DIEP 2014

About visitors...I had my DIEP in a hospital where I know and work with a lot of the nurses and administrators (I don't actually work at the hospital) and I had a lot of visitors.  Fortunately everyone knew to stay a moment or two, say hello, and split.  I was pretty drugged, but I'm sure I greeted EVERYONE with, "Hey, you wanna see?" followed by a flinging up of my hospital gown.  I was happy to see friends, and I knew they were expecting me to look pale and wrecked with dirty hair.  I didn't disappoint.

There was just one thing I wanted at the hospital I didn't bring, and I sure didn't bring much.  I needed some shampoo.  The "general cleansing gel" they give you for face, body, hair, feet, and enemas...is just worthless.  A little travel-size bottle of shampoo would have been heaven.

I had a girlfriend visit who always came at lunch time, right when the PT was there for lymph draining massage, so she saw everything, too! Apart from that, just family. My DH hurt his back and couldn't come for a few days, so my 15yo DS came and entertained me with card games and youtube videos and took me for walks - it was lovely to see him every day. I was in hospital for 2 weeks, so I was bored out of my mind and desperate for company, but not from outside the "inner circle".

I can blame the dilaudid for being a flasher in the hosptial but what's my excuse now!!?? Hmmm I seem to show my 16 inch scar and foobs to whoever wants a peek. Like it's not a real boob so it somehow does not count as indecent! Haha

Hope your daughter feels better about things jmb. My older daughters were very stressed and I encouraged them to tell their friends and talk about it....that made them feel better. My 10 year old niece had her whole class pray for me during school ( she goes to a religious school). 

Sounds like you are all set jenjen!  Good luck!

Hey, Movie, laughing my socks off here...I can just imagine the scene.  But you know, at this point, I don't think of them as breasts--they're works of surgical art!

You guys are funny.  My hospital put about an inch of gauze that they use for burn patients on top of each foob or surgical work of art and just taped it at the top.  I was also in a hospital gown all the time, so every time someone came to check with the doppler, they carefully lifted everything and listened in.  

On the visitor front, my best friend, who is like a sister to me came on day 2.  She wasn't sure she could wait until then.  But she and I can sit and say nothing very comfortably, so no pressure on me there.  She and another friend came on day 3 and then 3 others on day 4. Plus my parents were there every day (I'm single -  no husband or kids).   It all worked out fine.  Except for my Mom, no one stayed that long.

Good luck Jenjen - you will do great!

I'm five weeks out - just waiting for a friend to pick me up to go for lunch.  Put my jeans on.  Would rather  be in yoga pants!  It's a bit weird to see what fits how now.  I guess my body is still a bit swollen, even though I can't see it.

Have a great day everyone,

Ridley

Ridley- putting jeans on is a big deal! Have fun at lunch!

Jmb......"fipples"

Sbe....I totally agree....these girls are total masterpieces!  I keep thinking I will go on a cruise.....and like the French women.....will go topless while sunning......

good luck jenjen....if allowed, take Ativan the night before and the morning of......and then, JUST SHOW UP.......

I did ask aboutthe polish they said toes are fine bur figers need to be clear.  What is the deal/concern about polish - anyone know?

I think it is because the clip they put on your finger, to measure oxygen levels, cannot "read" thru dark nail polish.  I was told real dark or black won't work.  I am just going to have a clear color with a tinge of pink put on.  

Jenjen. Good to hear your wait is almost over.  Best of luck on Monday and may the new rack be "absolutely awesome"

Sbelizabeth.  I was the second woman in my immediate family to get BC. I told one of my sisters that she needed to be diligent in keeping up on her mammos.  She said that she ate right and exercised so she didn't have to worry. And yes, sadly she should have been worried because it wasn't a year later that she got her DX.  Glad you had the ability to unfriend that woman.  

Lahela. Maybe you should try the stretchy "PAJAMA-jeans" they advertise on the late night infomercials!". LOL

jenjen- Dr. Robinson and Lafaive did my diep and dic wonderful work. I just had my stage two done and it looks wonderful. Good luck and you will do great!

jenjen1 and beck0806, Good luck on the 20th! I have heard wonderful things about both Dr. Robinson and Cleveland Clinic, I know you will be in good hands. Just watch out for Wilbur, I hear that he causes a lot of mischief after surgery!