DIEP 2014

Hi, ladies. I had to post because I had such a good day. I am 3 weeks out and still have a drain that is still producing, so I guess I'm stuck with it for a while...sigh. But, on Presidents day my sister, daughter and neice took me out to a local mall and we went shopping. I bought the Bali bra, so we'll see how it goes and I also bought some spanks. With my drain still in, I'm hesitating to try anything yet, but I'll be ready to go. 

I confess we used a wheelchair for part of the mall trip. I walked for some of it, but it was nice that we could borrow the wheelchair so when I got tired and my back hurt and I needed to sit, it worked well. I didn't have to worry about them having to leave to take me home early! We got to eat lunch out and have a good time...despite my surgery.

Tlbradyful, I had quite a bit of radiation damage to my skin, to the point where my PS had to cut some of it off and replace it with my abdominal skin....however, it doesn't sound like yours is that bad...mine didn't get a rash, it turned purple, like it was bruised and thinned to the point that they were worried my TE's might push through....yours will likely heal up just fine....I think my reaction was pretty rare--go figure! (If something bizarre happens, it usually happens to me-lol)  Keep in mind that it will probably take longer than you expect to heal because it was radiated.

Waiting for spring...nice weather and maybe short sleaved shirts that show a little cleavage?...maybe.....

jmb - So happy for you!  My sister lives in Clearwater Beach, it's so beautiful down there.

Bella -  happy for you that you are doing so well!

All of you ladies getting ready to get back to work, that is so great!   I was supposed to have gone back today, but have had some setbacks.  Nothing related to the surgery, that is all healing up nicely although I do still feel a bit swollen in my tummy (6 weeks out).   And have some pain in the incision, but think that is being aggravated by the terrible cough I have had for 4 weeks now.

Ended up in the ER last night, sent over from my clinic.   They wanted to give me some IV fluids, but the nurse couldn't get a vein and hit a tendon in my wrist on his 2nd try (worst pain ever and still very painful!). It took 2 more tries in the ER and they finally got it.    They ended up doing a chest CT and founs 2 nodules on my lung.   And my liver tests are off.    So now I am terrified that the cancer has returned.   They will be calling me tomorrow to schedule a PET/CT scan.   It seems I just can't catch a break!

Oh, Beepop, I am sorry.  I, too, said a prayer for you. I'm no doctor, but couldn't the nodules and liver tests be many other things besides cancer? I've had pneumonia twice, pleural effusion as well as radiation -- I wonder what my lungs look like, just sayin'. I am just glad that you are going to get some answers soon instead of coughing and feeling horrible at home.  I hope you have huge pockets because a lot of us are going to be in them, cheering you up, praying for you and giving you hugs. 

Beepop, that is a great visualization! I'm sure my mind would be leaping to cancer, too. NO! NO! NO!

Becky hope you get better soon and praying for clear pet/ct scan

I talked to my PS's nurse today.  She said they would cut me from hip to hip & almost all if not all of my muffing top would be gone.  Yay!  After what we've all bee thru there has to be some positives for all of us.

bebop-I can understand your thoughts going straight to the possibility of the cancer returning.  I think that is what every one of us would think.  I'll say a prayer for you tonight that you get results from your tests.

Beebop, I think we all know how you feel. When I had my scan for this surgery they found what they think are cysts in my liver...keep in mind that they thougt the lump in my breast was a cyst too. So they need to compare it with older pics to see if its changed...

I think the worrying sucks, but now you get to worry until you find out that its fine.

I will say a prayer for you, and we are all in your back pocket! Hang in there and let us know...

beebob- praying everything turns out ok!

K79- yes, you will be happy with the flat tummy!  I am! but I didn't have a lot to work with, he softly encouraged me to gain a little bit cuz I was a borderline canadite.  So, I indulged!   He still had plenty to work with and the turned out to be a good size I am happy with.  But oohhh.....I am still very stretched in my tummy.  

Many of you were talking about bras.  I am so much more comfortable without and my doc says it's ok.  Plus, I was never instructed to wear compression.  I've been "free" since I woke up from surgery.   But with all my other breast surgeries, I was told to keep compression on for a few weeks, and some of you did.  Is it based on type of surgery(?)  

The Bali 3484 is mentioned numerous times.  Someone said Kohls sells them on their website. 

beebop, sending loads of positive vibes your way.  The weather is not helpful.  But spring is coming!

Beebop - I wish I could wish away your worries. Our minds can be our worst enemies. 

When I had my CT scan I was told that there were spots on my liver that were 'probably nothing'. (Which they were). But in the four months between scans, my mind went to some terrible places. So when my brain started talking I'd picture a giant, friendly ping pong paddle in my head, and when the thoughts would come at me, the paddle would gently lob them away. And somewhere along the way in a yoga class a teacher told me, 'You have thoughts, but you are not your thoughts'. I found that comforting too. Visualization is a powerful thing - I like your scenario. Am sending you lost of calm, strong energy.

Regarding tight tummies - I must be a slow learner. It took me about  six weeks to eight weeks to stand up straight, and it never occurred to me - till later - that it was because they took all available belly fat then closed me up tight. I thought that I had a pretty good belly, but they had to make two whole boobs. Six months post surgery and I'm really enjoying my flat tummy! It's super fun to be able to wear T-shirts again. I'm grateful for a little silver lining...

Ridley - Can't believe you're heading back to work already. Are you sure you aren't wearing your pants backwords? 

I am wearin Bali3484 I was told I can not go without a bra since my ps also did a lift

Well, Bellamom, you sure picked a good time to enjoy the Minnesota weather!  On the Rochester news, it sounds like the whole city has shut down around you.  I hope you stay safe and warm and have food.  We had a big chemical fire in my north Iowa town and were all told to evacuate earlier this morning.  Now I'm snowbound 35 miles away with my two dogs.  Its always so much worse out of town and tomorrow's winds will be 30 to 40 Mph with gusts up to 50.  Hope to get home sometime tomorrow.  Life is always an adventure and I'm just grateful to be here!

Carmelle - I am assuming you have only done Stage 1 - initial flap surgery.  Yes, you should speak with your PS.  Hard areas can be hematomas or scar tissue or fat necrosis and can be worked on during your revisions.  I had a roll about an inch in diameter and 4 inches long just above the infra fold.  My PS sort of drilled little holes in it and blew it apart during a revision.  Now everything is nice and soft.