DIEP 2014

Options
1…3637394142…227

Comments

  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    Haha, Sbel! This constipation talk brought back memories for hubs and me. We just recalled how the ED doc came in and pronounced, "This is just constipation. It can't hurt that much," as I lay writhing and saying I wanted to die. Hubs quickly pulled him aside and set him straight, using strong language. When he asked doc to step aside, the nurse's eyes got huge. After hubs set doc straight, nurse gave hubs a huge smile. Another nurse gave me the monster enema which I don't remember, but I do remember telling him that he was my hero. Nurses rock. I wish that doc could have seen what came out of me....Ah, memories!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    So glad you're on the move, Bella!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    Omg Jeannie....to have the internal pressure of massive constipation on your abdomen after diep......I'm sure it was excruciating.....I have not nice words in my head for that insensitive doctor as well....GO DH....GO NURSES!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited February 2014

    Oh Jeannie, dont talk about constipation....between the by SaveNewaAppz" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NDczNTA6MTMwNDpjaGVtbyBkcnVnczo3ZTk5MmQ0MjJlMWU2ODA3YmEyNjRkMGQwZmE0MDg5Yzp6LTE1NDYtMjg3NjA5OmNvbW11bml0eS5icmVhc3RjYW5jZXIub3JnOjExNjc2MzowOjU5NTkzOWIxNzgzMTQyZmE4Nzc0MDc4MWE5MTYzOTM1OjA&subid=g-287609-ff990356548343eb89ae0f7b683555b8-" id="_GPLITA_0" href="#">chemo drugsimage and tynelol #3...lactolose is my best friend...take a swig of it daily...how can one person go from having constipation to diaherra in one day?...sorry if too much TMI:(

    This chemo has been kicking my ass big time, hopefully it is doing the same thing to any lingering cancer cells...die, bastards die!LOL

    I had two really bad days...yesterday and Friday....alot of pain - my teeth hurt, my mouth, my legs, my neck and my head feels like it is being drilled into at times and generally feeling like I have been run over by a truck.  I am back to having to take 2 hour naps as I am so exhausted.  My appetite is just starting to come back this afternoon....has been gone since Wednesday....I am now down a total of 22 pounds since my surgery in December and post chemo.

    Made a dinner reservation for a really cool local restaurant for hubby and I to celebrate a belated Valentine's dinner this Tuesday night.  It specializes in CHOCOLATE!  I went there with a girlfriend in early January and loved it.

    Annajo - welcome, this is an awesome group of ladies that helped me through my fears leading up to surgery.  I am 9 weeks post op and doing wonderfully as far as my DIEP recovery.

    Tlbrady - I had bmx and DIEP together in one surgery.  I had an issue with range of motion of my right arm for the first two weeks post op but that was because of the way my arm was placed for so long during surgery.
    I never had an pain from this surgery, just discomfort that was managed by extra strength tynelol every 4 hours for the first two weeks.

    I started wearing my jeans about 6 weeks post op, they are so big on me now, I need suspenders to keep them up...I need to wait until I am finished chemo to buy new ones.  My ab incision is very low.

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2014

    I am changing my avatar because I will be getting my mind set for the big day on the 24th and just wanted all of you are just wonderful and full of support!!  hugs to all.  Kat

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    Curlylocks, love that fighting attitude! Sorry it's been so rough. ((((((Curly))))))

    Bailey, yes, I was very scared my ab scar would bust open. Thankfully not. The trouble did continue with that doc as he tried to insert an IV in my neck. It was obvious it had been a long while since he had done one and he carried on his frustrated dialogue in my ear as he poked and poked. He is the reason we went to the Seattle hospital where I had my surgeries when the pleural effusion occurred a week later rather than return to our local hospital. Excellent call!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    Love it, Kat-Ski! Thanks.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited February 2014

    I have been absent the last 24 hrs.  DH, and I installed a new ceiling fan.  We do not do well with home improvement projects. He is not the handiest guy, and I think he get's defensive about is lack of skills, and I can see what needs to happen, but I have to bite my tongue to keep a fight from ensuing, but eventually end up fighting anyway.  Then when we are all finished he get's all puffed up like he has accomplished something extraordinary, and I have to tell how wonderful he is.  Ugh!!!  Over 30 years of this.  What we do for love!!!!!!!

