DIEP 2013
Comments
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I'm not too worried about my scars--they're long, pink, and EVERYWHERE--but I would like to reduce the hard spots that are apparently located directly over where the arteries and veins were attached, above my ribs. I have them on both sides. I'm thinking it's where they dug under the ribs for the vessels to connect, and perhaps these hard lumps are just scar tissue. Will it help to firmly massage them daily?
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Jeannie, it's possible your PS has access to the laser that works on vessels, and the machines are portable so he can use it in his procedure room, or an exam room. No worries.
Massage definitely has helped soften my mx scars. No doubt. I feel so weird sitting watching TV and mindlessly rubbing my boobs with oil. All the romance is gone...lmaoooo. It's become just another chore in my life.
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For those of you who haven't seen it yet, I came across it by accident tonight on the picture forum, there is a woman who had a very impressive diep recon, but her nipple recon was special. The used pig collagen to give the nipples projection. They look awesome. Her screen name on the site is likeachickadee. I am only bringing it up because there are quite a few of you that are ready for nips, and I thought you would find this interesting. She takes you from the beginning of her recon all the way through to nipples and tattoos.
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Sounds like a lot of us are getting snow today. We've gotten a couple of inches overnight and it's still coming down. Looks very fine and powdery. Supposed to be super-cold for the next couple of days. I hope everyone stays warm and safe. DH and I were going to go to the movies, but I think instead I'm going to try to get some housework done.
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Goldie, that was interesting. I wonder what the results of the study were. She looks fantastic.
Yes, everyone stay cozy today! Well, except Sbel. I expect you're taking a ride and going to church. Those of us with milder weather are counting our blessings.I hope nobody gets frostbite or worse at the Packets/Forty-Niners game.
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Goldie - Ha! Lovely Visual! Oiling your boobs on the sofa. Sexy!
And I'm exactly the same - I mindlessly rub my boobs with oil when I'm watcing TV, or reading. I also started groping them when I was at work on Friday, and was apparently doing paperwork with one hand and cupping a breast with the other, which a colleague pointed that out to me.
Massage has done really great things for my tummy scar. My PS told me not to be shy - to get in there with my thumbs and really dig (this was at five months post surgery). Has anybody tried acupuncture on their scars? My masseuse is encouraging me to do it - because it 'lets the heat out'. I might give it a whirl this year.
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Jeannie, riding our bikes to church is the plan, in fact! It's 14 miles round trip, so not a big deal--but it's up and over Santa Susanna pass, so there's a bit of a climb.
Janet, I'll start being more aggressive with the massage, although I'll try to keep my hands off the girls at work, lol.
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I am doing the agressive massage on my tummy and do feel it is helping. My PS told me not to massage the fat grafting as I could massage it away. Too bad that doesn't work on regular fat! I'm not sure how long this applies and I haven't been back since my post op. In any case, I don't want to mess with fat grafting to noob, so I'm not touching that.
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ps.. I did way too much reading on elevated liver enzymes last night and have succeeded in freaking myself out with the possibilities. I go along most of the time assuming worse won't happen and then it really hits home that it could. It is a very scary feeling. Oh well, I think it's time to put those thoughts aside and just live.
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Yes Sbel, it snowed last night.....and is still snowing....6-10 inches new snow expected today. It's warmer though 27F. Monday's high is 5F, so yeah, with wind chill should be -20 to -30. Being in west MI we get lots of lake effect snow. The further east you go from Lake Michigan the less lake effect snow we experience. This storm came up from the south, though. But part of it is crossing Lake Michigan, so that will bring more lake effect snow to our area. Right on the lake shore they get the most and the lake effect often dies down right around where I live....however strong winds can keep it moving....over toward Cherrie! We left for Florida one year and the lake effect blizzard was so bad we were going 10 mph on the highway and I encouraged DH to turn around and go home, thinking we would just wait a day. By the time we got 60 miles east there was NO SNOW at all. Craziness. What has accumulated on the Blazer is about 10 minutes worth (just got home from church). It s fluffy again, Marty.
