DIEP 2013

MartyJ - I was thinking exactly the same thing! And those that aren't articulate druggies ore often very very funny. If we ever have a drug party, sbe is driving.

Shoot......NOW I find out that even on DRUGS, I am not very articulate!!!!! .........who knew?

First I lose the Ugly Sweater contest, and now, this........I am taking my painkillers and going back to bed....wake me when it's over, okay?

Sbe- glad everything went well and happy they are being proactive on the wound healing front. Hope the chamber has some good TV on this weekend for you.

Goldie- my DD wanted to drive back to school last night and there was some ice in the forecast. She was sure she could handle it. Ummmm no matter what kind of car you have it doesn't drive on ice. So I got another night with her here and she left this morning!

Wishing a pain free weekend to you all.

You guys are cracking me up! Wilbur just doesn't have that effect on me, I guess, &ntsp blurp blurp sigh....

The hyperbaric treatments are designed to put the patient into a compression chamber and pressurize it to a certain depth of "sea water," although there's no water involved. With the patient breathing 100% oxygen, it super-saturates the tissues of the body with oxygen, which is helpful for a number of conditions. Specifically for me, it helps the radiation-damaged tissues on my back to heal quickly and safely. Hyperbaric treatments are also used for patients with carbon monoxide poisoning, infections resulting from bacteria that thrive in an anaerobic environment, non-healing wounds, people with "the bends," and air embolisms.

There are many kinds of hyperbaric chambers. Years ago, when I worked with patients getting treatments, I worked in a large chamber that could comfortably fit several people and was big enough to stand up in. The one in which I'm being treated is a "monoplace" chamber, big enough for one patient to lie down in. It's made of transparent plexiglass, so the claustrophobia factor is minimized. And with a couple of pain pills on board, it's like "slide me in, let's watch a movie!"

Speaking of movies, Movie, I hope you're feeling better!

Have a lovely Saturday, dear friends.

rhgsr... Do you find it hard to eat because of diep? I feel uncomfortable after eating all the time now. It's like my stomach can't stretch and I feel bloated and uncomfortable. It doesn't make much sense to me because my stomach hasn't changed.

looking good Sbe!

Hey friends, just wanted to post that I had a clean scan yesterday. SO the incidentaloma from two months ago is now less distinct and "essentially unremarkable" YIPPEEE I am days and days and days behind on reading here, but will catch up eventually. Love to all.

Sbe, nice hamster cage! Hope it helps!

Dyvgrl, it it truly a personal decision best made with your oncologist. I had my healthy breast removed and then lost my flap after a 12 hour surgery. I had a hard time making the decision because I dearly would have loved to keep at least one breast with normal sensation for sex! I know that sounds awful. But I don't know if I'll ever get over having a numb chest area. I hate it. But there is something to be said for less risk too. It's all about compromise and what you feel is right for you.

Bluebird - this is all so new to you right now. After many, many years of a numb chest one really does notice it less and less. And then, it is not there. There is a loss, I am absolutely not denying it. An entire erogenous zone is gone. How I wish they could figure out how to make the nerves and nips work. Hmmmm, bionic nipples anyone?

Since I'm high.....I will chime in here.....def. a loss of sensation, but I have been pleasantly surprised by my body's ability to compensate for the loss of my breasts.......I am past menopause, so I have to rely on lubrication (sorry if TMI), but the big "O" is achievable , and I weirdly notice a tingling in the breast area when that occurs....

I am so happy the subject of sex has come up. No feeling in chest, vaginal dryness and pain, NO libido. I am 59 and it is so sad for me. I don't even want my breasts touched. I don't know what to do. My dear hubby doesn't complain, but I know this affects him too. It makes me feel so old. There, I said it!!! I have not shared this to anyone. Breast Cancer has taken away a lot.

For me... I do have some sensation in my breasts, on the periphery and in some random areas. Nothing with the nipple though. Libido is still there... albeit perhaps reduced. And dryness is also not a problem but lubrication is always an option. I agree with Marty. I am just 2.5 years post MX and I am very used to the new me. For me, I would rather have a little less sensation if the trade off is a lot more life ahead of me with less worry.

movie - congrats on the BM and shower. It's amazing how they both make you feel so much better.

I'm glad sex was brought up too. I'm 37. When is it safe to have sex after the DIEP (not that I feel like it less than 3 weeks out), but I'm curious. What about during chemo and radiation? I hope it's okay to ask these questions. It's easier to ask here then asking the doc.

I have heard that the cold pressed organic coconut oil is a good lubricant. Never tried it but it seems like I've read about it in a lot of places recently.

WELL.......coming on the thread tonight, and expecting the norm of Wilbur talk, uncooperative incisions and the rest......and instead it's sex talk. Can I just say I think this thread has the most amazingly deep and honest women on the bco site! We are here for each other FOR EVERYTHING!

There is no reason in my mind, not to have to go through the "stages of grief" for the change in our normal pattern of sexual satisfaction, as we have for every other crappy part of this journey. Why wouldn't we be depressed, angry, "lost"...yadayadayada. But, I also agree with marty.....the passage of time changes the "dependency" on the way things used to be, and like movie said....a satisfying sexual life can be rebuilt. It is the mindset that "it isn't like it used to be" that is the first and hardest stage to get past. The need to "rethink" (probably not the best word but can't think of the right one) happens naturally as we age, but being FORCED to do this, because of the consequences of breast cancer, can take such a toll on our emotional femininity, that it seems an impossible goal. Talking to our partners, probably reveals they are often as much grief ridden, and "unhopeful" as we are....but, I found, the talking was the beginning of things becoming better, for both of us. You find a "new normal", but it doesn't necessarily have to be a less satisfying experience. Having to relearn how to relate to each other, physically, was probably something that strengthened our relationship into a more "honest and connected" one.

here is a link to that topic on these boards.

I haven't ordered it yet, so can't speak personally, but it IS in my plan.

http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=8&id=776318&page=1

Pat

Oh, the thread is "the solution to painful intercourse"