DIEP 2013

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

    Yeah, Kat.  Is that your own sign, or did you steal the pic?  Either way, I love it!!!! Is your name on the surgery list on the 2014 thread?

  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2014

    Goldie, yes I admit I am borrows that but it is so appropriate.   My name is on the list.  I have been calm the last two days.  Last week, the last bobble showed up.  My GP was not going to approve the surgery unless the heart doctor said it was okay.  I knew she said it was okay but the red tape took two days.  ugh but all is good!!  I will be having the surgery at the Methodist Hospital on Floyd Curl in San Antonio.  I am flying out on the 17th(tomorrow) to see the grandsons and wrap up any little issues with PRMA.  Just wanting it over so I can get my life back!!  You take care as I know you have had some worries.  Kat

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

    Kat, calm is good.  Enjoy your grandbabies.  It's all going to work out great.  Can't wait to hear how well you do!!!!

  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited February 2014

    well hi all... I went to my PS  and the liver specialist last week.

     I've gotten results from 15/17 liver blood tests and all are normal.  A part of me is worried that it is not necessarily a good thing.  Of course, that is the BC patient worrying part, so I'm not getting too consumed with it.  I'm learning not to worry too much before it is necessary.  I told my doc I was growing as a BC patient. Lol😊. I have an ultrasound in 2 weeks and then see doc again.  Hopefully, we will get answers to these elevated enzymes.

    More exciting!  I thanked my PS for my near perfect symmetry. Lol. He agreed with me.  Such modesty.  My nip and a little more fat grafting is going to be in April and then I will be almost done.  It's hard to believe after 3 years, but I guess I better wait to celebrate because we all know how that goes.

    I hope everyone is doing well.  You are very quiet!

  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2014

    I can't find this information on the internet.  I saw a new breast doctor on Friday.  She also is an oncologist.  She did the CA15-3 blood test and it came back with a value of 17.9 which I do not understand.  Also, she wants me to have my ovaries out.  Can the surgery for the ovaries be done after my bilateral diep?  Will ovary surgery have an affect on the diep?  I just can't believe I am hearing this two years later after having both breast removed when that probably could have been done then.  Any answers out there?  I still can't wait to see my grandsons as this is the icing on all of the drama =(which I can't stand). 

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

    Mamma, great news on the liver tests, and the perfect boobs!!!  The rest will fall into place too.  The last two blood tests will come back fine, and the sonogram will also be negative, because that is what you deserve.  It's time for some peace, and quiet.

    It is very quiet on this thread lately. Best to come over to the 2014 thread, or for you, the Moving On thread. 

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

    Mammalou! Yay! Praying on your last few tests now, sister :) 

    We do "grow", even as patients, don't we? I'm going to tell my mo the same when I see her next month lol!

    So happy you're feeling "equal" left to right :)

  • Morningsun1
    Morningsun1 Member Posts: 649
    edited February 2014

    Nice to hear your good news, mammalou.

    I took a step backwards today, middle of the ab-incision is leaking in the evening. Had a few email exchanges with ps, and now I am back to dressings and binder. Hope it won't last long.

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

    Tammy.....crappo news! YOU SHALL NOW STOP THIS NONSENSE AND HEAL!!! Seriously..hope the extra support of the binder does the trick. Protein, my friend, eat that protein!

    mammalou.....that DOES sound like good news. 15 out of 17 has the scales tipped in your favour....try not to borrow trouble. Hearing how happy you are about your recon is wonderful....yep...it's been a looooooong road for you. 

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

    Tammy, sorry about this news! I hope it heals quickly. Nihahi is right, protein!

    Mammalou, Goldie is right. I hardly ever post here anymore. I am mostly on the Moving On thread. But I just have to respond to you! You have been through so much. Those liver numbers are going in the right direction, I hope. I know it's hard not to worry. You have a matched set now with only a little more to do! No more complications.  I, too, told my PS how thankful I was for his work that made me feel whole again, during our l-o-n-g conversation while he was making nipples. You will soon be moving on from all of this. Hugs.

  • kelleyb
    kelleyb Member Posts: 94
    edited February 2014

    Have any of you had a heart exam after DIEP?  I go every 3 months for an ECG because I'm on herceptin.  The tech presses very hard on the left side and I'm worried the flap could easily be damaged. 

    I'm going to call NOLA today but just curious about your experience.

    Tammy - sorry about the incision! I feel your pain! 

    Mamma - good luck resolving the liver question!

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

    Kelley - I have had several electrocardiograms - no problem.  I am not sure why a tech would need to press hard on any side.  

  • sbelizabeth
    sbelizabeth Member Posts: 2,889
    edited February 2014

    Kelly, are you talking about an echocardiogram, where the tech uses a gooped-up wand to examine your heart?  They do press hard during those exams.  I've had one after my DIEP and the flap didn't seem to notice it--I don't think they're that fragile--but I would ask you PS about it. 

  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited February 2014

    hi ladies! Sitting in the chair for my 4th and final red devil!! Then I will have 4 Taxols (dose dense 1 every 2 weeks x4). So I am now halfway done !! 4 down and 4 to go!!

