DIEP 2013
Comments
-
I am more awake this evening and just trying to enjoy the relative peace of the hospital. I will probably head home tomorrow to the husband and three kids. My mom is there for awhile as well which will help a lot, assuming my husband doesn't get too crabby and stress her out
Pain is being managed and the only thing that has been odd is that they told me to get bras without really knowing what size I will be. So the bras do not fit but they really want me wearing them. I have an Amoena from the hospital but thought it was strange that I was supposed to get bras in advance. Have most of you bought in advance? -
Thanks for the tattoo info & links PattySmiles and Marsha!!
Status of my Stage 2 meeting today....! We are fixing the "dog ears" and fat grafting a divot towards the top on the left, and lipo-ing on the sides, especially the right that has been more probleatic since the BMX, though it was of course the prophylactic side....! Also adding a little fat grafting to the top of my breasts to get rid of the "hamburger buns" and give me a little more volume.
I asked about lowering the ab incision and he said he could only get me a couple cm. He said maybe if we wait a little longer as swelling continues to go down, he might be able to go lower. I am realizing that my upper ab and pelvis area are rather swollen, which explains why my undies feel so tight (and TMI - I wear thongs so it's not my tush being too big here....) And I DO wear compression 24/7. I'm thinking I'm finally going to follow Marty's advice and get a Marena. I've been alternating between the velcro binder and a girdle, and he gave me another smaller binder today that is actually much better for me. But I think I'd like the support from buttocks to under breasts...
I was a little bummed that he wasn't "generous on the lipo" as others have mentioned. I mean, totally good with doing the sides of my breasts and my flanks - but when I mentioned my love handles, he smiled sheepishly and said that some of it is just me....
Guess I won't be asking about my tush and inner thighs....I am VERY stuck on the nipple dilemma... I thought I was going to skip it and go 3D tattoo. I really don't want 24/7 high beams cuz I'd love to wear camis and sundresses with no bra. They have a tattoo artist they work with, but as mentioned above, it is not covered by insurance and runs around $1,000!! I don't really see myself travelling far for this. If I could spend the $ to travel, I could spend the $ to go to the girl here. I get that Vinny is "the best" - but just not thinking that is in the budget. Westchester is not far - I wonder if they do it at the center and therefor would be covered. Worth a phone call.
Frankly I'm rather annoyed that insurance doesn't pay for it, and have half a mind to start a movement of some kind to get it added. Why would they want to pay the cost of the nipple recon in surgery, but not the lower cost of a tattoo?
Also weighing in my dilemma - I liked the fact that with a nipple recon, he said my round scars would go away because they would get smaller and then be covered by the areola tatoo (that they do in the office and is covered.) As they are now, with a 3D they would be showing or I'd have a ridiculously large areola (and again, TMI, but I had kinda cute little ones... even post-nursing!)
So I'm curious what others have done and if you're pleased with your choice. He said that though at first they project quite a bit because they overdo it on purpose, they know it will go down over time. He showed me the prosthesis some women wear, and said that the ones they build would be similar, and they seemed pretty small, rather flat.
Hugs & Sweet Dreams from the east coast!
Jeannie -
LyndaMarie - they gave me 2 soft front close bras (training bra or jog bra like) prior to my BMX. I had immediate TEs so they fit more or less I guess. They aren't really cup sizes.
-
I notice today, May 24th, is SheChirple's day for DIEP! Best wishes for this important date on the calendar.
-
Jeannie - I saw this on the FAQ on Vinnie's website
11. Can I use my insurance to pay for the procedure?
A: At the Maryland location, unfortunately no. We will give you an itemized receipt with CPT and Diagnosis codes needed by insurance companies. It is required by law that your Ins. Company reimburse you but you may need to follow-up several times with them to be reimbursed.So, you could just submit the tattoo receipt to your insurance.
-
Jackie - in the early 90's I was invited to go to a pool party sans clothes. NOT me in a million years! I just didn't want to see the people I was going to have to 'see' as Katy put it 'nekkid" and didn't know where I would be looking anyway! So maybe the ladies that are there are so used to it, they too avert their eyes to your face instead of nether regions!?
If you can (pill wise) try some ORION beer! I spent 2 months in Japan and fell in love with the beer and can't get it here in the US! Could have been that it was hot when I was there (July and August) or that it's really good beer!?
Enjoy - -
sbelizabeth......so???? What is the shoe selection for today??? You probably are going into a long weekend.....so lots of bike rides are probably on the schedule. Soon your first week back at work will be done and dusted!