    Glad the constipation problems have been solved, Bella and you can concentrate on healing.  Everybody else sounds pretty good...yeah!!!!

    Tbradyful. there are two women on this thread that come to mind when you mention GAP, and the is Zenful, and Bdavis.  Both have had successful GAP recons. See if you can touch base with them, of they might see your post and reach out.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maggie85
    maggie85 Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2014

    Hello, y'all :)

    I'll be six weeks post op on Wednesday .. question:  have any of you been able to sleep on your side or tummy at 6 weeks?  I've tried on my side, and the ab incision pulls.  Very uncomfortable.   On Wednesday, my post op instructions say I can sleep on my tummy, but I just can't imagine it, I'm still pretty sore.    I used to always sleep on my side and tummy :(  

    How about wearing a bra with underwire?  Dr told me I could once the incisions are healed, but mine are still sore, and the side that had the cancer is still not healed.  Dr Trahan's nurse just overnighted a new ointment to start using to get it healed.   I got a blister after surgery, and I guess that side is just going to be harder to heal all around, since it was the cancer side and the side they took two lymph nodes.  I'm still pretty swollen on that side.  

    Some days, I wonder if I'll ever feel "normal" again. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited February 2014

    Maggie - I am a huge side sleeper...slept on my side at 5.5 weeks post op....try getting a large body pillow or some extra pillows and hug them as you sleep...it will feel more comfortable in a week or so.

    I was told at my 6 week post op appointment - no underwires!  I bought a nice wonder bra that is so comfy, two of them actually as I didnt want to waste alot of money if they should get smaller in size.

    I love my new soft boobs...having being using bio oil on my ab scar and boob scars for a week or so...love the smell of it and it makes them so soft!

    I am 9 weeks post op tomorrow and feeling good on the DIEP side of things, no issues...everything has healed.  Chemo is kicking my butt now:(

    Michele

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    sunone, my BS and oncologist both thought a BMX was a good choice for me after a DCIS recurrence in my left breast. After the mastectomy, the pathology came back and I had Paget's Disease on the right nipple. I am so thankful I had both sides removed and that I let my BS remove the sentinel node on the "healthy" side. Although that is very rare, I just wanted to share my story with you. You'll do great! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited February 2014

    tlbradyful... I had a bilateral GAP and BMX in July 2011, and had a complication and ended up having most of my right flap removed a month out due to an open incision and had it replaced with a stacked DIEP. Later (last January) I had some necrotic tissue removed from my left breast and replaced with a tdap flap. So my left boobie is GAP/TDAP and my right is DIEP/and a little GAP.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maggie85
    maggie85 Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2014

    No underwires, huh?  So dang WEIRD that doctors tell us different things.  I confess, I don't like it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited February 2014

    Maggie - Dr. Massey told me not to sleep on my stomach for at least 12 weeks.  Thankfully, 28 years of implants had forced me into being a back and side sleeper.  I was not comfortable on my side for quite a while.  My GF always reminded that her PS told her that if she slept on her back she would delay a facelift.  Gotta find a positive.

    Tbradyful - I am a patient of Dr. M.  You will love her!!!  Just remember her rules are a bit more stringent that some of the other docs, but it pays to follow them.  You might also want to check in on the NOLA in September thread to connect with women who have had the NOLA docs.  You are fortunate to live so close.

