DIEP 2014
Comments
-
Confession time...got on the exercise cycle today (finishing week 5) for a slow and easy ride. I wasn't crazy and didn't do intervals or cardio workout. The belly was fine and I'm going to do it again tomorrow!!
With the swelling down, my right breast is noticeably bigger than the left. This is something that gets fixed in stage 2, right?
-
Blue fox, a robot to vacuum and wash the floor? Really? Wow. No fair!!!!! Glad you are feeling so well. I am going to put you in as my role model.
I hear the blister's from the tape are not unusual. Through all my trials after my bmx and implant recon I had no issues with the tape. I hope that continues with my diep.
Lemon. Georgie......I am getting real bad butterflies today. Ugh.
-
Hi ladies,
I have been following this discussion group for a while. You all sound like a great, supportive group. I am in the process of scheduling my mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I am almost 100% convinced that DIEP surgery is my choice, but would like to hear what I can expect as far as recovery from the voices of experience. The PS makes it all sound so simple. I have only been to my first appointment, so I expect to hear more from him on my next visit. I have been reading about your experiences with binders and spanx but this is the first place that I have heard these referred to. Any words of advice are appreciated! Thanks
-
Teacher...my PS told me that if my right side was still larger than the left that he can fix it at stage 2. I haven't noticed much size difference on mine yet. Enjoy the bike riding.
Kat-ski...I hope those wounds hurry up & heal for you.
rose11...I have to admit that the binders were a pain the rear but I only had to wear them for 24 hrs for 4 wks or until all the drains came out then I switched to a high wasted girdle. I had to wear the surgical bra for 24 hrs until my chest drains came out then I switched to an under wire bra during the day & the surgical bra at night. I was 4 wks post-op before all my drains came out so I was then able to wear the bra & girdle during the day & nothing at night. The worst part for me was having to sleep on my back. I wouldn't go any way but the DIEP. I don't regret my decision to do it at all. I had TE's for a year so I was thrilled to have my warm, soft girls back.
-
teacher and Katski, everything will be fixed in Stage 2. I tried posting my pics to the picture forum to show just how lumpy bumpy they looked after Stage 1, and how beautiful they turned out after Stage 2. Patience Grasshoppers. I wa unable to post all pics so I deleted and will try again after talking with the Administrator to see what I did wrong.
Rose, it really is not a difficult surgery. The hardest part is how long it takes to recup, but that is mostly due to not being able to stand up completely straight for a couple weeks. It is not painful because they don't cut into the muscle. It is just uncomfortable for a while with the drains and compression, but very doable. You can do this. We are here to answer any questions.
-
Goldie- I had pre-op today, it was an all day event arrived at 10:30 and I left at 4:45! I was fine while there other than blacking out when they did the IV for the catscan.. I have no idea why but next thing I knew they were moving me to a room to lay down. I felt fine so they tried again and this time it was fine. The drive home I was feeling a lot of anxiety. the nurse told me when I arrive on the 5th they will ask what my anxiety is on a scale from 1 to 10, she said to say 400! She said they will immediately give me something to relax. I am more worried about my DH who will be sitting waiting, such a hard day. The what ifs are going though my head and when I stop allowing them I feel fine. A week from now I am not so sure! Xanax is going to be close at all times.
The nurse told me I would have no surgical bra or binder in the hospital or when I go home. I was surprised as I think JMB had them and we go to the same place. We do have different teams and I know others have mentioned each PS does things differently so I guess I will find out when I wake up.
13 days and counting.. if I was ever going to do this again or a big surgery I would not schedule so far out the anticipation is crazy!
-
Rose..I completely with Zen. The pain level isn't bad. The drains can be painful and are definitely uncomfortable. I was able to stand almost straight up from day 1 though. Everybody is different.
Lemon...Keep the Xanex close & try not to think about the what if's. All the what if's could drive you crazy. You will be on the other side of this surgery before you know it.
-
Rose - I agree with the others. Totally doable. I'm just over 4 months out and waiting to talk to PS about next steps next week.
I didn't bounce back as quickly as I thought I would, and underestimated when I would feel back to normal from an energy level perspective. I think tamoxifen, which I had only started a few weeks before surgery, might be contributing to some lingering fatigue. Still would do it again in a heartbeat,
My advice to you is to find the best PS you can, and then read this thread, knowing what complications can result and that most won't happen to you. I felt well prepared and nothing that happened surprised me, thanks to the wonderful women here.
Lemon - I had no surgical bra or binder either. I was told to get a soft front-closing bra to wear as soon as I wanted. If you find yourself getting so wound up that you can't sleep (which is what happened to me), I would also encourage you to get something to help with the anxiety/sleep so you don't go into surgery exhausted.
