DIEP 2014

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2014

    I had almost exactly what Marty had and it was also taken care of in stage II.  Nice and soft now. Mine was scar tissue  in that spot.

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  • GeorgieGirlKC
    GeorgieGirlKC Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2014

    I am considering diep surgery in PRMA in San Antonio. Going for a consult in March. Has anyone who has done an out of state surgery driven vs. flown home post surgery? It is a 12 hour drive (hubby would be doing the driving). Thoughts? Maybe break it up over 2 days?

    Beebop, prayers in your direction.

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

    I had the scar tissue after DIEP I and Second stage. Two tries at breaking it up and it is still there, although not as pronounced. I keep massaging there, though!

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  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    Carmelle, I'm only 4 weeks out, and I have some hard areas too. PS said it's scar tissue, and that it will go away faster if I massage it. It's worse on my previously radiated breast. 

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  • Beebop
    Beebop Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2014

    Thank you all for the thought and prayers.  PET/CT scheduled for Wednesday.   Hoping for good results.

    Janet - Thank you for that visualization technique, I'll give it a try.

    Regarding the bra, I have been using the Bali 3488 which is really comfortable, but because it comes s,m,l,Xl it's harder to get a good fit.   I'm not quite filling out the cups and have to use an extender to get it around me.  It's still the best thing I've found so far.

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited February 2014

    I feel like I am back in the land of the living, no by SaveNewaAppz" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NDczNTA6MTMwNDpib25lIHBhaW46YTU5MGFmYWFkMTVjNGEzOWNjMzIxYmZhNTQ0YTJiMzk6ei0xNTQ2LTI4NzYwOTpjb21tdW5pdHkuYnJlYXN0Y2FuY2VyLm9yZzo5MDEyMTphZjRmYmM4OTI5NjgzNGIwOTNmMzQ1MjQ1MjVjYmQ1ODoxM2NmMWM2YjFiODg0NDIzOGRiMzk2ODQ5Y2RmOGQyNzow&subid=g-287609-369086c7ac774d2cadcee98170edf54e-" id="_GPLITA_0" href="#">bone painimage for two nights, thank Christ.  Can I swear at how much Neulesta SUCKS!!!!!...my appetite has come back today....had such a huge craving for McDonald's....I know...bad food choice...but I gave in and went anyways and it TASTED SO GOOD!  I dont make a habit of visiting there except for their coffee, which I love better than Tim Horton's!

    I actually slept pretty good last night, took an over the counter Unisom, woke up a few times but was able to go back to sleep and didnt have those weird flipping dreams that I had for the first  week of chemo, must be the steriods still in my system or the by SaveNewaAppz" in_rurl="http://i.txtsrving.info/click?v=Q0E6NDczNTA6MTMwNDpjaGVtbyBkcnVnczowZmIwYzQzYWU4NThkZTFjOWUyYzQzOGI2OThjNzU0Nzp6LTE1NDYtMjg3NjA5OmNvbW11bml0eS5icmVhc3RjYW5jZXIub3JnOjkwMTIxOmFmNGZiYzg5Mjk2ODM0YjA5M2YzNDUyNDUyNWNiZDU4OmNkZGU3ZjljNTM5ZjRlNDFiMjE4OGMzMzA0YTVmOThiOjA&subid=g-287609-369086c7ac774d2cadcee98170edf54e-" id="_GPLITA_1" href="#">chemo drugsimage.  I do have ativan but take it sparingly and want to save those for the steriod induced sleepless nights.

    I am trying to embrace loosing my hair again, not easy......I think like this surgery the anticipation of it is worse than the actual event.  Once it is gone, you cant glue it back on!LOL

    Beebop - thinking of you sweetie, this has to be so tough...our minds always want to go to the worst place.  Holding your hand waiting with you!  Do you get your results this week as well?

    Jmb - Yah - no muffin top and an amazing escape to Florida!

    Kellyb - I am glad to hear that I am not a whimp then, my oncologist told me that Taxotere was stronger than Taxol (that's what I did in 2005), I truly believe him now because it's still causing me major fatigue and I have only finished round 1 with 3 more to go:(

    Michele

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited February 2014

    Beebop, I too went through the unknown lesions thing on my liver found on my CAT scan for my orig diep date last summer.  I just had another MRI a couple of weeks ago, and they have not changed.  As SBE's son, the Radiologist, calls them, incidentalomas.  So many of us have been just where you are now, and have been okay.  I am praying the some results for you. 