Thinking of shechirple today....peacelovedogs and lyndamarie....good to hear from you, now that you've joined the veteran ranks! You both sound well, now comes the healing!
-
Have a good trip, movie!
-
Oh my goodness, I have been a day early for She-Chirpie's surgery. Anyway, all the best to you. It will be over soon, and you will join the ranks of the veterans. Best wishes!
-
Thoughts and prayers headed your way shechirple !!
I haven't really been keeping up with the thread much since getting back to work. DH went back the week before I did and he works nights so it hasn't really been an easy transition. Hopefully things go a little smoother in the weeks to come. I can comfortably wear sports bras now but my old reg underwire ones are a no go for now.
Jeannie thank you so much for the update with Dr Carty I could use all the same touch up work myself. Bummer on the thighs though Lol I could easily spare some from there. I wondered the same thing for nipple recon but then thought about getting back to running and what some runners do( mostly male )that I know is put a bandaid over their nipples when running to avoid chafing. Its a thought cause I would still like the option of going braless myself. Also when working out I didn't want to buy padded sports bras. Did he discuss nipple guards ? I wondered how long they would have to be worn how we would hide them. Did he mention drains for stage 2?
Have a great trip Jackie !!
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the long weekend. -
It's going to be awhile before I have the "nip talk" with my PS, but I know I'm definitely going to want to go for it, as I am a "uni" and am looking for as much symmetry as I can get. I appreciate any and all info you ladies can post on the topic.
It's been raining now for 2 days around here....rivers are rising, and every now and then I see some rain drops that look suspiciously like snowflakes. Yuk....!
-
So I'm 4 weeks out of surgery now and I was wondering if I could walk with a couple if 3lbs dumb bells? I need to loose some weight before I do my stage 2 so that my Ps can lower my tummy scar as much as possible. Does anybody know about this?
-
Kuka.....I was given the ok at 4 weeks to up my activity levels, but was cautioned not to be doing targeted weight/resistance things yet. If your goal is to lose weight, why not try to up your speed and distance before adding something like a static weight?
-
Today has been rough. I have a cold...with a cough. I'm 1.5 weeks post op. Ouch!! Coughing hurts!!!
I'm still not able to do much. I seem to doze off often. I know some of you were bike riding by this point lol...not me. I'm weak. I walk outside several times a day and move around the house but I'm just exhausted. Is this normal? -
Yup....totally normal...and you were pretty darn stressed going into surgery too, if I remember right! Rest, walk, rest, walk.....I was in hospital for 7 days....thought I was doing good at time of discharge....found that getting around in the "real world" was a whole different scenario. I would very quickly go from feeling "ok" to completely, utterly exhausted. There is no rule for when we start to feel able to "push" ourselves towards normal. Coughing.....ouch....I sneezed a few times....thought I was going to split a seam!!!!
You'll look back a week from now, and realize what progress you've truly made, but don't measure yourself against anyone else. Rest.....walk.....heal.
-
Nihahi, trying to think how far Atlanta GA is from Okotoks, Alberta!!!! We've had so much rain but sunny right now and about 75 all day. Hope it wasn't a snowflake that you saw.
I am very impressed with your saying "don't measure yourself against anyone else." I think we all want and need encouraging and advice from those who have been there done that, but truly need to pace ourselves at our own speed. What works for one body type, age, activity level certainly isn't a guarantee for another!!!
If you see my tag line and wonder why I'm on a DIEP forum, as I've had a SGAP and a PAP - well I also had in essence a DIEP in the form of an adominoplasty which is the 'tummy tuck' of the 90's. Too bad I didn't see into my future to see that I'd have bc!!! So, I've actually been there done that too.
Peacelovedogs, in Atlanta - the Pollen capital of the US, we are in full bloom - and I tend to do 'double sneezes' with the pollen, and oh, boy do I have to grab my 'new girls' when I sneeze! Yikes, I can almost feel them popping out of my chest!!! (not that I think that could happen, but certainly know what you are talking about by the coughing, could not imagine it at 1.5 weeks! Hope it subsides quickly!
Happy Weekend everyone! A 3 day for us! -
Ouch! I know coughing hurts! Remember to hold a pillow on your tummy every time you cough.