    Nihahi - all is well here!  We are working on readying our house for sale and living in total chaos.  Hoping the contractor will show up before I need to leave to work out in the morning.  Ah, life!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    My PS said underwire was fine when I asked him about it after stage II. He's pretty conservative in most things, although he said I only have to keep new nipples protected for two weeks. I am going to be more cautious than that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beebop
    Beebop Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2014

    yes Jeannie protect those nipples!  Thanks for your kind words.   Yesterday I thought I was turning a corner and then today the fever was back and I felt terrible again.  It's been 4 weeks now since I got sick and besides  the low iron they can't find anything else.   I feel like they are missing something.  4 weeks is too long to feel so terrible.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maggie85
    maggie85 Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2014

    I had skin sparing and nipple sparing DIEP on both breasts ... I believe the underwire would not be good for the incisions under the breasts if they were not healed.  At least, that's what I understood from the nurse.   And one of mine is not all the way healed yet, but I'm getting there.  I just feel that these stretchy bras I've been wearing don't give a lot of support, which may be why I feel so sore most of the time.  I did buy a couple of the Bali Comfort Revolution that someone suggested in the bra thread, and those do feel more secure, but still not quite as supportive to me as a bra with underwire.  

    Jeanie, and all you ladies who had to have nipples reconstructed - my hat is off to you!  I feel so fortunate I could have the skin and nipple sparing procedure. 

    I still have a lot of swelling, and by the end of the day, I'm even more swelled up - I guess this is from being active during the day and not taking naps.  I did go back to work three weeks after surgery - which the doctor ok'd.  I started out half days for about a week, then went to full time.  I was real tired once I got home, but didn't allow myself to take naps, and waited until at least 8:30 - 9:00 to go to bed.  

    I hate feeling like a over-inflated balloon at night!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited February 2014

    I was told no underwire for a bit (can't remember but maybe 3 months) and then its fine.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    Beebop, that sounds miserable! I wish they could tell you more. Hugs.

    Maybe I could wear underwire because I don't have any incisions on the underside of my boobs. I just have small horizontal scars, other than the round nipple ones now.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • k79miller
    k79miller Member Posts: 101
    edited February 2014

    Hi all, I just joined the board today & have really enjoyed reading everyone's stories & comments.  I had a bi-lateral mastectomy in March 2013, followed with 9 rounds of chemo & then 28 radiation treatments on the right side.   My PS immediately put expanders in.  I'm in NE Okla but am going to PRMA in San Antonio for my DIEP surgery on March 20.  After reading everyone's comments I'm kind of worried about being so far away from my DIEP  surgeon.  Has anyone here been to PRMA?  I'm debating on whether or not to buy a wedge pillow to use afterwards.  I had some firm pillows that I used after my 1st surgery but unfortunately they're now in a storage unit at the very back & I can't even see them.  haha  Any suggestions on what I should take with me?  I have some pajamas that I'm taking that the tops button up & the pants are capris but I'm wondering if there is any thing else that I should take.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited February 2014

    maggie....have you tried wearing a camisole with a shelf bra, over your other bra, to give you a little more support without the irritation of an underwire? Or maybe a support cami that isn't too tight? That might give you the extra support you are looking for at this point, and might help a wee bit with the swelling that often comes with activity at your stage of recovery. 

    I never found an underwire pre-surgery that was comfortable....not much padding on my ribs underneath the breast crease. Because I asked to go a bit smaller, on both sides, I now don't need so much support, and could easily go braless if and when I choose to, once I get the second nipple.

    beebop...you're absolutely right....this long, with fever....something is askew.....keep after your docs to properly assess you and find a solution.

    curly....I am so happy that your surgical recovery is going so well....I am so sorry the chemo is crappy.....I love your attitude....keep kicking it!!!!

    marty....wow....selling house and moving...so much stress and work!!!!!! Are you planning on staying in the same area???

    jeannie....I keep meaning to ask you how the nips are doing...have they shrunk much???

    k79...Somewhere in the early pages of this thread is a great packing list. Chapstick, facial wipes, toothbrush/paste, glasses, non-slip socks or slip-on slippers, skin moisturizer, loose waisted, adjustable waist pants, loose, front closing top,  .......I'm sure there's more.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jeannie57
    Jeannie57 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited February 2014

    Nihahi, after one week, no apparent shrinkage. We'll see after a couple of months!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sunone
    Sunone Member Posts: 151
    edited February 2014