We are a hardy people
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We have been in a deep freeze here for several days (temps in -20F+ range overnight and not much warmer during the day), thankfully it got warmer yesterday but with that it brings some heavy snow - up to 20cm today. So happy that I dont have to drive to by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6MzE0NzI6MTIyMDp3b3JrOmRlMWQxMDJhYThkN2JiNTU5ZmE3OGYwNGI1NGZjNDk0OnotMTQ5OS0yODc2MDk6Y29tbXVuaXR5LmJyZWFzdGNhbmNlci5vcmc6Mjk3MjU6MDhmZmQ5ODc4OGVjMjZjYWIzMWUwODdmYWUzYjgyMzQ6NWM5ODk1MjdjYWJmNDQxNThlNjJiY2Y1Y2U1NThhZTg" id="_GPLITA_37" href="#">work
tomorrow but my hubby does:(I am coming up on three weeks post op tomorrow and am seeing tiny improvements each day. Sleeping has been a big challenge, cant sleep with the by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NDczNTA6MTMwNDplbGVjdHJpYyBiZWQ6MDRiYjFiN2E2MzY0ZTEwZTBlYzI0MTdmYTU4NmE4MjM6ei0xNDk5LTI4NzYwOTpjb21tdW5pdHkuYnJlYXN0Y2FuY2VyLm9yZzo5MDEyMTphZjRmYmM4OTI5NjgzNGIwOTNmMzQ1MjQ1MjVjYmQ1ODozNzI0N2RmNDk4NzA0MzYwYjEzMDZkM2NmNjhmNWI1ZQ" id="_GPLITA_38" href="#">electric bed
flat yet...not a back sleeper either:(Someone was talking about burst blood vessels, I have this on my left breast (wonder if it is from a heparin shot during surgery). I really dont care in the scheme of things as no one will see it...just wondering. I also still have this bruise on my abdomen above my incision line. I remember a nurse giving me a heparin shot there, I think about it now, why would they give me one in my newly constructed abdomen. They had also given them to me in my groin (holy mother, that hurt) and my thighs on both sides.
Janet - that is a funny visual, someone asking you "what did you do today"?hmmmmm....oiling my boobs on the sofa!ROFL
Bailey, I am a runner and so miss it.....I cant wait to start running again. My PS said no strenuous exercise until 3 months out...so I guess I will start back in the Spring!
My fobs hurt to have even a blanket touch them. They are sore and feel like they are glued to my chest, I cant wait until they move a little....
My ab incision looks good, no issues so far - cant wait until I can comfortably sit in a chair without a big ass pillow behind my back.
I am down 15 pounds post op, not on purpose just dont have the appetite I use to.
Goldie - you had asked if I had mast done at same time as DIEP, the answer would be yes:(
Bailey - I feel for you on the hair issue, I had this small mirror that I use to examine the back of my head daily. I was so thrilled when it grew in, it was SO curly, even more than what it was normally.
Debdylan - my eyelashes never came back to their pre-chemo status nor did my eyebrows. But I also got put on Armidex and was being put into by safesaver" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NDczNTA6MTMwNDptZW5vcGF1c2U6MzAwMGMyZDE4YWUyN2U3YWExNjE1ZmUwZmFhZjMzNzY6ei0xNDk5LTI4NzYwOTpjb21tdW5pdHkuYnJlYXN0Y2FuY2VyLm9yZzo5MDEyMTphZjRmYmM4OTI5NjgzNGIwOTNmMzQ1MjQ1MjVjYmQ1ODo3MmJhNDlmM2IxMjk0OWQ5Yjg1MzY0ZTEwMTBiMzZkZA" id="_GPLITA_0" href="#">menopause
chemically so hard to know what is chemo related and what is estrogen depletionOkay, I just learned how to post pictures on here again....so am on a roll...LOL:)
Dec 2004 - 1 year prior to diagnosis, care-free life for sure back then....
After Chemo Treatment #6 - Grand Canyon, Arizona trip
Post chemo Hair - Dec 2007 ( I am on the left) - my 1/2 twin on the right - Gail is 10 months younger
Hubby and I - Caye Caulker Belize - April 2012
Michele
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About scars... I was told to wait four weeks post surgery and wait till all glue and scabbing is gone before using any scar treatments. And I didn't bother after stage I since I knew he was revising everything at stage II. About the hardness under the scar, I have had massage at the PT office from the lymphatic specialist and while she massaged my lymph system, she also massaged the scars. Bulky scars can interfere with lymphatic flow. It REALLY helped on my hip (buttock) scars.
