DIEP 2014

Great, numb boobs, numb tummy.  My husband thinks I am numb from the neck up a lot lately.  I am going to be in great shape.  Seriously, does anybody feel like the sensation in their tummy is coming back?  I had a c section (many years ago) and don't remember any numbness. Is it because diep makes a much longer incision?  My c section scar is about 4 inches?  Nah, maybe 6? 

Tberg, I once asked the question on this thread, "how was your cancer found?" I think maybe only one, or two women answered on it was found on their annual mammo.  Everybody else found it in different ways.  Mostly on self exam, or a doctor felt it, or it was found on accidently during a test for something else, etc. 

goldie...I responded about tummy sensation...I just checked the boob....for my stage two last week, he re-opened the incisions on one side of my "football scar". That side now doesn't have sensation again, but the other half of the flap, that he left alone, definitely has some sensation...not normal, but there is feeling there, so maybe the other side will get some back again too. I'm actually thinking....whoa, nellie....I'm not liking the idea of nipple recon using local freezing, since I definitely have sensation in parts of the flap.

Kuka,

My mother in law had a wound vac, and it's not a gross as it sounds.  At least hers wasn't.  But, when you are the one having to carry it with you 24/7 for who knows how long, I am sure it can be bad. 

Maybe the tummy numbness will go away after a while.  I am hoping he only has to mess with my tummy once. Now the foobs might be another story.  But, yours looked good right away, so I am hoping mine do to.  But, since there are some tweaks that would have had to be done after these implants, he still will have to take care of that stuff. He will work it out. 

Thank you Nihahi and Bailey. Yes, you're right I should focus on what has healed.  I've not had chemo.  My incision healed fine after my diep in Sept, it has been since the emergency surgery to remove an infected hematoma that ive had these healing issues.  On top of it, I had been sleeping in a recliner for the last month and i slept in my bed for the first time yesterday and oh, do I have back pain.   

Sending positive vibes to the ladies having surgery this week.  You can do this!

Nihahi, You are so right, I will make it, one foot in front of the other and one day at a time. I really appreciate your taking the time to answer me especially after having your reconstruction on 1/8/13. Hope your doing great! Your posts are always so positive, encouraging, and informative. Thank you.

I am having my surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN the mx will be done by Dr. Degnim and the reconstruction will be done by Dr. Saint-Cyr. I live in West Virginia, (anyone heard about the chemical spill that went into our water last Thursday), we still are using bottled water to drink, bathe, and clean. Just another bump in the road. I'm  traveling to have my surgery, (as so many of us are), so my support system is a little sparse. I really find the information provided by you my sisters to be what is helping me to prepare for the next stage.

Thanks for the information about how long you were in the hospital that helps. I also wasn't sure if I would have any feeling after the surgery, so that's helpful. I think I am going to pack a bag and send it up ahead of me to stay at the hotel with needed items. Did you take a soft cotton bra with front hooks? How did you know what size to get? Any other pearls you can think of to prepare for surgery? 

I have gained, (I know, really), 15 pounds on the chemotherapy. They tell me that it's from the steroids. Did anyone lose any weight after their surgery? I know it's sounds vain, but I'm going to lose the nipple, keep the areola, and I sure would like a little less weight.  Oh what the heck, a mommy makeover if I'm going to wish. :-)

Jenjenl, I will be thinking and saying a prayer for you on the 20th. Yes, it really helps to know we all have each other through this process. No-one seems to really understand except my BC sisters. Some of my friends & family thought that you just take out the cancer and put in an implant and there you go just like Barbie.

Tberg, Yes, we are pretty good examples of why we need to be advocates for ourselves throughout this process. It's unbelievable that with all the advances we have made in medicine that it is still such an inexact process. I had consultations after my initial diagnosis and had differences of opinions on what type of chemotherapy I should have, and when I should have my chemotherapy, and whether I should continue all my chemotherapy. 

I Hope nihahi, kelleyb, and maggie85 that you continue to feel better everyday. Good luck saddleup and browniefranks !  

Bella, your water situation must be so frustrating. You sound like you are handling it well. As far as post-op bras go, some women are sent home in them, some, like me, aren't. I didn't wear one my first week at home but then asked if I could because my boobs felt so heavy. You could ask your PS what he recommends. Something you can step into or fasten in front is a good idea.

BellaMomma, the bra question is something for your PS. Like Jeannie said, some women get them at the hospital, but I don't think it's all that common. My PS told me she doesn't like any compression at all on the noobs, so she doesn't allow her patients to wear one for a month, at least. It varies so much between doctors, as with many things. I wasn't allowed coffee, tea or chocolate for 2 weeks after surgery, but some women get coffee the next day (and I hate them for it! LOL!).

One more week until my next PS appointment and hopefully I'll have a stage 2 date! 

My PS was prodding my scar today, asking if it hurt. I said I couldn't feel it! My tummy sensation is the same as after surgery - almost nothing... I hope it comes back at least a bit! DH has always had this habit of pinching my belly but I had to ban it because it just feels... odd.

goldie4040, You just can't imagine how you made my day! I do not know anyone that had Dr. Saint-Cyr as a reconstructive surgeon. I just know that he seemed like the right person for me. If you know anyone that had DIEP reconstruction surgery with Dr. Saint-Cyr, please tell them to send me a private message. It would be so appreciated! I know their is one other person scheduled with him in April and we have started to connect, I want to help my sisters in anyway I can.