Ridley
-
k79miller and Ridley- Thanks so much for the great advice. You both make me feel better and I needed it tonight. XO
-
Lemon - I LOVE that nurse that told you to say that your anxiety level is 400! That's the person I would want by my bedside. But I'm sorry the anxiety is driving you crazy - and I completely understand.
Don't think about the 'what if's'. Don't even allow yourself to go there. You could play that same game tomorrow when you walk down the street and think of all the 'what if's' that could happen. And if you did that, there would be a hell of a lot more 'what if's' going to the grocery store than there would be in a hospital. Lemon - you couldn't be in a safer environment than you will be on the day of the surgery. Nobody can guarantee that everything will be perfect - but everything will be safe, and comfortable, and controlled - and your excellent medical team will make sure that you end up with the results that make you happy.
And what I do believe, is that these pre-surgery mental mind games are much more difficult than the post-surgery healing. I'm guessing you'll be pretty happy and relaxed during your hospital stay. I sure was. I look back at that as a very calm time.
Rose - I agree with everything that Zenful said. And I also agree with your PS - it is simple. What complicates things is the adjustment we make in our schedule to allow time for healing. You won't be yourself for a few months, but it's not painful, there are just limits to the things that you can do. Most of us have less energy and get tired easily. ROM is temporarily decreased so we can't pick up a 20 lb cat (in my case) , slam a car door, or fill a large pot full of water. Most of us had to change the way we sleep. We couldn't lie flat, and we couldn't lie on our side so we find ways to prop ourselves up, whether it's in a recliner or with a stack of pillows. The drains are kind of gross - but it seems that the description that comes up most is 'annoying' rather than painful. I hated my drains, but looking back now it was just a teensy tiny blip in the healing process. They didn't hurt, and I spent so much time lying around that they didn't interfere in my life. I never had binders or spanx. Each PS is different but there were no compression garments at all in my healing. I lived in a camisole for the first two months, then switched so a soft bra with no undewire.
Listen to your PS, and trust your gut. This surgery is really doable. I'm nine months out - and to be perfectly honest - I still miss my old boobs, but they weren't doing me any favours and I wouldn't want them back. My new ones are pretty fantastic (the right one is not perfect but looks great in a bra) and I lie in bed at night knowing that they are healthy, and pure, and 100 % me.
-
Well said, as always, Janet.
Lemon, your pseudo-aunt totally understands. I once passed out from an IV, too. It must run in the family. Lol.
-
Thank you Rose for asking those important questions and to all the great women answering - I just scheduled my DIEP for May 14 and this discussion is so very helpful (and extremely reassuring).
I have a question about recliners vs hospital beds. I think I can rent a hospital bed and it would be covered by insurance. I can't seem to find a recliner that is rentable through the durable medical equipment providers. Is a hospital bed a good alternative? Is a recliner worth purchasing if I can't rent it? Have others had their recliners covered by insurance?
Thanks so much.
-
My surgical date is approaching fast and I am SO excited. These past few weeks have been filled with pre-op appointments, long days at work, and preparing for & hosting a houseful of guests over the weekend. I've barely had time to think about the surgery but now so many things are whirling around in my head. I'm preparing my list of things to take to the hospital and have a question...was there anything you didn't take with you that you wish you had? I've got the basics, but I know I'm missing something.
You've all been so inspiring and it has helped me immensely as I prepare for this next part of my journey.
-
JerseyMom, I couldn't live without my recliner, but other's were very happy with their wedge pillows and lots of other pillows around them. After my bmx I didn't even know a recliner would help me. I was wandering around the house looking for someplace to sit that felt good, and I looked at that old disgusting recliner of my husbands and tried it. That night we covered it with a clean sheet and I slept in it. The next day I called Lazy Boy and had a new chair delivered. It is my baby. The old recliner found a home at the Goodwill. The only thing I feel badly about is that old recliner was the only piece of furniture my two little dogs were allowed on, and now they are relocated to a doggie bed. I think they found it very unfair, and did protest a bit.
Ann, I am glad you are excited and have tons of stuff to keep you occupied till your day. There is a list on here somewhere of what most people felt was important to bring to the hospital. I will see if I can locate it.
-
Reporting for surgery in 1 hour. Why am i not nervous?
-
Iowagirl - yeh for no nerves!! Have a wonderful rest today.
-
Iowagirl meant to wish you happy dreams last night. We will all be in your back pocket this morning! See you on the flap side!
