DIEP 2013

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2013


    NYTXSPHR,


    Thanks for the reply - I do think I need to step it up a little tho. took a nice walk outside today enjoying the beautiful fall weather and feel good and not as tired as I have been so really every day does make a difference.


    So, it's been bothering me that I had to do so much research to find out what was actually done to me - although it was somewhat explained by PS and I certainly learned a lot from this forum and elsewhere on the net I just couldn't get a visual of exactly what they did. I saw a post where somebody was talking about pain in the breast bone which I have had since coming out of surgery. Well, after doing more research today I found on the following site where 'a portion of rib cartilage is removed from the chest wall to get to the mammary artery & vein'. So, now I know what that pain is - it really kind of drives me crazy that all of this isn't explained more by the PS beforehand -yeah, yeah, I know they're so wonderful and don't have time, etc. but I am also one that needs to know what the heck is entailed in all this. Anyway, I thought the following link was pretty descriptive and not too graphic. I have a better understanding now and am HAPPY about that..


    http://www.microsurgeon.org/diepbreastreconstruction

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


    Hey Sweetpickle...how are things today???? Can you feel the hugs????


    NYTX....just keep remembering that you are doing EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to BE THERE for those little ones in the many, many years to come. They are so young, they will have no memory of "these days", and you have years of good memories to create and share together.


    To the ladies who know they want details....you need to ask, not just wait for the PS to explain everything. Many (likely most) patients don't want the play by play details, and it's expecting alot from your doc to try to decipher what your "wants are" if you don't tell them at the start of this journey. When the PS says "I'm going to take the tissue from here, put it here and attach the blood vessels...." it's your cue to say...."how does that happen....how do you do that..what does that mean....etc."


    carmelle and others fairly "new" in their recovery....things may seem to be going too slowly, but try to look back at where you were....it will reinforce how far you've come, and yes, each day brings little bits of progress.

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2013


    Nihali,


    Believe me I tried asking - not all doc's are that forthcoming and unfortunately when you live in a state where there's really only one doc doing the procedure there's not much else you can do - hence, my unsatiable desire for more info..

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  • Jubby
    Jubby Member Posts: 85
    edited October 2013


    Hi ladies,


    It's been a while. I am 7 weeks out from surgery and doing really well. My boobs look fabulous and the tummy scar is healing nicely. I still have to have the skin panels cut out of the breasts but am not scheduled for that until January. I am loving my flat tummy and new body and wanted to let those of you who may be about to go under the knife that my results have definitely been worth the ride.


    I am still terribly fatigued after the surgery and I suspect this was compounded by a virus/cold I caught from my kids 4 weeks ago. I am trying to increase my exercise slowly.....and waiting longingly for the day when I have a spring in my step.


    Good luck to all you lovely DIEP ladies past and present.


    x x x

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Jubby, that is awesome news. Congrats. Very happy for you. You will have a spring in your step, and it's not that far off, promise.

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Carmelle, which doc are you using? There is a great Diep surgeon at the hospital in Greenwich. Is that where you are going? Just curious.

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  • Pattysmiles
    Pattysmiles Member Posts: 954
    edited October 2013


    I wanted to take a moment to comment to the moms struggling with the thoughts of "not doing their best or being their best".


    I went to New Orleans for my surgery(I am from NY). I took my hubby. My MIL watched my kids ages 10,12,14. I had very little difficulty leaving my kids with my MIL as I knew she would do her best and we could also Skype and make phone calls. I left her detailed written instructions, list of neighbors to call etc. I spoke to my kids nightly, except day of surgery..but hubby did. This turned out to be one of my BEST decisions ever. My hubby didnt have to get up at 6:00am to get first kid off to school, then the next two out etc. he didn't have to deal with feeding them, running them around, making sure he was home to get them to bed, food shop, etc. he was able to take care of ME, stress free. Also, as luck would have it my. Toilet leaked and caused damage downstairs and my MIL dealt with it, had someone repair toilet AND fix the ceiling damage..without telling us a thing. Now imagine if all this was going on for hubby..or ifi were home recovering that first week and it happened! I know it would have been ME stressing! As well as hubby! I have NEVER put myself first. This time I did, and it was well worth it...I can be a type A personality so I know my first week home for recovery would have been too much for me.


    For those with the youngins....THEY don't know any different. They adjust so easily too. I think we make ourselves crazy trying to keep things normal...sometimes there needs to be a "new normal" and we can be happy there. Don't dwell on what you can't do or what you used to do. Find something different to do that will make happy memories. Every day is a blessing...even if it means watching Elmo videos together!


    If we can't find a way to take care of ourselves we will become even more useless.


    I wish everyone a healthy recovery. Baby steps.


