DIEP 2013

Itching drives me a bit batty too. I read on another thread a trick of patting the itchy area through clothes, and that does sometimes help. Gets to that deep itchiness at least a bit.



Question re compression: I forgot to wear my Spanx-wannabe boy shorts today and boy do I feel it. All swell-y and heavy feeling in my ab area again. Is that normal 9 weeks out? I'm fine as long as I wear them, but wondering how long that will be necessary? Or am I somehow dependent on them and shouldn't wear them as much so my body can adjust fully??

Thanks for the suggestions for exercises. I've been trying yoga, I've done some Pilates in the past. The squats make a lot of sense! I wouldn't have thought of that! I've been told I will feel like I got hit by a truck but at this point I think it will be sooooo worth it!

I've decided that there are two things I'm going to buy for myself after the surgery: first on the list is a beautiful bra! I've be ordering mastectomy bras for 6 years, I'm going to go to Victoria's secret or la senza and spend money on a beautiful bra! Second is something strapless, maybe a sundress or halter top! I've been so concerned with necklines and seeing my prosthetics for so long- I can't wait.

Glad to hear you are all doing well. Hope to continue to benefit from your experiences.

Cheers,

Sherry

Hey, girls!  It's going to take me a couple of weeks to get caught up here, but I'm popping in to say howdy.  

Every day I feel better.  I had my first post-op visit this morning and got ALL FOUR drains out--YAY!!!  We talked about the next surgery to shape and contour the new girls.  For now, anyway, I'm just astonished at the science and art that has gone into this surgery.

I really dislike sleeping on my back, but that's going to have to be the rule for awhile longer.  I got the green light for a bit more exercise and range of motion with my arms, and was released to drink coffee again, but I don't know...now that I'm un-addicted, I'm not sure I want that monkey on my back anymore!

My new tummy is so flat and tight, I can't believe it's me down there.  So now I'm going to have to go back to blonde from my post-chemo gray and buy some skinny jeans.  With the new rack and flat midsection I have to accessorize appropriately!

Sbelizabeth your back !! Sounds like you are doing great love the idea of buying new stuff for the new body I got a bunch of Victoria Secret gift cards so I'm itching to use them but I will wait till after I heal from stage 2.



Seagan my ps explained to me why we wear the compression for so long because I just didn't understand the importance. Here is what he said..during the surgery they cut through several layers and even though we are all sewn up those layers still remain apart and when we are active and moving around a bit more than right after surgery those layers rub together and the friction can cause a fluid build up called a seroma. So I would say wear it till they give the green light.

Woot-woot!!!!!  Sbelizabeth is back!   Loved the description of the flat tummy and new girls deserving a new hair color!  Been dyeing mine for years, see no reason to stop now!  Glad your drains are all out.....you will see improvement day by day.....nice to see the "old" Katie back here!  :-)  As for caffeine....it's history.  I have been caffeine-free for almost four months-not going back now!  Back sleeping was/is not fun....I can sleep on my side, but I almost always wake up on my back.....seems the girls are happier that way.  Anyway-SO glad to hear your "voice"....I was getting a little concerned!

Sherry, when it's your turn, you will do great, and you will have all of us in your back pocket, as well!

"TOWANDA!"  

Hope we hear from HHCats and Kuka sometime soon.....

Namaste and god bless - Jackie

selizabeth - I just read that you got your four drains out - and I'm sitting here with a big dopey smile on my face.  I'm so happy for your relief. And I'm SO happy for everyone's triumphs. 

I've got six weeks to go - but I talked to my PS's office today and I was surprsied by his lack of restrictions. No eating after midnight the night before. Coffee up until the day before. And as for excercise - he prefers that we don't change our routine. Regardless, I'm starting on heavy duty squats and planks. My gut tells me it's the right thing to do, and right now, my gut is pretty friggin' big, and I trust it.

Faith, cut the binder. I cut one into 4 4-inch wide pieces and wear one almost 24-7. I will see my ps tomorroe as well. Sbelizabeth great to hear your voice. Hope kuka and HHCats are doing well too.

HHCats - Welcome back!  Enjoy home, but don't push yourself too hard.

