DIEP 2013
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Well, after several calls to the docs office, and waiting over a week I have appt tomorrow morning to find out results of my bronchoscopy. I just kept telling myself it can't be anything if they haven't called. me.
Good luck tomorrow Sherry. It should be a quick in, and out kind of thing. I had it done to my original left bmx incision, and it solved all healing problems on that side. I wish the same for you.
Mammalou, it's good to hear you sounding so up, and healing too!!!
Layla, Patty, and Deb...praying all goes well tomorrow.
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Goldie, praying real hard for a good report!
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I swear, sometimes this thread is simply mindblowing!!!!! I'm almost exhausted just trying to remember the many, and truly heartfelt posts I just read, that came on after mine this morning. I am thankful, grateful and in awe of all of us. I used to think people that spouted words like "cancer made me appreciate.....yadayadayada....", were "full of denial"......after 22 years, my friends, thanks to this thread, I GET IT! Love you all.
sbe.....you have NO idea how much we would love to hear your presentation.....is there anyway it can be youtubed????
yowzer....I just googled that 2810 vegas place....looks like $$$$$$....Not that we aren't worth it, but I may have to be in a Super8 instead!!!!
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Nihahi, I don't know if the presentation will be videotaped or not, but if it is, I'll figure out a way to supply it here. A lot of heart messages from all of you are woven into it, so in a lot of ways, we'll all be doing the talking.
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Hi ladies,
I have not posted in a few weeks but I have been lurking. I tried to catch up with everyone but there are too many pages. I finally got surgery date confirmed. In 2 weeks (10/15) I will officially join your club. I am having a BMX with immediate free tram flap. Since I am single and live alone, I am trying to make lists of everything I need to do before surgery. I have taken notes from you and now have a list of questions for both surgeons, PS and BS. Reading your stories and the strength you have shown has helped me stay on track. There have been a couple of days when I have questioned why I am doing this. I have also been questioned by others who care about me. But as many of you have said, I know in my heart that this is the right decision for me.
My thoughts and prayers are with those of you who are having difficulties.
Hugs to all.
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Welcome Gwenny, I have not had my surgery yet, but there are many women here who are going to get you through every step. Congrats on your surgery date. From reading your bio it looks like you have been through the hard part, you beat cancer!!!! Now, it's time for the cherry on top. You can do this, and you sound ready. Wrapping your mind around it is the hardest part, and you've done it. Welcome, I have not had my surgery yet, but there are many women here who are going to get you through every step.
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Stage 2 notes - one other idea for a nipple "protector" is what i came home with - a sterile gauze sponge pulled out and rolled and twisted longways, then taped at the edges after it was curled into a circle. This made a clean, padded protection for the new nipple.
New nipple is gradually reducing in size; I was alarmed at first sight - but isn't that true for the first glimpses after any surgery?
The natural breast got a lift during Stage 2. When I looked at her, I was alarmed. It looked too different somehow. Like I said - first response. We took photos at home before each procedure, and when I looked back at the photos pre-op, I was re-assured. So, just a suggestion-take your own photos for backup and encouragement. Because the lifted girl looks so much perkier and younger than the older girl did, and I was concerned she looked worse. She looks great!
HUMAN TOUCH - One thing I've realized post-op is my first reaction/thoughts about my healing body is Don't Touch. I've been over-protective of the body and not touching the skin. I know it's important for immediate wound care to not touch a lot, but I'm talking about after the incision is healed and your body parts begin to feel like body parts. So, I've been using soothing creams and nice soaps and making a point to touching the skin on my body. I'm not talking about anything sensual, ladies, I'm just talking about acknowledging to my new boobette that she is part of me, and the abdominal incision that it is welcome, etc. etc. It's been a very positive healing tool for me, and I hope I'm coming across in a real way-just honoring the new lines and areas of the body, I suppose is what I mean. It somehow had connected to my brain and thoughts and is helping with the healing process.
One problem I had Stage 2 post-op: The BRA!! So darn ugly and I was having problems with extreme burning sensations under the breasts. When I got the big mirror out, the lights a bit brighter, I realized the problem. The steri-strips covering the work done under the breasts were too tight; maybe it was a perfect application, but for me, the strips had dried and were rippled, meaning there was tissue caught kind of in an S-pattern (think S sideways) so the strips were constantly pinching the flesh together. I used my own thinking, and I'm not a professional, and softened the strips with Bacitracin, which relieved the harsh burning immediately.
