DIEP 2013

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  • Marcie47
    Marcie47 Member Posts: 248
    edited May 2013

    Jackie, years ago pre bc I went to Tahiti and went topless on the beach knowing that i would never see these people again :))...Wow is that ever a great experience!!! Go for it and enjoy, have the time of your life, remember you'll never see them again :))

    Would love to be in your pockets...oh wait you won't have any pockets .....lolololol

  • Lrusso
    Lrusso Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2013

    I also had a scan to see about the blood vessels and it looked fine. However when he got in there it wasn't the case

  • lilyun
    lilyun Member Posts: 54
    edited May 2013

    bdavis-thanks for the information. It sounds like an interesting concept but with alot of variables to consider.

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited May 2013

    I saw the article about Angelina joli and I guess she did a procedure I hadn't heard off. Nipple delay? It's pretty interesting. But I wonder why she didn't remove her ovaries since she carries BRAC1?

    I'm glad she came out publicly and talked about it so that other women can be aware. Women need to educate themselves about BC. Some of them were commenting about how she could do this surgery because she's rich, not knowing that insurance pays for reconstruction.

  • ckmoss
    ckmoss Member Posts: 613
    edited May 2013

    I love reading your posts! And thanks for the words of encouragement! I just washed in that gosh awful shampoo and am about to go to bed.  I wish I could take my iphone into surgical holding so I keep reading! Good night all

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

    Movie, I'm delighted you got the green light to go soak.  It actually sounds heavenly.  When I was just a few weeks preggers, before we knew NOT to cook the kids when they were just little sprouts, my DH and I took a driving vacay through several Canadian hot springs.  The blue sky, warm water, fresh air...wow.

    But I would learn a few words of Japanese before you go, like "Did you see that white lady over there who has no nipples?  Do you think it's an American thing to do?  I sure hope it doesn't catch on here."  

    Lovely flowers, Nihahi!  

  • Moviemaniac
    Moviemaniac Member Posts: 949
    edited May 2013

    Good luck, ck! Maybe you can sneak your phone in there....... :)



    SBElizabeth.....roflmao.....you are too funny! :P Luckily, DD speaks Japanese and can decipher any muttering aimed in our direction. I will give a full report when I return, I promise! Marcie wanted to be in my pocket, but then remembered I won't have any!



    Well.....bed is calling me....I will talk to you all tomorrow!



    Namaste and God bless - Jackie

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited May 2013

    Ck good luck on your surgery, please write as soon as you're up to!

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited May 2013

    Ckmoss...sending vibes your way for a safe and successful surgery.

    peacelovedogs, Weerah......many of us are waiting to welcome you to the "veterans" group. This is the hardest part now done....rest and recover!

    Movie...you are gonna be the star of the hot pool!! Enjoy your trip, we can't wait to hear all about it!!!!! Did you mention the issue with the backpack strap to your surgeon??? I'm definitely gonna be asking mine today.

    sbelizabeth....which hot springs did you visit? There are lots of them scattered throughout the mountains. I love going in the winter....hot body, frozen hair, quite the picture!!!

    HHcats....you haven't posted in awhile, which is 100% ok, but just want to put it out there that I'm thinking of you, and hoping you're in a "better place". 

    Faith...wowzer....nanny to a 3 year old and back at it already! Amazing, you are!!!!

    Liefie....this time next week, you'll be a veteran (albeit sleep deprived) and into the recovery/healing mode. You're gonna do awesome! Don't stress too much about the stairs at home. You'll be slow but safe, and all your workouts will pay off big time!!!! Can you create a "nest" on the main floor so you can hang out comfortably, and keep the upstairs for the serious naps/sleep??

    Towanda to all........grasshopper, out!

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited May 2013

    Sbelizabeth, enjoy your posts soooo much - keep 'em coming! Visited some of those hot springs myself. In Panorama had the surreal experience of sitting up to my neck in the hot pool, outside temp way below zero, watching the skiers coming down the mountain with my hair, eyebrows and lashes frozen stiff - fun, fun, fun.

    Nihahi, the 'nest' is a good idea. I have a big sectional couch in the kitchen area, and one corner will become my nest, I think. Then I will be where the action is, and not so isolated. Going up the stairs will also be a form of exercise, a very slow exercise . . . lol.

