DIEP 2014

Hi there, 

I've been in bed with the flu this weekend and have finally have had a chance to catch up on my reading. So nice to hear everyone's adventures and progress. I know some of you very well because you were my coaches and inspiration, and you were the ladies that I could talk to at three in the morning and the ladies that would keep me laughing through the day. For those I haven't met - hello, I'm a BMX/imm recon, and had surgery last summer. 

Jazlaumir - I wish you a relaxing day tomorrow.  As far as I'm concerned all the hard work is done. You've gone through the diagnosis, and decision making and mental gymnastics, and now all you have to do is show up. I had the same surgery as you, and when my surgeon told me it would be twelve hours my jaw fell open. He laughed and said, 'Don't worry, that's not your problem, that's up to us'. But in the end, they did it in nine hours. And the recovery was uncomplicated and fairly pain free - any  pain I had was managed with drugs (yay for morphine!) or reduced movement. I hope your surgery goes well. 

Brandarj - Dr Hofer did my surgery at Toronto General. I love him. His calmness and kindness has never wavered and he made me and my family feel like the surgery was practically routine. When he came to talk to my mom and partner at recess ( or halfway through surgery), they said he was as fresh as a daisy, relaxed, and considerate. That said, I had to wait a long time for my surgery. I thought it would happen six months post radiation but it ended up being 13 months. I may have fallen through the cracks - and ended up becoming a squeaky wheel to his assistant. Scheduling is difficult because it requires booking a PS, your BS, and an OR for a full day. If anything comes up considered an emergency, that would take priority. Hofer also does head and neck microsurgery, and that could be urgent. So I started calling or emailing more regularly. At one point they offered me a cancellation but with only a weeks notice I couldn't make it. I was finally offered a date - and then that was moved up by three weeks. In the end, I had about four months notice, and once I had a date, I felt a million times better. I've heard that Canadian and American wait times can be quite different - and then they very from doctor to doctor. So don't get discouraged. Keep calling his office, and hang in there. He's worth the wait. 

In fact - one of the things they should tell you the very second you schedule your DIEP is that there is no normal. We all heal SO differently and are given different instructions about recovery. Surgeons vary widely. F'rinstance - I had zero dietary restriction preceeding my surgery. Coffee was okay, and I was told not to change my diet. I had no compression garments, and was told not to wear an underwire for three months. Maggie - I know your were concerned about underwire, but everything is a guideline. If it doesn't feel good, don't do it. I still haven't gone back to underwire, and am really happy with a Wonderbra with great non-wire support. 

Zen - Happy belated Birthday - and I'm so thrilled by your tears of joy. How far you've come that you can be admiring your surgeon's work, and fabulous body, one year later. Fabulous!

Jeannie - Seriously?! Your PS is trying to tell you that everyone's bellybutton is off-centre? Doesn't he know that we spent our entire teen years in changing rooms staring at each other, and reading Cosmo? Jeez

jmb5-my surgery is scheduled for March 20 in San Antonio

Hello All,

I am so thankful to all of you for being on this forum and sharing your experiences. My surgery will be on Mon. Feb 24 and though I am still pretty anxious, I am not petrified because I know what to expect.

Would like to ask the experts here if they think I should cancel my commitment to be an election judge. The election is Mar 18 (3weeks post surg) and I have no idea if I will feel up to it. Its a long day but it requires almost no physical effort. I appreciate your input. Is it likely I would still have drain tubes? That would suck...I am guessing.

Nihahi,

Thanks for your reply. You are right about the long shift, 5am to 7pm here in IL. I dread the long day even when I am healthy. Now I will feel a little less guilty when I decline to work.

Its funny,when I first joined this forum my biggest fear was going through a long painful surgery...but now my big fear is constipation. Thanks for the heads up!

jmb5...I changed my login name from Roco to Rosebud14..I promise I wont keep changing.

I got my date - March 10 - Stage 1 DIEP - Westside Surgical Hospital, Houston. (Dr. Schusterman)

Of course now I am nervous yet excited to get this next step done.  I will have my pre-op appt. Friday and will have my list of questions.  I will be so glad to be rid of these TE's.  

Prayers and hugs for Jazlaumir, hope everything goes perfect for you.  

In your pockets Jaz! See you on the flap side!

Jaz. -  you are likely more than half way through surgery by now.  Best wishes for smooth sailing for the rest of the day and during your recovery period,

Ridley

k79. I am assuming you are flying. I too flew for my recon. It is very doable. Check out the lists at the top of the Nola in September thread. 

Brady. I'd be happy to discuss this with you. I know it seems hard to imagine healing on your backside and sitting comfortably, but I really had no pain on the backside. Please feel free to PM me or we could talk on the phone. 

jenjenl, you have made a lot of progress! I hope the pants are comfortable and work isn't too exhausting!

Good news Bella, and best wishes to jaz.  I have a kind of weird question that I didn't think to ask my plastic surgeon.  Is there any use for this belly fat that they are taking?  does it protect our organs, or anything like that?  There are certainly people in the world that have much less in this area than I do   So I believe I can get by with much less of it, just wondering if it serves any purpose?   And, does it regenerate? 

Jenjen and Bella, glad to hear you are both doing well.

Annajo, I believe we only have so many fat cells, so I don't think they come back. I'm pretty sure the fat serves no protective purpose.  On the contrary, too much belly fat around our organs is bad for our health.  I'm just happy to have a flat tummy again!

shoot....my pants don't fit, not sure how's that's possible but looks like i will be doing the pregnancy elastic band trick for the pants.  Not sure if it is still swelling or if I gained weight.  I would not be shocked if I gained weight being at home all day/night...i would be pissed though. 

Bella, I love your positivity.  It is so very comforting. Thank you for sharing your gratitude and inspiration!

Jeans!!!! You girls are killing me. I'm hurting just thinking of it. You are all an amazing inspiration.

Rosebud I agree, you will not be up for the long shift or the inability to move around. Remember to put yourself first for these few weeks of initial recovery.

Bella  great progress!

Hope everyone is doing well! Been busy dealing with a family full of flu over here. Not fun!

jenjen, you will still be very swollen. I measured my ab incision (a.k.a. "smile") at four weeks out and it was 55cm long, just measured it again at 6 months at it's 48cm.

k79, that depends on how far the incision goes. Some go all the way over the hips, like mine, but some stop short.

Anyone done the flashlight trick yet? I have never done it, but some women report that their noob glows if they shine a flashlight through it from underneath! LOL!