Nihahi, thanks for the advice. I've been doing my every day life for a couple of weeks now with no lifting, but I wanted to start doing power walks now and thought maybe carrying the dumb bells would help? Today my tummy feels so enlarge and hard. It reminds me of the old days when I was pregnant and I would get some minor contractions. Never thought I would feel like that again, lol -
Kuka...jeezz...sorry to hear about the hard tummy. Sometimes it seems like 2 steps forward, 1 step sideways, doesn't it. I'm no fitness expert, just was offering what works for me. I envy the idea of carrying dumbbells....sadly, my old shoulders wouldn't tolerate that for long.
Catie....sad to report....yup, definite snowflakes....(sob, sob). I know it's our rainy season here, but, come on...snow!!!! My nephew is stationed (air force) near Atlanta. It's a beautiful place. I'll take sunshine and warmth from anyone who wants to send it this way. re: flap type....to me, a flap, is a flap, is a flap. There are differences, for sure, but I think there are more similarities.....we can all help each other.
OK... I might as well stop staring out the friggin window, cause this weather isn't going to change anytime soon. Better accomplish something today....
-
You ladies rock.
The pillow doesn't help me much. I have a binder on so that helps and yes I grab my boobs so fast and tuck my knees to my belly. I think it's partly allergy. I'm in Florida so we are well into warm weather. I remember living in Maine and having snow once or twice this late in the year.
I have been stressed. My husband is legally blind and has some cognitive issue due to a brain bleed. No driving and needs some reminders here and there. Scheduling rides, grocery shopping and such has been fun.
Originally my mom was planning to come help but both her and my father had gastric bypass a month before my surgery. Dad had major complications and is still in the hospital.
I want the cough gone. It reminds me of my chemo cough. I had a cough the entire time I was doing chemo and I thought that was bad. Lol -
Nihahi, I had my nipples done during my Stage 2 5 weeks ago. They have been great right from the start. Don't have any feelings in them but they haven't given me any trouble and definitely make things look more normal. I go for my tattoos on August 15th. My PS does it himself in his office. Don't know about a Stage 2b. He had talked about a little lipo of the waist (I'm apple shaped) and possibly removing some keratosis marks-raised brown spots on my back, at the same time. He would use any fat from those areas to fill in one divot that I am left with and anything else that may show up once the dust settles. As attractive as that sounds, after developing GI problems with significant blood loss (thru hemmorhoids) which made me anemic I may be ready to call it a day and accept the spotted, apple shaped body that I've always had. During Stage 2 he lipo'd my left hip where he had left significant skin and fat. It was swollen and bruised for weeks. Looked like I had been hit by a truck!. My lipo scar was bleeding for four weeks and just stopped leaking two days ago. The PS said "sometimes it happens" My 16 year old daughter said "Mom, it's like you have a vagina on your side" That, coupled with the other blood loss made me as weak as a wet noodle. I may change my mind in the future, but after all of this I feel done.
-
UMX yesterday with sentinel node and axillary pack removal. Ugh! So not happy about that. Still praying I can avoid radiation. Had a really rough night coming off anesthesia, vomiting, etc but I feel much better today. Taking my pain meds religiously and have an On Q pump. It's annoying but I'm sure it's helping. Keep me in your prayers. Waiting for pathology over a holiday weekend stinks!!
-
Dyvgrl, sorry about the vomiting. I went through the same thing and I know is not pleasant. Take it easy and start by eating very small amounts of food. Maybe even start with a liquid diet? I had the onQ pump also, but my nurses forgot to turn it on, so I can't really tell you how much it helps. But I guess I did just fine without it;)
Get some rest! -
Dyvgrl....sorry to hear you are having a rocky post-op. Gingerale and saltines saved me recently. Remember, no one gives out medals for being "tough", so if needed, take the pain meds and be confident that you are helping your body have less stress so that it can start to heal. Will definitely be sending positive thoughts you're way....waiting for results/decisions....just sucks....there is no other description.
lilyun...boy, sure understandable that you may have reached your "finish line". It has not been an easy path for you. Blood loss is so debilitating, and I would expect, at some point, you just want your regular life/health back. Thanks for sharing that info.
peacelovedogs.....hope you rest well tonight...can't imagine how much strength and energy it takes to recover from surgery while carrying such major concerns for hubby and parents. Don't feel like you're not doing well enough...you're doing AMAZING!!!!
