DIEP 2014
Comments
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AnnBR....you have waited a looooong time for this surgery. I'm sure Wilbur will be especially well behaved for you.
Physio is often extremely helpful post surgery for arms and abs. Once you get more "on your feet" a basic pilates mat class is another good tool to help re-educate your core muscles. It's a challenge, because you don't have the sensory feedback like before, but, it can be "re-learned" as time goes on. For those who have posted recently about having a bit of muscle taken (which means, like me....you are technically a muscle sparing tram) it does NOT mean permanent impairment or weakness. We have multiple layers of core muscles, all designed to help each other and work together. I'm betting in the not too distant future....you'll be feeling just as strong as before, but yep....go to physio and get educated on the proper ways to do it.
It is so wonderful to see how this year's "class" of flappers are surviving and thriving and supporting each other. Hugs to all!
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Lemon, I am so sorry I brought up the central line. If you have a good arm then it won't be necessary for you do the neck thing. I had nodes taken from both sides, and I have to be careful. We are going to be fine. I promise. I have my pre-op tomorrow!! That is a step to getting closer to getting this done, and I took some Ativan tonight. Waiting to see if it helps me. So far, not so much, but he gave me such a low dose.
Gowanusgal, I think I read your story on another site. You had the best PS in NYC. I can almost guarantee you will be happy when you are all finished.
Jmb5, have you been walking? That is usually the best way to slowly get back into the exercise routine. It's gentle. Get's your circulation moving. You can move at your own pace. When I first got back into walking after my bmx I walked back and forth up and down my street incase I had to stop, then I could just go back to my house. Now, I am back to the more adventurous walks, but I am sure after my diep I will be back to the wimpy walks...lol. There is a series of very simple range of motion exercises that were given to me in a pamphlet put out by the American Cancer Society, and I still do them. I think you can find them on line. They have just become part of life now. I find myself doing them in places I shouldn't like when I am waiting in line, etc. But, I don't care. LOL.
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AnnBR - You go sister! Anyone who has a pedicure, a great attitude, some helping hands, and a Woman Cave is prepared for anything. Wilbur won't know that to do with himself - I hope he brings you flowers.
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Dear Donna2012,
Whew! Thanks for the tip! I will for sure be asking for that patch before my surgery! Fool that I was when I started this, I thought once I got into the recovery room after my mastectomy I would be home free. Ha! I was feeling too hot, groggy, nauseated, and whimpering because I couldn't articulate what I wanted or needed. If I can avoid the nausea upon coming out of the anesthesia, that's half the battle won right there. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
BIG hugs to you!
Tina
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Quick note about The Patch - first, do ask for it. Can't hurt to have the protection. They can also give you Emend via IV. Very helpful. I am simply a cookie-tosser. After my DIEP, I only threw up once and that was in the middle of the night. Not a comfy thing, but done. After my DIEP repair, I was fine (maybe it was helped by the 2 units of blood I received during surgery). But after my 3 Stage 2 procedures I remember becoming conscious and seeing my PS, DH and nurses all looking at me and shaking their heads as I repeatedly threw up. No one knows why, but it is not stopping me from getting this finished. The last time they gave me a funny donut shaped thing with a baggie attached to use instead of those silly trays. Worked like a charm. So, do ask for the Patch. Ask for Emend. Know that they might not work, but I sure hope they do!
AnnBR - welcome to the other side!
Lemon - don't fear the IV placement. I only have one arm they can use and they have used it exclusively for 29 years. Lots of scar tissue on the veins. I have had a nurse actually bend over at the waist (sort of upside down) to get the best angle to place the line. Worked for her. I have been fortunate not to have a line placed in my foot or neck while awake. The last time they tried a foot, they were to successful. The neck has always worked like a charm, no bruising and it really wasn't a problem - just disconcerting. Arms and hands are always the first choice. You will be fine!
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Annbr- My thoughts are with you today.
Thank you all for calming my fears. Marty that makes me feel so much better, thank you.
Goldie- Its okay, there isn't much that freaks me out but that did LOL.. Good luck today at Pre-op mine was last week and lasted all day. Getting more real eh? Let me know if your Ativan works for you, I tried it once but it put me to sleep. I prefer Xanax which also puts me to sleep but not as fast. I will be taking it daily now. I am definitely nesting, I worry about my kids and DH. I am a bit of a control freak so that for me is the hardest part right now. I will be exhausted by Monday from trying to get everything in order. I think we are all probably the same, that's what women do.
