DIEP 2014

Nihahi, I think the hyperbaric treatments to help heal the incision around the radiated skin was a Godsend.  It worked so well that it wouldn't surprise me if my PS started sending a lot of his patients who had delayed flaps into previously radiated tissue for HBO treatments post-op.  It also makes me wonder if I'd had HBO therapy when the radiation burn initially took several months to heal, if it would have healed faster and better.  

Aack!  The constipationator strikes again!  Metamucil, Colace, Miralax, Dynamite...!  Or...you could just get a bit more exercise, drink more water, and see if that works.

It's been month and a few days since my last surgery, involving long incisions, and I still have lumps of stitch knots sticking out on the surface.  How long until they give up and fall off?  They're too tiny to just snip off; my DH can't even see them very well.  

Baily, your description of your drain hole pocket is most bizarre.  In EMS, when we have a wound that extends into the lung area and lets air go in and out, we put a vaseline-impregnanted piece of gauze over it.  Maybe you could express all the air out, smear some vaseline (or antibacterial ointment) on the hole, and cover it with gauze?  And how do you shower with the scar stuff and tape in place for three days?

Happy Sunday, everyone!

JMB5. You are doing a wonderful job with the list but if you don't want to do it , I hope someone else steps in.  I can't help because I have severe chemo brain and I would get it mixed up.  Honestly, some days I'm afraid I must look like a monkey playing  with a mirror when doing the simplest tasks!  One day I couldn't figure out how to reset the time on my alarm.  You could add BMX to my entry.  Thank

Kellyb. I'm glad it went well and your recovery is moving along nicely.  Hope you get discharged soon.

Aemcat33.  I already have a hysterectomy scar so I am not worried about the stomach scar.  They suggest a skin-saving BMX if possible because my cancer was close to the chest wall, but will decide when they get in there.  

Good luck to the next girls in line for surgery.  Hope it's smooth sailing.

 I'm having a good weekend spending time with my brother who's home for a few days. I don't see much of him.

Donna... My PS wanted me off tamoxifen for the week before and the week after surgery (two weeks total), but my MO wanted that to be one week... So for all of my surgeries while on tamoxifen (which were all stage II revisional surgeries), I stopped T about 4 -5 days prior and started again about 4 days after. I split the difference in opinion.

Hello All,

I've been off list for awhile. Recovering from Chemo, Holidays, etc. I'm now considering recon after BMX. (I had 2 tumors - one on each side.) In Nov. 2013 saw Dr. Boudreaux in Mandeville, LA to discuss DIEP surgery. I live a little north of Leesville, LA. I did a little research and found him and Dr. Robert Allen who I understand developed this surgery. I was impressed with Dr. Boudreaux and also spoke with Dr.Allen's office. My problem at the moment is Insurance coverage. My primary is Medicare and secondary is TriCare. I now find that Medicare doesn't cover DIEP but will cover TRAM.  Dr B is still an option but I won't have full coverage and am concerned about out-of-pocket costs. I see a lot of you mentioning NOLA so am assuming you mean New Orleans, right?  I see Dr Trahan and Dr.  Sullivan mentioned. Are they with the same Clinic?  Dr. A's office told me about Dr  Sadeghi in NOLA and Dr. Spiegal in Houston. The travel time is about the same for both. Anyway just wanted to find out more about some of the Drs. you have used in my area. I know that flying is an option but I have an RV and thought that would be best to use. 

I look forward to getting to knowing all of you and learning more about what you have done and what is best for me. Once this is settled I can delve more into the particulars of the surgery. 

I feel fairly certain this is the right surgery for me. The tissue expander/implant route doesn't sound right for me. I have a good amount of "excess abdominal tissue" that would be useful. LOL. 

Thanks for your support. 

Best,

Deborah

Deb, Medicare covered my DIEP. 

