DIEP 2014
Comments
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Heiditoo so happy for you for those clear path results!
Ladies, if you are on this board you are a survivor! And a thriver! I have .NEVER seen rules with respect to being a legitimate survivor, have you? I've given a number of talks about cancer survivorship and tell about everyone's survivorship timeline is different whether from completion of treatment or follow up...personally I am proud that I survived that shocking phone call from the pathologist telling me I had cancer. That was almost 3 years ago and I have since survived so many things I thought would be devastating - just like you. Not that they were a cakewalk but I did it and so have you!
My PS f-upwent well, very pleased with my healing so well and all restrictions lifted. Looking forward to getting on the bike and rollerblades hopefully within a few weeks. For now gentle workouts at gym. Stage 2 scheduled for aug. 27!
Georgie when I look back I consider that really I lost 2 years of keeping some order in my home and family life....but we do the best we can with what we've got.
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Jersey yes my belly gets moreswollen on the right side and is tender vs the left but they had to take a little bit of muscle from the right so I suppose that's why. I tried some biooil as a moisturizer a couple of years ago. Didn't care for it. Really didn't care for its fragrance. I use a bit of coconut oil before bed many nights.
Aff holycrow that's a good workout! Way to go!
Dee congrats on being drainfree. It just gets better from here.
Brenda I also had a hole at the cleavage area. Really helped to give a gentle scrub with a new baby toothbrush at the end of daily shower then dry with clean towel before dressing.
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Brenda here is my hole scabbed over that showed up at about 3 weeks.It was slow healing but gone now.
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Goldie- we are all praying/pulling for Lily, being 15 is just hard in itself without added trauma. Loved the purse link, thanks.
Juice-when we make decisions of what to do it would be lovely if they would let us go shopping, you know, take us into a room with cool women who have had each procedure and if they would show us their results, tell us how the experience was, and any regrets they had. We are shoppers by nature, but when we had to make a decisions we just made the best one we could. I will tell you, your DIEP breasts will not feel identical to your old ones, in my case they are denser which is actually a good thing but an adjustment. But if I could find the person who invented this surgery I would kiss them. Best wishes to you!
Pzercher, They say "the cobbler's children have no shoes", it is true that when people do things for a living they want to take off that hat when they are home and with a loved one. That being said, if someone messes with you or something isn't medically right, watch their doctor antennae spring into action! Hang in there, you will do great. I cleaned too, made me feel better.
Congrats on those losing the drains! What a feeling to get rid of them!
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Yes, nesting seems to be part of the process before surgery. For goodness sake, we are not having babies!!! No, in all honesty it's a way to stay sane, and have control over something.
I went to have my first pedicure in almost 10 weeks. OMG...my feet were looking bad. I keep looking at them now to admire how much better they look. If the pedicurist could speak English she would have had a few choice words for me I am sure. Do you all remember that Seinfeld episode where Elaine swore all the women in the nail salon were talking about her so she brought an Asian friend with her to the salon to interpret. It was hysterical. Turns out they were talking about her...lmaooooooo
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Vivian - hope you had a positive day. I'm looking forward to tomorrow because it's hair coloring day! Yeah for getting rid of the gray and getting highlights.
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Great news today. My body was rejecting the self dissolving stitches and pushing them out of my body in 11 places, which aggravated the incisions making them open up and not allowing them to heal. They removed all they coould find (ouch) and Dr. H feels they will now heal but could take another couple of months.
The 1toC Thanks so much for sharing It really helps to know others have had the similar experiences
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Brenda - glad to hear you had a good follow-up with Dr H despite the stitch issue. I had the same thing happen. The areas healed pretty quickly, except for one area in my ab incision. It eventually healed as well. I find that every appointment with him, no matter what the issue, I come out feeling totally calm knowing that everything will be fine!