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Lemon, getting ready to leave for pre op. They told me it would take an hour...hmmmm.
I wanted Ativan because it makes me sleep. I have Xanax for regular day to day anxiety, but I needed something to help me sleep and sleeping pills make me weird. I don't like them. Pain pills make me groggy, but I can't fall asleep. I am curious what I will get for pain while in the hospital. I had an allergic reaction to morphine in the recovery room after my BMX.
Okay, off I go.
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Annbr - Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Make sure they give you a special hug pillow for pressing against your abdomen should you need to cough, sneeze, or heave. I was not prepared for the cough that came on that 2nd night. I coughed up some phlem from being intubated for so long and that REALLY hurt. Everything else was manageable but that one caught me off guard
. Everyone, thanks for the warm welcome. I went back to Dr. Ahn today and my last drain is still draining too much, so she didn't take it out (it's only been 11 days since the surgery). Will try again early next week (fingers crossed). I asked about the extra flap on the boobs (it looks like a vertical oval or almond under the nipple) and it is there so she could check on the tissue / vein transfer. They are to be snipped off in a second procedure and I'll end up with just one thin scar line. But since I am most likely having Brava/fat grafting in the fall, she might not snip them off until after that second procedure. It gives me some extra wiggle skin, should I need it (I guess).
Has anyone else done/plan to do fat grafting after DIEP? I am 133lbs and 5'6" so I didn't have a ton of tissue from my mummy tummy to give. I would say I am a full A/tiny B now and want to be a full B/small C in the end. Would love to know if anyone else has had this or plan to have it done.
GG -
I had a neck, foot and 2nd groin line put in while I was awake when I was taken back back into surgery. I was bleeding heavily as they gave me IV blood thinners when they found micro - clots in my skin flap. That's when Wilbur got so nasty! Certainly was painful, but allowed quicker transfusions. They did the neck line to to get the blood to my heart ASAP.
On a more upbeat note, saw my flat stomach first time today. Exceeded my expectations 1000 per cent. I had ample belly fat and muffin top - all gone.
Don't know if i mentioned this but got thrush in my mouth yesterday. Sores and swelling and a hard time eating. Got swish and spit script this AM. Feeling better. Is this common?
Any news on AnnBR?
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GG - I have had fat grafting, but not with Brava device. Not sure I could put up with that thing. Most of the fg has taken, though we are still working on a place near the cleavage that is dented from old scar tissue.
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Saw breast surgeon today. She hadn't seen me since DIEP and complimented the work of my PS. I wore pants at zipped and couldn't wait to get home to take them off!
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Pre-op was uneventful. Took about an hour. EKG, blood draw, pee and then one million questions. Then I was done. There use to be a time when I felt so healthy when they gave me the check list of things that could be wrong with you. I really didn't have much to check. Tonsils, c-section, nothing else. Now, my list is getting longer, and I don't like it. She read it back to me, and said,"is that everything?" Isn't that enough, I said?
Teacher, nice to hear you are getting compliments on your foobs!!!! You go girl.
Iowagirl, so happy to hear you like your tummy!!!
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AnnBR......you have been waiting for this day for a long, long time.....so glad it finally arrived for you! Hopefully Wilbur has been very attentive..... Gentle and speedy healing! Welcome to the other side......FINALLY!
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Cindy - it could be the shaved rib. Most docs shave a section of rib so they can access the veins they need to work with.
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lemon68, I was worried about my kids and husband a lot too, especially my kids. Worried about whether or not they were scared, how they would survive at home without me, etc. My surgery was on a Friday, and they had a snow day that day and the following Monday and Tuesday, which was the day I got to leave the hospital. They had a great time while I was gone. Lol! And as far as laundry and all that when I got home, there was no way I could do any of it, so it was pretty easy to let go and just heal and not worry about all the other stuff. Maybe the meds helped with that.
You're going to do great! -
Good morning, catching up on all the news! I love how active this forum is!
Donna2012 how is stage 2 looking for you? So glad you have checked another step off the list!