    Hugs,


    Pat

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


    Well said Patty!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited October 2013


    Mammalou - your Stage 2 will be on a Tuesday. I suggest you plan not to go back to work until Monday. The recovery from Stage 2 is not like Stage 1 in length or severity, but it has its own little quirks. As I remember you had a healing problem after Stage 1. Might be better not to push yourself and your body by returning to work too soon.


    Jubby - at 7 weeks, you probably still are feeling the effects of the anesthesia. Plus there is a lot of internal healing going on that you can't see. It took me a good 3 months to feel totally myself.


    Pat - love your MIL. She must be a special woman!

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited October 2013


    butterflyeyez - what happens in stage 2 varies based on your PS and what you had done during stage 1 and how it turned out. My stage 2 will only involve a little lipo to my new breast so it matches the other one a little better, and a little lipo to my tummy/hips (which I'm not sure how that's related but I'll take it!). I don't think I'll have any drains, and my PS says I will be feeling completely fine 3-4 days later. BIG difference from the actual DIEP surgery.


    sbe - sorry to hear that you have to keep the IV antibiotics. That's rough. As for the supplies, all I can think of is calling your local health department and seeing if they might have a use for them.?


    mammalou - I'm having basically just lipo done for my stage 2 and my PS said if I do it on a Friday I should feel good to go back to work by Tuesday. So I would be cautious in thinking you will feel up to going back to work the next day.


    I'll read more tomorrow. We're meeting up with our niece, nephew, his wife, and their friend at a haunted corn maze. What fun! I love being the fun aunt! :)

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited October 2013


    Goldie.. The PS said the small implant would be under the flap, not the muscle. I think I like that better. I wasn't happy with the idea of an implant since I've already failed at that, but I am ok with it now. I don't have any desire to cut up another part of my body to get more tissue.

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Thanks, Mammalou.


    That's what I thought. I was told a 150cc implant is very small, but can make a full cup size difference, and probably wouldn't have to be under the muscle. I think you will be very happy!!! You will do great. Keep us posted

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited October 2013


    Goldie... When is your stage 2?

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Mamma, I haven't even had my stage 1. I kept getting delayed for all kinds of "incidentaloma's" they kept finding on various scans. But, because I can't seem to put on very much weight (been naturally thin all my life, not skinny) they felt they couldn't give me more than a small B cup with the diep, but if I agreed to an implant I could get a full B or small C. I originally started out with expander's because I was planning on an implant recon, but my skin was not cooperating. When I got my heart set on the diep then all kinds of other things came up. They have been expanding me slowly all along, and now I am at a crossroads. Since they can't give me a decent size breast with just diep should I attempt an implant recon first, and if I hate it then go for a diep with implant? I am at the point where I am going to flip a coin...lol. But, I totally get the not wanting to cut up another part of your body. They only curvy part of my body is my bottom, and my husband was emphatic about that. There is no way anybody was touching his favorite part of my body. He loves the way I look in a tight pair of jeans. He cracked me up. So, a stacked surgery was not going to happen.

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  • sweetpickle
    sweetpickle Member Posts: 749
    edited October 2013


    Nahahi- Feeling much better thanks and yes I feel the hugs! :)


    Well said Patty, kids are so resilant!

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


    hey sweet....how was bunco????

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited October 2013


    Goldie.. I had an implant before diep. I didn't like it, but I also had a lot of radiation damage so it was so tight and hard. I like my diep much better even though I'm asymetrical right now and the scar is bigger. I had to have a lot of skin removed because of rads so most of my skin on my foob is from my tummy.

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Yeah, I know that rads can cause real complications for implants. I haven't had any rads, and my surgeon is amazed at how well my skin is doing no matter what direction I choose. You are going to do so great, and be so happy. Will be thinking about you Tuesday.

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  • lahela
    lahela Member Posts: 515
    edited October 2013


    Carmelle - at a little over 9 weeks, I still need to rest when I'm walking because of the belly tightness and pain in my lower back. Still not completely upright.



    NYTX - I still get occasional pangs in the breastbone and the skin is still quite sensitive, but it bothers me far less often.



    Jubby - so pleased you are healing well.


    Love and hugs to all.

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  • NYTXSPHR
    NYTXSPHR Member Posts: 12
    edited October 2013


    Patty....thank you for the message about your children! You hit on a great point that has me thinking. I'm not sure if I have accepted that there will be a "new normal" for the babies and I yet. I think I am too busy hanging on to the impossible old normal or at the least grieving the loss of it. You are right, I need to spend more time focused on what we can do together instead of what we can't. Thank you again!


    Ah, ladies, the path on this journey can have so many dead ends. I am grateful for all of you helping me get back to the bright sunny path!

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


    10/15/13 butterfleyez (Diep)


    10/16/13 Jeannie57 (Stage 2)


    10/17/13 pmat001 (BMX with immediate Diep) Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto


    This weeks ladies.....safe surgeries and gentle healing to you all.