Best of luck to all of the new ladies on the thread. I read often and think of those going through surgery (including Lily - she sounds spunky, but still horrible for her to go through). if you are in the early days of recovery, know that it gets better. I rarely feel any stomach tightness anymore, am back to walking 2-3 hours at a time with no problem, and have full range of motion - almost 7 months out. I will do the next step in the fall - I wanted this summer off from as many medical related things as possible, since last summer was a bust.
Take care,
Ridley
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Brendarj, I have had a lot of problems recently with stitches opening up and oozing fluid at the abdominal incisions. The plastic surgeon said he thinks my body did not like the heavy duty stitches and is reacting to it. But since they are slowly healing, he said to just let the body heal itself. Still it is painful.
This is kind of annoying. Although the surgery went well, I am disappointed it still have such pain and swelling at 9+ weeks post surgery.
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I wish the board had a "like" button so I could like all your posts. So good to read of drains being pulled and bodies healing. Keep on, ladies!
Teacher, when I came home from stage 2, I wore a loose tank top and a zip up hoodie to hide all the dressings covering the nipples. Even a loose t-shirt should work. I didn't have any trouble lifting my arms like I did after stage 1. I had pretty extensive liposuction on my legs. She did around the hip area, inner and outer thighs and even the inner part of my knees. (I would not recommend this, as it hurt the worst, and over a month later, there is still a little pain there and my knee cap area is numb. I wouldn't have done it there if I would have known how sensitive it would be. Everything else is fine now.) I came home in a compression garment that went from under my breasts to mid calf, so I was glad I was in yoga pants. If your lipo isn't that low on your legs, capris or shorts would be fine. Just wear yoga pants or something else comfortable or loose. FYI... the lipo hurt, the nipples did not.
Lemon... so sorry about the lymphedema. I hope with exercise, you can control it and have no further issues.
Jerseymom, My PS recommended Bio Oil for scars, and it seems to work well for me.
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I wanted to share the necklace that my 25 year old niece gave me. It's called "the giving key", and the concept is to wear the necklace, and when you come across a person who you think needs the word more than you, you give it to that person to encourage them. They make the jewelry out of repurposed keys and then stamp whatever word you choose on it, so each one is unique. This company is based in Los Angeles and they employ people who want to transition out of homelessness. I love the pay it forward concept! My niece also wrote me a beautiful letter explaining why she chose the word "courage" for me and shared a scripture verse also. It was really touching and means a lot to me. If you're interested in purchasing one, the website is thegivingkeys.com
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Love the key concept!
So - as of yesterday I am cancer free and drain free!
Still healing with issue of dead skin on right breast that might require a small surgery....but small price to pay!
Just lying in recliner...
I hope all surgeries a success this week!
Lisa
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jmb5- What a beautiful gesture by your niece and I love the pay it foward concept.
LiLi-RI- WOOHOO on being cancer-free and drain-free!! How awesome. Keep relaxing and healing!
Happy Fourth to all!
Ally
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jmb, love the key!!! I agree, I wish there was a "like" button. I go for it over and over again only to remember we don't have one, but if you think about it, it might cut done on a lot of the interaction, so maybe it's not a bad thing.
Lili, yeah for drain free and cancer free. Who could ask for more. Rest Rest Rest.
Sibrihusky, I hope your wounds and mine close up soon. I am at the point where I am getting out and about, but it's a pain in the butt worrying about it all the time.
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jmb5 - thanks for the tips. I don't know how much lipo will be done. I'd like to tell him to suck all the fat out but not put it all back in!! I love the key. I recently saw a story about them on the national news.
LiliRi - congrats on all your good news
Talked to a new patient of my PS who fired her first PS. She is now infection free and is looking forward to DIEP before Thanksgiving. It made me feel good to help ease her concerns.
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Lili so glad you are doing well.
Siburhusky hope you heal well, and Brendarj as well, I had my body spit out a few stitches that looked like fishing line but not many. I still am bloated at incision line slightly at 14 weeks or so out. Our bodies are just bizarre and do what they are going to do. Called my PS today to see if any cancellations since my stage 2 is August 28, but none so that is ok.
jmb wow you are one brave woman! I don't think I will have any lipo done but I won't know for sure until I see PS on August 11. Interesting about the knee.
