DIEP 2014

Tbrady - this is a link to the site I believe I purchased them from.  I got this 3 pack in different shades.  I did nips last because Dr. M said my ins was notorious for not allowing procedures beyond the nipples.  If you def think you are going to do a tweak one more time in December, then wait and dedicate the next couple of months to wearing the rub-ons and seeing how you feel about them from both a straight on view (loved them) and a view looking down at the girls (I wanted the projection).  Recovery from nipples is really minor (though for me I had a drain because she did a bunch of work under my left arm).  If you are conflicted - wait!!!

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted on this board in quite some time. I started reading this thread from the beginning but lost patience around page 85. I was diagnosed with IDC in the right breast in 2002. I had lumpectomy, SNB with 19 nodes removed, chemo, rads and tamoxifen/ aromasin. Between the lumpectomy and rads, the affected breast shrunk to about half the size of the other. After 2 PS consults, I'm scheduled for a unilateral mastectomy/ diep reconstruction on November 11 with Dr. Peter Korn and Dr. Pat Pezzello at North Shore University Hosp in Manhasset, NY. There, I've said it! I've been thinking about it for a while and finally got moving on it. I do have one nagging worry, should I do a bilateral? I have a mammo/sono next week and of course if anything at all shows, that will make my decision for me. It wasn't requested that I have an MRI but do you think I should do that? My last one was more than a year ago.

I prefer to keep the natural breast and it's sensation but worry that the diep can only be done once. I certainly have enough belly for two!

Hi Norita,

I had a UMX in November of last year.  Initially I thought about an implant but after further discussion with my PS and Breast Surgeon it didn't make sense when just removing one breast due to placement and symmetry issues (and challenges that radiation can create with implant).  I decided on DIEP and met with two other BC survivors who had the same surgery with the same PS; both had just one breast reconstructed with a lift on the opposite breast to create symmetry.  I was amazed at how close to natural the PS was able to get with the reconstruction and lift.  It helped solidify my decision however, this is a very personal choice.  I wanted to keep the feeling in my chest as well, at least on the "healthy" breast and decided that I would deal with any scan anxiety as it came up since it is more important for me to have the sensation than no feeling at all.  Again, everyone has varied and personal reasons for doing a single or bilateral reconstruction.  My surgery is scheduled 1 day prior to yours on November 10th, the ladies here have given me great advice on how to get thorough the process including what to bring to the hospital. I've copied the notes from previous posts so that I can remember the list, I'd be happy to share the info with you so if you're interested private message me and I'll pass it along.

Also, my PS explained that if necessary (prayers to all that never happens!!) there are other recon options beyond DIEP.     

On another note ladies, I am going to do some pre-surgery shopping to purchase some sweat pants, and pj bottoms to wear post surgery and I was wondering if it makes sense to buy up a size due to drains and/or swelling?  If I normally wear a M should I pick of a L or since they have a stretchy waistband will the regular size be OK?  Thanks in advance!

Another option is yoga pants with wide top bands.  I agree I lived in sundresses.

hi Meg2

I wore white ribbed tanks  that were a size larger than I usually wear.  I could not stand anything rubbing on my abdominal incision and the tanks were  big enough to step into and long enough and snug enough wear under dresses or loose drawstring pants.  

Best of luck to you.    Rose

The countdown begins, one week till my bmx with diep recon.

Thanks so much to everyone who has shared their story * advice, you've helped me keep my sanity during this ordeal.

meg2

I have just completed my uni diep about 2 weeks ago.  I had originally thought all long that I would just do both.... But after a lot of serious thinking and a consult with Dr S. Decided to keep my left to retain feeling and felt that the risk of occurrence in that breast was slim enough to give it a try.   Only time will tell, but I am greatful for whatever time I will have with it ;-)

After surgery.... Men's boxer briefs large size was the way to go in dark colors and sundresses, skirts and even scrub buttoms.  Two weeks out and I am back into regular sweats and work out gear and feeling comfortable without drains.  Next week back to work and I am dreading trying on my work slacks.... Thinking dresses might be best to deal with swollen belly.   I found the drains and carry pouch made me miserable with rubbing regardless of what I wore.

I had a message from Dr.H's office Friday which said if I hadn't heard anything I should assume CT was fine and that I could go ahead with surgery. ?????? So OK she was referring to scan before the recon. I'd lol but at this point getting frustrated. Called again this am talked to an actual person YEA. She read findings to me including big words but what it boiled down to is definite bulge, possible hernia could require repair. I suggested that if it was still there in Jan. I would call and book appt. but she said that there were no notes from Dr. H.  on the file so she is going to get him to review findings and get back to me. Progress

I still pretty well live in yoga pants but I did find jeans that are pull on with wide waist band and have a bit of stretch also some dress pants same type of design. Not as comfy as yoga pants but they look good and are fairly comfortable. Buttons and zippers still hurt and to get a size to fit over swelly belly they are way to big everywhere else

Did anyone have tons of sutures sticking out after surgery?   I am two weeks out and find these darn sutures are popping out of my skin everywhere and rubbing and annoying me.   One is digging into my breast and I fear it is not starting to go from red irritation to white,,, ugh

Getting ready for my surgery next week and wondering about pain meds after. What do most docs prescribe? I don't really like pain meds, hoping to start with the least potent and work my way up if necessary, but haven't discussed this with my PS.

Ok, so I got my letter from the PS office with my whole schedule and instructions! Have to call my PCP to get my medical clearance. I went to Target yesterday and picked up some of the Gilligan and O'Malley pants including a pair that looks OK to go home in. Also a body pillow and some really soft covers. I'm getting some extra regular pillows when I go to Costco. I need some button up PJ tops, has anyone used Soma brand? Are they worth the price? Can you recommend anything good and comfy that's cheaper?  I'm tall so I like that some of the bottoms come in long. I don't think DH's shirts will be comfortable for me because they'll be too big and itchy. Oh, i did get the "wife beater" shirts too. Hate that name. And about a robe, I have either a lightweight short one or a long fleece heavy one. Should I buy something in-between for the hospital? I'm almost always hot, except when I'm freezing .

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!

Norita, when is your surgey scheduled?  I haven't gotten anything for my surgery yet since it isn't until January, but I know I will be wearing the hospitals gown and robe..I actually like the weight of those, since I am usually cold unless I am flashing.  Plus, I have read they like to keep you quite warm. So I will not worry about anything except to come home in.

Debiann - They should talk to you about what has worked in the past. Do no be afraid of pain meds in the beginning. Your body needs rest to heal and you may need pain meds to rest. 

Norita19 - Shopping does give a sense of power! I love Soma! Typically I will buy a favorite at full price and then add in some of the clearance. I feel like Soma is totally worth it. I bought button up night shirts so I didn't have to wear bottoms. The lounge dresses are great too. I used a light-weight robe with pockets. 

Slippers and chap stick

Annie, my surgery is November 11th.