DIEP 2013
Comments
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Sherryc - it is always good to share info about other PS. I believe that people questioned your motives because you made the same posts on numerous threads. PRMA is an excellent group. They are considered a center for excellence. For quite some time they did not do bilateral, only doing one side at a time. That is great if it works for them. My preference was to have both taken care of at once. DIEP is not the only free flap procedure available. Very, very thin women have had successful flap procedures. Your enthusiasm is wonderful. We should all love our PS as much as you do. We just need to be careful not to appear to be doing a marketing campaign. Even though I love and adore my PS, I usually recommend others (including PRMA) as each women must find the practice that offers what she needs. -
Thanks for the info Sherry. There are many women in Texas who could benefit for the expertise of the PRMA surgeons. I am glad you had a good experience, and are happy. Sounds like you have been through a lot. I have been sorely tempted to travel to NOLA, PRMA, South Carolina, MDAnderson, etc. I am grateful for all the choices I have if something goes terribly wrong, and I might have to go some where else. I am praying my exchange in Dec goes the way it's planned. Don't feel badly you had to go with implants, it happens, and we should be grateful for the opportunities given us. I am really sorry you have been through cancer twice, and I am glad you are able to move on feeling whole again. -
sherryc....I have tried to explain my position to you through several pm's. I have repeatedly said that I was very happy for you, that you had found a wonderful surgeon, and that you are very happy with your results. I have never challenged you or your doctors decisions re implants vs flap. I have tried to explain that even though your intentions were meant to be helpful, your process of "tagging" all the bco threads connected to Diep/lymphedema and copying identical messages, on threads you had not previously "shared any messages or information", felt very uncomfortable to me. It was in one of your pm's to me, when you stated your opinion that PRMA is the best in the country, that I tried to explain why, in my opinion, that is neither reassuring or appropriate. When you are comparing things, by labelling one to be "the best", you ARE implying (even if you do not intend to), that others are "less than". As I repeatedly stated, NOLA does wonderful work, PRMA does wonderful work, as do many other surgeons around the country. We each have our reasons for our choices of surgery and surgeons. This thread has tried to one of information sharing, encouragement, and support, for and by the women going through flap recon, while also acknowledging our differences. I have not discounted the value of the information you wanted to share....just the "feel" of the delivery of it...to me.
It is coming to the end of a long year of being the "chaperone" of this thread, which has brought out the "protective side of me" on behalf of each and everyone of the women who have shared their journeys, questions, wisdom, fears and tears, while also having and recovering from my own personal surgery. It has also been a long year of many "behind the scene" pm's to me, because apparently being the contact person means "vent to nihahi". Most of the time I accept that, sometimes I don't.
I invite you to join the discussions on the threads, and share your information as you connect with the ladies on the threads. -
Marti-I can understand why someone might have felt that way that is why I went back and posted that I did not work for PRMA and that if I offended anyone I was sorry and I was happy to do that. I do know that PRMA has done bilateral on the DIEP flap because once you have one done you cannot go back and have it done again or that is my understanding. PRMA has done over 5000 DIEP flaps so I assume they have been doing bilateral all this time. Now for the butt flaps whatever they are called they do perform those in two surgeries because of the moving your body from front to back. I do know that many women that are thin have had successful flap procedures other than DIEP. I had alot of damage from rads and that added another dimension of trying to figure out what was best for me. I do know that there are other PS out there that are great. I had such a bad experience with my BS I was going to make sure that I was 100% comfortable with my PS before I went any further. My PS was the 3rd one I consulted with and I would have continued consulting with others if I had not felt that he was absolutely the one for me. I want everyone to find that confidence in there medical team. I went through the same with my MO did not really care for the first one so went to a 2nd and I love him and feel quiet confident in him. I hope everyone can experience a positive relationship with their physicians. -
I just received some bad news about my brother. He is having a brochoscopy on Monday to diagnose a mass in his lung. Granted, he has not done anything to prevent this (such as quit smoking) and doesn't take care of himself at all, but it hit me hard today. I don't know if it 's because he is the only immediate family member I have left ( from my childhood family), or because, if it is cancer ( his doctor was willing to be this house on it) he will be yet another one in my family that has been diagnosed with cancer. Obviously, I am very concerned for his welfare and don't want to see him suffer. I tested negative for the BRCA gene, and I know many of you who have tested negative still believe there is a genetic component to your cancer, which I can't help but believe also. My mother, father, and sister either died from cancer, or had cancer, and each died before the age of 60. I try to stay so positive about my diagnosis and prognosis because I truly believe positive thoughts promote positive energy to all parts of the body, but DANG, this makes it difficult. Just hope I got som good genes from my grandparents who lived to be in their 90s! -
Ah, Zen. I am sorry. Maybe he will be okay. I had a bronchoscopy back in Sept. and as far as a test goes, it wasn't that bad. He will be knocked out, but not for long. I had a biopsy done at the time, and I had no after effects from the procedure at all. Maybe, having to have this done will force him to quit smoking.
