DIEP 2014

DeeW - I had to wait 8 weeks to exercise due to a bit of muscle loss during surgery. For most it is 6 weeks. 

Georgie - you either have the most amazing memory or took notes. Welcome back.

So, I have never heard this mentioned here as a side effect of DIEP, so if I just missed it and it was discussed over and over again.... my apologies.

I am about 6 weeks post DIEP and am back to work so I think I am doing pretty well.  I am getting lots of sensations along the breast and donation site including everything from tickling, to itchy to sharp pains, but I have not been concerned with this as I figured all this has to do with nerves reconnecting.

What is very strange to me is that I keep getting a painful ache in my pubic area, right where my crotch and my thigh come together, but only on one side.  I don't recall having this pain before the surgery and am also thinking my cycles may be coming back (haven't had one since my 2nd chemo last december).  I can't imagine it is related to the DIEP but who knows.

I see my plastic surgeon next week and my MO in 3 weeks.  Any idea of what might be causing this? 

OneTexasDay - I've had the same thing on my left side. Monday I asked my PS if I had a hernia or it it was because he took a little strip of muscle and he said it is scar tissue. I told him I get a stabbing pain when I sit up from a prone position or try to do a sit up. He said to work through it with one sit up and then next time two and it will eventually help tear some of the scarring. He said sitting up in bed is better because there's more give in a mattress than a floor with sit ups. I told him that even getting out of the car can cause the pain. It subsides quickly, but on a scale of 1-10, it's a 10 when it happens. Since Monday I've been sitting up from a prone position and can do it 5 times before it grabs me. You might ask your PS about it and see if you get a similar response. 

Oh Andrea, how sad.  i couldnt imaging having to leave my doggies.  Good thoughts for the fire to bypass Chari's neighborhood.

Does everyone get nipples? When I had my real breasts, the headlights were always on, so to speak, and I like being smooth now. Frankly, I'd rather just get 3D tats instead.

Thank you Teacher64! 

Jmb, I'm so glad to hear Kayla came through with flying colors! I would have thought she'd need chemo too, but if she doesn't, all the better. I'm praying for a quick recovery and that she'll remain cancer free!

Good morning and happy Saturday! 

OTD I had the same breast and abdominal site sensations you mentioned but not the other pain you described. 

Pollyanna thanks for sharing about what you are seeing with your reconstruction. My reconstructed side is a little hamburger bun-ish as compared to the right breast but when I talked to the P.S. office I was reassured that after phase 2 with the lift on the left side and scar revision to the right with the nipple I would see more symmetry between the two breast. I.E. lefty has been subject to 47 years of gravity and righty is only 2 months old and not quite finished! LOL! I am hoping stage 2 will fix or at least lessen the divot situation for us! That said the divot isn't a deal breaker for me but like many have said before, it's good to state ALL the things you want in stage 2. I am sorry you are having to go back to work before you are released to do so. I hope your interview goes well, sounds like you have some experience that would lend itself well to the position. You will have to keep us posted.  I was talking to a friend about my resume gap yesterday and my concerns about how to re-enter the work force. I have a 1 year gap as of this month due to cancer treatment and reconstruction. I know it is not an employers business to know this kind of personal health information, but the question is bound to come up regarding the gap...anyone else have experience or wisdom to share in this area? 

Andrea, I understand about the financial impact for traveling to another place for surgery. It is expensive even if the provider is within your network. I did want to mention in case it makes a difference for you, the American Cancer Society can often help with lodging for the stay and there are also places that can help with transportation. It is amazing the kind of help that is available. If you are interested I think I may still have some of those resources in my email somewhere. I hope you are able to get exactly the kind of surgery you want. Prayers for your friend Chari. 

JMB5 so glad to hear that Kayla had a successful surgery and that they got all the cancer. Continued prayers for the doctors as they research what kind of treatment she will need if any. Your daughter sounds like a joy. I love to hear when young people are drawn early to service work and have a heart for the Lord.

Goldie!! My surgery is Aug 15th. Any chance the three of us (Lemon??) might have the same date again?? No fun holiday on Aug 15th though, like our Cinco date! 

Polly, good luck with your interview! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Georgie, thank you for the info. I wish I could go to one of those centers, but money is an issue, plus we have two big dogs that would need a sitter. And honestly, I hate leaving them for that amount of time. They're my furry babies and help keep me sane. (Though some days they don't seem to be doing a very good job at it!) I think for now I'll just stay with my local PS, but if in the future I decide to do the other side, I'll contact you. Thanks again!

What does the flap look like after surgery? It is shapeless or like a hamburger bun? Is everyone happy with the size? I understand stage 1 is just getting the flap to survive, and stage 2 is when the "magic" happens, but I just want to be prepared for the reality of it. Even if I'm still 6 weeks away! 

enjoyevry moment  -  I was told that  some of the fat may re absorb but stays in place.mit may feel lumpy at first but that will go away, according to my PS. 

Anyone who's already had the fat grafting want to chime in?

Thanks for the well wishes.  I am so not sure what to say about the second gap in my resume this year due to cancer.  The one for being a stay at home with my is easy, this not sure.  Still mulling it over!

