DIEP 2013

Hi Ladies,

Checking in. I've been reading this thread and getting more and more ready mentally.

I had an excellent visit with my plastic surgeon and have confidence in both him and my breast surgeon. I've been getting used to the fact that I am going for a DIEP and have to say that I'm pretty darn excited about it. (when I'm not freaking out about the surgery) Based on all the options and choices, I really feel it is the right one for me. A bit scary but .... I like what I read here, quick sleep and wake up with nice soft, warm boobage. And a tummy tuck. Just show up and let the professionals do their thing...good advice.

My actual surgery "should be" within the next 6 weeks so in my mind that's what I'm preparing for even though I don't have a date yet. Trying to be active, get the blood moving, walking each day. Any other tips to prepare for the abdominal part? Thank you toronto-girl for marking where to read back for bowel prep and what to bring. I'll be reading up.

Sending love, light and courage to those with procedures this week and continuous healing and strength to us all.

Ocean.

movie.....if the weather wasn't so lousy today...I'd come down there and "thump ya"! No apologies needed from you....EVER!!!! You know, when I read what you've been up to, I thought to myself....good lord....she is insane! But actually, you are such an energizer bunny, that maybe being ridiculously busy has exhausted you enough that you will be able to rest and recover the way you should!!!!

I just love the thought of compression garments with pockets, so we all can be with you and sbe as you recover..

speaking of sbe....I am crossing absolutely everything that the rad scar revision gives you relief from those shoulder issues. You have "fought that fight" as much as you possibly can...time for some "intervention"!!!!!! Are you allowed to bring Christmas decorations into the hyperbaric chamber with you.....sing carols.....maybe a suduko or crossword puzzle???? Cannot WAIT for THOSE stories!!!!!!

Things move much slower here in the frozen north....I am getting envious of you gals getting nipples in your Christmas stockings...goldie, I agree with that nurse, 10,000%!!!! I went decades as a uni recon, without a nipple....without that finishing "step", it just never registered as a breast to me, emotionally.

goldie....our little google guru.....you are not on our list, but certainly in our hearts....I doubt if there is another lady on these entire boards, that has so many ladies from "other paths" routing for her. You know we're hopping in your pockets too!!!!!

jeannie...isn't this the week you meet up with cherrie???? Hope you two have lots of fun together!

dyvgirl....I was offered a port in my chemo days, because my veins were anything but co-operative. Like Deb, I declined. Maybe that is the same for deb.....complications of treatment/surgery, etc., doesn't necessarily mean someone hasn't been "informed".

Debdylan.......LOVE THOSE WORDS!!!!!!!!! So true for so many "parts" of life!!!! Stay "hopeful" re: the hormonal tx se's. Yes, unfortunately for many, they can make things tough, but not necessarily the scenario for absolutely everyone. You are one strong lady, kudo's for signing up for every "self defense" you are offered. Once you are through the chemo, I bet you find it easier to reset your focus to good nutrition and exercise. Exercise is more and more being shown to be our best defense against so many things, not JUST bc, and for many people, brings a "healthier lifestyle" as a side effect. Put those things together, along with "time post surgery" and the final "tweaks"....I bet you find yourself a whole lot more satisfied with your body and your life. Again....your saying rings true...I look at my post recon body like a brand new house....looks good now...but I need to keep up with the proper "maintenance" for it to stay that way.

bailey.......WHAT THE HEY?????? So sorry to hear about that re-opening....slather on that honey, up your protein...crap, girl!!!!!! Is this in an area that is going to be revised at your next stage anyway???? Maybe it's just some tissue that is wanting it's last "hurrah"!

janet...so great of you to mentor the toronto gang......hmmm.....are you truly willing to share that yummy PS of yours???

Gotta get busy.....hugs to everyone.....have good days.

