DIEP 2014

just saw your post thank God I am so relieved for you. I've been thinking of you everyday hoping everything ok my heart is smiling for you deep breath sending heartfelt hugs

Deb

Deb, would like to see you but I arrive 10/11.  Thanks for the invitation to call. Tomorrow is busy but may try Tuesday or Wednesday.

Beth

I just met with my PS. He says that I'm making a very good decision by choosing the DIEP flap procedure.  Next up, ct scan of the abdomen.  The original surgery was scheduled for 12/2 but will have to change now that the procedure is different.... 8hrs. vs. the 3hrs. for implants.   I'm hoping sooner rather than later though.  He works with two other doctors and needs to make sure that they are available.  He did mention that the pain wouldn't be as bad as my hysto because there will be no cutting of the muscle. That made me smile. He wanted to make sure that I was ok with being smaller, a B cup. Yesssssssssssss. I was a 38D prior and I am not interested in big boobs. NO THANK YOU. I'LL TAKE THE B's PLEASE. FINAL ANSWER!!!!

hi all.   Week 4 post diep and feeling good.  Happy to be back in a real bra and sleeping on my side again.  Such relief.   Although I did notice the diep side of the bra is much smaller than my other.  Sigh... He promised me same size... It really is a whole cup size smaller. 

Question for those who had stage 2.   I am scheduled for 12/11.   I would like to take kids to a nice island for Xmas vacation (ok.. They could care less... I want it).   But I don't know the restrictions.  Is it 4 weeks no water submersion again and weight restrictions?   Don't want to waste a vacation on the beach sipping cocktails if I can't cool off in the water.  Lol

kb - personally, I would skip the island vacay.  We went to a big reunion 6 weeks after stage 2 and I got a bit tired.  Depends on what your doc has planned for Stage 2, but if there is a lowering of the ab incision or repositioning of the flap you will probably have water restrictions.  Weight restrictions, too.  Rest is the best thing for you, not the hasell of luggage, kids, etc.  I am amazed that you are back in a real bra.  At 4 weeks mine were still pretty swollen.

I also would like to be reminded of others' experiences with incision healing. I am 10 weeks out now, and my abdominal scar had been doing really well. Over the last two weeks, i seem to have some sore spots which have festered a bit--is this "spitting stitches"? My PS wasn't concerned and just told me to keep using antibiotic ointment. Hmmm.

Pzercher, your oinment statement got me thinking if I should be using somthing on my abdomen, I have read others who commented on using oinments. I asked my PS if I should be putting anything on the abdomen incisions and she said no, all doctors are different and i am trying to take a little advise from all and find what works best, did anyone else not use ointment on their incisions? what ointments did/are people using and when (how far out from surgery)? Using the abdominal binder 23/7 only removing to shower. Thank you.

Ridley - I was just about to pm you to wish you luck tomorrow. Good luck! Hope all goes well with your chunky dog ears and revision. 

I'm going in with  Dr H on Tuesday for Nips, and one chunky dog ear . I was cleaning out a closet yesterday and I found a party bag of guaze and other supplies that I've been hanging onto for over a year. I am SO looking forward to getting rid of it for once and for all - so I know exactly how you feel. 

However - you're one step closer to crossing that finish line. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow,

Janet

Thanks Janet -- yes one more step.

I was cleaning out closets on the weekend as well -- must be part of a pre-surgical procedure ritual!

Good luck on Tuesday with Dr. H!

Ridley

Hi Ladies, So here I sit recovering from my gallbladder surgery on Oct 3rd. Lots of muscle stood in the way of the laparoscopic method. I have 4 (at least one inch in length) incisions all over my swollen belly plus my new new belly button! I am praying that this is ny final surgery for 2014! The surgeon said the gallbladder was inflamed with stones so timing was perfect! I already feel better.

Tan72 and pzercher, I have not used any ointment on my belly scar. My PS did not mention it. Perhaps, the Drs want the scars to dry and heal ? My scar is still red and if I do anything - it will get "angry". You should reach out to PS if the scar is opening or oozing.

ChrisInPA: I stopped my arimidex in May. I have been without any oncologist since April. My initial consult with my new MO is 10/28. At this point, I am not sure what I will do if I have to resume. I was developing hair loss with receding hair line with other SE. Not for me.

JMB5: I'm hope your recovery is smooth!

Wishing everyone a wonderful night with some deep sleeps!

Lisa

Heading up for my pre-op tomorrow and phase 2A Thursday.  PS is removing my dog ears, doing some lipo to fill out my left B cup breast which I lovingly refer to as "Mini-Me",  removing the skin flap on the right side and also doing a lift and reduction on the right D cup.  I'm hoping we can meet somewhere in the middle - maybe a C.  Don't know what else PS has planned.   Hoping the lipo gives me a waist so my pants stay up!  She says she will let me spend the night at the hospital due to all the complications during my diep.  I was the one whose BMX and DIEP lasted 25 hours so I'm a little apprehensive about going under again.

Lili. My hair thinned a little bit on Arimidex.  It has been falling out tons since my diep.  Anesthesia plus the stress on my body from surgery are most likely the culprits.

Sweetie. I have had back pain since Diep but worse is a pinched nerve in my neck.   Chiropractor blames it on being in the same position too long.

Sorry, I have been out of pocket the last few days.  Spent some time with my grandson, but that took it all out of me.  

Hope everybody is doing okay.  

I wrote a long post about two days ago and it accidentally disappeared, which happens every so often on this thread...lol.  

Jmb, how are you feeling after your stage 2b?  Great I hope!!!!

sky, yeah for no barfing!!!!!!  Hope the rest of your recovery goes just as well.

Hi all, recovering from my fix.  Doctors opened and cleaned both sides.  At NOLA for 2 days and got home Sunday night.  Met with MO on Monday.  Onco scores 10 and 13.  MO wants to go straight to aromatase inhibitors.  Wants to stop my ovaries if still producing.  I just assumed tamoxifen and then other after menopause.  I am 46 and am probably perimenopausal.  Waiting on blood work to determine. Thrilled with my onco scores but now faced with making some big decisions about meds.  Has anyone heard of stopping the ovaries and going straight to the aromatase inhibitors?  MO says I can get it pulled at the time of my choice and have injections every 3 months to cease production until I am ready for surgery. YIKES another surgery.  And If I agree, does anyone have an opinion as to which drug has the least side effects?  I know this is the wrong forum but you all have been so great.  Any input is GREATLY appreciated.  These decisions are so stressful!!!!

SMD--yes, I've heard of stopping the ovaries and going straight to AI's.  Lots of women have written about it on the other forums. I know that there is benefit to AI's over Tamoxifen in ILC which is what I have.  I don't know about IDC, but the news is probably changing daily.  I was so overwhelmed at the time that I didn't have a strong opinion of AI's over Tamoxifen, but now I do feel that AI's are better at least for me.  I was put into menopause by the chemo and later had ooph just to make sure no estrogen was being produced.  

jmb, sounds like you are really happy!!!!  I am so glad. Yes, that inner thigh lipo is a killer. It passes quickly though. Your surgeon sounds like a dream come true.  I will have my ab incision redone too.  Not lowered just revised.  I hope there are no issues this time.  I can't do that again!!!!  I wouldn't bother except where the incision opened made a large lump when it healed so it shows through bathing suit, panties, etc.  NOT attractive. 

Even if you can't get the laser hair removal in before the end of the year because your scar might be too fresh...there are so many places that do it cheaply now with coupons, etc.  I have friends that have had their whole bodies done, it seems...lol