    CKMoss, hope everything is going well for you today.

    Those who just had the surgery, I can't wait to hear from you! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  • heavenschild
    heavenschild Member Posts: 212
    edited May 2013

    Had a lady come up to me today at work and tell me that Angelina Jolie stole my thunder.  Really?  Like it is some sort of contest?  I handled it with humor and I won't let her know that it hurt.  I don't talk about what I've been through much, so the comment kinda came out of left field.

    Just posted under "STFU" - it felt good.

  • Dyvgrl
    Dyvgrl Member Posts: 471
    edited May 2013

    Heavenschild -

    This goes under the forum called STFU. Seriously - I'm getting a shirt that says Yes, I have cancer - now STFU. People really need to stop and think about the drivel coming out of their mouths before opening it. Sorry you had to hear that. How rude and insensitive!

  • Cuetang
    Cuetang Member Posts: 575
    edited May 2013

    heavenschild-- also vote that it should go under "dumbest things people have said to you" thread as well!

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited May 2013

    Faith, I'm just 3 weeks out and have my daughter who will 3 at the end of may and I babysitt a little girl who is two and a half. They're both so good and know I cannot pick them up. I've been potty training them and are doing so good. The only thing that really bothers me is the burning sensation I have on the sides if my foobs and armpits. Does this feeling ever go away? I started using the silicone strips for the scar on my tummy and I love wearing them!

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited May 2013

    Okay, girls, I just got the shock of my life. My PS phoned, and told me that they are moving my surgery up to TOMORROW!!!! Reason being that they have to be two surgeons there, and the other surgeon can't make it for Tuesday that has been scheduled for months, by the way. Not sure how I feel. Glad that it will be over sooner, yes, but also p----d that they are buggering me around like this. Had lots of stuff to do still, and now will be in hospital three hours away when my children are coming home for the long weekend as planned months ago. If I don't get the surgery tomorrow, it will be months before it can be done. My PS is going off on mat leave on June 13. It feels like blackmail . . . oh my goodness! Can't believe it is happening. We'll be leaving in a few hours. So much to be done!

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited May 2013

    Sitting in my surgeon's office waiting for my appt. Wowzer Liefie!!!!! You are understandably rattled, but go for it with gusto. Things happen for a reason, and everyone in your family will understand!!!! Sending major hugs and cyber-ativan your way.

    ((((((((((x))))))))))))

  • liefie
    liefie Member Posts: 2,440
    edited May 2013

    Thanks, Nihahi! Still a little shaky, but will get myself together now, pack my bag, and resign myself to what is coming. Fortunately I have everything that needs to go with, so that's okay. The laptop is the most important so that I can keep contact with all of you - LOL.

  • Marcie47
    Marcie47 Member Posts: 248
    edited May 2013

    Lielie, it will all work out but understandable for you to be upset, I think anybody would be!! Just think this time next week it will be in your rearview mirror and you will be soooo happy it is done.

    I will keep you in my prayers and send lots of good energy your way. Have safe travels :))

  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited May 2013

    I heard the same thing from my Onc. regarding cold caps.

  • Lmo45
    Lmo45 Member Posts: 39
    edited May 2013

    Same for me, so my PS ended up cutting muscle on the side with the bigger vessels. I never did have much belly pain at all and today is 2 weeks post operative.

  • Lmo45
    Lmo45 Member Posts: 39
    edited May 2013

    Liefie,



    This is good news, less time to think about and contemplate! Will be praying for a quick and successful surgery, just a long nap, enjoy the rest!!! Talk with you soon!

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

    Oh, Liefie!  This is like planning a huge wedding then eloping before the date!  Just think, though, they've saved you a few days of stewing about the upcoming surgery.  I believe firmly that there is a reason for everything.  Try to relax and know that there's nothing that can't be adjusted/revised/fixed up while you're hospitalized.  

    Have a wonderful nap and soon you'll be on the other side.  Blessings...

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

    Nihahi, my DH and I lived in Spokane, Washington in 1981 and we drove north to Ainsworth, then Nacusp.  There was another one too, but now I can't recall the name.  Not only was I about three weeks pregnant, I had a cold, and we stopped at a liquor store to pick up a bottle of whiskey to mix with lemon juice and honey as a cough medicine.  

    Pregnant, really hot soaks and booze.  Yowza.  How things have changed!