    I have a friend who was diagnosed in Juky of 2012.  She finished up with the nipple tattooing in December. I saw her yesterday and she talked about being in a funk. I mentioned this board had a forum about life after BC. ( not sure of the exact name).  Could y'all direct me to it so I can send her the link?

    Thanks

    Holli

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

    Rhg I don't know the thread on here, other than our Moving On, After the Flap thread. I am sure there are others dealing with survivorship issues. I took a class on survivorship at my cancer center....it was free and sponsored by Livestrong. It was really, really helpful to me. And you go girl, halfway woot woot!!!

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

    There is a Moving Beyond Cancer heading that lists discussion threads. Maybe you could start there?

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

    RHG, good to hear from you. How has chemo been treating you?  How are you holding up?  You sound pretty good, and the fact that you are worried about somebody who is all done with their treatment, and recon makes me thing you are a very unselfish person.  Very sweet of you. 

  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2014

    Hey Sisters!!

    Just wanted you to know all is set for Monday a.m.  It is amazing how things do fall in place after all of the planning and organizing things.  I hope all is well with everyone!!  I expect Wilbur to be my best friend for a bit but Wilbur can't replace you!!  And I guess I will have four drains(spiders as I call them) and hope to have them out by time I return to Michigan.  I believe my PS after meeting him for the second time on Tuesday is a pretty down to earth person but an excellent caring doctor.  So, I will just say this once, I trust him.  

    We are going to the Riverwalk Sunday just to wind down from the week.  i believe my arm muscles have had a work out with the grandsons.  All is well here in SA.  I will be in touch later in the week if Wilbur doesn't have my mind!! 

  • lahela
    lahela Member Posts: 515
    edited February 2014

    Big {{{{{hugs}}}}} Kat!

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

    Hugs Kat! Enjoy your weekend! In your pockets for Monday!

  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited February 2014

    thanks ladies. I'm doing okay. Just had final red devil this past Thursday.  I opted for DD Taxol (only 4 cycles rather than 12 weekly ones).  That starts on March 6. So I am 1/2 way done - 4 AC down and 4Taxol to go. Then I'll start rads and finish up with phase 2. I'm looking forward to phase 2. 

    Side effects suck but they have been manageable. The fatigue has been the worst ( especially with having little ones). Plus I'm struggling with feeling like I'm not really living right now... Just surviving and managing SEs until the next treatment. 

    Trying to stay as positive as I can. It seems to hit in waves. 

    Miss you gals!! I'll be back over here soon!! :0)

    Holli

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

    RHG...HALFWAY THROUGH CHEMO....I bet it doesn't feel like it now, but that IS something to be proud of. Fatigue is a real issue, so remember it is still more than "ok" to have help with "normal" stuff. Help just gives you a little more energy to fight back with. You ARE doing the most important part of "living" right now....you are getting through what is directly in front of you. Keep those kick ass shoes laced up, you are making progress. ((((((X)))))))

  • Zenful
    Zenful Member Posts: 599
    edited February 2014

    Good to hear from you, RHG!  Hang in there!  Manageable is all we strive for at times.  It will get better.  It sounds like you are doing well with taking it one day at a time.  Keep on kickin'!

  • Kat-ski
    Kat-ski Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2014

    hi sisters.  I wore tha pants with huge pockets so you can all join me.  I have some kimd of pollen to deal with but I figure they will give me bendedry   I will try up update as soon as possible.  Love to all.  Kat

  • Zenful
    Zenful Member Posts: 599
    edited February 2014

    Good to hear from you Kat!  In those big pockets with you!

  • milkyway2
    milkyway2 Member Posts: 259
    edited March 2014

    i had finished my chemo last yr with taxotere im still feeling nerve pain in my foot .espacially at night anybody having that prob?

  • GwennyMD
    GwennyMD Member Posts: 147
    edited March 2014

    Milkyway - I finished chemo in August.  I was aleady experiencing a little numbness but the pain did not start until Sept.  Talk to your MO to see what they recommend.  My MO recommended that I take 300 mg of B6 everyday for 6 months.  I think that the severity of the pain has lessened but the frequency of occurrences has not decreased.  There is a thread for those with permanent neuropathy.   

  • jakig
    jakig Member Posts: 55
    edited March 2014

    continuing the journey and wanted to share...going to PS in the am to schedule the 2nd revision...I'm having flash back fears, even though I know this will be an outpatient surgery...I'm trying to stay in the moment, but insomnia has me...will post my next surgery date and keep it real as I experience this.  It's been a while since I posted...I just want to say thanks again for allowing me to share and be real here...

  • lahela
    lahela Member Posts: 515
    edited March 2014

    Jakig , it is completely understandable! It has been a few months since any surgery so you're probably not in that headspace any more. We'll be with you! {{{hugs}}}

  • christina0001
    christina0001 Member Posts: 1,491
    edited March 2014

    hello ladies! I haven't checked in for a while. I hope everyone is healing well, and feeling well. I'll try to get a new photo on the photo forum this weekend, since I am pretty healed from nipple surgery.

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