I also have a lot of cancer in my family. My grandmother was one of 4 siblings and 3 died before 50 from cancer. My mom died of cancer, my aunt had bc, ,but caught it early. I agree, there must be a genetic component to this, and I believe there are only getting started with the BRCA gene. -
thanks for the kind words, Goldie. I deleted the post because it was such a downer after I reread it. I hope to contribute more positive thoughts to this thread, but I do appreciate your comments. -
Lucy, so glad that you are healing so well!!! And found a comfy bra too!!!
I am 3 weeks past my stage 2 revisions, and today I wore one of my old (i.e. before umx) bras, and it was comfortable all day. I love my Balis but I think it's time to go shopping for some new bras. I have coupons and a $10 reward certificate for JCPenney so that's where I'll be tomorrow.
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Zen, don't be silly. We are here to support you through anything that is going on in your life. We have all b...hed about something other than our own BC. Please don't feel like that. Good or bad, we are here. -
wow zenful that's a lot. I'm praying for your strength. I am 5.5 weeks out and I can't believe how far I've come. It is quite a journey we are on.
One of the lingering complaints I have is trying to be comfortable while sitting. I get Charlie horses and different cramps when trying to sit in chairs, lay in the bed etc. I started my physical therapy to get my arm range of motion back so that's exciting.
With the holidays coming up I am very thankful to have my health at whichever stage it is and thankful to this thread for the support. Nihahi never think that your efforts are in vain. -
Christina....it's time to get your sexy on!!!! Go for it. Tomorrow everybody will be food shopping, and you will probably be able to get in and out of Penny's pretty easily. -
Lucy congrats on the healing! I was laughing at your post about backing up bc that is me as well. Twisting around is not the easiest but its good to be able to drive yourself somewhere. My prob now is trying to find something besides shopping to do.
The bras have been a life saver. Maybe ill write a letter to Bali as well. They may pay attention if they get a few letters. The suggestion for maternity pants have also been a life saver. I got leggings and slacks to wear to thanksgiving dinner. So comfy. -
I haven't posted in a while. My stage 2 with nipple reconstruction was Sept 13. I've had daily swelling. This past few weeks increased blood pressure, head cold, and now two small infections in stitches internal on the DIEP breast.
Just wondering if anyone has had that little complication. Surgeons nurse saw emailed pics and said it is not to be worried about unless the places open up. Oh joy. No extreme pain just discomfort. She said no antibiotics unless I worsen. I see surgeon for follow up Dec4. I've followed guidelines all along. Thanks for reading. Any insights appreciated. I'm still looking forward to tattoos someday...but currently just striving for symmetry and sanity! -
Just an update-the larger of the two places on the grafted breast opened up during my sleep time and is draining. It's freaky, and I don't like it. But I'm sharing to be real and to share with others who are going through the DIEP process of healing. I have an intuitive sensing that the draining is healthy, and I am simply going to remain positive, buy lots of fresh oranges for Vitamin C juicing, eat my kale and fresh veggies today, drink lots of water, pray, and survive. Just posting to connect with the REAL specialists in this field - the survivors. Have a super Saturday all! -
Just wondering if we've heard from our girl RHG at all? Hope you are doing well, honey!!!
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Jakig - you have a great attitude! Do call the PS today and let them know that the spots have opened up. Internal stitches should not be infected 3 months out. The nurse did say to call if it opened up and it did. With Thanksgiving week upon us, it is time for you to get a leg up on this. You might also want to up your protein intake to help with healing. -
jakig, eating well is probably the best thing you can do right now. Scary stuff. Glad you are seeing your surgeon in a little over a week.
bailey, thanks for reminding us about RHG. I hope she is healing well too. Maybe she is too busy cuddling with Wilbur to visit with us.