    NYTX.....having a mx combined with flap recon is a tough road of emotional challenges. You need to give yourself permission to "grieve the loss of your natural breasts", while healing from the recon. Don't look to far ahead as to what the changes in your body "mean" to your children. You will be able to mother them just as well in the future, as in the past. The physical limitations you now have are short-term. The gift you have given them of being here in the future for them, is the "positive" focus of the future.

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited October 2013


    Goldie - my PS was Dr. Fusi at Yale. Really my only complaint is that I think these procedures become so routine for them that they don't get that some of us just need more info - some women don't but I do. He has been doing this surgery for 7 years and I fully trusted that he would do a great job (and all the nurses and other docs highly respect his abilities). So... after doing much of my own research - hey I started at Hartford Hosp where you can't even find a surgeon that does this. The PS that I went to there never even mentioned DIEP. This is not my first go-round so I knew I had to be my own advocate. Once I found the DIEP info on the net I came to this website (which I also was on 12 years ago and it was fantastic then). Found this forum and then went back to PS at HH - he gave me Dr. Fusi's name and like I said I believe he's probably one of the best out there so he didn't fill all my needs but that's ok... That is one of the reasons we have these forums so that we can ask each other..


    Patty - that was great about your experience - great MIL. My children were 7 & 10 the 1st time but only had lumpectomy with rads then so was really more able to deal with it all. So glad I went thru this procedure when they were older - my heart goes out to all of you with the younger kids - that must be so difficult - but they are resilient for sure..


    Lahela - thx for the info on the recovery time - I'm getting impatient for sure - hate being stuck in the house as I am an active person. Will go for a couple of walks today and just try to do a little more each day.


    Have a great day everybody!

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  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited October 2013


    Jubby - wow, your post sounded so positive and upbeat! I too feel great since DIEP, and am so happy with my results. Looks like you also delayed recon surgery... I think for us ladies that had to go without a breast or two for a while, we are just so happy to have two again. I suspect the ladies that had immediate recon have a very different emotional perspective after surgery and my heart goes out to them.


    butterfleyez, Jeannie57, and pmat001, good luck this week, may your surgeries go smoothly and your recoveries have as little discomfort as possible. Heal well!


    I hope everyone is having a great weekend. We went with our nieces and nephew and some of their friends to a haunted corn maze last night and had a blast! There was a great big tube slide and we went down it several times; at one point I went belly-down and thought, ooh, hope my new boob can handle this! Which it did, just fine. LOL

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited October 2013


    Quick drive by as I gotta get showered, my older sister is staying with us this weekend as well and gotta get ready for a big Turkey Dinner at my Mother In Law's.


    Mom is still in the hospital as they couldnt get her sugars controlled, I think they finally have the magic mix of meds and insulin. Her sugars were 22! Had a good visit with her yesterday and my youngest sister and BIL are here from out of town, they will visit with her today. They are weaning her off her current anti depressant as well as it is not good for her sugars being a diabetic and putting her on another one. Hopefully she gets out at some point next week:( Its been a long haul for her....16 days in hospital so far.


    Our power went out at 2:00 am. this morning and of course everything beeps including the smoke detectors which are hard wired...was having an awesome sleep and boom...wide awake...struggled to go back to sleep and then beep, beep power went back on a few hours later. I am thankful that tomorrow is a holiday for us (Thanksgiving in Canada) so get that extra day of rest:)


    A big wave to all the special ladies here, enjoy your day!


    Michele

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  • SheChirple
    SheChirple Member Posts: 954
    edited October 2013


    Again, I'm gone a wek or two and no way to catch up. I skimmed. So glad to hear so many are doing so well. Prayers an hugs for those still in the throws of recovery, or dealing with complications.


    I, myself, am 4 1/2 months post Stage I DIEP. I am blessed to have a wonderful doctor not far from home, a terribly supportive husband and family.


    I still have belly swelling at the end of the day, but not painful, realy, just discomfort.


    Stage II is still months away.

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited October 2013


    Carmelle


    So glad you are happy with your doc, and his abilities. Yale is a prestigious place, and I am sure you are getting top notch care from them.


    Shechirple, nice to hear from you. Glad you are doing so well.


    Christina, the corn maze sounds like fun. I miss doing all that fun stuff with my son when he was little.

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  • butterfleyez
    butterfleyez Member Posts: 116
    edited October 2013


    thanks so much for the positive energy and prayers. I'm definitely needing it today. I have to spend half the day tomorrow at the hospital getting dye or something so today is my last "free" day before surgery.

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  • LucyV
    LucyV Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2013


    so hard to keep up with you guys!


    Good luck to everyone having procedures this week...I'll be thinking of you all.

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  • Zenful
    Zenful Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2013


    Sending prayers and positive energy for all those having surgery this week!

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


    Butter-Thinking of you! ((((Hugs))))

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