HHcats, you will be another stat in recovery after DIEP

Welcome aboard, Sherry!  I was not given any specific ab/core exercises from my PS to prep.  On my own, I used the Jillian Michaels video "6 weeks to 6 pack" and others by her.  her videos include a lot of squats and lunges, which turned out to be fabulous because you can't bend over for a couple weeks post-DIEP, so those squats come in pretty handy to pick things up off the floor and move laundry around....!  Do anything aerobic to build up your stamina, maybe some pilates for core.    

And on buying some pretty BRAS - I have not tried it yet, but so I've heard ANY WOMAN WHO HAS HAD BC CAN GET BRAS COVERED BY INSURANCE FOR LIFE!!!  You submit a bunch or receipts together... has anyone done this?

Mammalou - we all get nervous.  Like Nihai, a few days out I was saying "WTF" did I do?  Now 6 weeks later, loving the girls and knowing they will only get better after Stage 2.  

Nihahi - having had the TEs for 8 months, I can tell you I already have more sensation in my breasts than I did before!  So glad to hear how well you, Faith and others a few steps behind me are doing!

Faith - you are right a few days does make a world of difference.  Being back to work this week, my naps are out the window with kid activities in the afternoon/evenings, and I had two school related evening events this week, too!  I  am tired, obviously, but not collapsing!  Give an update on what Carty says about scar massage.  Did they cut back a panel for you on the binder?

Lilyun - I experienced something very similar in the middle of my chemo.  Was passed over for an in-house job within my school system that I was perfect for - had the best credentials and experience of anyone else (as told by the HR director.)  When the interview team did not hire me - all women I am friendly with - I couldn't help but feel that being in treatment worked against me - they may have thought I wouldn't be ready to take this in the  fall...  Also, the woman who got it was also probably "cheaper" - though I'm not sure if that made a difference since I'm still on the payroll anyway.  All I will say is the timing was just not right for me, and I hope you can look forward knowing that something better will come along for both of us!

Seagan - I have to wear my binder for 3 months.  But last night I wore a "girdle" instead so I could wear my nice pants to give a presentation.  Seemed to work ok for me.  Want to get some shorts.

HHCats & sbeliz - so GREAT to hear from you!  You are going to be one hot momma with that flat belly, beautiful boobs and blonde hair!

Thinking of you, Kuka - heal and rest.

Big hugs to all - especially our "new reader" who I hope gleans lots of information and reassurance from this thread before her DIEP next Wednesday - and perhaps will post soon herself.  

 Jeannie

Jeannie - I don't think they are talking about regular bras, but those that are designed to hold prosthesis.  And for those, I believe there is a limit of 2 per year.  If all the bc survivors got free bras, someone in Washington would probably get the idea to outlaw all bras and female anatomical support systems.

sbelizabeth, I honestly can't believe you had that surgery just a short while ago - 10 days out, is it? You are positively beaming, and you are so, so inspiring to me who have this coming up on May 21. If I can be like you, it will be just wonderful! Thanks a lot, and keep on posting!

My PS said nothing about wearing a binder. Nihahi, do you have something like that? How are you doing? You will be two weeks out tomorrow, right? Wow, time really flies. You brave girls are giving me courage too - thanks!

Lilyun, something will come up for you in the job department, and it may be something way better than you're expecting. Best wishes!

HHCats, welcome back! Looking forward to your next post, and hearing about all the 'adventures' on this journey . . . lol.

Marty... I agree that it is 2 bras per year, but I don't think its only if you've got a prosthesis... I have heard that if you go to Nordstroms, they will fit you and submit the paperwork for you. Haven't done it myself though.

I just learned of this website today after speaking to someone whose had the DIEP last month.  I'm scheduled for this surgery next Wednesday 5/1/13.  I'm so thankful for this type of forum and to be reading these posts from all of you courageous Women!  I have so much to get through before my surgery.  I'm scared and nervous, but one day at a time!

Cool!  I was always told that a post mastectomy bra was considered a medical device because it held the prosthesis.  While I had my implants, I never wore a bra.  A friend who did not get reconstructed goes to a special cancer boutique at the Med U to get her "free" bras.  Now that I am back in the bra business I will have to check that out as well as Dillards (or drive to Charlotte to Nordstroms).