Um, Teacher don't even think about not posting your new look here! Cmon, don't hold out on us! Hope you felt like a queen getting that hair done!
Hugs to all and hope you all have a happy 4th, I go to my late Mom's side of family for a picnic on Saturday which is always good for entertainment
hee hee I am expecting them all to stare at my chest..... you know how it is. -
Back from my oncologist appointment yesterday, and things are good! It is so strange to have what feels like a lot of people, look at my breasts, and comment on how great they look and then follow it with what great work Dr. Evans does
. It's just weird!From the cancer part of this, I'm cancer free
! The final pathology came back, and I had good margins and negative lymph node biopsy (they took 2). The final pathology showed a result not expected. I knew I had DCIS in the one breast, and upon MRI they found calcifications in the other breast. However, the DCIS was high grade (which I knew) and widespread, but the other breast was widespread LCIS and high grade (I think it is the same term for LCIS?). But, she ran a bunch of numbers, explained a bunch of things I didn't totally grasp as I just heard cancer free at that point, but the LCIS I had, having BC in both breasts, my grandmother and aunt having BC, indicated if I hadn't had taken it off, the liklihood would have been 68% that it would have developped into agressive and invasive cancer. That is a really big number. But, because I took both off, I'm essentially good. I know they have to monitor for the few remaining breast cells that are left up against the skin that they can't all get out, but that is very low. I thought I would qualify for the BRCA testing, but I don't even with several in the family (but beyond 2nd generation). Just my grandma and my aunt (maternal). I guess it has to be 2 first degree or second degree relatives?. But again something about less then 1% chance of the BRCA gene. Given that I have 3 daughters, that is good news! I know that there are more genes that aren't discovered yet, but that is good to know for now.
Incisions are healing well on the breasts. The abdomen is coming along, although being out all day (2 hour drive each way) was a bit much, and I'm sore today. My final seeping hole is closed. I have an area on the abdomen that looks a bit separated like 1toC posted, except my scab is white. So, I'm still wearing my binder until at least Aug 1. I still don't have much much of an appetite, so the weight still seems to be going down. That is nice. My normal periods seems to last a few hours, but then I'm tired and have to rest. I'm listening to my body this time, which I didn't do after my reduction, and then had issues. Hopefully , doing this, I won't have issues. I have had a lot of support, but I have to remind some that I'm only 3 weeks out, and I have an 8-12 week recovery and I have to be very careful what I do physically and I tire easily. But, most are still good! And my kids are still helping.
I'm really looking forward to stage 2, and having nipples. The no nipples bothers me. And I don't know if they do anything about the weird shape, but I have a lip that shows up sometimes around the edge of the breast, and they seem flat in the middle at times. I think I need a bit more stuff in there, or the skin tightened up. I've seen some mention of liposcution, is that normal with stage 2? Or is it just the nipples. He said about 6 months for stage 2, which takes me to just before Christmas. That isn't too bad!
Good to hear people are doing well!
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I had my radiation mapping today. I had to lay flat in the CT scanner for 10 or 15 min but it felt like an eternity. It felt that way because It was the first time I have been completely flat. I am still sleeping with my wedge pillow. Add to that, my arms had to be raised above my head the entire time. That was double trouble. Raising my arms further stretched my abdomen and I had not yet been able to lift my left arm all the way due to the SNB. Suffice it to say, it was excruciating. It's over now and while I still feel some burning in my upper belly, all is well and rads start next Thursday.
On another note, I've had the silicone strips in place for one week and they are still in good shape. I take them off tonight to start a week of massaging the scars with Bio Oil for 5 minutes, twice a day. This biweekly routine will continue for 2 to 4 months depending on how the scars look.
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enjoyevry... - my brain must have been taking a nap when Sonia told me my new touch lighter hair color because I don't remember what she said! Your Aug 28 date will be here soon. I have knee fat but think he's taking fat from muffin top and thighs.