Cross-posting from 2013 forum:  They're going to discharge me shortly. I've got to be honest I don't love the nurses here. I've had nausea and dizziness since my surgery Wednesday and things like being in a dirty gown for two days, no toilet paper in my bathroom, both bras they gave me are dirty - and I'm in one of them. They haven't cleaned my wounds today despite telling me to do it twice a day. Nurses disappear for long periods. Has anyone experienced nausea and vertigo post surgery? The doctor said it was a reaction to the pain meds, but I didn't have this issue after my mastectomy.

I really need my BC sisters now.

This all started August 2012 when I decided to get the latest and greatest, 3D mammogram and was told since I had not been seen before, to return in 6 months for another mammogram to compare to the baseline. I was told in April 2013 after another 3D mammogram, everything was great see you in a year.

Two weeks later I felt a hard pea shaped lump in my right breast next to my nipple. I was diagnosed with IDC of the right breast, with almost a 2" tumor.

So I started Chemo. in June 2013, and just finished the last dose last Wednesday. I am scheduled for right mx with DIEP on February 11th, and now I am starting to get scared. I had reactions to the pre-surgical prep used before my lymph node dissection (rash all over chest & abdomen), pain medications (nausea), and a superficial blood clot in my arm after surgery. 

After sent home, the breast with the cancer began to look red and inflamed and my blood pressure (always low before), had an average reading of 160/90. My blood pressure is normal now, and inflammatory breast cancer was ruled out. Just not feeling very trusting. Maybe it's the still continuing nausea from chemo, the loss of all hair on my body, or the neuropathy of my feet but I just need to hear from you girls.

 I just want some feedback on how you prepared for your upcoming surgery, and what gave you the strength to continue the process. Sending love to all the brave women who have gone before us, and thanks for providing strength to those of us that are following your lead. God Bless you!

The count down is really on now.  About a week to go.  I'm all over the place with emotions.  So happy I have you ladies to lean on.  

Hope recovery is going well. xo

Bella - so sorry to hear about what's been going on...most certainly frustrating!  The way I am approaching this is that it will make me whole and complete the journey.  A little bit of positive in a sea of negative.  thinking of you.

I had surgery on a Thursday and went home on Monday.

Surgery on Monday, went home Friday.

Bella,  I understand how you feel. I had my lump mamogrammed and ultrasounded for 5 years and was repeatedly told it was a cyst. Go figure. Now, I read all of my own reports and double check everything I am told...part of the reason I am on this board! The rest of the reason is that my surgery is in two weeks, and I'm looking for the same kinds of help with what to expect that you are. I hope you do well. You will feel better the farther you get away from the chemo, and be ready to take the next step.

Can anyone tell me what to expect after the DIEP regarding sensation in the abdomen? Is it going to have a big spot with no feeling, like the breasts are now? How about the belly button....I think they have to move that too, so will it feel different, or not have any feeling?

I typically just read and don't post. I have learned so much from you ladies--I wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate you being there and letting the rest of us non-posters learn from your experiences, and gain information, strength and support. THANK YOU ALL!!! 

Hey TBerg. I'm a month out from surgery. I have no specific feeling in my new belly button.  It's not numb, but no pain either.  My abdomen feels like its being stretched lengthwise when I walk or lie flat in bed.  I don't have pain, and don't feel anything sometimes, like now that I'm just sitting (and watching Downton Abbey:)).

Back to Downton!

Ridley

My diep surgery was Tues and I was discharged on Friday.  

Bailey- I share your incision woes. My emergency surgery on my abdomen was Dec 5 when they reopened my incision.  Since then, I've had 4 holes that opened up, bled and I was diagnosed with cellulitis (i had other symptoms too) On 12/24. I took antibiotics and no longer have cellulitis, have scabs on the 4 holes but now a 5th hole just opened with a little discharge.  I"m keeping the area compressed constantly.  Still have some swelling. This is so frustrating. Seeing Dr Levine on Tues.  I can't believe it is taking this long to heal. 

cherrie....are you completely numb in the tummy area and below your incision?? I have feeling throughout, not normal, but it is definite feeling and seems to be improving.