I hope I don't get used to the flatten out shape  I have going on, I do hope they fix it in stage 2, I assume so!  But being a B cup is so strange after having been much larger for all my adult years, esp the last ten since pregnancy and breastfeeding 5 kids.  I do still wear a bra, partially beacause the doctor said too, and because it just feels weird without one!

Thank you everyone for caring and wishing me well on my PS appt. yesterday. It didn't go as planned. I did bring my list but it was for nothing. Due to the swelling that hasn't subsided and the odd tethering I have to have the left worked on. He isn't sure if he has to open my flap ( mine is on the side from nipple to the side) or if he can make a small incision along the areola and go in there. He is also going to remove my bulge and seroma on the chest wall on that side too. During the surgery he is going to also contour my tummy incision and get rid of the dog ear. That is it!! And he thinks I will have to have a drain. As for the right side due to radiation it is smaller and hasn't yet let lose, it is soft on top but still hard on sides and bottom, until it softens up he doesn't want to mess with it. I am feeling disappointed but I know its all for the best. I have work trip to Chicago on Aug. 18th returning home on the 27th. He wont do the surgery until I am back home so probably early Sept. Then later he will do the lipo, fat grafting etc.. I know these are only bumps in the road and others have endured much worse. My incisions are healed but I guess my insides have a different agenda. My rads were awful, I did 3 weeks of double doses and even with olive skin was charred and blistered so that side seems to be angry. If I didn't have the swelling and the tethering they really do look good. I am happy, and not one ounce of regret. I am just inpatient.

Goldie and Georgie my Cinco Pals, your going to have to do Stage 2 without me. I guess I am of kind of getting a Stage 2 at least some things will be done. Georgie, thank you for your condolences. I am still in a compression bra 24/7 but it has not helped. He says I have skin edema from scraping to remove the BC tissue. I guess I am officially a 'sweller' I just never knew it.

Teacher, I cannot wait to hear every detail. You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Wednesday.

Kim, Congrats on Stage 2!!

Aff- I feel the same, I had no idea this was going to span as long as it has. I had my dx in 1/2013! I now know I will still be dealing with it into 2015. I just want to put it behind me already. But I am going to be happy and not stop until I am. Goldie is right we deserve to be happy with our bodies.

Love to all.

Ridley- no date yet. I'm on a wait list for a date, was told to call back after summer.  I think the hardest part is just not knowing and not being able to prepare.... Meanwhile, living with one breast for over two years has impacted my dating life... I know deep down that beauty is beyond the physical, but I haven't found the courage or strength to pursue a relationship.... I was 38 when I was diagnosed and unfortunately my then boyfriend didn't stick around beyond my first round of chemo.... So it's been over two years since I've experienced any form of intimacy...... I know that surgery will evoke new/different body image concerns but I just want to move forward and learn to love my new body after surgery! The waiting game is the challenge as I find myself consumed with thinking about it.  Thanks again ladies for the support and info, it's a huge help!  

lemon - sorry things didn't go as you planned. Think of September as stage 2a and then you will just have 2b at a later date. I will let you know everything after the anesthesia fog is gone.

Pollyanna, I can imagine the adjustment to size was a big change. You will have to keep us posted on what you find out with your job interview and with the appointment with the P.S. Hope you found some relieve from the coughing and don't have bronchitis. Take care of you! 

Andrea, I hope it didn't feel like I was pushing. Just sharing information. And I couldn't agree more about those furry babies! We have two kitties and they have been so comforting through all this, my little chemo couch buddies. It's like they sense when I am not well and would curl right up with or on me. Re-phase one post surgery-my breast was like a mound, (hamburger bun-ish). I have cleavage that is spot on and I can wear shirts that show a bit of cleavage and you can not see scars or tell that I've had breast surgery at all when I have a bra on. No bra, the are not symmetrical. Native breast looks down toward the floor! I am very happy with the initial results and have been told stage 2 is where the magic happens too! Glad your friend Chari and family are ok!

Enjoyevrmmoment, thanks for the compliment! I know that Dr. Pisano will do what he can to make the reconstructed breast look the best she can look! Appreciate your input about the job gap issue and how to address. My gut is to share that I did have cancer and that I am well and ready to be back in the workforce. I know like everything else that I have encountered in this journey, the right door will open when it is time. It is hard not to go there though and have concerns about what those job interviews will look like when the time comes. Trying to be in the moment isn't always my strong suit! LOL!

Lemon, my CInco friend,  I am sorry your P.S. visit didn't go as planned. Praying that the surgery in Sept will get you closer to where you want to be by stage 3! It sounds like your P.S. has a great plan for the next surgery and will do what they can to get you on your way to stage 2b and 3. Also was thinking about your swelling. Would a full compression tank with the appropriate breast support be helpful for you? You know something that would contain your entire trunk but not cut off fluid flow under the breast? I can't remember have you been to a lymphedema therapist? Hugs to you.

Has anyone heard how Katski is doing? Been thinking about her. 

Hope everyone has a great Sunday. Going to be an inside day here. Hot and humid!