DIEP 2014

lemon, Goldie and georgiegirl, wishing you all the best tomorrow!  I'll.be toasting the flaps with a margarita and guacamole!  See you on the other side!

Best wishes to Lemon, Goldie and Georgie - you got this!! I am right behind you next week  I look forward to hearing your updates!!

Hugs to you all!

Bradyful, I went to have my last two drains removed after my bmx, and one wouldn't come out, so she went around and got the other side out.  She sat there and stared at me (the nurse, that is) and said, "okay, I going to give it a gentle tug."  Pop..and it was out.  It scared me too.  I had expander's in at the time, and I didn't want to deal with doing that over again.  I am sure yours will come out.  Was she able to get it to move at all?

Okay, I am going to try to sleep.  Please have margarita's for all us Cinco girls tomorrow.  Hey guys,, we have a nickname.  I like it.  Wilbur is with us, and so is God.  They are both very important!!!! 

Lemon, Goldie, GeorgieGirl, in your pockets as you drift off to sleep! Wishing you all the very best.

OneTexasDay, it depends how long you take to heal. I was told that all incisions have to be completely closed.

I'm off for an electrolysis consult today - my nipple recon will be done by skin graft from inner thighs right up near the "lady parts" and PS recommended getting any stray pubes removed so they don't end up on my new nips! This is going to be one interesting consult! LOL!

I think my belly button is too high - it's certainly higher than the old one, and makes me think I'm going to look odd in a bikini. My belly scar sits right above the hair line (which is also a bit higher than it used to be), about 4" between the lowest point in the middle and belly button.

Has anyone considered getting their belly scar tattooed? I'm looking at designs that might make it less obvious, especially over the hips. The scar is tighter than the skin around it so it kind of looks like I have a rubber band around my hips! They don't do any belly scar revision here unless it's medically warranted - insurance only covers boob revision for aesthetics. No lipo either 

OneDayTexas - You will need to wait until all incisions and drain openings have completely healed.  My PS asked me to wait 6 weeks.  I waited longer as I had a tiny area in the center of my ab incision that took 10 weeks to heal.

Thinking of the cinco gals (X). Goldie....you have waited a long time....we all hope this brings you the relief you are seeking, and happiness with the result.

There is a thread that explains the whole process for the picture forum. Here is the direct link. It is a rather lengthy post, but if you read it, it explains the whole picture forum "reasoning" and it explains that you need to PM nowheregirl or lilah to start the process.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/8...

I went bra shopping today since I am way smaller than before. What a fiasco! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry after trying on several without underwires, which my PS said is a no-no. The right side is a larger cup size than the left! I ended up with a couple of soft stretchy bras. Thankfully, the size difference isn't so noticeable with clothes. I know this will get fixed later in the summer, so I didn't spend much or care what they look like, just got a little support because the right side is sitting higher than the left now that they are settling in.

Prayers for all the Cinco ladies, I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

I had a post op appointment today and got good and bad news. The good... I am healing remarkably well and my PS couldn't be more pleased. Bad news... he removed a lymph node during the DIEP, sent it to pathology and it came back positive. Wow, I sure didn't see that one coming. This was from my original MX which was a year and a half ago. He immediately got me an appointment to see an oncologist and we just got back fom that visit. She said that there were a few areas on my recent CT scan that they want to check out, so she ordered several tests for tomorrow. I am at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester so I'm under great care. Everything about my journey has been unique. I'm trying not to freak out but this came out of the clear blue. We'll have answers on Wednesday and a plan of action then. I haven't said anything about this to my kids yet, but I need to let it out. I am so thankful that we can be here for each other.

Thanks iowagirl. Did you have an appointment today with Saint Cyr? He is the best.

AnnBR, hoping for the best possible news for you on Wednesday. You are right where you should be, keep us posted on the results.

I've been watching your updates to get a feel for surgery recovery and results, I'm not having my DIEP until November but sure appreciate hearing from you and the other ladies so I can be prepared.   

Thank you ladies. MEG2, this site has been a huge comfort to me. I was very well prepared because of how caring and compassionate all these lovely ladies are. The posts have been so valuable. Sending hugs to all...

AnnBR, sorry about latest hitch. You are obviously in good hands, please keep us posted on results. I will pray for good news.

AnnBR, my prayers and hugs are being sent your way too! I know you are in great hands there. Sorry that you have to go through this but we are here for you.

Hope all is well for the Cinco ladies tonight and get good rest!