DIEP 2013

Providence Hospital in Everett has at least one integrative Dr, I think her name is Biehle. they built a new hospital with a cancer building but SCCA has a much better reputation from what I've heard. I was diagnosed there and my friend recently was, too, but we both chose SCCA. The UW was recently rated #7 for cancer hospitals, don't know the criteria, though. I hope you find the best place for YOU.

LOL, Bailey! Whenever I go to hospital, I have grand ideas of stealing a big supply of those disposable surgical uniforms the docs and nurses wear and making my family use them

whatever the doctor gave me during surgery made me feel really good and I had very little pain yesterday, considering all that was done.  It wore off around midnight :-/  I have pretty much been awake since then.  I am just going to sit in a chair to sleep tonight because I decided laying down is my enemy, even with tons of pillows.  My hips are really REALLY sore.  I feel like I was trampled by an elephant.

Butterfleye- I had my diep side revised, nipple was made, breast lift on my other side, port removal, scar revision on my abdomen, some minor lipo on my hips, and he did something to one of the muscles  by my belly button.  Not sure what he did- he was going to see if it had necrosis or a hernia because of pain I have had there since stage 1 in August.

LucyV......put down that second cup of java!!!!! What, you don't like snow???

damiana......ouch, sounds like lots got done. Listen to your body and let yourself rest while you can. You are usually so go-go-go, take advantage of some "me" time! I'll be looking forward to your feedback on the "uni-nipple" matchup....that'll be my reality too (someday).

speaking of nips.....sbe.....have you been able to check out the one you just got???? What is your opinion on it???

have good days ladies!!!!!

nihahi- I wasn't going to say anything but I know it was you that sent the snow! How's the eight ounce limit going? I also am limiting to 2 tbs light cream and trying to wean to one tbs. I think I'm the only one that puts real cream in my coffee...can't even get it at starbucks!

Goldie- you go girl! Skinny jeans! Sounds like you are doing well.

Hi Ridley, Welcome Back. ..so glad to hear you're comfortable! Hopefully, Wilbur is helping you by making you pain free.I have a great home care nurse  which is making for a very smooth recovery.Hope you get a little R&R today--Every time I seemed to be dropping off that announcing system would start---OMG. TAKE CARE Toronto-Girl

Hi Ladies,

About scars. I have had a lot of success with scar fading and getting more flat. I was always told to wait 4 weeks post surgery to begin, and there should be no scabbing or glue remnants. I usually start with the 3M brown tape and used it on some scars (abdominal) and also used kelo-cote gel. You can't use both at the same time, but I would toggle back and forth between the two. For scars that were elevated (even a little) I used mepiderm silicone "tape." Its EXPENSIVE, but reusable. My PS gave me a few packets in January after my surgery. Once I had finished scar therapy I had massage of the scars, and that really helped too... But deep massage is a no no too early as you don't want to have a shearing motion in an area trying to heal. It can cause pocketing (that can store fluid) and not good adhesion... So waiting 6 weeks until massage would be prudent. And then there is just good genes. I do think I am fortunate in this area... I am 3.5 weeks post last surgery, and will start scar treatment this week.

Goldie-I just had a déjà vu! On my first date with DH I wore those stirrup pants and a big oversized sweater. And I had nothing to cover up then....weighed 40+ pounds less than I do today! Memories.

Bdavis- thanks for the scar advice.

Betsy and Nihahi, thanks for the good info on the scars. I am 12 weeks out, but after reading Betsy's advice about shearing, I probably should wait a few weeks, even though I would love to start fading this bright pink line around my body. I had fluid drained from both gap flaps yesterday. 42 ccs on the left and only 7 on the right. Hoping they don't fill up again. Attended DH's Christmas party last night looking 49 cc's lighter! It felt so good getting dressed up after spending so much time in compression garments and yoga pants. Picture attached as promised, Cherrie.

Zenful, very beautiful. Where did you hide the drains in that dress?

Vitamin D question for those who take it. Do you take D2 or D3, and how much do you take? Will it help bone strength without taking calcium? I am trying to get my calcium from diet. I am afraid of the studies that show it is bad for your heart, and the possibility of kidney stones.

Also, there is a line of hair products that a friend of mine is using that seems to have really helped her hair grow back thick, and quickly. If you are interested let me know, and I will PM it to you. I don't want it to seem like I am promoting a specific product.

bluebird - thank you for the info. We are consulting with a rad oncologist next week. I know it will be a while before rads but I wanted to go ahead and get one lined up anyway.

Sbelizabeth - love the hamster tube!!

My infections. ( on foob and faux belly button) not clear yet. Not really infected but the skin is red and raw with scabbing and some drainage. I'm still putting on antibiotic cream and dressing. Going to see PS next week. I guess I'll get either a yea or nay on starting chemo on the 30th. He was supposed to get in contact with my med. onc. And talk about my case.

zenful.....beautiful pic.....hope you enjoyed the night out as much as the smile on your face "says" you did.

RHG....hope the healing gets faster and easier for you.

With any part of recovery, we all should follow the protocols given to us by our surgeons. As we have found throughout this year, that can mean a wide range of differences, that shows there is more than one path to success. but gets each of us to a place of healing and putting this amazing experience behind us.

movie....so good to hear from you..sounds like you are back at things at full speed!

Ridley, welcome to the other side. Now rest, rest and rest. You too, Ocean! Hope you are both doing well.

Damiana, despite the discomfort, it must feel so good to have come so far. Hang in there and take care of yourself.

Zenful, you look simply stunning!

RHGSR, healing thoughts for your wounds.

Re scar treatments - I was using Mepitac (silicon tape) for a few weeks but couldn't see any difference. My dogear scar end has pretty much flattened out by itself and the rest of it... well, it's not raised so I don't bother about it. I think my PS is going to look in horror when she sees the stitching job the gyn did on the laparoscopic belly incisions, and the fact that the gyn cut the top of my new belly button straight up, so now I look like I have a 2" long belly button! I've accepted that I'll never look good naked, but I don't think I did before, anyway. You know that old saying, "Clothes maketh the man"? I figure in my case it's "clothes disguiseth the woman".

Ridley-welcome to the other side. Hope you are resting and hope those infections clear up fast!

Zenful- elegant....simply elegant!

Goldie- so sweet of you to hang out with your friends mom. McDonalds and old movies....a perfect evening. I take Vitamin D3 2000 units a day. I don't take calcium.

Lahela- when my ab incision didn't heal as nice as the rest of my scar because of the infection my PS said not to worry....he will fix everything! Made me love him even more! Maybe your PS will feel the same when he sees someone damaging his work!

Snow plowers were out all night . Someone needs to invent a quieter snowplow. Now we have a nice sheet of ice covering everything....