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Hi all,
Trying to get through the posts which is always daunting..:-) I'm 8 1/2 weeks out. Back to work full time. Doing pretty good but naturally still feeling the tightness of the belly area - still dealing with wound on boob from radiated skin -putting Aquaphor on it now - all say it's healing nicely.. I was talking to the VNA about the swelling or side boob that some of you have mentioned - I feel like it's just part of the journey and not really concerned about it. Well, she called my PS & made an appt for me on Monday - what?? I'm supposed to have a follow-up visit with him in January where I was going to discuss this with him. I really feel like cancelling that appt but thought I'd check with you all. Did some/most of you have the swelling/side boob thing going on? Also, re the Bali bra - went to Kohls yesterday (with my $20 Kohls cash & 20% coupon and got my 3488 bra).. 2nd question - did you all continue to wear a bra 24/7 this many weeks out? Thanks everybody! -
Yes, RHG should have checked in by now. Hope she is okay. Maybe she doesn't have her phone, or IPAD with her. Wasn't her surgery Tuesday?
Yeah, Camelle, Don't you love Kohls? You can buy something there and almost get money back if you have all the right coupons, etc. My DIL joined a couponing club and she get's all excited when she gets something for free, or actually does get money back, but what I keep trying to gently point out to her is that she doesn't need 10 bottles of shampoo that's a brand she doesn't even use. Sigh. Got to let them be, and watch them make their own mistakes.
Also, as long as it is not cutting into your schedule too badly it won't do any harm to see your PS now, and again in Jan. Mine doesn't charge me for post op visits, does yours? -
Christina- any luck at JC Penny!?
Butterfleye- so now I can drive but can't really get anything done! Can't carry my pocketbook since that weighs about 20 pounds. Went to the library and got two hardcovers but could only carry one at a time. Can't do thanksgiving shopping. My DH is happy....can't spend too much $ at once! Hope the charlie horses subsided.
Jakig/Carmelle- I love peace of mind. If you call or see the Dr it will be once less thing to worry about!
Ok...Saturday must be Tom Cruise movie time. Since my surgery I have seen Rainman, A Few Good Men and now Cocktail is on. -
Lucy, I know what you mean about getting things done. One of the first things I learned was to lighten the load with the purse. I put away the big heavy leather tote purse I loved to carry, and I actually found a nice nylon tote (Michael Kors) on line and on sale. I can't believe what a difference that made weight wise, and I got a smaller cross body purse that just holds necessities for when I was going some place where I would be walking around a lot, ie. crafts fair, museum, etc. You will be amazed how quickly you will be able to do things again. I am 7 months out from my bmx, and this morning I was scrubbing the walls in the shower, and all of a sudden it came to me that I wasn't even thinking about it!!! No shoulder pain! Milestones!! Baby steps! -
Hmmm... Goldie & Lucy - I think I forgot to mention that I work a 9.5 day and then have to drive an hour to doctor's office. I think I'll call them Monday morning and see if I can just send a pic.. -
Goldie- I'm going to tell DH I cannot scrub the shower for at least a year! Haha
Carmelle- I've sent my dr pictures a few times. That's a good way to hopefully get peace of mind and save you a long drive! -
Hoping RHG is like me, and didn't take the techno stuff to the hospital with her. I was in hospital for a full 7 days, so maybe that is the scenario for her too. Doesn't mean she's out of our thoughts though, so I'm sure Wilbur is passing along our messages to her.
jakig...something isn't right....Is the drainage clear, yellowish, greenish, does it have an odor???? If the answer is anything but clear....I'd be suggesting you get it looked at sooner rather than later.
carmelle....keeping up with the thread is mindboggling at best. You are doing well, indeed, if you're back to such a long work day at this point. Is the side "swelling" something new...or increasing???? That might be something to be a little more "pro-active" about. The photo consult sounds like a good idea. Gosh, I never thought of the reality for so many of you in being charged for dr.s visits too. You are troopers, in the US, with the added "mountains and potholes" you have to navigate.
Away at a course all day.....goldie.....can you come scrub my bathrooms???? Waaaay down on my list of favourite things to do! What a wonderful "moment" eh, when you suddenly realize you are doing something "normal...without compensating or thinking about bc issues". Glad it happened for you....sorry it had to do with housecleaning.
lucy...sounds like you're doing well....let hubby do the shopping...you can be the "brains of the operation" for awhile longer.
butterfleyez....if the muscle discomfort continues, maybe getting a rx for a bit of muscle relaxant like flexeril, to help???? Stress can find places to hide in our muscles, even without us knowing its there, or even thinking we still are dealing with stress. -
Nihani, I love working out, gardening, and I love my house clean. When I can do all three again, in one day, I will consider this whole mess over.
