DIEP 2014

Question for those of you who had TE's before DIEP - Does it matter what size TE my PS puts in this week at BMX (skin sparing) since my plan is to have delayed DIEP?  Had pre-op appts all day, last one of the day with PS.  Since I'm not planning on implants, I hadn't even researched about cc sizes.  Then PS mentioned 550's (I am 5'6" and weigh 190 1bs, current bra size 40C, although could be in wrong bra size!) - I just blanked out and said ok....????  

I was thinking that the TE size at the BMX surgery won't affect the DIEP results - but now starting to freak out that I should research the TE size more?  

I told my husband to work the day of my surgery.  He left me once they were ready to take my to OR and came to see me next day.  Glad I did - surgery started at 1 p.m. and wasnt over til 11 p.m.  Didnt get in to ICU til 1 a.m.

Isnt it funny how different the PS are.  I had zero pictures taken prior to surgery.  PS did a fantastic job matching up the new to the old.  After 9 weeks, still have ab pain when using core and hurts to run.  I think I will be sticking to mainly walking unless I have binder on for jogging.  When are we able to start strengthen these muscles again?  Does PT help with that?

Goldie, yes got some insomnia going on here. Sorry you are in the same boat. I also took a nap yesterday which no doubt undermined evening sleep. Thanks for the info on Evista. I want to check it out. The insurance company denied coverage of prolia. Still sorting my options. Meanwhile lots of exercise and talking my calcium!  Also appreciate the post on the v beam, amazing results! 

Shine so glad to hear you are doing well and have lots of family support. Feels good to get those drains out doesn't it?? Re- Ken Doll effect. Mine doesn't seem to be from swelling but from my tummy being so tight below the ab scar it makes the nether regions look Kenish. Does that make sense, anyone else feel that is what is causing that particular unwanted phenomena? It's like the contour of that area is just not like it used to be. And Goldie I hear ya on the hair regrowth. What the heck??

Sarah, my onc said no more HRT the day I got my dx. too. I am really sorry you have all these decisions to figure out but know that you are not alone. Good doctors, research, and ask lots of questions plus we are all here for you too!

Teacher that is really a bummer about the scar tissue. Glad they had a painless remedy to work on the issue. Hopefully a couple of treatments will do the trick.

Trish I started doing wt training and some core at 8 weeks but would check with your P.S. to be sure what their protocol is...PT or OT can definitely help! I am still pretty weak with core and also right arm strength. Kinda bummed I will lose ground with stage 2 around the corner and the restrictions for exercise all over again. I am going to walk like crazy though! At least I can maintain endurance. 

Hope everyone has a good evening. Sweetie rest well. Thinking about you! 

aff, this cancer experience does bring us to some soul searching. I found at first all I could think of was the treatment ahead but once there was a break, and strength began to return, I started reevaluating my life. Don't be hard on yourself. What matters is where you are now and what's going to happen next. I think we all learn to appreciate the important stuff more keenly.

Best wishes to you. Recovery rocks!

msw2012-- thanks for the reassurance regarding the tenderness and pain. I absolutely hated the tissue expander and felt pain in two areas the entire time I had it--near my breastbone and underarm/shoulder.  I guess I naively thought that would be gone now, since I no longer have anything under the muscle stretching it. Hopefully,it will just take time; I will feel very discouraged if the tenderness is permanent.

Sweetie:  healing thoughts today! good luck to you.

Georgie: thinking of you this week as you prepare for Friday surgery. 

Sarahbb: such big decisions for you at such a young age. thank goodness you have some time to do your research and think through the consequences. Good for you for talking to many women and exploring your options. I also have been contemplating a hysterectomy, as I have been experiencing pelvic pressure plus fibroid and ovarian cyst growth since I have been on tamoxifen. still trying to decide the best course. one thing at a time, though; think I will deal with it after my stage 2.

Georgie : thanks for the reminder that you all are here for me, it really gives me a boost as there aren't many in my group of friends who understand. One "friend" said she was jealous of me. WtF? Really? She would just love to lose her original breasts and all the sensation? Some people need to think first.

