DIEP 2013

Thanks sbelizabeth, my biggest concern with rads is damaging tissue that could interfere with recon. And just plain hurt. Who wants to get burned and blistered on top of everything else? How long did it take for your path to come back? Holiday weekend I'm expecting it to take a bit longer...

Morning everyone,

From our list of dates, it doesn't look like we have anyone having surgery this week. If someone has been missed, please let me know, and know that we all wish you well. Continued healing for the rest of us.

Kuka....sounds like a great day with your kids! re: being more active now.....amazing how bc can "reset" your thinking isn't it! I went through the same thing long ago with my dx. I was always active but I was also always very thin, and ate anything and everything I wanted, in great quantity, because putting on weight never happened for me. After dx, I cleaned up my diet, big time, and continue that (except for coffee...but coffee is nectar from the gods) to this day. I think it may have helped me stay NED for more than 20 years. With that kind of activity you're doing.....who needs dumbbells!!!!!

Dyvgrl....Katy is so right in reminding you to focus on the "main issue". It is so very hard, emotionally to consider the loss of one or both breasts, or to accept what we feel are "disfiguring tx", because of the way we feel it "defines and identifies" us as women. And I bet everyone on this board has had those meltdown moments. But first, we need to beat the disease. My dx and tx were back in the "dark ages" of bc tx, I already had "body image issues" and I fought the radical mx option big time. My onc finally pointed to my daughter who was just a toddler, and said "do you want to fight to stay alive and be there for her as she grows up, or do you want to fight to have 2 breasts for as long as you may live." Snapped me back to understanding the priority reallllllly quickly! It is sometimes a tough journey, but you have it in you, to do whatever it takes to get through this, and you can come out the other side in many ways, a more "complete" person. 

sbelizabeth....sensitizing chemo during intense rads sure explains your skin reaction! During chemo, protecting the skin from getting too much sun is pretty standard protocol. How long before you've hooked a baby chariot up to your bike???????

Peacelovedogs....hope the moonrise was magical.

Shechirple....you're likely well into the sleep deprived phase, but starting to get up and move around.....each day gets better. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hi Goodie....I luckily had a very forward thinking family doc and her advice of waaaayyyy back then, mirrored much of today's nutrional guidelines.

I cut out fast food/junk food/processed food, ate leaner and less meat, used lower fat (not non-fat) dairy, upped my fruit and veggie intake big time. Back then, they thought there might be a connection between high fat diets and bc. I used very little "packaged" food to cut out preservatives, and upped the "whole grain" component in things like bread. We couldn't afford organic stuff, but I have tried to take advantage of fresh/local stuff when it's in season around here.

They didn't "path" tumors back then like they do now, but I did know that mine was ER+, so despite the "joys of soy" mindset, I never jumped on the tofu bandwagon, either.  I am amazed when I compare the advice I got years ago to the current advice...not too far off. Turns out, I likely have a genetic component to my bc, as my Mom and one of her sisters were dx after I was, but genetic testing was not done "back in the day".

While I was on chemo though, I lost so much weight, I was told to eat anything I could keep down, and not worry about "what it's value was". A few years ago, we cut way back (but didn't eliminate) salt, and since menopause (the "natural" second time----first time was from tamoxifen) I try to be better about portion size.Thank god for my little "menopouch", though, cause that is now my new breast!

I certainly "go off the wagon" for special occasions, or sometimes just "because", but I usually realize I don't feel that great after indulging, so it's pretty easy to stay on track.  

Trust me, I haven't been a dietary saint all these years, and a bag of potato chips can still make me weak in the knees!!!!!! I'm not a nutrional expert.....this is just what's worked for me.

Dvygirl. I had 25 rads last year, and we waited 10 months before doing DIEP. Rads was the easiest of all the treatments, and it is not the dark ages anymore where they burned you to a crisp. The dosage is calculated according to your tx, and the area to be radiated as well as the angles are very carefully mapped and marked in order to avoid your heart, lungs etc. The damage to my skin and tissue was not extensive at all, and my PS was pleasantly surprised last Thursday at what she found during DIEP surgery. It's not all doom and gloom. Maybe this helps a little.