JMB5 I hope you are able to enjoy your summer with the girls by the pond. That sounds so nice! Is Ohio pretty hot in the summer? I am thinking about the summer heat and garments I will be wearing post surgery. I am pretty sure I will be inside a lot praising the invention of air conditioning. We like to go a lot so maybe evening outings will be in order. It gets really hot and humid here.
Sunone glad to hear your reports and how well you are doing!
Iowagirl, so thankful that you are on the road to recovery. What a scare and long surgery, so thankful you had a top notch surgical team! Prayers for you as you heal. P.S. love that Wilbur was there for you. Sometimes a naughty word is the only thing that describes a situation to its fullest!!
The1toC you might try and get a folding mesh lawn chair for your shower. I am determined not to spend the denver mint getting things for this surgery so dug around in the basement and found one of those chairs that folds up and goes in a bag you can sling around your shoulder. I put in the tub/shower to see it will fit and it did! I needed something small to fit in the car too for the drive down.
TLbradyful glad you got drain 3 pulled and thanks for sharing the additional info on your surgery. It is good to know there are options and out of the box thinking surgeons!
MEG2 I had my last treatment in Feb 2014 and am having DIEP done this Monday! Quicker than some surgeons do, but PRMA doctors will do less than 6 months post rads and have had excellent results.
Teacher-JURY DUTY?? No way!! Hope you can get out of it!
Annjo thanks for the funny! Words to live by for sure!
Katski sounds like you are having some forward progress. Glad for no more wet/dry dressings. Have you had that fun car out some more? We have a 1966 Chevelle convertible off the frame restoration in progress in our garage. So anxious to get it out with the top down!!
Fujimamma good to hear you are out there and resting/healing.
Gowanusgal/AnnBR how are you gals doing?
Goldie, Lemon, our time is getting closer! I have procrastinated big time and now will be in serious prep mode. Feeling pretty nervous but excited too. Purposely planned an evening out with DH tomorrow night (dinner and a movie) so we will HAVE TO BE READY by then to leave on time Sat. I am so thankful for all those have gone before us and have been generous to post. It really helps to know what to expect, what is normal (and not). Also appreciate the loving support, wisdom and humor offered on this forum. There is a big emotional piece and it is nice to have an outlet here to share. You gals are the best and I take lots of courage from the assurance given here from those who have already had their surgeries! Lemon/Goldie wish we could all be enjoying a margarita on Monday…..I guess Wilbur will be our bartender with a special Cinco De Mayo beverage! LOL! Will be saying prayers for all who are having surgery next week! Hugs!!
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georgiegirl, I live in San Antonio and had my Diep done by PRMA 5 weeks ago. I have not had one complication and am very happy with the results. I go back to see my PS today for a follow up. If you need anything or have any questions while you are here PM me for my phone number. I'll be happy to help in any way I can. I am retired so have nothing but free time and I'm feeling really good now. I bought a Drain holder on line that made the drains so much easier. It straps around your waist and has two pockets that each hold two drains. I would love to get it to you to use since I have no need for it anymore. I hated trying to pin the drains and this just keeps them tucked out if the way.
Good luck to all with upcoming surgeries. It really was so much easier than I ever anticipated.
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Wynne50 I would love to meet you and use your most fabulous drain holder! Thank you thank you thank you!! I am going to be at Methodist. Was that where you were? I will PM and we can exchange contact numbers!! I love it! I am so glad things went well with you. Who were your dr's?
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Georgie. Just sent you a message. I will definetly get the drain holder to you before you leave the hospital. I had mine done at North Central Baptist because it is closer to my house. Methodist is a great hospital too. You are in good hands.
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I am 1 week out from stage 2 and doing well. I see my PS next week for my post-op appt. The new nipple is MUCH larger than the natural one (I was expecting this). How long does it take to shrink to a normal size? In a weeks time, I don't think it has shrunk yet, at all. I am just wearing loose clothing & no bra. I feel good, but will be anxious to start wearing a bra again, so I don't have to be so selective with my clothing. Also, I would like to return to the gym. So far, my stage 2 has been very uneventful. Hardley any pain & healing well - I took an anti-biotic for 1 week. I am so glad I chose to have this done! I think the placement of the new nipple is perfect & I have faith in my PS that once the shrinking occurs, the size will be perfect too! I already have my tattoo appt for the end of Oct w/ vinnie. He has a very long wait - just to let anyone know that is considering going to him.