And tell Wilbur hi! -
Thanks Nahahi and Ridley! PM'd Timtam and will start the search for my wedge!
-
Teacher64 you post made me smile. I am glad you had a good weekend with your peeps! Katski, loved the pics! So nice to put name with a face! What a fun day!
-
Any of you ladies have problems with your stomach incision healing? Anyone have to do wet to dry dressings? Feeling very discouraged. Yesterday was 4 weeks and my breasts are great but my stomach is a mess. Nothing fits. Clothes that fit the 2nd week after surgery are now tight.
-
Goldie right with ya there on the butterflies. It comes and goes. I've been trying to keep really busy to focus on something else besides May 5th. It works some of the time.... Lemon are you hanging in there? We can do this!! Question for the group. The surgeon has taken me off everything including supplements. I am a vegetarian, leaning more towards the vegan side. I used raw meal which is a protein powder (all natural) and they said I could not use it for 2 weeks pre/4 weeks post. So sad, I use it in my smoothie every morning. And then no tea, even decaf and chocolate. Those are fighting words!! I had a lions share of chocolate this weekend and I have to say it did make me feel better! LOL! Anyway, any thoughts on protein foods that pack a high punch? Beans are a good source but I have visions of swellly belly to the 10th power. EWE! Kinda freaks me out! May just have to do the egg thing and throw cholesterol concerns out the window for awhile. Cindy thanks for the great post on what to bring/ how to prepare! I have a friend who bought me a weeks worth of vegan meals delivered through a local company after my mastectomy. It was great and all I had to do was pop open the lid when I wanted lunch or dinner! I thought, I'm so going to do that when I have a friend in need of some meals! Wishing everyone a lovely spring day filled with unexpected blessings!
-
lemon... glad you made it through all the pre-op stuff. That is a long day, for sure. Just an FYI, my stage 2 pre-op is scheduled and it's only about 2 hours.
About the bra and binder, I did not have them in the hospital, and they did not send me home with anything. My PS gave me a bra and binder at one of my follow-up appointments. I wasn't allowed to wear Spanx until about 6-8 weeks, I think. In regards to anxiety, I tried to handle it by joking around. Before surgery, they drew blood and did a pregnancy test. I had my phone with me, so when they told me is was negative, I posted on facebook, "Good news! I'm not pregnant!" It kept me laughing at myself for awhile anyhow, and helped me stay calm.
-
GeorgieGirl, I'm also vegetarian (and also had the no coffee, tea or chocolate prohibition from my surgeon) and I did the egg thing. I figured a few weeks of higher cholesterol was worth the benefit from the protein. I also ate wholewheat toast with peanut butter for breakfast and snacked pretty constantly on mixed nuts and ate loads of sesame bars (the kind that are just sesame seeds and honey). I tried eating bean-based meals a few times early on in my recovery but the *ahem* gas *ahem* was painful! I never realised before DIEP how much beans bloated me!
-
For those of you who are about to have surgery, I thought I'd add my experience and a few things that were helpful to me... I slept in my bed at night propped up with a bunch of pillows and a pillow under each arm. It felt good to have my arms up a little. During the day, I sat on the chaise lounge that is a part of our large sectional couch. I just needed a pillow behind my back, and help getting up for the first few days. I had an end table right beside me with meds and a notepad to keep track of what I was taking, also tissues, chapstick, water bottle, phone, etc.
My favorite things to wear were my Gillian & O'Malley pajama pants from Target, a loose fitting tank top (I stepped into them the first couple weeks.), and a light weight zip up hoodie, which I bought at Kohl's (Tek Gear brand). When I started leaving the house, I switched from the pajama pants to yoga pants, also from Target. I was never a huge fan of yoga pants because they are so tight, but they are my best friends now. Lol! At 12 weeks out, they are still the most comfortable thing to wear. I'm tall, and Target even has long length yoga pants.
One of the things that really helped me to feel good was going to the salon and getting my hair washed. I am fortunate that my niece owns her own salon, and I would have someone drive me there and she would wash and style my hair for me. This made me feel SO much better!! I did that about twice a week for about the first 6 weeks, or until I could lift my arms to wash and style it myself. The shampoo bowls at my niece's salon are nice because you sit pretty upright, so it wasn't hard for me to get in and out of the chair.
I was really anxious to sleep on my side again. When I was allowed, it was uncomfortable, so I sent my husband out to buy a big body pillow. Snuggling up to that really helped give the support I needed.
When I was feeling better and ready to go bra shopping, I asked for advice on here, and tried some of the suggestions, but none fit me well. I was frustrated and decided that going to Victoria's Secret and being fitted would be easier, even though it's expensive. They only had 2 styles that were wireless, and the Body by Victoria wireless fit me great. It has the fit of a wireless without the wire. I told the lady up front about my surgery, and she even found a coupon for me.