I will have to look further into the nipples. I have read so many negatives about the 24/7 highbeams that I honestly hadn't looked further into in. So they're not noticeable through clothing? I imagine a hard eraser. Lol



Pink...I have not seen Dr. P mentioned anywhere so I was a tad hesitant. However, once I sat down and talked to him, I just felt at ease. Funny thing is when I first met him I resented him so much. It was the day I was told I did indeed have IBC. So when he was explaining the different surgeries, I was wondering if I would be alive in a couple of years for the reconstruction! I actually talked to them about holding off on those appointments for those of us that had to delay surgery. My BMX was done after chemo but before rads. They said that I'd have to wait until after rads for reconstruction.



As for rads...for me it sucked. I had been beat down by chemo and then surgery. I really blistered horribly. I am not sure if rads is different for IBC? I have a beautiful scar on my collarbone that resembles a hicky. I despise it...lol. However, I would do it all again.



I missed the moon rising. We walked to the beach and couldn't even find the moon! We had beautiful weather so...not sure what happened!



I overdid it a bit yesterday which landed me in pain and frustration toward bedtime. My biggest concern currently is eating. I'm not hungry. I'm eating way too few calories per day. I have an eating disorder so body image is bad but right now I DO want to eat...just can't. I'm trying to increase my meals per day. I haven't had a day since surgery that I have had more than 2 meals which consists of fruit and maybe crackers or a granola bar. So my goal for today is to eat a very healthy salad, maybe some meat (that might be pushing it!) and of course more fruit and water.



We're about to walk to our favorite local coffee shop that also serves amazing, made from scratch treats and food. So that will get my salad and walking taken care of. Going to the beach too. I don't get on the sand because I know I'd want to sit and that just leads to feeling icky because I can't properly shower. We have a park that's at that beach. That's where we will try to hang. Again, depends on the crowds. They can seriously get crazy.

Day 5 post surgery and I am feeling alright. I got to come home Friday and that is easier for me. My chair and bed are way more comfy than the hospital. As I caught up on messages, I have a hard time imagining ever being willing to open my tummy incision again for a scar revision. One time for an incision that size is one time too many. I was never a bikini girl anyway.

Today I managed to go for a walk outside. That helps with the cabin fever. My mom and I walked about two blocks. It was nice. My DH is being a stressed out pain. He does not do well with a lot of activity and these long stints with my mom are hard on him. That strikes me as odd being that she keeps the house running. I think the DH believes my kids can do that but they are only 12, 10 and 8 so that is really not true. They need caring for. They certainly have jobs that they can do but somebody has to run the house.

OK. The husband just started storming around looking for a tool. Probably not going to calm down anytime soon. Grrrrr... He is stressing me out. How to get a cranky man to settle down when I am unable to get up and help, that is my dilemma.

So, venting done, here is a question - the binder does not stay down over my rather full hips [but now flat tummy ]. Any suggestions?

Lmo45 - I did my chemo first and worked as a teacher. I got a wig and wore it regularly. I went to a salon that specializes in medical hair loss and they were great. My wig had a full mesh cap that you could see through. Because of that, you could see my scalp through the part. It looked very natural and was lightweight and cool. The full knit cap would be very warm, especially through the summer. The other saving grace for me was a hat with hair. I got a baseball cap with hair attached that was very easy to throw on for the ball fields with my kids, gardening, the beach or just running to get the door when I was not wearing my wig around the house. It went on and off faster than the wig and I wore it all the time! I was never one for scarves but others swear by them. Chemo was hard, but easier than I thought it would be. They do wonders at controlling pain and nauseau. Taste buds suffer greatly though. Good luck and feel free to message me if you have questions.

Kuka21, I hope you can tell me in a few weeks that my appetite will come back. Right now, I am nervous....and eating constantly

Question?  Since they transfer fat from your belly to make your new breasts, if you lose weight will your breast get smaller.  I asked my present PS about this, and he said yes.  That they will gain, and lose weight just like the rest of my body.  So, I guess what I am asking is if you lose weight to lower your scar will you be giving up some fullness in you new breasts?

