DIEP 2014

AnnBR, sending hugs to you.  

Ann - I love the 'healing remarkable well' part. Keep it up!  Don't let the other bump in the road throw you off your game - sounds like you've got a very caring,  fast acting team. I know that waiting for results is a challenge - I'm sending calm energy your way. 

Ann  I had an app yesterday (monday) wiith Dr.  Lemaine.  My appt was at 11  and I left at 1.  Perhaps we crossed paths.  Hope your news is good.

AnnBR - I am so sorry you have hit this bump in the road.  Praying for peace and healing as you wait for results and a treatment plan.  

Thanks for all the bra advice. My shopping experience was the first time in this process that I felt like screaming. I'd had my moments before but never in a public place. Now I feel armed with advice and know of several places to shop. It's the seemingly little things that sneak back in with a pinch and remind me of my new normal.

Cindy's, loved the photo.

One more bra find -- Playtex -- 18-Hour Seamless Smoothing Bra #4049

My challenges were finding one where the cups are shallow enough (e.g. don't have the same projection that I used to), but with thick enough fabric that my "crop circles" were not showing through.  Also, I don't need any padding, as I'm big enough already.

This one works great for me, and it is only $18 on Amazon.  Size wise, it is true to fit for me so ordering online was not a problem and gives me more support and a better shape than the really soft bras.

Cinco girls -- thinking of you -- hoping you are all resting peacefully.

Ann -- hoping the tests all went OK -- fingers still crossed for the best possible results tomorrow.

Ridley

thinkpink4ever - Welcome. I'm your age and had bilateral DIEP as well. At first the idea of the surgery is overwhelming, but the more your learn the easier it is to absorb, and the more sense it makes.  Also, it a process.When it was first explained to me my knees almost buckled, but when I look back to last summer, it was absolutely not the scariest things I've ever gone through, and it's absolutely manageable.  When you break it down into it's little pieces, it becomes easier to do. Most importantly, you'll have a bunch of seasoned warriors to support you - and offer their wisdom, knowledge, experience. You won't be alone.

Whenever I freaked out about something, and I wrote to the ladies on BCO, they always said something to calm me down. Once you see you PS you'll probably feel calmer. I always left my PS's office with a lower blood pressure than when I went in ( I would have been even calmer if I didn't have such a crush on him)

I'm very sorry for your re-diagnosis by the way. Nobody should have to go through it once, let alone twice. And  my sympathies for the loss of your mom.  (And as for the ex - good riddance I suspect? )

One of the ladies on the thread calls this ordeal a 'rodeo'. I like that.  It sounds less intimidating than 'battle' or 'journey' in my books. Plus it makes me feel like a cowgirl. No matter what you call it - you'll have lots of help along the way. 

Janet

Hi TP4Ever -- sorry you were diagnosed with a recurrence (and losing your Mom to cancer) -- you will get through this though.

You found the right thread too.  Take some time to read this and even the DIEP 2013 if you like.  Reading the 2013 thread helped me feel totally prepared for the surgery -- still scared and anxious -- but prepared at the same time.   I felt like I  knew what I should expect, knew what the possible complications could be, but also knew (in my head if not in my heart) that all of the complications would not happen to me. 

Are you going to The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans (assuming you are from Louisiana based on your signature).  If so, there is another thread under NOLA if you search.  They have an excellent reputation for DIEP surgery.

Anyhow, I have to run as I'm in a busy period at work, but wanted to welcome you and say ask any questions that you have.  Lots of peeps on here who have been through the surgery just recently or months ago to answer your questions.

Take care,

Ridley

ThinkPink - how blessed you are that you live where much of this flap surgery was developed (at LSU).  I am sure you have quite a few wonderfully qualified surgeons to chose from.  Think it through carefully, don't jump with the first pretty face (er plastic surgeon).  You can do this!

Ann - we are all with you! If you feel weak, lean on us. We are strong for you.

tp4 - Welcome to a very supportive group. Gather your information and go into this armed with a plan; no rushing.

Bras - I just purchased the Soma vanishing back no underwire. It helps because my stage 1 boobs are not the same size yet (thanks radiation). It has enough shape to cover the difference until my freshen up. The sales people are wonderful in every Soma I have visited. We have a Soma outlet and the sales people there are very will trained as well.

Ann and ThinkPink- we are here for you! We are circling the wagons and holding you tight. 

Marty- thanks for the info on that bra. I doubt I will ever go back to an underwire. My doc really doesn't like them. I still haven't found the bra that I love, except those "trainer" ones. So comfy. 

Wishing healing thoughts to all that are having surgery this week!!  ((((((((((hugs)))))))))))) 

These two "hamburger buns" are now turning into "pancakes"!!  I am so disappointed and I know Stage 1 is all about creating "mounds" then to fix later.  But good grief getting flatter and my bra size has gone from a 40 to a 46!!  I have an appointment with a lymphedema Nurse Practitioner to see if that is a problem.  This is just one of those days that I just don't know where I am heading!! sigh  I just hate it that I have come here to complain as I don't want to scare anyone from doing this surgery as all doctors see things differently.  I am going to make a consult date with the woman doctor here to see if she understands where I want this to go.  I know I have to have patience  and you all are.

On a side note but important:  My older sister is having a complete hysterectomy tomorrow and she weighs 400 lbs. so you can just imagine all of the health issues she has due to the weight.  I will be at the hospital with her husband and plan to take lots of reading materials.  It is suppose to be two hours in surgery.  She is worried as she should be but I have told her to trust and just show up and let the doctors do their magic.  The doctors told her she has to have this surgery or she will have Endometrial cancer as she has precancerous cells now.  Please give her good thoughts or prayers.  She is a Jehovah Witness so just trusting Western medicine is a huge step for her.

Thinking about Ann and Thinkpink.  Hope things go well.

Question:  from above my breasts to the ab incision I have a burning sensation like a bad sunburn.  It is not red though.  Is this nerves regenerating.  I can't even have a drainage tube or a sheet touching it.  Anybody else have this? If so what helps?

another bra recommendation montelle wireless. On sale at freshpair.com. I went from a 40d to a 38b so quite a bit smaller. This is good for those who are unhappy at how much smaller they are as it is padded and has molded cups and out of the 4 different bras I have bought it's the only one that I think looks good after the diep. It helps my hamburger buns have some shape.

More importantly, Ann and Thinkpink I'm sending my support. I am at the tail end of dealing with a local recurrence 17 years after my first, second round of chemo and double diep. I feel very hopeful about the future and go back to work tomorrow! Whatever you need to do, it can be done, and you will succeed, but I'm sorry you have to deal with it.   This is an amazing group of women who have been through it all and will help you too. Hang in there and ask for help and support to get you through. 

Goldie and Lemon, thinking of you and hoping you are doing well.

Best, Deb

yup....your OT is spot on. You can also tap the areas, starting in normal sensation zones, and move towards the hypersensitive spots. Once your PS gives the ok, you can also massage the areas which helps the circulation as well as scar control along with helping to desensitize. The more you "avoid" touching those spots....the longer it may take to return to normal. 

thinking of the cinco gals....and the newbies....sending hugs to all.