter-in-law today to their new home. Gosh, I hate moving days. I'm exhausted. But not too tired to watch the Michigan/Kansas game that we tevo'd! Go Blue!
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Likewise, I am earning a lot from you all. I went and got some GO short pants today! They are very comfy!
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Selizabeth
Thanks for Go Blue! post. Must be why they won. DH is alumni so he is all crazy pumped up and ready for monday game. -
Sbelizabeth....I DID rebel.....I went naked! :-)
Robin-You.Will. Not. Chicken. Out. (Repeat as necessary) Soon, you will join us on the "dark side". (Sorry, it's late, and I am feeling pretty rummy....) Good luck, and let us know how you are doing as soon as you are able. In the meantime, know that you will have to have some pretty big pockets as they wheel you in to surgery, as we will ALL be there with you. :-)
Welcome to you, Sherbab! Stick with us, and you will not be sorry. Not only are we educational, but we can be pretty entertaining on occasion, too!
Nihahi-I think your eventful weekend portends an uneventful surgery, with a rapid recovery. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Love to all my DIEP sisters!
Namaste and God Bless - Jackie
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Woohoo! Had my successful Stage 2 on Friday. Had fat grafting to fill indentation at top of unilateral flap, lipo to reduce size of flap, rotational repositioning of part of flap, & scar revision at top of flap which had previous radiated skin damage. Dog ears were removed. Best of all, natural breast was lifted! Oh, yeah! Surgery took about 2-1/2 hours. It was day surgery & I spent the night at my daughter's house, came home Saturday, & went out to eat with friends Saturday night. Left hospital with a surgical bra. Hydrocodone keeps the soreness at bay & I am a happy gal! Post-op checkup will be in 2 weeks. Stage 2b will be nipple & abdominal scar revision.
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OK....brain fart apologies to Robin....mixed you up with Sharon, sorry for the "went well" wish....now want to say "will be thinking of you tomorrow..all will GO WELL".
sherbab...welcome. I'll get your name and date on "the list". So much info and support on this thread, glad you found us.
sbelizabeth....just think of all the lovely outfits you now have to wear once you get home! I've heard about the soma stuff, sounds lovely. Hope organzing at work settles down this week for you. Insane how much work it takes to take time off work!!!!!
Movie...hope you've caught up on your sleep, now. I think our normally blue Alberta skies have become more like Oregon's misty grey. Foggy and wet here today. Missed my walk yesterday with all the fun. Gonna try to get one in today, before whatever calamity is going to strike today occurs!!!!
Are you guys talking about Michigan State or Univ. of Michigan. If it's the Univ of Michigan wolverines, I can say go blue too. My brother and sister are both alums.
Hmmm...thinking I'm gonna scout out a backscratcher from all the veteran advice. Who would have thought of THAT one!
I'm in Canada too. My PS talked about things in stages, and said stage 2 was for tweaking of the boobs and tummy incision as necessary, and nipples. You're right that the lipo thing isn't considered part of breast recon here, but that is fine with me. Was never on my radar of "wishes", and I'm more than happy with the reputation of my guy too.
Seagan...too funny, you are. I'd be happy with 2 fried eggs on a piece of toast look, to be done with this f***ing implant journey!!!!!
Faith...hope your first night home went well. Are you a "recliner" gal, or into your own bed in a nest of pillows?
Geralyn....how's the back? Much better I hope!
HHcats...lice story is too funny...yep, just gotta see some humour at some point, don't we!!!!
Have a good day ladies.
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crap....messages crossing in cyberspace.
Sharon1942....AWESOME NEWS! You sound so well and SO happy. Really glad to hear how pleased you sound. Enjoy the "new you". Happy healing!
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Sbelizabeth, I'm with you when it comes to being hot. I can't stand it! Hopefully I'll be to drugged up to even know what's going on with the temp.
Robin, I feel the same way. I keep asking my self, am I going to go through with this or am I going to chicken out? Do I really need to do this or wait a few more years and maybe they'll come out with something new?
Sharon, you give me hopes. I can't believe you went out with friends the same day you had your stage 2! You go girl!
I'm sore all over after the mud run I did yesterday. 5 miles full of mud and obstacles, what was I thinking? But it was fun! Happy Sunday:) -
Has anybody used the back max body wedge cushion during your recovery at home? I don't have a recliner and not planning to rent a hospital bed, so was wondering if this would work. It looks pretty comfy, but not sure if you can get out of it very easily.