The BRA is still ugly as sin, and I've been talking with the PS office about it. I told the PS office that no woman surviving breast cancer should have to wear something so darn ugly, and that I couldn't tell it was physically beneficial to my post-op healing anyway. So, I got honest, but I will follow dr. suggestions and be a good patient whatever that is.
One fun thing-Have you watched Double Divas tv show on Lifetime? I have laughed sooooo much. And they do fittings for breast cancer survivors. I'm going to treat myself sometime in the next year to a flight to Atlanta to go to their lingerie store. Check out the comedy if you haven't watched the show. It's kind of a deep relief for me somehow - a show about beautifying breasts after having gone through this dance we never wished to dance. Just lightens my load to laugh, and this show for me is hilarious.
Best wishes for a super Monday. Prayers to those going through it.
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Did you have any problem stopping the ativan?
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jakig - great post! So glad you are working your way through this.
Gwenny - welcome. Since you live alone, it would be a really good thing to have a girlfriend or someone stay with you the first few days after you are discharged. You really should have someone around, just in case, as you will be taking narcotic pain killers and may be unsteady on your feet. You also will probably have drains to contend with. It took me several weeks to really become steady. It is good that you are planning ahead. You can do this!
Capelang - have you been taking ativan regularly or for a while? I only take it very occassionally. You might want to back down by cutting the pill in half for a few days and then going to quarters.
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Momof5 good luck with you appts. I had Dr. Bonawitz out of John Hopkins as my PS and truly loved him. I had my surgery done in Annapolis and couldn't be happier. He was wonderful, I know another lady had another Dr out of Hopkins (a woman if i recalll) and she seemed happy as well. I know everyone is different, but i didnt have any complications with my flap surgery. I hope it all goes well for you.
I just recently saw double divas and thought it was hilarious. Very cute show, next time I am in atlanta I am stopping by for a fitting.
Have a great day -
Wow, I can't keep up with this board and all the posts and names
Cherrie - I am in the Northern Va area. Close to Quantico. Is your daugther military?
Goldie4040 - Best of luck on your test results!
Jakig - I LOVE Double Divas!! Have you seen the one where they fitted the goat with a nursing bra???
mrtw43 - I JUST got off the phone with JH. I am scheduled to see Dr. Manahan next week. I am glad to hear you had a positive experience. My MO is there, and I love her, and recently I had a laparotomy with a gyn/onc there, and so far I have been very happy with the care I have received. I do love that all the records are linked, so the MO can see what I have had done in other departments.
Well, back to work for me. Have a great day!
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Oh I lied...not back to work, I had a question.
For those ladies that had implants first, or delayed recon. When I had my BMX with the TE I had pain, but mostly from the muscles being stretched (and cording down my arm). If I go with the sGAP procedure, obviously I will have pain/discomfort at the donor site, but in the chest, since it is numb, did you have any pain or discomfort?
Also, the muscle that was stretched out with the TE...does that lay flat again? Even after it is stretched out?
NOW I must work....
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sherry....congrats on finding "closure" today!!!!
goldie...hope the broncho appt goes well.
gwenny...please pm me if you would like to be added to our list. I am now 5 1/2 months out from a Tram free and am happy to answer any questions you may have, but really, our recovery is no different from the Diep gals. I agree with marty....you should have someone stay with you for a couple days minimum once you get home, What kind of "aids" have you gotten to make things easier/safer at home?
cherrie....I don't have layla on our list, so I don't know if I missed an earlier message from her, (I know there is a good chance I missed a few dates while I was so busy this summer) but it sounds like you have connected with her. Please let her know that we all send her encouragement and hugs.
Hope the monsoons in the pacific northwest have lessened....have good days ladies!
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momof 5....sorry cyber crossing of posts. I had a long run with implants before my flap recon. I had very little discomfort in the flap boob (actually in all the surgical areas) post surgery. I do think the "swelling" I had in the gloob, was partly related to the muscle being messed up from the implants and cap contracture, and the work done to excise all that scar tissue. My PS told me that even after the many years of being stretched, the muscle would somewhat return to it's normal position (meaning it would lie flatter on the ribcage). I was skeptical about this at first, but I do think the muscle has recovered at least partially. My shoulder function has improved post surgery, in ways that I believe are connected to the position of the muscle.