    JMB, the Bali's 3488 and 3484 are very comfortable, but have wider straps.  Not sure that is what you are looking for.  The Coobie cami bras are very nice too, but not as much support as the Bali's

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  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited February 2014

    Curlylocks - You never have to justify satisfying a craving when you're going through chemo. And that goes double for the second time! You deserve it. Who cares if it's bad for you? The fact that you can actually taste and enjoy something is good enough for me.

    Beebop - Have you ever tried Guided Mediation? I used it before all my surgeries and found it surprisingly effective. I recommended it to my sister (for stress issues) and she loved it too. My absolute favourite is Belleruth Naperstak. You can go online and get free downloads, which will give you an idea of what she's all about. She uses a few visualization techniques  - and the end result makes you feel safe, calm, and comforted. Also, less lonely. I don't know about you - but I certainly felt lonely at three in the morning, or in my car, or in a waiting room, and her meditations made it less so. 

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited February 2014

    Beebop - I am soooo sad you are having to endure this waiting! There is no help for the fear that overwhelms us (BC pts) whenever there is ANYTHING. Be strong and be persistent that they hurry up and give you the information you need. Prayers from me.

    Tberg - yes, thin thin thin skin on my radiated side. They will have to remove it, but thankfully I have found a doctor that can do it. I know others have been here, but it's helpful to hear comments from someone that has a similar situation and has had successful repair. The rash was bacterial. Wierd since I am a germaphobe! I work in a hospital so am very very diligent (ok, obsessive) about prevention.

    I hope I can recall this page number when I need these bras! I'm excited that there will be a day soon that I buying something that fits and not something that hides. LOVE all the recovery stories because they are assuring me there is life (or at least breasts) on the other side.

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited February 2014

    Curly - strong chemo = big fight! It's rough and we all remember where you are. Sleep is your friend. I know you're not a southern girl, but I ate grits every day.

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

    Curly, after my weekly chemo infusions, the only thing that sounded good was a regular McDonald's hamburger. I had six months of chemo, yikes!

    Beebop, with you. 

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  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited February 2014

    They told me not to eat my favorite foods during chemo because sometimes it ruins that food for you. It only happened once. I ate my favorite Jason's Deli sandwich of turkey, bacon, avocado on a croissant. I can not bear the smell of bacon or the mention of avocado to this day. When I drive past Jason's Deli, I get a sick feeling in my stomach.

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  • BellaMomma
    BellaMomma Member Posts: 77
    edited February 2014

    Snow, Snow, Snow, almost 4 inches an hour. Expected 2 foot of snow by tomorrow! 

    iowagirl1, So sorry to hear about Northwood evacuation of 2,000 residents because of a fertilizer plant fire. Hard anytime, but worse during a blizzard. I have to say everyone in Rochester, MN is sooo nice. It's a pleasure to be here, the hotel and restaurant treat us like family.

    Saw my PS today, my skin is so sensitive. Dermabond glue flaking, causing irritation under new breast and incision line. 

    They changed my antibiotic, and removed most of the glue, I am lying low this weekend, don't want any further irritation. Doing pretty good for a week and two days out from surgery.

    Kat-ski and Rosebud14, Sending you positive thoughts as you prepare for upcoming surgery.

    Zenful, Good luck on Monday, your first day back at work! Getting your life back!

    Jmb, Florida sounds wonderful for Spring break! Last year, January I was scuba diving in the Florida Keys. :-)

    Does the abdominal binder help increase the chances for a flat tummy? Binder is so itchy and uncomfortable. 

    Stay warm!

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited February 2014

    Bella, glad to hear you are doing so well.  Sorry about the snow!!!  Gosh, what a winter!!!

    I know you are only a little over a week out, but are you able to tell if you are happy with your results?  It always amazes me when I see pics of women 4 days after surgery, and they already look awesome. 

    MdDonalds is my  secret indulgence too.  I have a quarter pounder with cheese once a month.  I use to be guided by my PMS cravings, which are now gone, so now I just guess it's been about a month, and I sit in the parking lot, listen to Howard Stern on Sirius, another guilty indulgence, and eat my burger, and a coke...ugh.  The weird thing is I am not hungry for hours after. 

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2014

    Hi everybody,

    Thanks for your responses.  It's always a relief knowing that somebody else has been thru this & experienced the same things.  I will call PS today - it's probably scar tissue but it's really getting annoying.  I am scheduled for stage 2 on 4/3 but besides the nipples & side boob not sure what he plans to do.  Thanks again..

