DIEP 2014

dyvgrl... It is normal to be scared. I think everyone was. And necrosis is not as common as you think. I had necrotic tissue, but I think it was due to passing out in the shower less than a week post op and falling on my left side. I also didn't have to have it removed and replaced with another flap. That was my choice. Necrotic skin usually heals with some TLC, and scars fade. That is the one problem with the picture forum is that it does show the first stages of the flap surgery. But what you can't SEE in the implant surgeries is the iron bra FEELING many women have. Or the ruptured implant. Or the replacement implant 10, 20, 30 years later.

Thank you all for being in my pocket.  I'm looking forward to geting out of the bed & sitting in the chair for a little bit.  The hourlychecks last night played heck with sleeping.  I was able to get some sleep in between the checks thank goodness.  

Wynne...you will be in good hands with Dr. Pisano.  I live in NE okla.  My surgery was at the Methodist hospital.  Dr. Pisano came by about 11: this morning & one of theit pa's came by about 7:30 this morning.  The first night the nurses will come & check on the flaps every hr.  That was kind of a pain but it was necesary.  They're checking them every 2 hrs today.

This thread had given me a ton of info! THANK YOU!! I had a right mastectomy and prophylactic mastectomy on the left with implants placed at same time last April. I had to have radiation due to cancer close to chest wall. My right breast is now hurts to touch in many places with a lot of scar tissue. The left just doesn't look good at all. I am going for my first consultation with Dr Gimbal on April 8th  to talk about diep flap reconstruction.

J1971 - I'm curious about your no more tamoxifen comment.   Is it because of the surgery that you are able to go off?  It's my understanding we still have to be on it.

To all of you who recently had your surgery, wishing you a speedy recovery!

Saw my PS yesterday.   10 weeks out from surgery, finally starting to feel better.  He wants to wait 3-6 mos. for revisions.  He will do a lift on the left, a little fat grafting and revise the abdominal.  I am flat below the incision, but bulged out above.  Very nervous about letting him touch my tummy again.

Goldie,

Love the belt!! I need to check it out!

Home. Last night was a challenge when nausea hit. I've never thrown up with my belly stitched up. That's an experience not to repeat. Left breast drain wasn't sealing and was told it might come out. After a 2 hr nap when we got home, we needed to change binder for new one and wash the original. The drain just came out. Dr. said to just bandage for now. Marvelous to be one drain down already! And I'm swollen, think it goes from toes to hair! 2 hours seems to be my wake time limit. I know it will get better but for now I'm giving in to it and putting my head on a pillow.

Goldie, the belt looks good and you look great. You have the waist I want AFTER the surgery! We are still having cold temps here in Ohio, I am wishing for Spring! We are almost ready to flip the calendar to April, then the countdown for us starts...

Dyvgrl- I am also not taking any hormone blockers. Had ooph in Sept. That was the deal onco said either the ovaries go or tamox.. haven't had estrogen levels rechecked yet but I am sure they are low if my hot flashes are any indication.. and peeling nails, and dry skin, and dryness downstairs which is just 'lovely'.. Now honestly my onco would like me to take a AI but I am not. I really thought last week I read after DIEP it wasn't necessary but I guess I was wrong. Still am declining, its just one of the choices we all have to make and live with our choice, I am good with that.

nihahi- such good advice you keep giving, I too was worried about my hair in the hospital. I also wonder if I am there as they told me 5-7 days how hairy my legs will be! I am hoping I wont care.

Teacher and K79- Glad you are both doing well. Rest up and have a good weekend of healing.

XOXO to all..

I respect everybody's right to make your own decisions, really I do. No problemo. It is good to remember that small amounts of estrogen come from fat and adrenal glands, too. In my case, I'm shuttin' it down. My FBC had high levels of the stuff. 

Teacher and K79, I'm glad surgery is behind you and you are healing.

Teacher, I know short periods of sleep will get longer.  Being home has got to feel so much better than the hospital.  Sorry about the drain.  The other's will probably pick up the slack. At least, that's what I was told after my bmx. 

haha! I love the humor here. We need it!

lemon, normally I would be on an AI but I am doing Tamoxifen for a couple of years first. I have osteopenia and the Tami gives my bones a chance to build up as AIs can be hard on bone density. Diet, supplements, weight-bearing exercise help, too. I think AIs have been shown to be more effective for lobular but my MO is fine doing it this way, given all the info re: my particular cancer. Everybody is different, as you say.

Eeeeww Nihahi lol! Time to mow the legs!

Goldie - Belt, what belt? You look great!

Dyvgrl - A word about photos and these discussions, in general. I too, was terrified about all of the "problems" I heard about on this site. The photos frightened me even further. It took me a couple of weeks to realize that this is our place to talk about the "problems" and get day-to-day advice from those who have gone before us. We do celebrate the victories too, but when one of us has a question or fear, many chime in to support and share experiences. Sometimes that does make it seem like there are more challenges than victories. Don't be afraid. You will become accustomed to the open and honest discussion found here during your journey.

I had a free-standing TP stand that was right by the toilet so I didn't have to reach. I had a friend come over and I leaned back in the recliner and she washed my hair with a pitcher of water that drained into a large heavy duty trash bag. Style, what style? I have a very short pixie now due to chemo so hair won't be a problem for this surgery!

lemon68:

I take BroccoMax, which is DIM, Metformin which kills cancer Stem cells, Green Tea Extract (decaf), Curcumin, Modified Citrus Pectin, Vit D(10000) Vit B12, and Bioperine (Black Pepper Extract) . My naturopath said MCP and Metformin were the best things to take to prevent a recurrence. All have been proven to kill cancer cells so I have no issue taking it all. Bioperine helps your body absorb nutrients, which you have to take with curcumin so your body can absorb it. Without it, you won't get any benefit from the curcumin. A lot of them have it already added it in. It's worth a chat with your doc, but don't be surprised if he or she has never heard of it. Naturopath is the way to go.

Rosebud...my skin was sensitive after my BMX

Thank you everone for the well wishes.  They mean a lot.  I got up & walked this morning & have been sitting in a chair for a couple of hours.  I did get a little light headed after we got back to the room.  I am ready for some solid food.

Kim, I remember the best green jello I ever had in my life the first day out . Speedy recovery!