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Curly- sounds about right for three weeks out, honey. I think 3 weeks is where your head finally clears and you start to care about doing stuff and your body is still stuck in healing mode (for MOST of us.....we have our "outliers" on either side of that line for certain). You will run again, I promise. Slow and steady wins this race. Once doc says ok start with building your core strength and stretching. You have time before that happens though! Only one chance to heal right the first time
and your pics are awesome! You and your sister are what we call "Irish twins" (less than a year apart). Which is totally politically incorrect but I am hard pressed to care.Deb I think minis are just fine with tights at any age if that makes you happy
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Curly- sounds about right for three weeks out, honey. I think 3 weeks is where your head finally clears and you start to care about doing stuff and your body is still stuck in healing mode (for MOST of us.....we have our "outliers" on either side of that line for certain). You will run again, I promise. Slow and steady wins this race. Once doc says ok start with building your core strength and stretching. You have time before that happens though! Only one chance to heal right the first time
and your pics are awesome! You and your sister are what we call "Irish twins" (less than a year apart). Which is totally politically incorrect but I am hard pressed to care.Deb I think minis are just fine with tights at any age if that makes you happy
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Curly
Thank you for sharing the pics. I love it!!! I especially love the one with the big fish!!!
Sounds like you are healing well. How are you doing with arm range of motion? That was the hardest part for me about my bmx. I was told to keep doing my stretches, and I was washing my hair myself very soon. I can't relate to the diep yet, but hopefully very soon I can. I am sure the boobs hurting will pass soon. I bet a lot of that is swelling and bruising. I am sure somebody that has been through it will chime in.
Janet, that is hysterical about you groping yourself at work....lmaoooooo. We are getting to be like men, always checking our stuff!!
Betsy, my PS told me to go ahead and massage my foobs with bio oil at about 3 weeks out. Nothing aggressive. Just rub the oil in for a minute, or two. But, I have only had expanders and implants. Things very well could change after diep.
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Michele - love the photos. No matter what was happening in your life, you looked like you were having fun and liven' it!
Re ab scar: I sort of ignored it after Stage 1 as I knew it would have work done during Stage 2. Following Stage 1, it was lumpy and ropey and too high. During 2, she reopened it, lowered the incision and fixed the dog ears. I waited about 8 weeks before i began doing anything and then the PT did cupping along the incision. This was like massaging, but pulled it away from the fascia beneath. It is smooth and mauvey pink - changing color slowly, but not an angry red. I am now 8 months from that surgery. The surgery 3 weeks ago was focused on adjusting the breast incisions. These were lines that had been opened and closed at least 10 times since the original MX. They were wide (1/4" - 3/8"), raised and never looked "pretty". One ran directly across the center of one side creating a definite line even with a bra. The other was a well arched eyebrow over the other side. I finally got all of the glue off in the shower yesterday and was worried as they seemed lumpy and funky - like a seam pulled to tight. Overnight they relaxed and I think they will almost be a no show. I really can't believe it. So hoping they stay like this. My doc told me they are using something new in NOLA on the scars and she will send it to me. I will let y'all know what it is.
Bailey - Snow angel time! Followed by a few snow balls. Living vicariously through you!
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Curlylocks - Fabulous pictures! You really do have curly locks. And a great smile, which is even better than hair.
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Happy 2014-One and All !! Curly, Do you have a wedge ? I'm 4 weeks out and it has made a world of difference for me.I plan to keep using it for another few weeks. Bought at Shoppers Home Health Care...Penny
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I am done all treatment, except for tamoxifen. I will be having diep in less than 3 weeks. Generally I feel well and am in very good shape. Occasionally ( and I cannot figure out what triggers it), I begin to feel anxiety. I take an ativan & then I'm fine. Do any of you still take something for anxiety, even after treatment ended? I am wondering when I will be able to stop taking it.
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I need to massage my belly scar... it's so thick in spots, with two big round patches that look like the pics of the storm on Jupiter where I had open spots for a few weeks.
Curly, you are so gorgeous!
Deb, you are never too old for a mini!!!!! Rock it, girl! -
Debdylan - it is possible to lose nipple sensation with a lift. I don't know the statistics. I did not lose sensation with the lift or the lift revision. Unfortunately the left nipple was my "good" nipple that worked correctly. My right one, that I still have , is a bit wonky. She needs encouragement to stand up lol. But sensation is fine.
Actually I have nipple sensation on the left too, despite the subradical mastectomy. I don't recall if I posted it or not. A few months ago I walked into a very cold room at work and I felt BOTH of my nipples go hard! I can't really feel anything on my noob....still fairly numb....and obviously I don't have a left nipple....but the nerves are still there, underneath I guess, and my brain interprets it as if there were a nipple there. It's kind of weird, but a very good thing!