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  • nihahi
    nihahi Member Posts: 3,841
    edited February 2014

    Been reading and not posting...rather busy at the moment, but trying to stay with you all.

    beebop....hugs and positive thoughts...got everything crossed for you.

    bella...you sound GREAT for such a short time post surgery. Laying low for a few days sounds like a perfect idea. Glad to hear you are being careful and well cared for.

    iowa....evacs in winter are never fun. Hope things are under control and you are safely back home soon.

    jmb....I'm farther out than you, but recently bought some bras that look/feel a bit more like "normal" bras than support bras. They do have some side support built in, and are lined but not padded, very soft material. The bit of lining, camouflages the uni-nipple look under tshirts, etc. for me. The straps are like normal bra straps....adjustable and not wide. They have regular back hook fasteners.  Not the greatest colour selection, but, very comfortable. The brand is Warner's, the style is Suddenly Simple. They come in S/M/L/XL. I measure as a 34C, and the Medium is a very good fit for me. Just like pre bc, there is no one bra that suits us all...hope you find something that works for you too.

    Hugs to all.....

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  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited February 2014

    Good Morning - I'm going to throw my bra selection into the ring. It's WonderBra 2483. It looks like an underwire, and it acts like an underwire, but is not an underwire. It's a full support, wire-free, with 'No Poke Side Stay'. 

    And my colleagues are wondering why I've got bras on my computer screen while the rest of them are working on our decorating project. Even more confused when I asked one of them to left the back of my shirt, and check the tag on my bra. What happened to my filter?

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  • Donna2012
    Donna2012 Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2014

    4 weeks post op & so happy with results!  Still lots of swelling & some bruising.  Won't be able to wear jeans for at least a few more weeks.  May get up the courage to post a revealing photo on the picture forum, but I will post this for now...  This is w/no bra - just a tank top.  I had a L mastectomy & had lots of breast tissue removed, due to IBC.  My L chest was not flat, it was concave prior to diep!  Now, I am probably a perky C!  Things are much better, but still can't stand up totally straight.  I will see my ps next week.

    image

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  • GeorgieGirlKC
    GeorgieGirlKC Member Posts: 132
    edited February 2014

    Donna, you look great!! :) 

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited February 2014

    Bella - the binder really helps reduce the possibility of seroma (excess fluid building up).  Keep it on as long as you can.  Use a T-shirt under it to make it more comfy.

    Donna - W O W !

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  • Donna2012
    Donna2012 Member Posts: 201
    edited February 2014

    I find it interesting how different the recommendations from PS are.  My ps says absolutely no binder on breasts or abdomen!    She wants everything kept loose - nothing constricting.  It seems like most of you get abdominal binders, so I just assumed that I would have one too...  The last 4 weeks I have just stayed in sweatpants or yoga pants & no bra. 

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  • annajo
    annajo Member Posts: 84
    edited February 2014

    Donna, thank you for sharing that photo!  Inspirational.

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  • TBerg
    TBerg Member Posts: 27
    edited February 2014

    Donna, you look beautiful...it doesn't even look like you will need a phase II....!

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  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited February 2014

    Donna, really perfect! They are the same size and shape, from what I can tell in that tank top, and you tummy is awesome, still.   Enjoy.  We all deserve a happy ending!!!!!!!

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  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    Donna, you look great! And be thankful your PS doesn't make you wear the abdominal binder. They kinda suck. I guess everyone's different. I need to wear the bra they gave me. When I lay on my back, my boobs hurt more, so I even sleep in my bra. We had our surgery on the same day and I can't stand completely straight either, but it's better. 

    Thanks got the bra info. I looked them all up on line and I don't think I need the Bali. I'm only about a B cup and like the looks of the Warner's that Nihahi posted and the  Wonder Bra that Janet posted. Those look nice for smaller busted women and should look good with a tank top on vacation. Have I mentioned how nice it will be to wear more fitted tank tops and t-shirts and be rid of my muffin top? 

    And all the McDonald's talk makes me laugh. I've been on antibiotics for a month and have had some constipation. When I told hubby I was worried and asked him what I should do, he said to eat McDonald's, it goes right through you. Haha. 

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited February 2014

    donna - you look fab!

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2014

    Donna - you look great.

    I called my PS today about the rocks in my boob and he thinks it probably is scar tissue & that it takes time.  Said NOT to massage at all - yes, all PS' say different things. I go see him in March..

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  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited February 2014

    Amen to getting rid of expander rocks. My DIEP date is March 18. I expect to be quite sore on the 19th but the rocks will be in the trash!

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  • jmb5
    jmb5 Member Posts: 532
    edited February 2014

    Carmelle, have you had stage 2?

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  • Carmelle_in_CT
    Carmelle_in_CT Member Posts: 26
    edited February 2014

    No, I haven't had stage 2.

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