DIEP 2014

Beebop - Healing prayers

Curly - You Rock.  Stay Strong.  You are almost finished

Deb - 'Everything seems to be healing well' is a brilliant report. Especially after all that you went through last year. But I wouldn't even worry about trying to like your new flaps just yet. They're still so new. Speaking as someone who checked her own on a daily basis - I drove myself crazy judging the poor little creatures. When I stopped thinking about it they gradually became my own, and six months later I've accepted them as part of me. I'm very hopeful for you too. And I'm really glad to  hear that you're past the big surgery, healing well, and walking outside, and sounding upbeat. Hoping for happy healing and lots and lots of rest.

Thanks Deb, Janet and Lahela for these comments. I have been thinking....I'm almost 5 weeks out and am still not loving my newflaps yet. Maybe because I had te's and had to get used to them for over a year, and now I have to get used to something else..

they still don't feel like mine, but I guess I will get used to them.....?

I want to thank everyone for your supprt and prayers. I came home from hospital  last night and I am doing well. I thinkthe surgeons did a great job..more latr

Job done and apparently a "textbook" case.  Feeling better by the minute.  Thanks to all for your good vibes!

Yeah.  Sounds like everybody is doing okay.

Anna, you sound good already!!!  Awesome

Today is my wedding anniversary, and my cancer anniversary.  It was an emotional day.  I hope I get to a point where I don't remember this time of the year as the worst time of my life.

Oh, Goldie, that's rough. I hope it gets better and better from here on.

lahela!!!!  Stage 2 tomorrow??? Goodness, so many of us will be in your pockets! Hoping for an easier time of it for you....no complications, gentle and total healing....you're getting there!

Lahela, big hugs for a great stage II!

Lahela - Best wishes tomorrow - you're heading for the Finish Line! 

I picture your finish line being surrounded by gorgeous mountains and chocolate. And if that's not the case, I hope your day is equally as beautiful. 

Lahela - best of luck tomorrow; praying for great results and quick healing for you.  

Hello

Happy healing to those who already have had their surgeries and those about to have them.

I keep reading on sites about the drains still being in once home. Did your have someone in your family empty them or did a nurse come to do this for you? Or did you do it yourself? Wanting to know how difficult it was to monitor them and care for them once home. I see lots of comments that they are bothersome, are they painful too? They look like they may be.

Thanks so much for answering all my questions.

Lahela - good luck tomorrow. You are so close to being finished!

Lemon - I think most come home with drains.  I had four.  I could empty them and measure the contents myself with no problem by the time I was released. Would be easy for someone else to do as well.   I had a home care nurse that came every second day to change dressings and she removed all but one (which was removed at my post op appointment).  

I didn't have any pain with them, except two stung when being removed (for seconds and then it was gone.). I did worry about pulling on the tubes, but used safety pins and attached them to my clothes.  I had a surgical bra with pouches for the breast ones and had concocted a belt with Velcro pouches for the abdo ones, and didn't use either.  Safety pinning them to my pjs or clothes ended up being easier for me.

For the most part, I was sleeping in a recliner while I had them in, so I didn't have to worry about rolling on them.  I used a nametag lanyard around my neck and safety pinned the drains to that while having a shower.  I have heard of others using a clean shoelace or a thin scarf.  Overall, they were a bit of hassle, and I was very happy when the last one was removed, but based on my experience, nothing to worry too much about.  I know that's easier to say from where I'm sitting:)

Ridley

beebop..... I apologize.....I've lost track of what "authorization" you're waiting for????

lemon....I came home with one drain. I had it for 4 days, before it slowed enough to have it pulled. I could empty it myself, and hubby and I were "taught" drain care pre-discharge. Hubby was the keeper of the drain for me though, as I wouldn't have been able to strip it very well, and quite honestly, just "having it come out of my body" was enough for me. Caring for it.....not interested. It was "uncomfortable", but I wouldn't say it was painful. Everyone feels them differently though.

best wishes lahela! My thoughts and prayers for a successful stage 2!! 

Lemon68: drains are uncomfortable. My daughters take care if draining them and keeping them clean around the opening. The frequency depends in how much fluid you're releasing, for me 2-3 times per day on avg. they are not necessarily painful as uncomfortable but I did get a slight infection so a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to keep it clean helps. I found that placing a dressing around the wound helps. Each doctor has their own preference , so this is just what works for me best.  Hope that helps.