-
Kuka,
Wondering if they turned this thing on too lol. Doesn't seem to do much other than annoy me. My hubby called the doc and he said to take Valium for nausea and man that's been a lifesaver. I've been eating light today and feeling better. So long as I stay up onto pain meds I feel pretty good although slightly woozy if I move around too much. Have gone up and down the stairs and to the bathroom about a bazillion times so I think moving helps alot. Sitting in front of the window enjoying blue skies and a cool breeze. If only I had a glass of wine to go with it!! -
Not sure about the wine, but maybe some peanut butter on the crackers for a protein boost? Good grief cannot imagine not turning the pump on!
-
Hi ladies.......sitting in Narita airport waiting for connection to Sapporo......jet fuel is making me feel sick.....blech! Just caught on on the thread....will post more when I find another wifi spot........thinking of all you DIEPers.......surgery has left me a little bit exhausted on this trip.....
(((Hugs))) to all!
Namaste and God bless-Jackie -
Just catching up on thread after a few days! Congrats to our new veteran, She-chirpie!!
Sounds like all of us that went through this and are still posting did very well, thank god!!
It's so amazing to me how different all of the protocols are with our doctors?! I was sent home without a bra and didn't get fitted for one until a week after surgery! Needless to say I was fitted in a compression bra, have to wear it 24/7 and have had non stop pain for over a week. My surgery was May 1. This weekend I plan to not do much at all, except sit on my recliner and only get up twenty times when my kids ask for things rather than getting up my normal 40 times per day! When I sit still I'm fine and I'm only trying to take Advil. My DH is wonderful and has been doing so much, as usual.
My port goes in June 4 and chemo begins June 6. I'll be on AC every 2 weeks for 4 rounds, then Taxol every 2 weeks for 4 rounds. When Taxol starts, herceptin also starts for a year. I went wig shopping and will buy just one, not sure how I feel about it, or scarves or baseball caps. I know I shouldn't care about the superficial stuff, but it bothers me more than the possible side effects, which I'm sure I'll change my mind at the first sign of fatigue and/or nausea.
I plan to go into my office more this coming week, but I'm fortunate that I have good employees to run my business in my absence and my DH is there full time, so again I'm very blessed with my work situation.
I've been walking every other day, but haven't got the go ahead to return to my gym. I miss the elliptical and weight training, but I'm sure I'm a few weeks away from the thumbs up from my PS, plus I don't know how my body is going to react to the chemotherapy? Working out helps my head, so I pray I have enough energy while I'm on treatment.
Dyvgrl, sorry about your nausea, the only thing that appealed to me was chamomile tea with honey and Italian ice. I had a caffeine headache that wouldn't quit, which is what made me nauseous. Thank god my PS gave me coffee when I explained how bad my headache was.
I'm so thankful that I met Jeannie yesterday!!! What a sweetheart you are and I'm so blessed we live close to one another! You've helped me in so many ways and I can't wait to meet up again June 1st at the Susan G Komen walk in Hartford!!!
Hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend! Hugs to all of you!!! -
Hello everyone. I am looking for personal recommendations for plastic surgeons in the Connecticut area. I met one in Hartford that I really liked but he didn't have any pictures to show me as he is new to the area. He was kind, compassionate, patient and smart. I've been researching NOLA, but I really would prefer not to travel but am willing to. I had a UMX last year and want to do both sides in the next few months.
-
LMO45 I wasn't allowed to wear a bra of any kind until week 6 post op and I jumped at the opportunity when I got the green light ! I was disappointed though when I put on a sports bra and it was too painful. Tried again week 7 and strangely felt relief of some pain I was having due to nerve regeneration (that sunburn feeling). Would your PS consider letting you wear a less restricting sports bra or waiting and trying again later ?
Dyvgrl I had the on Q pump also boy what a pain that was to manage getting dressed and walking around with I had mine for almost 2 weeks post op I think. I also questioned if it was doing anything and once it ran out of the med I realized that it was and could only imagine what the first two weeks would have felt like without it. I hope that your feeling much better soon.
Peacelovedogs I was right where you ate in activity levels after surgery and I can't even imagine having to worry about DH and parents ! You are plenty strong
I hope that cough goes away soon for youI was ssneezing quite a bit after surgery but having a constant cough must be awful ! I personally dislike tea but would have to recommend what I usually do to shortten or stop colds etc I drink plenty of cold water with fresh lemon slices in it and also have two cups of hot tea daily (celestial brand has a tea called wellness tea) it has echinasia ..positive that I spelt that wrong but anyhow it works for me and my immune system is awful. Hope you feel better soon -
Haha sorry about all the typos ! Typing on my phone is tough.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team