DIEP 2013

I am so happy to have found this place.  I felt like I was out here alone (not really, but you know what I mean), and to talk to people who are going through, or have gone through similar things is so helpful. 

Ninahi...I have read just about everything I can find about all the different breast recon surgeries. I was a full B when I had my mx, and I would be happy to be that again.  I have always been thin, not skinny and was developing my menopause pooch when this all happened, so I am hoping there is enough for 2 size B boobs.  I am leaning towards the DIEP, but that can always change if some doc comes up with a better option.  I don't have anything to give off my bottom, or thighs, so I am assuming tummy is the only other way to go.

What is freaking me out  a little is that sometimes you can't have the DIEP if you have had other abdominal surgeries.  My current PS said my c-section is not an issue, but I did have a laproscopic hysterectomy 3 years ago.  The scars are gone, and I mean gone....but what kind of damage it might have caused my much needed blood vessels and arteries...I don't know.  I know there is some scar tissue below the surface because I can still sometimes  feel the pull when I do Yoga. As I am writing this I can feel myself getting anxious. What if I am limited to just one surgery now? Lat Flap.

Dvygirl, have you tried eating 4 - 5 dried prunes every day, or prune juice? Works like a charm for me, and won't interfere with other meds. Lactilose syrup also works well. Drink lots of water too. Hope this helps!

Kuka, good for you on playing that surgery card - let him experience how much you actually do in a day. Always makes them more grateful and appreciative of what you have to do on a daily basis. Unfortunately the surgery card does not fool my DH any more. This morning he asked me to peel and cut up the fruit for our breakfast, he asked me to water all the potplants, to take out the dog etc. etc. He also discussed tonight's dinner, and my contribution preparing it . . . Small tasks, but he's adding more and more every day. I don't really mind, and just take care that I protect my left arm as far as lifting objects. He lectures me on that all the time. Guess he will feel guilty if I hurt myself carrying out one of his orders - LOL.

Goldie, just to put your mind at ease. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy 17 months ago, and my PS had no problem finding arteries and veins in my tummy eleven days ago when I had DIEP surgery.

Liefie, I can't believe your DH won't let you pull your surgery card! You tell him you just went through some major surgery and need to recover! I will keep using mine as much as I can, specially if I get to take a break from laundry, cooking and cleaning:). Sitting by the pool right now watching the kids swim and having DH doing the cooking. Got to live life!

Dyvgrl - mag citrate shouldn't interfere with Meds, but prunes and prune juice will usually do the same thing. Get on it now and drink lots of water. The water really helps push things thru and clears anesthesia.

You guys are all the best! The phrase "strength in numbers" sure has new meaning for us all, me included (big time!!!)

Catie....sleep issues have been the norm for me for years. I was so thrilled to realize how well I was sleeping post surgery. I'm hoping last night was just a blip, due to anxiety about an upcoming skin cancer appt and anticipation of physio being an "un-fun" experience again on the ****in shoulder. Hope we all sleep soundly tonight!

MartyJ!!! are you still soaking up the sun in California? Good to hear your "voice" again! How are things with your shoulder????

Liefie...Yes, I was given a handout of exercises by physio, prior to discharge. Like most "details" of these flaps, I'm sure every doc has his/her protocol. I wasn't allowed to start any specific exercises until the drains were out. Then, no shoulder abduction greater than 90degrees for the first 3 weeks post op. No pushing/pulling with arm, no lifting anything heavier than 5lbs. After 3 weeks, I was allowed to gradually increase shoulder range of motion to full range (which is when the friggin shoulder and axilla issues started to kick in.) No ab exercises until 6 weeks post op. Likely the arm exercises are very similar if not the same you did after the mx, but the difference now I think is delaying the start until the vascular connections are stable. Can you message your PS to see what she would like you to do???  HMMM....exactly how are you watering pots of plants without lifting, pushing or pulling????? 

Dyvgrl.....hope you get things moving along........I think sbelizabeth might suggest dynamite!

Gosh....I wonder how Movie is doing in Japan?????

Dvygrl, after my first round of chemo I thought I was a goner.  Not from BC, from constipation.  The chemo was on Wednesday, and I didn't poop until the following Tuesday at o'dark thirty, moaning like a banshee giving birth.  After that, I developed a plan.  Starting three days before chemo I took dulcolax twice a day, and at bedtime, mixed up a nightcap of Miralax and Metamucil.  I kept it up until a couple of days after chemo, and this plan fixed the constipation issues.  But like Nihahi says, I had a couple of sticks of dynamite in the freezer, just in case. 

But the fact that you're making silly noises is a good sign.  Your bowel remembers how to work, it's just still a little asleep. 

I bet Movie's steeling herself to actually eat the raw octopus with the pigeon egg broken over the top.  My ex-DIL, whom I still love, was half Japanese, teensy and dainty.  She wore size 5 shoe.  I've got a mental picture of a whole lot of teensy, dainty, size 5 shoe ladies having a dainty time in their hot spring, when I, a nekkid Brunhilda, splash down like the launching of the Queen Mary.  With eyes in my crotch, a beast staring out from the forest.  And no nipples.  I'm getting a stomach ache.  But I sure hope Movie's having a great time.

Thanks for the Memorial Day thank-you's, dear friends.  When I got out of the Air Force, I was nine months preggers with twins, and I looked nothing like a defender of freedom.  I looked like a patriotic weather balloon. But hey...I was smuggling two very nice human beings under my uniform, so the country was well served!