Those were a few little things that helped me in my recovery. I'm sure everyone else can add their thoughts too. Just remember, the time really does pass quickly, and you'll be so amazed at how far you've come!
-
Don't despair about clothes not fitting. I've felt like a shape-shifter some days because things fit and feel differently, kind of like a baby outgrowing something from one day to the next. A few years ago I lost a lot of weight and I keep it consistent now or did til surgery. Healthy eating is still my focus and my weight may vary by pounds on any day, which has been really scary to me. I think it is all part of the body getting back to normal and I continue to eat healthy foods.
For those about to experience the wonders of DIEP...
Do get hair done ahead of surgery. Several friends even volunteered to come do my hair til I could raise my arms. It was an opportunity to visit. My husband did my hair once. All I can say it was clean then! I was told no polish on fingernails, but I had gorgeous, vibrant rosy toes. A nurse even commented on the color.
As others have said, loose pants, button up top to wear home are a must. Bra or binder will be directed by your doctor. I've had a belly binder and wear camis. Take things to the hospital that you like or need, such as your phone, kindle, journal, lip balm (my must have), robe and slippers (throw robe over shoulders for modesty during those hall jaunts).
At home I used pillows and slept in our bed. A dear friend, who had moved away, was my designated contact person. She organized meals from her home in Colorado for us in Texas! She was the person my husband contacted during and after surgery so she could let everyone else know how I was doing. It made it so much easier for my DH.
I was in a much better frame of mind for DIEP than I had been for bmx because cancer was gone and I was getting a part of me back or repositioned. Days before diagnosis and then bmx I'd had foot surgery and was in a boot and still recovering from that, but before DIEP I'd been able to workout and had worked to gain full ROM. Loss of strength concerned me because I couldn't open our front door after bmx, which was not a problem after DIEP. Thankfully, I don't have a 20 pound cat!
Perfect agreement about drains because they were just a hassle. Ugly and strange seeing things hang out of one's body. I made a belt and fabric pockets (Santas for the December round and spring flowers for DIEP). They were washable and kept the drains out of sight and my way.
DIEP was the most satisfying choice in this process because it has made me look more normal. It took a while to be able to focus and energy to come back but from the beginning(swollen and bandaged), my silhouette looked feminine. Now that the swelling is down, I look good in my regular clothes, except for pants with zippers. Those zippers rub me the wrong way, pun intended!
I went through all the anxiety and worries preDIEPers are experiencing and hope you will be able to let go realizing you are in capable, caring hands and will come through new and all you. Wondering and what ifs are always with us, even after DIEP. I have my own about stage 2, but tell myself that these surgeons are not only compassionate, devoted, and skilled, but truly artists. We are works of art!
-
Good Morning Sisters!! We are all healing at different stages of the DIEP and there are some that are starting the process! Don't get too anxious as we will be in your pockets every step of the way. Can You imagine if we could be there physically for each one, the hospitals just wouldn't know what to to with us. Imagine when you will be on the other side and starting to heal. Imagine if you are just having those bad days. Imagine you will have more good days than bad. Here is the biggie: IMAGINE when you don't think of any of this for a day!! I am planting a seed here too for spring: "Girls just want to have fun!" So, I am dedicating this song to all of us as we travel each day of uncertainties, hope and moving forward to get to the end of the day! Kat
-
@ dlm217 My ab-incision opened up about 9 days post-op and I was doing wet to dry packing for 3 weeks. It finally closed all up in 4 weeks. Keep it clean and load up with protein. It will heal.
-
Thank you goldie, jmbs, teacher64, Kat-Ski and cindybthnp! I've added a few things to my list that I might have forgotten. My DH is flying his sister back from California to stay with me for the first few weeks. She is a retired RN and is the sweetest person. My DH is great, but I will need that female touch. I've got a great network of friends, family and co-workers who have started a 'meals on wheels' list for me. My sister is a RD and is telling me how important protein is for healing.
Please know how much I appreciate your taking time to response to my post. You are all an inspiration to me and I will be very well prepared as I go into surgery next week.
Ann
-
thanks Morningsun I appreciate the information. I really need to up my protein.
-
Goldie,
House robots are great - I don't know how anyone gets by without them! I hate hoovering and mopping so I love my obedient robots.
Outpatient appointment tomorrow so I will get more feedback on my progress.
Good luck to those just about to surgery - you will be fine. It is easier than it sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC2waxMJ_5Y
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team