DIEP 2014

Sharon, I love that you love your  boobs.  I can't wait for my turn.  I am still waiting to hear back again about my CAT scan.  I warmed them already about the incidentomas on the liver.

beck.....at this stage, if you haven't already done so, I'd probably be asking questions about "post-surgery" protocols/expectations, since they seem to be the most variable amongst all the different surgeons. So things like: bras post op, tummy compression, return to exercise/activity, followup schedule....stuff like that. I'd specifically make sure you know the "bra answer", since you will be two different scenarios post-op.

If he is needing to recon only one breast, you should be able to "aim" for the size/fullness you want to eventually end up with. Your PS should be able to also guide you, as to what would best fit your bodytype/frame. Some people want as big as they can get, some go in the opposite direction. It's a personal choice. Glad to hear the pre-op went well and you're good to go!!!!!! Getting nervous....yup, sounds like you're right on schedule!

These days I am more of a lurker here, but I do read everything, and think of you gals in your various stages of recovery.

Curlylocks, big hugs to you! Yes, waiting and uncertainty is the worst, and I hope those docs get their act together very soon. Then you will know what you're facing. Maybe take that car for another spin? It helps to stay busy, but I'm preaching to the choir here. You know all these things, being around the block before. You are in my thoughts - best wishes!

TBerg - I totally saw the surgery and recovery partially as a break from work.   Diagnostic testing, first surgery, and uncertainty around chemo/rads meant I  canceled the  vacations I had scheduled last year.  Except for a couple of weeks for my first surgery and all the appointments, I worked (sometimes seemed like I showed up more than worked!) and I was totally ready for a break by the time this surgery rolled.

As I'm sure you have read on these threads,  you don't have to be brave - you just have to show up and let your team do what it does best.  Doesn't mean panic will stay away, but I found it was a nice thought to have firmly planted in my brain.

Ridley

lol at the break from work my MO pulled me off work soon as I was diagnosed so I have been home since 9/9 I don't know how I am gonna act when it's time to go back 

my PS and the nursing unit discouraged any visitors other than my hubby, for the first 4 days. They wanted me to rest, knowing that I would be sleep deprived from all the flap checks, and also wanted to minimize risk of infectious "visitors"....I was totally on board with that....didn't really want to be socializing either!

Bella, if something they used before caused you discomfort, or you had a bad reaction to it, let them know.  There is usually an alternataive that might work better for you.  There is no need for unnecessary suffering.

Haha! Evidently I had visitors after DIEP but have no memory of it.....that Wilbur. I would suggest no visitors except family. I know my daughters were there but don't remember that much, either. Hubs, yes.

8 days post-op.  yesterday was a rough day for pain.   Went to see the PS today and he removed 3 of the 4 drains.  Woo Hoo!   One left in the abdomen, darn.  Made a Target run on the way home.  I realized I did not have the right pants.  I have yoga pants but they are tight.   I picked up some looser ones and a long dress that was in with the athletic wear, I guess for lounging, and I think it will be perfect for lounging and I won't have to worry about pants hitting the incision.  Glad to be back home in bed now!

JMB, I brought the olay facial wipes with me to my bmx, and I did bring a hair brush, dry shampoo,  lipstick, chapstick, a little bare minerals powder, and of course, tooth brush and tooth paste.  You don't need the make up stuff, but it made me feel better to not look totally ill when I went home.  I am bet you are happy to have those tests out of the way.

Iowa, Wilbur is a figment of Jeannie's imagination. When she was having her diep she tried to send us all a message that didn't make much sense, and it trailed off towards the end with the name Wilbur. So, we all found it very funny, and teased her often about it, and then somehow he became our anesthesia Mascot.  Sometimes he is good, and sometimes he can be naughty, but he is usually watching and taking good care of us.

jmb5 - I am packing facial cleansing wipes, body cleansing wipes & some make-up.  After my uni-mx surgery, the only thing that was really bad was the nausea so I didn't care how awful I looked.  With this surgery I am getting the nausea patch, so I am thinking if I do not have nausea, I may not feel horrible.  I can deal with pain and tiredness but not nausea!  

It seems like everyone gets a ct scan pre-op, I did not.  I had blood work done and an EKG.  What does the ct scan show?

jmb- if your kids are sensitive maybe don't have them visit the first day after surgery since you will still be hooked up to a lot of stuff and that may scare them. The third day they start disconnecting you from everything and you will feel more awake. I really only needed toothpaste/brush and I did bring travel,size stuff to wash my face. I also brought travel shampoo and conditioner since I showered before I left. Hair elastic, Chapstick. You sound like you are doing well. One step at a time.

beebop- yay on getting some drains out! That is the best! Rest rest rest!

beebop,

That is what I am hoping for - no nausea!  With my uni-mx there were 2 bad things - nausea & the compression.  I was wrapped so tight that I thought my ribs were bruised.  It was absolutely awful - I stayed completely awake for almost 36 hours & felt like I couldn't breathe.  They explained that it was important to keep the compression on & they would only loosen it if I truly could not get air in my lungs, which was not the case.  I had them give me lots of drugs & sleeping pills, hoping to fall asleep & get some relief, which didn't work.  The only relief came when they FINALLY loosened the bandage - which felt sooo good!  I know I will not have any compression this time (I asked) and I will have the nausea patch, so I am hoping to be in good shape! 

Thanks, Goldie, for the Wilbur explanation.  I guessed it was something funny.  I will make a note to myself not to write on the board after surgery!