Diep 2012

Thanks for the update Linda, you sound great!!!

Jenn

Well seems that I am being questioned about my motives here. I am a breast cancer patient and I do not work for PRMA. I just happen to love my PS. I had a very bad experience with my first BS. Although I did not have DIEP flap because I was not a good candidate not because I did not want to and I have been lucky not to have lymphodema but I do not let my guard down because I am aware it can happen years down the road. I think the work my PS group is doing is amazing and I am passionate about spreading the news of new work being done out in the breast cancer world. I have always thought knowledge is power and if it can help someone else then it is worth it. Sorry if I offended anyone with the multiple post that I had.

At this late date, I have to ask. How many failures happened out of this group?

So sorry to hear that Betsy! Had an encapsulated Seroma bust open this summer after another surgery although thankfully a wound vac was not required. Just twice daily dressing changes by a home visiting nurse until surgery to close it up was done.

Just checking to find out if I was one of those few lucky ones that didn't even make it out of the OR successfully with any new ones.

That's what I figured. The PS team just wasn't experienced enough, let alone the complication during surgery that arose. To date, they still have not had a successful Diep and we know some have been attempted since mine.

All in all, I'd rather have come out of there with no breasts than any and lose some thing or even have only one.

Good fortune to all that were successful!

Yes, piper, I have. After exercise. Happy Holidays to you too.

Hi Diep Sisters & Happy 2014!   I go on long trips away from bc.org....not because I want to, because you're all my lifeline, seriously!  It's just that I hate sitting at the computer!  When I start on bc.org, I get carried away and hours later I realize I have done nothing all day.  HOWEVER, I really need to realize it IS something...it's my mental health that always gets a boost when I'm on here with sisters!

I realize I didn't post good results in September.  My liver tumors had shrunk 80% in June, and anothere 30% in September.  I had more scans last week, 1/15 (my 1 year stage 4 diagnosis and being on chemo was 1/10) and there was no change.  I won't ever be considered NED because the tumors grew in the lining of my liver and caused scarring - which will always be visible on scans    However, my blood & liver tests & tumor markers are normal, so no change on scans leads my onc to believe there's no cancer activity...woohoo!   She said the tumors shrunk so much so fast, that she believes there's no volume (activity) and only scars show.  I'll stay on chemo/hercep/perjeta for a while longer & if all stays good, down the road, possibly try going off chemo and staying on the biologics.  I do hope that happens...altho I know it'll leave me wondering always!!!

Now...as for diep!  I saw the most amazing hernia surgeon in October. She didn't think there was fascia tearing, as she had my liver/pelvic scans and after acessing the 2 bulges (under belly button and lower), elected to have an ultrasound.  It showed no hernia, but diastasis (maybe ask your ps if that's a possiblity, Beckers), a separation of stomach-whatever!   Anyhoo, really no surgery to repair it, and it's not dangerous...pregnant women get it, babies have it...and there are exercises to help it. I can't lift heavy objects and not strain the stomach...which I just hate!!!  However, I'm thinking the exercises may be what you're doing cg!   I read & did some of them from the web...overdid and then was really sore..so I have asked onc for a PT referral, but they were somewhat like you described!  Kind of bugged me my ps couldn't figure it out! 

I'm really pretty good with my diep flap boobs...they seem to somewhat droop a bit (I always had good muscle tone there...helps that I wasn't very large, I guess).  I still have a small bit of dog earing on one side of my hip & also under my arms....but the fact that there isn't the amount of fat there was before is nice.  I can tell my expanded breast was "grown" a little too large because it just doesn't seem as "full"...not bad, but I can tell.  When I lift my arms up, it wrinkles a little.  I have a bit of feeling, not that much....which doesn't bother me either.  I agree, the further away we get from having the "real breasts" the less we remember about them.  I don't like the flatness in my chest area, and wonder if that could be remedied, but it's a moot point for me, with liver mets....no surgery.   I agree, don't put your body through too much trauma!  Keep your immune system up!!  I'm down 35 pounds and yes...even though I'm mostly just walking for exercise (and have been bad about that the last few weeks), I'm keeping at that weight, and it makes a huge difference eating well & moving!   I won't ever have nipples, but I'm ok with that.

I'm long winded, hope to keep in better touch...love to all!

Ahhh....saw a few still here but will check it out....take care!

RonnieKay - I hope your chemo combo keeps working for a very very long time!

Well, over 2yrs since diagnosis I am finally having my nipple reconstruction tomorrow. Was supposed to happen last October but I had some family crises and had to postpone it. 

Will report back...

Jenn

Ronniekay! I logged in to see if you had any updates and was thrilled to see you're doing well! I hope you had a great holiday with the family.  I remember how tough it was last year for you. I'm glad to hear about your abs too.  I would definitely push for pt. I still have to work at it. Has anyone else still had ab swelling after a year? I think it's probably lymph fluid, but I still notice swelling above my scar when I'm active.  I was hoping it would be gone by now but I'll be patient and see. Otherwise the new girls are very similar to your description Ronniekay.  I'm going for a second opinion about nipple recon and will make a final decision on tattoos. Jen, keep us posted!  Also still having trouble finding good bras since I don't fill out the centers so well.  I'm still using Bali comfort revolution but found a couple of pretty ones -demi cup with with padded underwires from Warner's and maiden form. Hope everyone else is moving forward and feeling good!

Jennt28, so good to read you are happy so far with how all looks!  Hopefully the swelling will resolve soon., Hugs, LB

Good luck Galsal! Keep us posted! You've had a long wait for sure.

Jenn, so glad you're happy with the nipples! I hope everything heals well. Thanks for sharing about your abs.  It was one thing I didn't anticipate, but I do hope it will eventually go away. 

Sorry, didn't see this before now.  Expanders were placed on the 13th as scheduled.  The ones installed were changed from a Sientra Dual Chamber to a Sientra Low Height 470cc.  PS found once he was in there the dual chambered ones would have gone up to my collar bone.  The fill at placement was 60cc each.

Still have both drains with next appt scheduled for Tues 25th.

Hugs to you Beckers!  Lefty Lucy has 280cc's and Righty Tighty has 260cc's.  Tighty is living up to her name though, almost had to have part of the fill yesterday taken back out.  Hoping all are doing well.  Later y'all!

TY for the update Ronnie!

So happy to hear from you.

I cannot believe it has been almost 2 years since we all converged here to support each other through our surgeries.

No matter where we all were or are now, life is definitely redefined for every individual.  

I am so happy to know you have found such a credible and valued MO.

To continued health and happiness ............

XOXOXOOXOXOXOX

piper