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So much good news...I got out of jury duty, so the accused in this county can breathe a sigh of relief.
I saw my PS today. I love him and his staff, even the photographer Tatiana. He said I am on track for six weeks out but can't do weight or work out more than the arms for at least two more weeks. Yesterday the breast surgeon (I just can't call her a BS) said a hard spot in my abdomen was probably fat necrosis. I decided not to freak out about it and ask Dr. Armijo today. He said it was where he took the small strip of muscle and not to worry. The only glitch is that he wants me to wait til late July at the earliest for stage 2. That's 4 1/2 months from DIEP. He said it will give me more time to heal and that with the heart issue and two long surgeries in 3 months, my body needs the time. Since I respect and trust him, I'm okay with it. It's really a non issue at this point.
He laughed when I told him my granddaughter was surprised I'd "grown" new boobies. He said in 2 he will remove extra skin on the sides and under my breasts, do some lipo to fill in the left some because it is smaller than the right and smooth out the ends of the belly incision. He will also do the nipple reconstruction which will help make the left crop circle a circle rather than an oval. And 2 has no drains!! I just about broke out in song at that news.
It was all such great news that I went shopping for a couple of soft shifts to wear for the coming hot weather because anything but soft yoga pants doesn't work yet. The promised forecast is 90s this weekend. Soon we will have real Texas heat and I will be in GeorgieGirl mode loving the AC.
Lemon, Goldie, and GeorgiaGirl have a relaxing weekend and get ready for your special Cinco de Mayo cocktails.
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Thank you ladies for all the well wishes. I am doing GREAT! Last night was rough though, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Very sore. Today is much, much better. The surgery was 10 hours long and I felt it in my back. The breast reconstruction floor offers massages so I had one earlier. It was heavenly. Hope everyone is doing well.
Ann
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AnnBR, so glad you are doing well. Massage...oh my eyes are green with envy!
Cindy, guess it wouldn't be a good idea to strip in the car, but it sounds good after real world clothes rub the wrong way for even a short time.
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Goldie...Which PS is doing your surgery? I had Dr. Pisano. I loved him & his nurse Gina.
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AnnBR
My first massage post surgery consisted of feet minus 2 broken toes and the iv. So happy you are moving on in your healing journey. Hope you continue to feel better.
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Ann, you sound great!!!!! If last night was the worst, then you are already on your way!!!! So glad. I hope I am making that much sense the day after my surgery.
Teacher, there was a music teacher I had when I was growing up that had a great saying. "Fast is slow, and slow is fast." Meaning, if you rush things you will make mistakes and it will take longer. I always remember her saying that when I try to rush things, and I can see I need to slow down. So, if your doc wants you to wait to have the best outcome don't be too disappointed.
K79, I think you might have mixed me up with somebody going to San Antonio? I am having my diep here in Fort Worth.
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AnnBR, good to hear you are doing so well. The back will be a bit sore until you can stand up straight.
Teacher, I waited 4 months between surgeries and I am very glad I did. Stage 1 is quite a long recovery and the extra time will allow you to be nice and strong for the next one.
Goldie, Lemon and Georgiegirl, sending warm hugs your way with positive, healing energy. You are each going to be fabulous!
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I have no problem with waiting for stage 2. It will give the girls time to settle better. I've feel the people I've encountered on this journey have enriched my life immensely. Thank you.
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Georgiegirl....I gotta say, as a retired OT...I'm not thrilled with your shower "chair" plan. If you were one of my patients I would dissuade you in very strong words against using one of those collapsible chairs. It's more than what fits in the shower, it needs to be COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY STABLE, and also non-skid. You need something you can push up on to stand or use to help lower yourself, if you unexpectedly need to do that. If it's the kind of chair I think it is, it is pretty low slung and rather tippy.
teacher....I think it's a good plan to wait that time for Stage 2. It took my flap a good 6 months to resolve the initial swelling from Stage 1, and if your PS is like mine, and doesn't set out to do multiple Stage 2's, you want things as settled as possible before he does the "tweaking and matching and nip" stuff, imho.
editted to add...I see I've just added to the chorus re: waiting more than 3 months for your Stage 2, teach.....sorry, didn't mean to nag.
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nihahi, no nagging...reinforcement.
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