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jakig-- thanks so much for the new idea for nipple protection. These huge donuts made from nursing pads are horrible.
I am 10 days behind you on phase 2 and totally agree with the surgical bra issue. I cannot wear anything that it does not show through or around. Wide ugly straps, velcrowed for convenience but pop apart if I'm not careful, ugly seams all over the cups, and what idiot thought the rough insides of the seams would feel good on a just created tender breast??!! The donuts I have to wear show through the bra as well. I usually wear form fitting t-shirts in the heat here in south TX, and really have nothing loose to wear to cover all this crap, so frustrating....
Most likley a man design this torture contraption. PS says I have to wear this thing for 2 weeks. Arrrgh!!
Vent over
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Iron, did you see Sharon's solution to the nipple donuts? Great idea.
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Welcome Gwenny! In 6 weeks out a free tram DIEP for a double! You need someone with you a few days and to drive you to post op appt. You can pm if want 👍
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momof5, I got a huge amount of relief when the implants were removed and the pec muscle got to go back to where it previously was. The tight iron bra feeling disappears too. My pec muscle was very damaged and paper thin according to my surgeon so it was truly a blessing to be able to put things back. I did not have a lot of discomfort from the S-Gap surgery I think it was more soreness. You'll probably do great with just the hip flaps. I would have if it wasn't for the chest defect on my right side. I am 5'9" and weighed about 130 when I had the surgery. Hope this helps.
Prayers for all the upcoming gals.
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Welcome, Gwenny Two weeks. Yay! Like Goldie said, the hardest part is behind you—you kicked cancer’s hiney. The time leading up to the surgery, for me, was a mixture of dread and waiting for Christmas morning when I could unwrap my new tummy and boobs.
Jakig, what a good idea about welcoming the new tissues. There’s a strong mind/body connection, and making a conscious effort to accept the new breasts as being in their rightful place makes good sense. Pass the Lubriderm.
Capelang, do you take the ativan for sleep, or for anxiety during the day? How long have you taken it? These factors matter when you’re considering quitting altogether, but Marty’s advice is good whenever or why you’re stopping.
Hey, Liefie, did you sleep better last night? I had to laugh at the image of you nodding off and crashing out of the pew. Once, a wasp stung me in church and I yelped and leaped to my feet. Embarrassing.
Goldie, we’re in your pocket for the broncoscopy results appt. I bet you’re right—anytime the news has been lousy, my doctor’s been on the phone. Good news? Ho hum.
It’s another lovely fall morning here in So Cal. My PS was adamant about me not going back to the office this week, so I’m all set up here at my kitchen table, wound vac happily farting beside me, IV line dripping politely. There isn’t much I do at the office that I can’t do here, with the exception of drifting around, gossiping, I mean, discussing projects.
Sherry, say hello to Wilbur for us! And blessings to Layla, Debwarrior, and Pattysmiles this week. Remember…it’s a marathon, not a sprint, but there WILL be a finish line.
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This has nothing to do with breast cancer, but I have no one else to "talk" to. I went to have a hearing evaluation as I have some hearing loss in left ear. Found out I have gone quite downhill in the last two years. Walked out of there with an appointment for a brain MRI to rule out a tumor (I am claustrophobic ), and told that there is a high relationship between early hearing loss and dementia. Also, by the time he mentioned hearing aid eval. I lost it. My tummy is in knots and of course a headache. I am so tired of medical issues. I am only 58, and soon to be 59. I was so excited to be at the end of my BC journey, it's a nice day, and then bam!! In the last two years my mother has died, I retired, my son got married, and my children both moved far away. (Seattle and Chesapeake) I live in Michigan. I hurt!!!!!! Thanks for listening and letting me rattle on. I know we all have our issues, but it is a bad day for me. DAMN I HATE THIS!
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Cherrie, in my reading about Tamoxifen, it seems that there might be some correlation between it and hearing loss. Something to do with Tamoxifen effecting the tiny hairs in our ears. It's certainly not a listed SE and there seems to be a lot of dispute about it, but there is anecdotal evidence (even here on the the Tamoxifen boards). Don't know if you're still taking it, but a SE would be better than a tumour! *hugs* So sorry you are going through this.
