DIEP 2014

Thanks Ridley and mefromcc.  It was JBDayton I was thinking about.  Found the reference in her signature and sent her a PM.

The local PS wanted to do surgery tomorrow (do not know what kind), but since I see the primary PS in Philly on Wednesday, they spoke this afternoon and will defer any decision until after that appt.  The local PS snipped away a bunch of stitches and packed me to the gills with gauze that will need to be removed/replaced daily for 6 weeks - at least until the primary PS sees me the day after tomorrow and makes a decision on what to do.  Couldn't even look while he was doing it.  The mere mental image had me nauseous.  I will start looking for the term "wound vac" and see what I find.  In pain right now and not happy about this new development.  He said my mesh is exposed.  I didn't even know I had mesh.  

Chris,

Ask about the posibility of Hyperbaric chamber for wound healing. At hospital near me, there is a wound healing center and they have a room that is hyperbaric, not a tank.  You sit/ lay down for a prescribed time daily for a few weeks, it is suppose to be excellent to heal wounds.

Get better soon

Vivian

Howdy all -- I had my DIEP (BMX) in November of 2012 -- and thought I'd post here to let you know that 2 years out, I just got married (June 14th), my new breasts are amazingly "normal" looking and feeling, and gain/lose weight when I do... and I feel great!

For those of you struggling in the month-or-two following surgery, it does get better.

Advice:

The more exercise you get, the better. (Gentle at first -- My favorite is still walking in the woods for a mile or two)

The more gentle stretching (especially of the node-removed side arm) the better. (and talk to your onc, but don't wait "too long" to begin using that arm normally again, because I resisted (the arm was sore and so much easier to use the "good one" -- but at my age arthritis is ready to set into any joint that you don't use consistently.

Stay positive: This too, shall pass.

Try to relax and not worry. It helps your recupperation if you aren't constantly stressing... so try some relaxation techniques like when you catch yourself worrying... simply say "stop" and go DO something else. Take a walk around the block, sit in the sun a few minutes and feel the warmth on your skin... open your eyes and look at the trees blowing in the wind... listen to the birds and the rustling of the leaves... stand out under the night sky and lose yourself in the stars... go to a good movie.... read a chapter of a good book... take a nap... take a bubble bath by candle light... pet your dog/cat/kid... try a new hairstyle... paint your nails... 

Try not to obsess by "venting" (even here) -- because usually the more you talk about your fear the more real it becomes. 

Look for the silver linings. 

Believe it or not... the last 3 years of my life, including caretaking my wonderful Dad through his esophageal cancer and then stage 4 brain tumor (including living with him for 6 weeks in Hospice to his eventual Death)... followed 6 months later by my own BC diagnosis and 2 years of surgeries and recoveries... HAVE BEEN THE BEST THREE YEARS OF MY LIFE!

So, take heart, Girls -- Life is complicated and for every situation you can honestly find the lesson and epiphany in it that catapults you forward to being a better, stronger, and happier human being. Breast cancer has taught me a lot about myself, and helped me define what is important to me, what I love, and gave me the "permission" I needed to drop some of my "responsibilities" (like quit a job that you hated, or learn to say "no" to committees and friends/family who were accustomed to my caring for them over my own needs... ) 

BC taught me to focus on the healthy and positive aspects of my Life, and spend more time there in those "happy places" -- and to "save worry" for later... which, if you wait long enough, you forget what you were "supposed" to worry about!

There is a country/western song "I Wish You Could Live Like You Were Dying". Well -- the human condition is that we ALL are going to die... and this BC could be just the thing that sets you free to choose your new path to being the NEW you that you always wanted to become!

Love you all -- I am adding one photo (foobs look pretty good, huh? Just to show you how great you, too, can feel in only a year or two... so hang in there!

Linda

Linda - thanks for posting.  I remember you as you went through the surgery and challenges.  Your positive attitude is an inspiration to us all.  Congrats on finally marrying that wonderful rancher - he took good care of you though the bad times, now share the good!

I went back to work today, 1/2 day to start, but all went well. Funny thing, for the last 4 weeks all I said was "I can't wait to get back to work", but now that the time has come, I'm not as happy as I thought I'd be. I think what I really meant to say was "I want to FEEL good enough to go to work, but actually stay at home." Lol.

I'm starting mederma today, fingers crossed it works!

Just popping in to say hi.  I should be sleep since I have to report to hospital at 9 am for Stage 3.

Linda - congratulations on your wedding

To newbies - Do not take a lot of stuff to hospital, you will not use it.  Do not buy compression garments before you discuss with your PS.  They all of different requirements

Healing prayers for all who need them.

Hugs ((()))

Linda

You are such a ray of sunshine.

Thank you for reminding me to keep my positivity, even in trying times.

I needed that today.

Good healing to all of us!!

dixie

Iowagirl.

How is your phase 2 healing up?

I went for my pre-op testing this morning and I'm not sure how I feel about something that was said.  The nurse doing the evaluation told me she had gone for a consult for a tummy tuck and was told it would cost $15,000.00. And then she said.... you guessed it! "You're so lucky you get to have it done and have insurance pay for it!"  I very calmly and nicely explained I was quite sure my stage 3 cancer must have cost me at least that much with all the surgeries, treatments and testing I've had over the last 12 years and I feel very fortunate to have my life right now. I guess I am happy that this procedure is available to me and my insurance will pay for most of it. But lucky, not really.

Norita, that's a crap thing to have to hear.  Sorry you had to deal with such ignorance.

Annieb4.   Thanks for asking.  Called PS office and talked to a nurse. She told me the hardness and swelling are normal after lipo.  I asked if I could email a pic and was reminded that email is not secure. She said I could email it to the NY but it all sounded routine.  My PS is gone for the week.   It's painful but I will continue with pain meds until she returns.  Frustrated.  This nurse is new to me.

Mary625, it was interesting to learn this week that the people who specialize in wound care are not your doctors or doctor's office staffs - they are the wound care center specialists and the home health care nurses.  Makes sense once you think about it, wound care is specialized but not to the point of inpatient care.  I find out today if I have to have a wound VAC and asked the home care nurses how that is done (hospital, doc office, etc...).  They smiled and responded, "no, WE do that - doctor's staffs and hospitals aren't trained for placement".  I have never been through or known anyone to have been through after care of this nature (other than physical therapy), so every day brings new information.  Love my home health care team - they are the best at what they do.

Norita - Your nurses comment was idiotic. I've been told countless times how 'lucky' I was and to have a free boob job and a tummy tuck, but only by well intentioned friends, and never by anyone involved in the medical profession. 

I was also told that I was 'lucky' to be bald, with no hair to worry about. But again, only by people that didn't know better. Nurses know better. The way you handled it was very gracious, and I admire your calmness. Well done. I'm betting she learned a lesson that day. 

Jmb -- I laughed at the shopping -- I became a very proficient on-line shopper during my recovery after surgeries.  I had a little splurge during this most recent one and the boxes are still arriving.  One more box to come I think!!

Hello all and Congrats to Linda.

Saw my ps for first post surg appt after fat grafting. Diep breast looks awesome. Lat flap breast got more grafting and is a bit lumpy and more swollen.  I hope it settles well, but PS is thinking it may need one more round and then completion. Ears removed and sides totally flat. He used the abdomen scar to graft so no new scars.  Belly Button is now closed. It is a very shallow indent, but I am happy with it, so we left it alone.

Take care all,

Vivian