DIEP 2014

Jmb, I know you didn't want to call attention to your situation, but support like that is curative, and a good thing.  You are blessed, and so is your daughter.

Bella, I wish I knew somebody personally that used him.  I have read of other people on the forums that have, but can't remember their names now.  Maybe if you do a search on here with his name you will find some posts.  I just heard he was really good.  I had heard, and this could be wrong info, that he had a car accident back in the summer, and one women was schedule for an implant surgery with him, and it got changed to another doc, and she was very upset because she loved Saint-Cyr.

I'm sending a "shout out" for a group hug tonight......seems appropriate. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{X}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

For what it's worth, I understand the sentiment and "support" of the pink thing, I really do, honest...I get it.... but to me, it feels as awkward as heck...... I think many of the "gestures" are meant to be heartfelt shows of support, especially from young people, but, I am actually a rather private  person. I'd rather spend my public moments in denial, so I can loiter on the fringes of "the old normal"...I have had plenty of private moments of "awareness" that require nothing pink or "ribboned" to bring the reality of my bc to my attention. We're all different, and I respect everyone's views on the topic.

cherrie......I feel like chuckling at your message, and giving you a huge hug and a tissue to wipe your eyes.

The image of you lying down with a tape measure to map out your "zone" made me smile.....but, hearing about your unhappiness makes me sad......I truly believe you should still have hope for some sensation return. Yes, you are 14 months out from your Stage 1, but.....remember....you HAVE had additional things done since then....didn't you have your incision redone.....that means some steps backwards......I have no idea what lipo and prolonged compression does, but I would think it would also have some impact.

A c-section is basically, just an clean incision. It doesn't involve removing layers of tissues and then loosening and stretching body parts to cover the defect. It takes a long time sometimes,  for nerves to regenerate, and re-establish themselves and their "awareness" of their new location. Do you do a lot of massage....it really does help to reconnect the nerves and the mind and the whole "awareness" thing.....You've come a loooong way.....I do not believe you have reached the final result yet!!! 

Beautiful analogy, Nihahi! I'm here hugging you too, Curly.

I have posted pics of my recon on the photo forum, for those who have access.

iowagirl....sadly, imho, that would mean there would be a lot less eggs making it to hatch time! 

This reminds of the "game" we once played on the 2013 thread...."Seriously, I'm telling you, if you close your eyes.....you CANNOT find your bellybutton" 

Nihahi, I am STILL looking for mine (bellybutton!)........

Curly....we are here for you......and will hold you up as long as it takes.....TOWANDA!

Ladies, I am nearing the end of my DIEP journey....This Saturday is the girls' first birthday (I can't believe how quickly/slowly this past year has gone for me).....and  incredible as it sounds, I cannot remember most of the tough stuff....kinda like childbirth, I guess.  For those of you just starting this journey, be patient...........DIEP is a work in progress, and it takes TIME- a LOT of time.  Not all of it will be spent doubled over because you can't stand up straight, not all of it will be spent hurting.....there will be time to enjoy things around you (last year, after stage 1, Nihahi and I met up in Glacier National Park,to do some hiking)....time when life gets back to "just about normal".....and then stage 2 will be upon you.....you will bounce back, and then it is time for Stage 2b ( or 3, or whatever)......all are steps to getting you back to normal.....not the"old" normal...but a NEW normal......I am almost there.......in a few months I will be setting up an appointment for my nipple tattooing......and this incredible metamorphosis I have gone through will be at an end.....and the rest of my life will begin.....and so it will be for each of you.......Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao Tzu).  

TOWANDA!  Onward and upward!

XO

Curly, glad you are sleeping a little better.  I hope they get your treatment plan figured out pretty soon.  Now that you know what needs to be done I know you want to get moving on it.  That is great that you are getting out.  You are doing great as far as your recuperation from the diep.  I pray they rest of this journey will be as gentle on you.  

Hi there ladies!   I am jumping in here.  I had my DIEP last Wednesday, January 8th.   It was intended to be a TRAM, but once he got in there he realized he did not need the muscle.  I was pleasantly surprised.    Came home on Sunday and not feeling too bad.   The drains have decreased dramatically today so hopefully can have them pulled this week.   I am going to go back and read the thread now so I can see how everyone else is doing.  Happy to be here!

Hurray Beebop!

Hey Beebop, welcome.  Sounds like you are doing great!!!!!  We are here to answer questions, chit chat, whine, etc.  Whatever you need.  Glad you found us.

Your history as far as reconstruction sounds similar to what mine will be.  Did you ever have implants?  Our did you just keep your expanders till you had your diep.  I tried  the implants, and I am not happy with them.  I am hoping my diep will be June 3.  Would love to compare notes with you.

hi goldie!   I actually had the expanders removed in Feb 2012 due to infection.  I am so happy with the DIEP, although may need some adjustments down the line to get more symmetry, but it's so nice to have my own tissue now after using prosthetics for almost 2 years!

I have not had time yet to read the full thread, but for those who have had the surgery, how long were you told to keep the abdominal binder on?

thanks Zenful!  When I asked my Dr. How long I needed to wear it he said if it bothers me to take it off.   He is not convinced it is necessary.  I took it off today because it was pushing against my drain sites.   I hope to see him on Thursday to pull the drains, so I'll see what he has to say.

That makes sense Michele, thanks!   I will put it back on once the drains come out.

Yes, Ann.  You were right to wait, from what I hear.  I can't wait to see how it works out for you.  I am so glad to hear he has recuperated from his accident and is back in the OR where he belongs.  Good luck.  Keep us posted.

Beebop, I know even after my hysterectomy which was laproscopic, they recommended light compression for comfort and swelling, and I wore it for months.  It just felt better to have it on, and I did notice it helped with swelly belly.