Donna- IMO take the Ativan and don't worry about it. Having anxiety before diep is normal. Hell, I would venture to say having irrational anxiety before diep is normal.
I was just saying here the other day that I am an "antidrug" kind of person....or I always was before BC. Now I have a long list of drugs I am ever so grateful for since they saved my life or played some role in saving my life. The day I was diagnosed my obgyn called me with the news and said she would give me something to help deal ( which was 20 mg of Celexa a day) and I said "Sign me up". I have since cut that to 10 mg a day. I am sure it helps to keep me more even keeled, although I have normal "ups and downs" in feelings like anybody else (I was afraid of feeling nothing but it doesn't do that to me). Furthermore the Celexa for whatever reason controls hot flashes so I am probably going to be on it for a good long time. Without it I flash like crazy. I can't take hormone replacement after my total hysterectomy, so I consider Celexa my hormone replacement.
I still take 1/2 an Ativan on occasion when my mind is on overdrive at night. Onc prescribes it to me...1mg a day, but I only take the 1/2 on occasion. I take a whole one the morning of surgery, though! The registration nurses at the hospital have always been more than fine with that, but ask when they call you if it's ok.
So. That's my opinion and story. I am sure others will chime in.
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Donna
Of course we have all had anxiety. It's so normal. What you are describing, having it come in between treatments, is really normal. You have too much time to think. You are not running from doc to doc right now, and you are getting ready for your diep. You take that Ativan whenever you need it. NO shame in that!!!!
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I stopped wearing shorts at 50 because I heard it said that women over 50 shouldn't wear shorts, or wear dresses, or skirts shorter than right above the knee. Well, this past summer, after my bmx, I started wearing shorts again, and dresses a little shorter than normal. I still have good legs. Why shouldn't I do what I want?!!!! I think it was because I couldn't wear little sundresses with my boobs showing, so I went back to the legs being my best asset. Deb, we got to make due with what we got!!!!
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Debdylan I think you are "high on hair"!!!
Omg I hear the neighbor plowing our driveway.....thank you sweet Lord for the goodness and kindness of my neighbor and for blessing him with a plow on a quad that makes clearing the driveway look like FUN!
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Goldie - I am almost 62. I have good legs and wear shorter shorts and skirts just at or just above knee as that is the best line for me. I have lots of friends in the same boat. I just strive not to look like I am dressed like a 20 year old.
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Bailey, sounds like we are on the same weather pattern. They just declared a Level 3 in our county, meaning only emergency vehicles can be on the road. But it sure is beautiful coming down! Just took the dog for a long walk. She likes to make doggie angels in the snow. It reminded me of Northern Michigan, where it always seems to be dropping snow continuously. There is something so peaceful about falling snow.
Deb, I feel your excitement about growing hair. I thought I looked like a baby bird when those first few hairs start sprouting. Before you know it, you will be getting your first haircut.
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mammalou - quit googling liver enzyme info. When do you see your onc next? Hopefully he or she will have some reassuring words for you.
debdylan - I had my "good" breast lifted and i do have reduced sensitivity in the nipple. I did not anticipate that, and it is annoying, although it is worth it for matching breasts. The sensitivity has improved a little over time; I do hope that it improves more, but I feel skeptical about it.
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Goldie... I'm with Marty... Almost 51 myself and I wear shorts, dresses, skirts, skorts AND a bikini... not the stuff I wore in my 20s, but still.
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deb, heaven help us if we get cancer there... gee whiz, the very idea.
Jeannie I just ordered ScarFade from amazon... hoping it helps with my tummy incision too. Funny, my scars from DIEP and from my lifted breast are thin and light at this point, but that abdominal scar is bright, and thick in some areas (very thin in other areas, strange that it is so inconsistent).
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Marty, Deb, Betsy....I am just trying to stay age appropriate, but look good enough to turn my husbands head when I walk by...heheheheh. Although, you do have to be careful. I was sitting in the car, talking on my phone, outside Steinmart a few weeks ago. I saw a woman well into her late 70's walking by wearing stiletto heals, capri leggings, a tight sweater (which she had no business wearing), a ton of make-up, the big jewelry, etc. You get the picture. It just looked so wrong. And, you wonder, does she see herself, or somebody she use to be? The worst part was she could hardly walk in the shoes. I have a problem with denial. I never want to be that lady.
Deb, erogenous zones? I don't know if I have any of those anymore....ugh.
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