Pollyanna - my PS is going to so fat grafting in stage 2. The lipo is to fill in divots. He's also going to do scar revision and the nipples. At three weeks, it's normal to be tired. Glad you are taking it easy.
Aff - I'm surprised they didn't give you a pillow for under your knees, especially with your arms overhead. That was harsh.
I had an amazing workout today. 4 reps of sit ups, presses with weights, lat pulls and 3 reps of box steps, walking with weights, and "pre" planks and finally ending with shoulder stretches. You can see that my hair is nice and shiny and NOT gray (for a while)! Someday I will be able to plank again, but trainer won't allow any more now. I'm so lucky he has experience working with bc rehab.
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Lemon68, it does look like we have a lot in common (not that it is a club we want to be part of, but there you have it....) I am so sorry about your lymphedema--hope that gets better soon. I also noticed you had prophylactic ovary removal. After six months on Tamoxifen, I am having lots of pelvic pain and pressure and have a largish uterine fibroid and bilateral ovarian cysts that seem to be growing. Not certain it is related to the tamoxifen, but never had this before to my knowledge. Lots of advice to "just" get everything yanked but I don't relish instant menopause. What led to your decision?
I have a feeling my abdomen is going to be super tight also. I don't have enough to match my good breast but hopefully can get a full B out of it, then have a reduction/lift in Stage 2 to match. Upside will be going braless, like a teen-ager.
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Teacher, why do they fear the planks and downward dog? I don't seem to have a problem doing them (before diep I did it with implants in), but I keep hearing we need to stay away from doing them. BTW, I am very impressed with your progress. I would be nice if we all could find a trainer who understood BC.
Aff, what brand of silicone strips are you using. When I shower with mine on they come right off.
Pollyanna, your breasts sound just like mine. DCIS in the right, and then found the LCIS on MRI on the left. That is why I chose to have both off. We are luck we caught it early!
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jmb, love, love, love the giving keys! Such a wonderful gesture...
LiLi - drain and cancer FREE! Life is good!
enjoyevymoment, I laughed at your "stare at my chest" comment. Soooooo true, my friend! Hope you have fun at the entertaining picnic!
polly, congratulations on being cancer free! I love all the good news that I'm catching up on! The no nipples doesn't bother me, but I'm excited about getting nipples in September. My PS only requires 3 months between Stage 1 and Stage 2. I never even asked how he does them. I guess my immediate attention was all on Stage 1 and getting rid of the cancer...
aff, I remember the rad mapping back in 2001 after my first DX. No rads for me since the second DX was in the same breast, and you cannot have radiation to the same body part more than once in a lifetime. But after DIEP and node removal, I can definitely imagine your discomfort. I hope that it gets less excruciating for you as you continue to heal and get better. Oh, and let me know how the Bio Oil works for you. My PS gave me some Kelo-cote scar gel to use. I will probably start tonight since most of the surgical glue has come off.
teacher, sounds like an awesome workout! Yes, you are very lucky to have a trainer with BC rehab experience. You look amazing...
One love,
tp4ever
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Aff- glad you are home from that experience and hope the abdominal area soon feels better!
Teacher- you look mahvahous, dahlink! Keep up the great work! I start PT this Monday finally. They have experience with BC surgery patients so I am looking forward to it.
Polly- am learning that many facilities now do bilateral mammo if someone sends a patient with a lump in one side. There is so much I did not know about BC, not that I wanted in the "club" but I am praying all our experiences can help someone else.
pzercher- I was surprised that a B works so nicely with clothes and bet you will be very happy.
jmb cute key, awww
Happy 4th everyone! Healing thoughts to you today and don't forget what we are free from, no matter what the future holds we lost some tissue that didn't behave itself. The recovery isn't exactly trivial, but just to think of what your liberty is now. For me I have liberty to better speak my mind and let my needs be known, to let stupid things roll off my back, and to treasure time with family and doing what I think is my mission in life. Would not wish this wake up call on anyone but I am going to appreciate all the good parts of it!