Pzercher: my sister is a doctor and something she said has helped me in making my decision, that if she had been BRca2+ she would have this done. In fact she was so upset that it was me who tested positive, and she was sure it would have been her. She has no children, and I have three. But you know, she's been so amazing to me, she is coming all the way from Florida to be with me during each surgery and she's promised me a trip to anywhere in the world I want to go, after all this is done. (Yea! I got a good one!)  My brothers need to have the tests done too. I sincerely hope that none have the gene mutation.

Aff, congrats on making it through your rads so well so far. That is great!

I have been back at work for a few weeks now and it truly is a new normal. I find I do not sweat the small stuff nearly as much. You will do fine but it does take a while to get back in the swing of things. I know what you mean about having a different perspective on your family. This experience changes us in so many ways.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers

Aff- I have changed so much, as we all have from this.  I used to let stuff bother me at work that I don't let get to me any more.  It is just a job.  I take it seriously and I try really hard to be good at it but I am not so tense at work any more.  I carry the insurance and am full time, hubby works four days a week (job was downsized) and he cleans house on Fridays when he is off (win-win for me).  So for me not going back wasn't an option but my thoughts are it has certainly changed my attitude about how long I want to work, was always a person who wanted to work till 67 or later but when I get even 5 years more in me I might at least reduce hours and prorate insurance payments.  You and Goldie are wise thinking things through.

Sarah, oh yes little grasshopper we have all had interesting comments made to us, and that is probably the first time I heard that one!  Oh my gosh.  Yeah, as a board says on this site, "there is no cure for stupid", which maybe sounds mean, most people mean well though and just don't engage the brain.  And of course others are, ya know.  (fill in the blanks)

Congrats Sweetie, just think, every second more cells are knitting together healing little bridges to make things be strong and healthy.  Yay you!  Don't be shy on the pain med use, and remember that you have to use your incentive spirometer or you will get congested  (do I sound like your mother, sorry!)

Off to my fun breast cancer support group, a lady started it in town who hated the established group that was all depressing and stuff and we all get together and sometimes the c word doesn't even come up.    Imagine that!  They are all pros who have had surgery a long time ago so it is fun.

Hugs to all, you are wonderful and amazing and we are getting through this!

Cindy

Sweetie - hang in there.  I think the hospital time is definately the hardest.  Once you get home every day is better than the one before. 

I got good news, my MRI was all clear, nothing suspicious. So I'm happy about that! 

I am however, very unhappy about having to diet in order to do the DIEP and am reconsidering, maybe just going flat. I started a low carb thing last week, I've lost 12 lbs., but I'm miserable. I don't do dieting well, maybe cause the word "die" is in there! I can't imagine keeping it up until Dec. 5th. And I'm having the hysterectomy the first week of September. Just frustrated right now. Thanks for letting me complain!

Sweetie, it's good to hear from you. Rest up,and keep on top of the pain. Soon you'll be feeling better and encouraging the rest of us who haven't had our surgeries yet.

Sarah, I'm glad your MRI was clear. I know how hard losing weight can be, but you can do it!  Is it possible to work with a dietician to help? I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts and strength.

Sarah- what about using the ap called my fitness pal. It really has helped me during different points of this journey. I am 10 pounds down and maintaining. Do they want you to lose weight? I find that balance is the key. Changing eating habits are key as opposed to dieting. Dieting means deprivation and I just don't handle that well. Good luck. 

Sarah - I have 2 friends that just got fitbits and they love them. They both said they now are focused on the goal of achieving 10,000 steps every day. I agree with Cherrie about dieting. It was never for me. I made some changes last year before I was diagnosed and have tried to stick with them throughout my treatment and recovery. I stopped eating late at night and forced myself to eat breakfast which I had never done. Mostly, I became more conscious of portion size. I never dieted. I ate dessert, just not every day. I ate ice cream, one scoop instead of two...things like that. I was never great at exercise but I did start walking. Now I walk every day and have been since 3 weeks post surgery. I look forward to my walks, not because of the exercise but because they bring me peace. 

I wish you all the best. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

I recommend My Fitness Pal, too.  I have used it in the past to get a handle of where my diet was lacking.  I agree with Cherrie about not depriving yourself, but more being aware of what you are eating will help you eat a more balanced diet, be healthier, and losing weight would be a great bonus.  My BS said that the reason my drains didn't have much output was that I didn't have much excess weight.  Just a little more motivation, getting those drains out quicker!