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Cherrie, I have instantly jumped in your pocket! Huge hugs!! I understand why you are worried. That was a lot of information to digest and it came as quite a shock. You just finished all this bc mess and now this. Not fair!!! Growing old is not for sissies, that is for sure. And we're not even old!
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. -
Oh Cherrie, so you are having a time. Big hugs.
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Cherrie, it is so weird how many of us are exactly the same age. I hear you sister, all this little crap starts building up, and you feel like you are falling apart. But, really! An MRI for hearing loss? I think that is a little excessive and would make me worry too. So sorry about your mom. That really leaves a whole in your life. But, your kids growing up an leaving home is a good thing. I know it's hard when they move far away, but you did something right if they are out on their own.
Well, I had an interesting appt with the Pulmonary doc today. I do not have throat, or lung cancer, nor COPD, etc. (I use to smoke), but I do have a very very very rare condition, and he has never seen it before in person. It has a very long name, it is not deadly, but can get annoying if more nodules grow, and they don't know why it happens, and it could be hereditary. My symptoms are that I choke easily on food, more often than most, cold air blowing at me instigates a cough sometimes, and I got laryngitis twice last winter. Now, what is very interesting to me is that it use to annoy the poop out of me when my father would choke for no reason very often, and when my brother came to see me after my diagnosis I noticed he does it too!!!!! It usually starts developing in your 40's and progresses from there. Great! If anybody cares to see the actual pics of my trachea and the nodules let me know, I will PM to you. Not something I would share for fun on here. LOL. Hey guys...here is a pic of my insides...lmaooooooo
SBE: how you doing with the wound vac?
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Goldie, I'm so happy you don't have cancer! I'm glad you have an answer but sorry if it is going to cause you trouble. You are just a special, unique individual! So, you are clear to get your DIEP???? Hooray!
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Oh, Cherrie, I am so sorry to hear about the hearing loss. I assume you were at your audiologist? Be sure that the MRI order includes drugs. I am claustrophobic and can't go in without them. Take the cocktail and you will never know you were in there. There are so many reasons for "early" hearing loss and not necessarily related to dementia. Maybe that was a bit of knowledge that was unnecessary? Relax. Think about the fun you will have seeing your next grandchild, visiting Seattle, spending time in Florida. And breath, we are all in your pockets!
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cherrie....this is one of those "I want to just stand in the woods and scream" moments....I swear, if I could round up enough swords, shields, and protective light I would just surround you with it. Such a time of it, for you....it is soooo hard to just be getting back that "life is good" mindset and then get backslapped by something else happening. Marty gave good advice for getting through the test. The words...."hang in there" just seem lame sometimes, but at the moment, that's all I've got. Cancer doesn't have to be the only topic here.....we are all doing our best to "live life"....and that means we're here for the "life in general crap stuff" too. The best thing about this group of ladies...we are here, for ANYTHING....24/7!!!!!!
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Jeannie, it looks like it. And, thank for saying special and unique, and not down right weird and strange! I go for another fill on Friday, and I will make sure all info has reached PS by then, and I guess we will take it from there. I am just bummed that the holidays are coming up now. If I had it done when I was supposed to I would be all healed now.
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Hello everyone. I am almost 7 months post op from my DIEP surgery. (I had had a skin-sparing double mastectomy in November 2011). I am at the point now where the PS wants to do a slight lift on the right side, break down some scar tissue on the left, (the radiated breast) and adding nipples. Suddenly, I'm feeling so apprehensive. I'm just beginning to feel myself again, after 2 other unrelated procedures this spring and summer, and do not relish the thought of more anesthesia, and healing again. Also, I was told I would be unable to wear a Bra for 3 months after the creation of the nipples. OK, long intro but my question is, has anyone forgone the nipples and been happy with their results anyway? I'm wondering whether I'll regret not "completing" my surgery, and never want to go back to it after considerable more time passes. Also, one last thing, I've gained a considerable amount of weight in the last year, and would like to take it off prior to any more "cosmetic" changes.
Thanks so much for anyone's response!
Laura
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Goldie, glad to hear the good news! What's next? Forward, ho!
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