At this point I can't even decide which procedure to have, Lat Flap or DIEP Flap.  My PS told me if he couldn't get enough fat off my belly to make me two good size B boobs, he is considering putting small implants under them.  I researched it, and it is done.

I thank God and all you ladies (especially pink heart for steering me to dr Kline) for your shared wisdom and support. Truly don't know what I'd do without you. I get my port next week and its making me a little nutty.

Happy Memorial Day !

Nihahi I'm so glad I'm not the only one up in the middle of the night. Even though I take my ambien there are some nights where I find myself wide awake:(

My markings were also done in the OR. But my ps made me feel very comfortable and I got to put my own input;)

Peacelocedogs, nihahi is right. Try protein shakes. I love them!!!! And try some Greek yougurt. It's a good source of protein, and a short snack.

Yes I did. We went out and had some frozen yougurt. Soooo good! Then the kids went swimming while I sat by the pool. I only walked a mile. I was tired because I spent some time doing house cleaning. We're having a cook out with some friends today. I might attempt to get in the pool, but if the water is not warm I don't see it happening. My kids are very good about letting me rest when I need to. Don't get me wrong, they still go in my room and lay down with me, but they don't ask me to get up. Even my 2 year old is so careful when she lays down next to me to not touch me so that she doesn't hurt my boo boos. I might have to go snooze for a couple hours before the kids start getting up. The good thing is that DH is off this week! I plan on using the surgery card as much as possible!! It's amazing how tired he gets taking care of the kids and doing the things I used to do on an everyday basis, lol

And I salute you too, sbelizabeth. I have dual citizenship US/Canadian. My Dad was among the first wave on Omaha beach and was wounded in Germany. My nephew is an AirForce Colonel, currently serving in Afghanistan. I got pretty emotional watching the Memorial concert at the capital yesterday. We have so much to be thankful for, and it's because of people who have served in the forces. 

On a different topic.....I go off the wagon sometimes too, and end up feeling just like you described. Fun while it lasts, sure can't make a habit of it! Your son and DIL are so lucky to have you helping out so much. Don't forget that bike ride though!!!!!

I'm just a couple days ahead of you, so we're at the 6 week mark together. According the "rules" I got, it means I can start working on strengthening my core muscles again. Yippee. I hate targeted ab exercises, so I'm ready to hop back on the yoga wagon...that's what works for me. I bet they sedated you in the hallway this time to keep you "undercontrol"....aka gumchewing closet coffee fiend!

Kuka....your kids sound adorable....Hope you enjoy the day maybe with a little nap tossed in for good measure.

Lmo45....gosh, hope that breast pain settles down more each day. Pain can be sooooo exhausting, physically and mentally.

ssla....understandable to be nervous, but if things are getting tough for you this far out from your "date", maybe asking for some anti-anxiety med help would be a good move??? Sure helped me, big time! You need to be eating and active and "low stressed" as much as possible going into this. Sounds impossible, I know, but with the right help it is doable!!!

Sbelizabeth - sending a Memorial Day salute to you and your son. Thank you!



Nihahi - I think I will feel better when all arrangements are complete. I'm still waiting to hear back from the insurance lady. It seems like that should all be done by now.

Katy, I am also sending you and your son a salute. I watched some very moving tributes on TV yesterday which were beautifully done. God bless all our veterans.



I had my second MX last week and the PS inserted TE's under my skin since I am having a delayed DIEP. My first MX was in Dec. of 2012 and he wanted to stretch that area out. He said I would end up with a better long term result. I was especially comforted to hear the hospital nursing staff rave about his skills.



I continue to pray for complete and successful recoveries for each of you. Warm hugs to everyone.




Ann

Okay 3 days post op on my UMX and still can't go potty. Anyone have any tips? Colace has never worked for me in the past so I haven't bothered. I have been taking Sennecot but other than some silly noises, no joy. Had some strong coffee and some greasy eggs this morning as a last ditch effort. I know drinking Magnesium Citrate will do the trick but am concerned about it interfering with all the meds I'm taking. Tips anyone??