Sherbab welcome, you're going to love this page. These ladies are helping me so much going through this. I just tried to talk to my husband about it and his response was, how many times are we going to talk about the same thing? So I just turned around and started writing in here😄.
I forgot to mention that sometimes the hospitals have a support group for breast cancer patients. My BS gave me their number on Friday and I'm planning on calling them tomorrow morning. So just something for those of you that need some support besides this page. I also got a letter from my BS yesterday saying that a bra will be provided at the hospital. I'm guessing this is what you wear the whole time of recovery? Or should I get other bras as well? -
I got two bras to come home with from the hospital at NOLA. Don't know how long I will have to be in them. I'm going to have to email Laura at the center with questions I have about things that you forget to ask when your there.
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Judy.. You wear those surgical bras 24/7 for 2 weeks.. After that, they don't have a preference. I continued to wear it while I had raw incisions/padding/drains... and then only during the day for another couple of weeks....But no underwire til they say so.
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Nihahi, we're talking about the University of Michigan, so we'll consider you a fan! My son went to undergrad at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and then to med school at U of M. He's now a radiology resident at UCLA, but will always consider himself a Wolverine.
It's Sunday, ladies! Enjoy the day! Going to get out the mountain bike and look for rattlesnakes!
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Before saddling up, I had to relate to all of you an article I read about a woman who had DIEP performed using the abdominal skin and fat of her identical twin sister. The woman who'd had breast cancer had too little abdominal tissue, and her sister had plenty. Talk about win/win!
Back to our regular programming...
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I know they told me no underwire and I said fine with me since I didn't have any. Well my two week is coming up Tuesday and last drains coming out also. I'll probably just stick with these or my sports bras I wore for my right mastsectomy till I have my Stage 2. Since I have one droopy and one perkie right now, but Dr Trahan said they would fix that in Stage 2.
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Robin, Kuka - I'm another one who is sometimes feels like chickening out. Especially today. I'm looking at my appointment book, and I feel like it's someone else's life.
I feel so almost-back-to-normal that I can't imagine being a patient again.
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Catie - your son will always be a Falcon first
. My DH is a USAFA grad, too. Love to go to the Springs to visit! -
sbelizabeth....OK, we are going to have to set some groundrules here....at no time will there be ANY references to legless reptiles....YIKES, I HAVE SUCH A PHOBIA ABOUT THEM, CAN'T EVEN LOOK AT PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok....now that that is settled. Our lives certainly have some parallel lines! My nephew graduated from the Air Force Academy..is now a lt. colonel, and got married to a Colorado Springs girl in the Academy Chapel!!!!
kuka...it's totally a "guy thing"!!! I don't think genetically they are programmed to rehash emotional stuff. Even the most supportive of them, get that glazed look when you just need to "talk it out"! This thread is defo a lifesaver in those moments. We get it.....no explanations needed.
Janet, kuka, Robin.....the thoughts of should I, shouldn't I, come and go. That's natural I think. Doesn't have anything at all to do with if you are "brave enough". Would it help to make a list of the reasons why and why not?
Again, such wide differences in protocols...this time it's bra related. But also, we all have different scenarios going into surgery too. Immediate, delayed, bilateral, uni, lift, explant....the list is almost endless. That might explain some of the reasons why we are given different advice?
Sooo....today, for me. Things going well, getting a few things done at home, actually feeling calm, almost dare I say "looking forward" to Friday! Hubby says, lets have a relaxing day today, to make up for yesterday. We decide to go out for breakfast, so I can get a decaf coffee.....I'm walking out the front door of our condo........WHAM......Slipped on a patch of black ice and my feet went right out from under me.....landed on my knee, hip, wrist and OF COURSE, my right shoulder...the BAD SHOULDER! I'm trying to see the humour, I really, really am trying.....really am!!!!!!
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Judy.. They tend not to want you to wear a sports bra because it causes too much compression. Just think support for 2 weeks and gentle support after, no wire, no compression
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Sbelizabeth,
The identical twins sharing fat for DIEP had their surgery done by one of my microsurgeons who did my flaps. It was in People magazine. (links below)
My nurses told me how fun it was to have them as patients, and the media around -- kind of like you
Nurse said even though all rooms private at East Cooper hospital, twins wanted to be in same room.
I am really thin so I have many friends tell me they have plenty of donor fat they would be so happy to donate and I always tell them not possible except for identical twins.
Look forward to reading more of your media stories!http://www.diepflap.com/article-0063.html
http://www.diepflap.com/pdfs/people_magazine.pdf
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