LOL, Lucy. I was aiming for a housekeeper, but actually housework is great physical therapy. Squats, lunges, stretches, making circles with your arms, etc. At the beginning even pulling the door to the fridge open was like doing a bench press, but one day you do it without giving it a thought.
Right now I am listening to my 2 year old grandson snore like his grandpa.LOL
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Carmelle - if you don't feel like you need the appointment then sure, cancel it. I do respect the nurses' concern and it is definitely something to think about, but you know your body best. That's my opinion anyway. I definitely had side boob, seems to be very common, and this was fixed for me during my stage 2 revisions. And no, I was not wearing a bra 24/7 at 8 weeks out. But different PSs have us do different things. That would actually be a good question for your PS or his/her staff (although that could be answered over the phone easily if you do not keep your appointment). Enjoy your new bras!
Lucy - Tom Cruise - *sigh* lol
Went bra shopping at Penney's yesterday. I really was not comfortable in any underwires, although Warner's has a underwire that was not too bad. So that greatly reduced the selection. I got a couple of Warner's bras that were wireless and they seemed okay, although of course I only tried them on; wearing them for a full day could prove different. But it was nice to get something a little more girly than the Balis. I would like to have gotten professionally fitted but honestly, I was too embarrassed to ask. It was very crowded and I felt uncomfortable at the thought of going up to one of those young pretty gals and saying, "Hi, I've had breast reconstruction and I have a breast with no nipple and scars all over - can you measure me and tell me what size I should wear?" I think I need to go after the holidays and during the week, and find some sweet little old lady that works during the week to help me.
I also cleaned out my underwear drawer yesterday. Yikes, what a mess! Threw away all but three of my old bras, and lots of panties too. They were so worn out. Then I went through my closet and pulled out the clothes that don't fit me anymore. It's so nice to have a little extra room in my dresser and my closet! -
Christina - I went through the same 'too embarrassed to ask' scenario. But luckily I didn't go to a store full of pretty young things. Instead, I went to a place owned by an older Greek woman (fabulous stuff) and when I asked her not to come in to the change room with me, she barged in anyway and told me that she'd 'seen everything'.
Now that I have a few new things - I'm purging as well. I'm get rid of the stuff that was post-surgery 'functional', tired and worn out. Feels great! I feel like I've done a lot of wardrobe survival over the last two years, and now I can buy stuff just for fun. (Except anything too tailored, thanks to my pesky dog ears that will hopefully be gone in the New Year)
Goldie - Fantastic baby steps! I did the same as you with a lighter weight cross-body purse. I'm fully capable of carrying a shoulder bag again but I don't want to. I'm a convert to the cross purses, my shoulders feel more balances. And as much as I celebrate your baby steps - I intend to skip the one that allows me to scrub the bathroom. It's my least favourite task on the entire planet.
RHG - I hope you're doing okay. Check in when you can, we're thinking of you.
Janet -
Deb....I thought that is what Sunday mornings are for???? Coffee, lazy....yep, here too.
All this "bra talk" is making me anxious to go shopping, but I've promised myself to wait until after Stage 2 is done and healed.....then I have warned my hubby to just stay out of my way...I'm going shopping!!!! I've already done the purge and restock for the bottom half, just waiting for the top half to be done and dusted. I'm not really much of a clothes horse....but I admit to looking forward to some new stuff.
This weeks ladies......safe surgeries and gentle healing to you. Hope to hear from last weeks ladies in the coming days.
11/25/13 jbloom (Stage 2)
11/26/13 milkyway2 (Diep)
Have good days, everyone. -
Yeah, for the cross body bags, Janet!!!! Love them. What is it with you guys and bathrooms? Somebody has to clean them...lol
Deb, is that the infomercial doc that is on every Sunday? He almost sucked me in a month, or so ago. They just did a report on the national news the other day the supplements really are a bunch of hooey, and that a balance diet is the best thing for everybody. The actually said the Omega Fatty Acids have proven to be a bust, and they do not help prevent heart disease in any way. Calcium, which we were told to take for years only ended up causing kidney stones and heart attacks in women. Unless I am seriously deficient in some way, I am not going to bother anymore. I still will probably pump up the zinc and C if I feel a cold coming on, but otherwise, I am done. Oh, I am doing only one thing, I am taking Vitamin D for two reasons, one it is suppose to help your bones, and it also suppose to help set your body clock so you sleep better at night, but you must take it in the morning. But, a few months from now they will come out with some report about how bad that is for us too....I give up!!!! -
Oh, one more thing.....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB!!!!!!! A CANCER FREE BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!
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