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Goldie - planks will come but for now, even doing my "pre planks" I felt it in my belly. Today I feel fine. My trainer is conservative. I planked before surgery and know I will again.
Enjoyevry... - thanks for your message. I like the idea that we have liberty from disease and insensitive words but mostly the liberty to enjoy all our moments.
Happy Fourth of July. To those with upcoming dates, I hope you have a day free to enjoy family, friends, and fireworks.
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Happy 4th ladies! I hope everyone enjoys the weekend. Best wishes to all on the east coast, especially in the NC and VA areas. I hope everyone is safe.
Goldie - my PS recommended Mepiform but they had to be ordered online so I bought Scar Away (long) while I am waiting for them to come in. I'll let you know which ones are better once I use the Mepiform strips next weeks.
Teacher - you look terrific! Can't wait to be able to start. I feel like my arms have become so flabby. I have been out of work since March because I have a somewhat physical job. My arms have paid the price for being out. Also, they did give me a half moon pillow for under my knees yesterday. I'm sure it helped a bit but it was the first time the top half of my body was completely flat.
Congrats to all that have gone drain free!
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Happy fourth everyone! Great sentiments enjoyeverymoment!
Thanks for all the comments on bio oil. I have been forgetting to start using it but will start today.
I sent my PS pictures of my swollen left abdominal incision. My right side looks fine but this left side swelling is not going away. They said I may need to have it drained next week. Just when i am supposed to go back to work. Yuck. I wonder if I brought this on by doing too much and/or sleeping on my side. Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter now.
Aff, so sorry you had such a painful experience at the RO. Hope you are feeling better now.
Teacher, you rock! You are an inspiration.
Pollyanna,congrats on your good pathology report! Hooray!
Love the courage key JMB, and the thought of passing it on....truly lovely.
Wishing everyone a relaxing and healing weekend!
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Happy 4th of July! I am 3 weeks out from my DIEP and have spent the last hour reading posts. It has been really encouraging to read so many success stories and positive posts.
Things are going pretty well. I am trying to walk every day and started with physical therapy this week for my ROM. Like most of you, my energy is way down but I am not having any pain, just discomfort.
I have 2 questions for all of you:
My lower abdomen, under the incision is swollen and hard. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, is it normal and how long does it last? I also think I have a sernoma under my left armpit. It is hard and uncomfortable. Does physical therapy help get rid of it or will it have to be drained.
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LiLi - Amazing news Drain and cancer free Woot WootToday I tried on a sun top that I bought last year I know it's way to early considering the girls are still covered in dressings and I still have swelly belly but it's been four years since I've had breasts and I just couldn't resist. I actually cried. I LOOK LIKE A WOMAN AGAIN!!!!!
The ten year old boy chest and Homer Simpson belly are gone. Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. H. and team
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Oh Brenda, that brought tears to my eyes. So excited for you. I cannot imagine 3 years.
Finish healing and really enjoy the young women clothes. You deserve it.
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lovetoteach - Sorry you have to join us. Welcome to this amazing group. Your issues sound almost identical to mine. My lower abdomen is getting back to normal. I am 4 weeks out. It still swells at night or if I am especially active. For me, it was mostly in the middle below my incision. It almost looked like a small basketball below the incision right in the middle. I also have a hard, round area at the base of my left armpit. My PS saw it at my last follow up. It was about the size of a golf ball. He did not seem concerned and told me to put warm compresses on it followed by massage, a few times a day. That was 8 days ago. It is better but not gone. It is almost flat in the morning but builds up throughout the day. It's not as big as it was a week ago. It was so uncomfortable before I saw the PS that it was not easy to put my arm down all the way. It is not nearly as uncomfortable now. I'm not sure if PT will help as I have not started yet.
brendarj - I'm really happy for you. What a moment that must have been.
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