DIEP 2013

butterfleyez · October 2013

where can I compare me to photos? That would help put things in perspective for me. I think you ladies are exactly right in saying that we are all in pursuit of "normal" again. Of course it will be a new normal with scars that prove we won the battle. I try to keep in mind that the goal is to live cancer free. The next goal is to restore the body to a new normal. I am praying for all of you in the midst of storms and I learn so much from this thread on what to expect, reality checks and pushing forward.

Jeannie57 · October 2013

DebDylan, I like how the middle pup is smiling about it!

nihahi · October 2013

hahahahahahaha......I'm signing up to be the brown one on the left, sans right nipple!!!!!

LucyV · October 2013

love the puppies!

Janet-yay on the flat stomach! You have every right to show it off!

Bailey-I sent my letter to my rep!

Butterfleye-hope you enjoyed your outing. Are you driving yet?

Jeannie-well it seems I overdid it on the colace/miralax combo hahaha. Wayyyyy on the other side now...oops.

Lahela-my DH really wanted me to stay in hospital longer. He felt more rushed than I did!

Christina-good luck with everything tomorrow!

Happy to report that I am drain free! Wow! Feel a million times better!

This is the first year I have not had any halloween candy. I know the sugar is not good for me and won't help with my healing so I have to look away from the giant bowl of treats staring at me!

lahela · October 2013

faith - so glad you stopped by. I am so sorry for what you are going through. All my healing wishes are coming to you today.

Deb, that's why I opted not to join the picture forum - it's scary enough seeing the surgery results, but I didn't want to compare mine with what others have because we are all so different, with different doctors and different results. My noobs are so far from being "my boobs", but I'm not ready to give up on them yet. Time and revisions should help... but I totally get the attitude that there wasn't enough. I went from a large D to a small C and am still shrinking and it freaks me out to see myself naked so I avoid it at all costs. But I have hope that things will get better.

Bailey, such wise words about stage 1. Thank you for the reminder that stage 1 is surgery and the artistry comes later.

I'm feeling a whole new perspective right now. I just got an email from a dear, dear friend saying that his partner lost their baby boy at 33 weeks gestation. It's just so wrong, so unfair. We shared the news of my cancer and her pregnancy on the same day on July 4th and now neither of us has either. I feel so guilty for complaining about such trivial things as bras when people are going through misery like that.

I'll sign off now until Monday. Off to see my parents in the morning and hug the daylights out of them.

So much love to you all.

Cherrie · October 2013

Newbies, I have 3 sleeveless, button down blouses that I would love to give to someone. I also have a brand new compression bra that has never been out of the package. (L) Just PM me with address and I will get them to you.

Haven't posted in a while, under the weather.

butterfleyez · October 2013

Lucy I did.. It felt good to be out walking around a bit. I'm sooooooo sick of my recliner and my living room. My butt has been getting cramps lately lol I'm not driving yet. My ps said to wait until I wouldn't think twice about my stomach or noob before slamming on the brakes if a kid walked out and I'm not ready to turn the wheel yet.

If been pushing to stand up straighter.

LucyV · October 2013

ok butterfley you are my guide like it or not since you are eight days ahead of me. Keep thinking I should be doing something but then I think "I'm 8 days out I shouldn't be doing anything" basically clean/change any dressings in the morning and evening and sit on the couch and sit in the chair or take a few strolls around my family room! No one said anything about arm exercises yet .

Anonymous · October 2013

Thinking of our "chair-bound newbies" tonight. Many of us went a bit stir crazy....our minds are ready to "move it, move it" before our tummies are, usually (not always, but usually). Take it slow, play it smart. Increase a little each day. It starts to feel like forever.....but it's not for forever, I promise!

butterfleyez · October 2013

I'm honored to be your guide Lucy..lol

Yeah I think I posted a week out and had only been home 2 days. Keep everything clean and bandaged as directed, do tour laps around the house and be patient. Sounds funny giving you the words i was given about patience when i clearly am not listening myself..lol

No arm exercise yet. I just got the go ahead yesterday to do a few stretches. In the last two days I have noticed that I am able to straighten up a little more. I'm almost kinda straight. I walked around target today at a snails pace but I didn't get tired

nihahi · November 2013

butterfleyez.....that is one VERY tuned in PS re: his guidelines as to when you are ready to drive. I have posted similar thoughts here in the past...not sure many people get how important it is. Too bad patience can't be prescribed in a cute little pill, eh!

a gentle, "kind to your back" method of getting straightened up, is to spend time lying on your back in bed, with only as much support behind your knees and head/shoulders as you need to be "just" comfortable. If you get more comfortable as you lie there, you're doing it right. If you get more uncomfortable....you're pushing it too much. After lying like that for awhile is a good time to go for a short walk, trying to maintain that "straighter" feeling as long as you can.

butterfleyez · November 2013

thanks Nihahi! I'm going to try that tomorrow with help.