Nihahi, yes I will be meeting Cherrie and her husband in about half an hour! They are coming here to our home and then we (my DH too) will go to lunch on the waterfront, right next to where the ferries load and unload. We are in for a chilly but bright day. I'm excited!

ooooooh jeannie.....wish I was there too! I think I have an idea of the area you're talking about.....is it south of Pike Place Market???? Down by the Seaquarium??? Have a huge bowl of clam chowder or oyster stew for me, PLEASE!!!!!!

Let me know how the weather is down there! Will be going down for some birthday / Christmas shopping next weekend. A much much needed break from the subzero temps we have up here. Will be so nice to get away and clear my head, spend some one on one with the hubs. Speaking of Seattle, has anyone had any experience with the Cancer Treatment Center of America down there? Just curious. I've only heard one patient say shed never go to one again but I never asked why or where...

lots of new people! Just wanted to welcome Donna, ocean and kellyuhope!

Glad things are moving smoothly RHG- I'm six weeks out and still wearing my surgical bra at night. Bali during the day.

I hope the gyn had some answers for you lahela- sending hugs.

Gulp !!

I was out running errands and my surgeons office called. I'm booked for Dec 11th....that's next Wednesday. Good grief I had no idea it could be so soon. Will need to be on the fast track for getting ready. Upside...not too much time to think about it.

Okay, I need to breathe...and get ready for my oncologist appt. this afternoon.

moved my stage 2 to dec 6 feeling more nervious about this then the first. they will do a reduction and lift on right breast scar revision on diep left breast tummy revision and dog ears and some lipo if time will do nipple

greetings!

I wanted to share bra info. Goldie, I don't recall if the bra I am posting is the one you always talk about. I only have 2 bras I can wear at the moment, and am usually too lazy to go check the number you post against the bra I'm not wearing!

Anyhow, Bali 3463 is wireless and comfy

Warner 2036 is the other I can wear comfortably.

I happened to find decent prices on www.barenecessities.com and they currently have free shipping.

Pat

Mammalou- you don't want to ask Marty and I that question. I had my inner thigh lipo done 10 weeks ago and am still in surgical compression. My doctor asked for 6 months. My goal is 4 months and then 12 hour days or nights. I am going to Florida for February and don't want it on then. Our doc seems to be the strictest with this. I think most girls have it on for 2-12 weeks.

what exactly does the inner thigh compression accomplish? What's really bothering me isn't the spanx on my legs, but the spanx on my abdomen. I'm having bloating/swelling issues in my ab still and it is just so uncomfortable. I was really stressing in Vegas from discomfort and then I think of my elevated liver enzymes, and then you know where that all goes. All downhill. My nurse DD showed me a picture of a person who really had ascites just to make me feel better. Lol. It's funny how you know you're being nuts but you still keep being nuts.

WARNING VENT COMING I have been in cancer center twice now. Last Wed-Fri for cellulitis on my right side. I thought I had it beat but my temperature keep going into fever mode. I saw the MO this morning and am back in. Ultrasound showed mass of liquid right in the center of the breast(that isn't there lol). They are doing a needle biopsy tomorrow and hopefully get rid of this red angry mass. ugh. And I thought easy-breezy until Feb. 2014. I am so tired of this BC drama!! Now they are talking about a PIC line===crap!! Other than this, I am okay.

kat.....hope the aspiration goes smoothly, all the crap is removed and you get back on the better side of "life after"......better put on some big pockets....even if you have to sew them onto the hospital gown, cause we're all thinking of you.!!!!!

sbelizabeth - I hate to disagree with Jerry - but I think that holes in all your clothes is a sign that you need a whole new wardrobe!

sbe.....tell Jerry it's a sign to go buy new clothes!!!!! So glad to hear the good news about your sis.....!

I'm with you.....a good sized B will be fine with me! Also, I'm holding off on the bra shopping too, until I know what to shop for.

Still snowing and blowing here.....current windchill is -27, and some nutcase is running up and down our road on a snowmobile...I guess he's going with the "if you can't beat it.....join it" theory!