Jeannie57, Yes, the water situation is unbelievable! I had my last chemo. treatment on Wednesday and the areas of the state affected were put into a state and now federal state of emergency last Thursday. We are still using bottled/jugs of water to drink, wash, and clean. The parts per million of the chemical has now dropped to a normative rate according to the water company, so it will be a slow process of flushing the lines. They are starting with the regional medical center first.

Vivian, I am losing my nipple because the cancer was so close to the complex. According to my docs, unlike nipples, which contain breast tissue, areolae contain only skin cells. So, if you have a high risk for recurrence you can keep your areolae but not your nipple. Also a good reference is "The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook", it helped me to understand what they were talking about.

lahela, Thanks for more information about the bra/compression situation. I really had to LOL, I can't imagine not letting someone from Switzerland, (best chocolate in the world), not eat any chocolate after surgery. If fact, in West Virginia we have a great little town, Lewisburg, that was voted the coolest small town in the U.S. They have a whole day devoted to chocolate tastings!    

nihahi, The Lewisburg, West Virginia Chocolate Festival is Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. It's a beautiful little town about two and a half hours from Charleston, West Virginia, the capital. Come down and visit. I'll meet you and give you a tour.  

The tank tops sound like a good option, somewhere to pin my drains. Your right, the goal is healthy.

Yes, I am feeling much better tonight. Thanks for the support sister!

iowagirl1, After I had the experience of being told my mammogram was normal, see you in a year. I then felt a pea shaped lump next to my right nipple two weeks later. I went to a surgeon, in my hometown, and after putting the ultrasound on my breast and finishing the exam he turned to me and said, "Your ultrasound is not normal. I could biopsy you today, but the area is so large, (almost 2"), I don't know where to begin". My advice to you is to go to one of the major breast cancer centers in the United States and be evaluated immediately. I will refer you wherever you choose."

This physician, in my opinion, wears angels wings and a halo. I live by a regional medical center, and this doctor cared more about me than what was politically correct.

I went two years ago with my husband's uncle for evaluation, surgery, and rehab. to the Mayo Clinic. It was like going to see the Wizard of Oz. The level of care and the speed and quality of evaluation was unlike anything that I had experienced. So, I called for an appointment, they got me in the next day. That was quite the unbelievable experience, leaving work and throwing my clothes in a suitcase and flying out the same day as the call. The next day I was seen I was given a mammogram, MRI, and biopsied and knew by the end of the day I had breast cancer.

It's not perfect, I still have had a few bumps along the way, but the organization is impressive.  

iowagirl1, April 22nd is my birthday! I won't forget you during this day!

I researched information on Dr. LeMaine before I knew who my surgeon would be. She has a very amazing bio. Looks like she is one of the best!

jmb5...I've been there.  When I was first diagnosed I had friends, family, co-workers sending bouquet after bouquet until the house looked like a funeral parlor.  I took them all to work and decorated people's offices.  I was grateful for the friendly concern, but it sure interrupted my denial.  Who wants to be cancer girl?

Oh, jmb, what a wonderful showing of support.  You must feel so proud to see so many people showing how much they care about you.  Don't be sad.  Try not to focus on the bc, but focus on the people.  It can really be inspiring and touching, and can carry you a long way.

I am doing well, still tired and not sleeping the greatest with my mind whirling from a new bc diagnosis.  My incisions are healing well, I have a tiny spot on my ab incision that is not 100% closed.  I keep using the idione swabstick on it and applying antibotic ozonal cream to it.  I go to the wound clinic on Thursday to get it checked again....I am on a "once a week" basis to keep an eye on it. My fobs are starting to feel a little less like they are glued to my chest like two clay mounds. It is ALOT easier getting in and out of bed and getting up from a seated position, although I still need a pillow behind my back for support.  I am still wearing a spanx which is way better than the binder.  I rented an electric hospital bed for 1 month but have extended for another month...I am not sleeping completely flat yet.  I tried getting into our high pillow top bed and cant even sit on it without being uncomfortable.LOL
I have NO REGRETS doing this surgery, I love my flat tummy and new perky girls.... if anything it probably saved my life although it was suppose to be prophylactic!!!

Welcome Bella - I wont worry about the bras right now.  I had my DIEP surgery on Dec 16/13 (1 month post op today).  I havent been told to wear even a sports bra as of yet, I have another followup with my PS on Jan 28/14 so maybe he will talk about it then.  I cant imagine wearing anything right now, my fobs still are very sensitive to the touch and the incisions underneath my breast are still healing.

Jenjen - you got this girl.  We all go through the anxious, scared shitless phase...hands up myself included I was in your position one month ago and these ladies calmed me down greatly.  It wasnt as bad as I imagined but certainly not a walk in the park either.  I am still recovering but have turned that corner where things are getting a little better every day.  As many have said here "you just have to show up the day of surgery", your medical team will do the worrying.

Jmb5  - that is a wonderful gesture what they did with the tshirts....I know when I was first diagnosed family and friends insisted on giving me all this pink ribbon stuff which I didnt want.  Their hearts were in the right place though.  Hugs, its shitty facing this disease a 2nd time!  I am now in the same boat...8 years out of my first diagnosis...had my DIEP surgery on Dec 16/13 - pathlogy found a new Primary Invasive 1cm tumour.  This time my receptors are Triple Negative.  Waiting to find out when my appt is with oncologist....

So hate the thoughts of a "2nd go around with chemo"....

Michele