Both of my surgeons are ladies that were very sweet, down to earth and calming. You can tell they care a lot about their work. I feel really lucky. What could I give them as a "thank you"? Any suggestions on appropriate gift?

Anonymous · November 2013

Idk if this is the kind of thing you are thinking,Butterfleyez, but I got chocolate covered strawberry platters for the mo' s office, the chemo nurses and staff and radiation crew when I finished treatment. I wrote a card and included a picture of me with my family with each one. They loved it.

nihahi · November 2013

for sbe......just because......

Anonymous · November 2013

"I second that emoticon", Sbe,

Donna2012 · November 2013

Please add me in for unilateral diep surgery @ University of PA (Phila) - Jan 24, 2014

Thanks!

nihahi · November 2013

Hi Donna...hope this thread can be a huge support system for you....I know it has been for me, and many others. How can we help???? No problem, I will ask the mods to add you to the list.

AS A REMINDER TO EVERYONE, my "shift" as list minder will be over at the end of 2013. I'm just saying.....!

Anonymous · November 2013

Christina.....in your pockets tomorrow!

butterfleyez · November 2013

Choc strawberries sounds great! Ill being some to my next appt.

MartyJ · November 2013

I really hope that one of the 2014 girls will start a 2014 thread as that is most appropriate. They will still be able to refer back to 2013 (as some of us have referred to 2012 and NOLA for great information). The moderators have been so very helpful, but I believe that gals in 2014 and beyond will be looking for "their" threads. Moving on is a really good thing and Nihahi has done an amazing job with this thread. Here's hoping someone steps up to the plate!

Janet_M · November 2013

Butterlyeze -

Your description of shuffling around Target brought me back to three months ago, helping Jim ( my DH) buy some clothes at a mall, for a party I couldn't attend. I remember that stage clearly, and my biggest discovery was this - I could do a 'childs pose'. My lower back was in heaven. Are you familiar with yoga? If not, Childs Pose is being on your hands and knees (or elbows) and then pulling your butt back over your ankles and resting with your arms at your sides. (Or in front, wherever is comfortable for you). Such a great release for your back. I was surprised to be able to do a big stretch so early on but it makes sense cus the whole core is perfectly protected - like an armadillo. (Backbends came much much later).

butterfleyez · November 2013

Janet that's a great idea. I was afraid to really bend down before not wanting to get "stuck". I'll try it now .. My back could really use it. I had just started beginners yoga before surgery trying to quiet my mind.

nihahi · November 2013

31 minutes ago mtpeteacher wrote:

I have a couple of questions that this group could enlighten me on, please

1. What does your oncologist or surgeon say about imaging your breast area after DIEP or TRAM procedures? I had bilateral DIEP and my oncologist says a recurrence would most likely show up on the skin (he's never seen one himself on the chest wall) but the surgeon, I believe, says regular MRIs. A TRAM friend says her doctor wants her to still do mammograms! What are you being asked to do?

2. Anyone find any difference with their vaginal area or vaginal canal after DIEP?

Thanks for your feedback. We seem to get conflicting advice at time.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

mtpeteacher.....I have "pasted" your message from the Moving On thread over to here, as I think maybe it's a better fit here and might get more responses.....hope you don't mind....just trying to help.

I have no answers for the first question, as haven't had that discussion yet, but I know for sure, there will be no mammo squishing of my new breast....what would be the point....there is no mammary tissue there to squish! I would think (don't know, not an expert), that the chance of skin recurrence would apply mainly to those who had skin sparing mx....ie, still have breast skin that was in situ when they had breast ca. You can't have breast cancer occur in abdominal skin.....it doesn't work that way.

Your 2nd question....do you mean the pubic mound seems higher and "puffier"...and the "lady parts" a bit more exposed???? I had a bit of that, at first, but everything seems to have settled back into place pretty much. Comes from the tension on the skin, I believe.

butterfleyez....can I suggest trying some bending over from a chair first??? Also some gentle twists from side to side, while seated in a chair. Those were early exercises prescribed for me, I think I was allowed to start that about 2 weeks post surgery. I was stunned at how limited my motion was. I know for sure, I could not have gotten up off a floor, without needing to be able to twist more than I was first able to do, and certainly without someone hauling me up by the arms, or me pushing with my arms.....both big no-no's at that stage. Just want you to be safe.

nihahi · November 2013

marty.....totally agree with you about the 2014 thread. There is something "bonding" about a thread that is "time connected" ....at least that was/is the case for me. Doesn't mean others don't visit and participate, but it "belongs" to a certain "unique" group of ladies. Also....things change..protocols, techniques, etc. So what someone finds, by going way back on this thread.....10 months from now, might no longer be the "best info" for them in the future. We can still have our own "class reunions"....just let the incoming class have their special place too.