    Thanks jmb5 for sharing your story, I'm definitely at the point where I'm ready to accept a BMX is my best option. Talking to the breast care coordinator tomorrow to get more information on my next steps.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sydney2013
    sydney2013 Member Posts: 29
    edited February 2014

    The constipation from all the medicine can be horrible, the pain brought me to tears. Finally, my husband ran to starbucks (I am a bit lactose intolerant) and my father in law bought me Dulcolax (yes, my father-in-law). Good Luck

    I miss sleeping on my stomach too. It has been 2 months since my diep and I can not sleep on my stomach. I agree with the other post that said use a body pillow and hug it. I put one pillow between my knees and the other I hug and it sits between my breast. I found it very comfortable.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lea321
    lea321 Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2014

    Maggie. I could not live without my body pillow!  Even before surgery it was a 'must have' and even more so now,  it is the only way I can lie on my side, and it is still a bit uncomfortable, but I am able to find a good position.  But once it's time to move, (sigh)  I keep thinking I would like a good massage and want to lay on a table!  All in time....  I am still feeling "stretched" after 4 weeks, but I have noticed over the past 2 days it has gotten a lot better.  I am scheduled for fat grafting mid May.  Need to catch up on that thread, not too familiar with that process, (other than what the doc told me) 

    I am healing fine, except for the lower part of my incision on my cancer/rads/problem side.  The incision is kind of crusty and hard.  PS said it was ok at my follow up, but it hasn't gotten better.  Luckily, it hasn't gotten worse either, but the rest of my incisions look so good, and then there is this one problem area.  Anyone else have something simaliar?  Just applying neosporin.  May give the office a call and see about something else to try.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lea321
    lea321 Member Posts: 63
    edited February 2014

    k79- as far as  a packing  list, everything mentioned nihahi mentioned.  Lip balm and lotion, always nearby!  I was so dry, I use it a lot!  Dry shampoo was a big help since I didn't take a shower for a few days and regular hair washing was out for a couple weeks.  Speaking of showering, make sure to get a second belt or however your drains are held. (I had one that went around my neck)   So you can use one in the shower and a clean one to put on after.  Just lots of loose, soft clothes!  A pillow wedge and body pillow is helpful.  I used a small hospital pillow on my chest to help with the seatbelt going across my incisions.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maggie85
    maggie85 Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2014

    Yes - I actually do use the compression camis!  I had them before the breast cancer showed itself, and it does make me feel more secure, but I'm still feeling sore by the end of the day.   And swollen ... did I mention swollen?  Haha ...gosh, I hate the swelling, but know it won't last forever!

    I will do as you ladies suggest and go buy a body pillow today. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    k79, I also took a pack of mints to the hospital. They wouldn't let me have any the first 24 hours, but I was so thirsty and my mouth was dry and gross. Mints were nice to have. I took a robe and pajama pants but never wore them. I felt too crappy to change so just stayed in the hospital gown. I took the advice of the ladies here and got the Target Gillian and O'Malley pajama pants with a drawstring waist. They are so light and comfortable, and that's all I wore the first couple weeks. Now I wear yoga pants too. Also from Target because they have long length yoga pants and a big selection. For tops I have worn mostly cotton tank tops. I tried to sleep in a t-shirt the other night, but it drove me crazy. My skin in the center of my chest (cleavage area) is extremely sensitive and anything that lightly rubs on it (shirts, bed sheets) kind of hurts. I think it's from nerves regenerating. How soon is your surgery?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    Maggie, after reading all these comments, I think I'm going to send hubby out to buy a body pillow tonight. Sleeping is something I dread every night. I tried the couch 2 nights ago, but it wasn't any better. I'm so sick of sleeping on my back and want to sleep on my side so bad, but it's not comfortable. Hoping the body pillow will help. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited February 2014

    I used to be a side sleeper, but I've been sleeping on my back for over a year now. I completely agree with marty's friend's ps about back sleeping can delay a facelift :-).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories