DIEP 2013

no Tylenol or 6 packs here! I don't do those things much ever, but for 2 weeks before blood tests, I really abstain. I have done research and found that Tamoxifen can cause elevated liver enzymes, I discussed with MO in June. They say it is possible, but at this point he still thinks Tamoxifen is worth taking.

OMG, you ladies are amazing! SBE, Bluebird, those photos have put the biggest grin on my face

I'm bummed that Wilbur gave me a migraine. Thanks for the explain.

Lucy.....Similar thoughts....I'll join you in the 8oz challenge, OK? There are times when I just kick myself for picking up the coffee habit again, but, I LOVE COFFEE IN THE MORNING. We'll do this together, sister!

There have been lots of discussions re: scars on here in the past. There are lots of opinions on what works/doesn't work. The most important advice I'll give you is #1. (I spent years working with burn patients and plastic surgeons, so I know a fair bit about scarring)....

Before you start ANY scar routine, the incision has to be healed, so, check with your PS if you are not sure when to start.

1. Time is the biggest factor. Regardless of what anyone does or doesn't do.....all scars take time to mature. Scar maturation means a combination of fading in colour, softening in "texture" and flattening in "height".

2. Everyone has a different genetic composition, that will greatly influence all the different parts of scar maturation. Some people....will end up with very pale, flat, faint scars, some people, will not. A guideline is to check your body for scars from the past. If you didn't scar much from other injuries/surgeries, your recon scars will likely follow a similar path, regardless of what you do.

3. You can somewhat improve the final result by: using massage (lots and often), and a good moisturizer (everyone has their thoughts on what that means, but, $$$$ is most often, a marketing hype, not a proven benefit). The right moisturizer for you, is one that lasts until your next "application", keeps the skin moist and "itch"free, doesn't cause adverse skin reactions, doesn't stain your clothing, and is available and affordable. Medical grade silicone gels/strips have had some controlled studies done that show benefit for some patients, but is usually $$$$ to use for the length of time needed for maximum benefit. A lot of oil-based products tend to "eat" elasticized fabric, so not a great idea if you are using expensive compression garments. The massage and moisturizing, are a way of reducing tension on a scar....which keeps the collagen fibres in the scars "relaxed" so it doesn't "knot up and over-react".

4. Protect "young scars" from excessive sun exposure. A scar that "tans" will almost never fade as much as it might have. You do get sun exposure through wet clothing, so even if you are "covered" by your bathing suit, you still need a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen on your scars for at least the first year.

5. Pressure (constant and firm) can help to a limited extent, but since most of our incisions are over soft tissue, it really is hard to get adequate pressure to influence any scar formation.

Sooooo.....now that I'm not having that second cup of coffee.....I'd better get busy.....sorry for the looooong post.

Have good days ladies.

Micropore works very well if you have lots of tension on the incision, especially if your internal sutures didn't hold well or weren't numerous enough. The tape acts as a physical stent to hold tissue in place...the less stress there is, the less violent the collagen fibre reaction. When you stop using the tape, you should make sure to massage and moisturize and use sunscreen. Drain incisions don't usually have a lot of tension on them to begin with....have you tried it on any other others? I'd be very interested to hear! Glad to hear you're happy with how things are going, Dyvgrl!

LucyV......put down the coffee cup girl!!!!!

thanks nihahi for all the scar information! Very helpful. So where I had my super large blister it healed totally flat. It's just much darker than the rest of my skin. Is that considered a scar or just a discoloration ( is that a dumb question? I' m only functioning on eight ounces of coffee which really is not much!)

Dvygrl good luck with the new onc. I am going to a new one Jan 2. I'm oping the new year brings a fresh perspective with the new onc.

Coffee..? Am I supposed to give that up too? I have given up sweets. Am attempting to cut back on my coffee creamer. If I cut back on the creamer anymore I will be drinking black coffee,in which case I might as well give it up!

Went to the gym today for the first time since my DMX/DIEP. 20 non strenuous minutes on the elliptical ...didn't even break a sweat, took it real slow. Then went upstairs to the circuit and did really light arms, only 1 set. Next laid down on the floor for some stomach crunches and HELLO that was not fun. Barely did 4. I don't know what that is all about...felt like tugging/pulling above the belly button. Ended with some modifies squats (yoga ball behind back while against the wall for back support )and my knees weren't happy...I think the tamoxifen has had an affect on my knee joints. I notice a difference when it is late and I get up out of my chair. Slow and steady...

Pat

kat-ski yay on pathology! Great news.

Pat- ok I got tired just reading about your workout! Congratulations for getting back to the gym. I was wondering about the elliptical if it would hurt the ab incision. I think I am going to be one of those people that babies this incision for a long time. Last time I went to the dr he asked me to do a half sit up. I thought ( actually I may have said it out loud) ummm no !

so I go see this doc who is technically a behavioral meds doc who received a grant from NCI to assist patients with chemo brain recover from cognitive impairment and memory loss. We haven't done much yet, but she's a wealth of information so I'll keep you posted!

Hey girls! I had my stage 2 this morning! The surgery was 2 hours, and went very well. I have comression on my abdomen and also a compression bra- can't take it off till I shower on sunday. THen it has to go back on. I am actually not too uncomforable and I do walk a bit hunched but not too bad- certainlly not like with stage 1. I am SO curious to see the results. Sunday seems like so far away! LOL!

damiana....good to hear how good you're doing!! Just a couple sleeps until you get to unwrap your first "present" of the season!

kat-ski....glad you enjoyed the performance.

Dyvgrl....sorry, never heard of this place. That's an awfully long way from home.....what made this doc recommend them to you.

Damiana what did u get done? I went to my first yoga at the hospital today and it was great. Def still have a lot if modifications to make but the stretching is very helpful. Places I didn't know were tight showed up in yoga.

I went from there to physical therapy and they are now breaking up scar tissue along my side. Ouch! I plan in going to the gym tomorrow to try out the elliptical. I don't want to gain weight sitting at home baking. I heard excersize is the best medicine!

Lucy the therapist tried to get me to do a sit up today and I'm sure I said out loud No thanks! Lol I did do the plank in yoga without much issue though...

Noooootttttt touching that one sbe....best ask the surgeon. I'm betting you'll find you have lost some ground, but with better "skin", you should regain it fairly quickly. Don't let being off the bike trails make you too impatient.

I've been using ScarFade, an expensive silicone gel, and I'm seeing good results.

Dyvgirl, I have spent the last two years at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I'm happy with the care there. Have you been to their web page? Maybe there is something there about integrating naturopathic treatments, sounds familiar.

Jeannie,

I took a quick peek at the surgeons and oncology dept, but didn't see anything about integrative therapy. I think it's a much better option for me than Phoenix. I'll check out the website a little closer. He recommended Dr. Calhoun and Colahan?