Konichiwa.....Ohiyo gozimas?   I just read through 5 pages of posts...can't possibly respond!  Still a little jet-lagged, but DD made sure I hit the groung running after landing in Hokkaido!  First day included a train ride out to a lovely coastal city, for fresh (just off the boat) sashimi (tuna, salmon, scallops, flounder-won't eat octupus or squid-too rubbery) followed by a 3 mile hike my DD said was just a "Walk" along the cliffs.....it was 1 and 1/2 miles of stair -stepping up and then the same DOWN....knees are shot () for at least another day.....am learning to get around on the Sapporo subway system......went to a Shinto Shrine (beautiful)yesterday and was blessed by a Shinto priest, and received my fortune, which was "Very Good", but mentioned an illness that will take some time to recover from.  Hmmmm???? Can't imagine what it was referring to!

Today am headed to Furano in central Hokkaido, to see the tulip fields....excited to see the rural Japan, but bringing along several protein bars in case my stomack rebels!

Onsen visit coming up Thursday and Friday!  So excited to introduce the Japanese women to my new girls and my "crotch eyes"!!!!!!  Will keep you posted on how that goes!

Love and hugs going out to all.........Sayonara!

Namaste and God bless - Jackie 

Sbelizabeth,

I'll have to give that a shot pre chemo. Right now I'm trying Senocot, prunes, and prune juice. This doesn't work, I'll have to resort to the big guns and clean the entire plumbing system in one shot. It's horrible, but effective. It's been 4 days so I'm getting desperate! Such a simple thing to take for granted but man when it doesn't work, life comes to a standstill lol.

Sbelizabeth,

I'm ER+ and PR+ and have no intention of touching soy in any shape or form. I am also hypothyroid so have been told for years to avoid soy anyway. It really is a tough thing to do as manufacturers like to hide it and give it different names. I'm not taking any chances after all this crap just to enjoy a few soybeans. Might be extreme on my part but why take the chance after all you've gone through?

Besides, it's a good way to tell Monsanto where to go!

Sbelizabeth - I'm going to try your anti constipation plan. It sounds like a solid plan. And I get grumpy when I'm constipated. I think it took me 5 days post op to finally move my bowels. I've been having a fruit smoothie every morning and just bought the nutri bullet to have green juice every day. I'm motivated to eat better and more real food. I've been told to stay away from soy, I'm ER +.



Ok, the acronyms have me a little puzzled? I think I can make out most of them, but tell me "DH"? Is that dear husband, darling husband or dumb husband?



I can totally relate to our DIEP friend ( and I apologize that I can't keep up with who says what) whose husband was grumpy with all the company and family who came to help after surgery. My family did the same for me and It got to my husband. he just wanted to protect me, but he was rude to my Mother and I didn't like that. Thankfully, he is great at taking over most household and kid stuff.



I'm so happy to hear about how well we're all doing pre and post surgery. I'm better everyday and have nothing going on until port goes in June 4 and I appreciate the advice on wig and caps with hair sewn in.



Happy Memorial Day, went to our great local parade and ceremony today and appreciate the freedom I have because of the brave women and men who serve and have served our Country.



Have a great week everyone, may we all continue to heal and feel stronger everyday. And for those getting ready for stage 1, 2, 2a, etc., best wishes!!!!!

Dyvgrl - sounds like you will have a break through soon. What body can resist that combo.



Katy - so confused by the no soy, edemame yes. Soy is soy, unless I am missing something. Do tell?



Nihahi - we are now in Central Cali, Paso Robles. The Nixon Library did an amazing job recognizing the Vietnam POWs 40th anniversary of freedom. A really beautiful tribute. But I felt like I woke up, ate, chatted, ate, napped, got on a bus, ate, got on a bus, went to bed. Too many "ates". Hoping to get in some walking so I won't split my compression from weight gain. Starting personal trainer and PT next week.

sbelizabeth - my oncologist told me that soy in its natural form (like edamame) would be fine on occasion but to avoid the soy prepared foods.  I really try to avoid it as much as possible in my food supply.  I buy Earth Balance soy free margarine, chickpea miso, etc.  I do eat Chinese food on occasion and I use soy sauce then too.  I don't think anyone really knows if it's bad but I personally feel like there's way too much soy in our food supply and I'm with Dyvgrl with telling Monsanto where to go!  GMOs can't be good for anyone.  Vegetable oil is actually only soybean oil! as is most margarines and shortening.  Most breads are made with some soybean flour too.  I could go on and on about soy!

GOLDIE - I wouldn't worry too much about the previous surgeries. In a 10 year period I had 4 laparotomies (aka - C section cut) and 7 lapascopies. I had severe endometriosis and was trying to stop the pain and preserve my fertility. The last laparotomy was a complete hysterectomy. Just had DIEP on both sides 2 weeks ago today!

Liefie--yes, unfortunately, eternal vigilance is necessary for us.  Reduce our risk factors (exercise, lose weight if needed, healthy eating, no smoking), maintain onc check-ups, pay attention to our bodies.

But...I will not spend the rest of my life, be it an hour or fifty years, being afraid.  I've wasted too much time in that condition already.  I still get "the shivers" once in a while, but I've learned to not wallow.

sbelizabeth - I so agree. Need to keep up with MO, BS (mine specializes in BC) and our bodies, but the stress of thinking or worrying about it just can't be good either! Thanks for saying it so much better than I could!