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

    Liefie- this is a good thing. You won't have all weekend to think about it. Take your Miralax, Colace, and probiotic. Also, hydrate until your cutoff time tonight. You are going to do great!!!!

    You are armed with so much knowledge and we are all there with you. Thinking of you for sure.

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

    Thinking of those girls that went in today! We are there with you. You are probably in recovery about now. Can't wait to hear from you.

  • Moviemaniac
    Moviemaniac Member Posts: 949
    edited May 2013

    Liefie-listen to Cherrie and Sbelizabeth...(and Nihahi)......things DO happen for a reason!  You got this girl! and we are ALL behind you.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, colace.......repeat!   Love and (((Hugs))) going out to you. You'll be on the "other side" very soon.  Prayers for you, dear Liefie!

    Namaste and God bless - Jackie

  • kuka21174923
    kuka21174923 Member Posts: 427
    edited May 2013

    Liefie, you can do this! The sooner the better. Don't worry about anything, you will do great!

  • 5andcounting
    5andcounting Member Posts: 232
    edited May 2013

    To all those going in-this is my 2 week anniversary. Walked a mile yesterday. Hopefully drains are coming out Friday. First week passes in a haze. Hydrate and drink miralax. Have people around you, you can only use arms like a T. rex. Do it though. I look down and I feel like I already have real (though misshapen) boobs. They are going to be great. Thx to pink heart, flsam, Georgia friend for rec charleston. I'm sold forever. Much love and prayers. Be strong. It's crap but will fade quickly.

  • HHCats
    HHCats Member Posts: 121
    edited May 2013

    Just thought I would give you all an update.  I saw both my breast surgeon and plastic surgeon yesterday.  Both of them are thrilled with my progress.  I am healing nicely, have good range of motion and everything looks good.  I am so glad I decided to do this procedure.  My breast surgeon told me that no cancer was found in either breast (and no residual cells either) which is great news.  However, she also told me that I had significant "lobular activity" in each breast - LCIS.  My breasts were ticking time bombs.  Hearing that just validated further that this was the correct choice for me.  My plastic surgeon was thrilled that I didn't require radiation and told me that I can have nipples done in 3-4 months if I so choose.  Or I can just go and get 3D tattoos.  I have had so many things done to me in the last 7 months, I am just going to enjoy the summer and make a decision on the next steps after I get a chance to breathe.  

    I am seeing significant hair growth now, too.  I have eyebrows and eyelashes again.  My hair on my head is coming in nicely and yes, tonight I shaved what little hair I had on my legs!  VICTORY!  I am enjoying watching my new body settle in . . .all my clothes seem to be huge on me.  However, I have already started walking 30 minutes a day and am planning to move back into a lighter version of my old workout when I am six weeks out (I am 3 weeks and 2 days out now).  I am taking it easy but now that we are seeing peeks of summer - I am itching to get outside and get some exercise.  I am eating better than ever and even started juicing - I want to take care of my new bod and do whatever I can to keep myself healthy.

    So that is it from Ontario . . . 

    I am going to read all the posts I have missed lately (just crazy with Mother's Day!) and see what you all have been up to . . .

    Robin

  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited May 2013

    Lmo....I too had a "little finger" size piece of muscle taken with the vessels, which wasn't planned. But I trust my surgeon's intraoperative judgement and skill 500%! I guess that technically makes us tram-free, not pure diep, but I am not going to split "hairs" about it. I salute your courage in posting that info, I was hesitant to do so, because of the misinformed and inaccurate opinions about what today's version of a tram-free means re: loss of muscle integrity and strength, or even lower quality of life. While still in hospital, I could tell I had no loss of ab integrity, could sit up without help or "contortions" by the time I was discharged, and have detected no changes in quality of life, even just 4 weeks post surgery. I still consider myself to be a valid diep....as the "deep inferior epigastric perforator" vessels were the ones used. 

    Saw my doc today after another 7k walk....I've been given the ok to go ahead and increase my activities gradually, and to start physio on my tight arm. He and I are both very happy with how everything is healing. I go back in another 2 months. So.....where did I put my backpack?????Laughing

    Liefie....in your pockets....you should be getting close to Victoria by now. The only thing that absolutely had to come with you, is YOU, everything else will fall into place. (((((X))))) 

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