Jeannie57 · November 2013

Christina, thinking of you!!!!

nihahi · November 2013

smack.....sound of me slapping side of head......YES.....christina.....thinking of you. Safe surgery....hope you can heal gently and get back "to it" soon.

Cherrie · November 2013

Christina-((((((hugs)))))

peacelovedogs · November 2013

deb - my first stage was not pretty. I'm not on the photo board but I didn't love what I saw on me. I'm a bilateral however I always felt like a uni...they left SO much skin on the non cancer side that it would fill a B cup!

My left side was very floppy after stage 1, I had no cleavage and I felt like I should suck it up. Then I spoke with another surgeon about my hernia and she told me what stage 2 would probably include. I spoke with a new PS and he told me everything he would do. Now? Besides my issue with blistering/infection I'm much happier with how my breasts look. I will never look awesome without clothing on due to so many scars (hernia added even more!) but I feel better. I don't feel like people notice my clothing not fitting properly or that extra skin that kind of looked like a penis! Lol

Anyway, I am going to request access to the board so I can share my photos. I'm also going to request copies of my before surgery photos. I forgot to take them before stage 1!

Zenful · November 2013

teacher, my oncologist said I will need an MRI one year after my bmx just to catch anything that might appear on the chest wall, but the chances of that happening are very low. The on oncology surgeon that did my nipple sparing/skin sparing bmx said there is no data yet on long term outcomes, but they believe that any cancer would be felt immediately because it would be on the surface.

Christina, hugs to you. Thinking of you today.

christina0001 · November 2013

bluebird, I hear what you are saying about folks going through surgery after surgery. There are a few women on the boards here that I kind of question in that regard, because they're on stage87Q, KWIM? lol You are 100% right, keeping the cancer away has to be #1 priority. We are very blessed that we have different options to restore our physical bodies so they look good in our eyes, but none are easy, are they?

debdylan, I am so sorry that you aren't more pleased with your DIEP results. Hopefully at stage 2 your PS can improve the situation. Maybe move some fat/tissue around, maybe do a little fat grafting. Small potatoes compared to the big DIEP surgery. I'm a uni and I have not yet had my nipple done yet. After I heal from stage 2, I am on to getting a nipple! I am very hopeful it will match well, I'll be disappointed if it doesn't. Oh and I am three months out and I still have a hard area, but I keep massaging and slowly but surely the hard area is growing smaller. You are NOT being shallow. Cancer steals so much of our self-image. In many cases, our hair, our weight and fitness changes, and everyone here has lost a breast or two. It sucks!

faith729, you sound so positive!

LucyV, no Halloween candy for me either. It's killing me because I love candy corn, but I know if I start eating it I won't stop, so I'm just saying NO this year!

Hello Donna and congrats on having your date set! Love that we have another uni on board too!

nihahi - no difference here with my vajaja after DIEP. Tamoxifen has certainly taken a toll and I stopped taking it at the end of September for multiple reasons. Things are finally getting back to normal again. I know my PS said no mammos. I need to talk with her about it again, not sure if I need to do ultrasounds or MRIs. I would much prefer the ultrasound. My tumor was very close to the chest wall and I want to make sure this is monitored somehow.

Ladies, I thank you for all the well wishes! I *think* my stage 2 today went well but I don't know because she has me bound up pretty tight, and I am not supposed to remove the binding for 24 hours. My whole torso is covered. I was indeed sore afterwards, as PS said I would be. But she sent me home with to rdol, oxycontin, and morphine for pain control! I am so happy! I've taken the oxy once and the tordol once and they have helped a lot, the soreness is tolerable. Tonight at bedtime I will take a morphine because it lasts for 12 hours. She also sent me home with antibiotics, and senna, so I'm taking those too. I had a catheter during surgery and now it hurts a little when I urinate, which makes me nervous. I hope I did not get a UTI. I'm trying to drink lots of water and I may send DH to the store tomorrow for cranberry juice. I have to call PS' office on Monday and set up my two week follow up appointment. I am so excited to see my results! I am exhausted and still a little groggy. I was so excited last night I only got about 2 hours of sleep, so between that and the anesthesia, my head is a mess. TGIF! And I hope everyone is doing well tonight.

DIEP 2013

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