DIEP 2015

Morwenna, I am so sorry to hear about your problems. I'm thinking of you and sending hugs. Xox

Just heard from the Ambulatory surgery nurse. My surgery tomorrow is scheduled for 0730, so I must be there at 0545. Fortunately, at that time of the day it is only a 30-45 minute drive. I'm more scared of having to stay in the hospital than the surgery itself. When I had my BMX I not only went home the same day, but walked out the center to my vehicle.

Morwenna, that sounds incredibly frustrating. So sorry you have to go through this blood clot ordeal. It must make you extra tired on top of the plain-old recovery tired. Thinking good thoughts for you

Hi everyone! I'm new to this group, so here's my backstory. I had a BMX with immediate TEs placed in September 2012. Due to poor margins, I had to have radiation, and that's where all the problems started. My first PS said no problem to implants after radiation, so 7 months after rads ended, I had my first exchange. I quickly developed capsular contracture, so 6 months later, he removed the implant, cleaned up the scar tissue and used a smaller implant. I had a lot of discomfort still, and wanted to pursue a flap recon instead. So, I saw a new PS, who is very experienced with DIEP, and was set to have one last September, but the CT scan showed very small blood vessels in my abdomen. We decided to try anatomical implants instead, as I really didn't want a lat flap, and now the skin on my rads side is extremely thin, and the implant is causing discomfort and pain every day. I saw my PS again today, and he said we could attempt the diep. He said he'd remove my right implant, reposition the muscle, and look at the veins in my abdomen to make sure they would be suitable for the surgery. We scheduled a surgery date of May 4. I am willing to give this a try, as my only other option is the lat flap, and I really don't want to lose the muscle from my back. He told me not to lose any weight, or I would not have enough fat for the procedure, which I find funny, as I have quite a lovely stomach pooch going on. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this time I'll be able to have the surgery, and my veins will be large enough for a good blood supply to the flap!

Best wishes to everyone, and sorry to have written a novel for my first post.

Mefromcc, best wishes for a smooth procedure tomorrow! I love an early surgery time so there is less time to fret! Anyone who walks out after a BMX will be doing laps around the hallways in no time after DIEP!

Five_cents, I hope your rib is on the mend. Also, 9 days out your breast can still be very swollen so maybe it will be closer to the desired size in a few weeks.

Andrea623, I had vessel grafting done when my vessels were poor. Hopefully yours will be just fine as they are.

Morweena, no game-face needed here. Thanks for sharing the situation also. I think sometime folks try to not worry those with upcoming surgeries, but we all benefit from knowing the range of issues that can arise.

I'm 16 days out from my uni-DIEP and am happy with the results so far. I'm nearly off the pain meds but still rather tired. My husband and I go for morning walks and then I spend the day video-binging and snacking. One-handed dishwasher loading wore me out today! I hope to start working at home part-time next week and full-time the week after. Fingers crossed for no complications. The necrosis in my original SGAP breast wasn't noticeable until 3 weeks after Stage 1, so I'm still holding my breath a bit.

Had to have MRI biopsy on right side and it came back benign! I will proceed with mastectomy and DIEP on left. My doctor wanted to do Oncotype test on tumor he removed during lumpectomy. I was told today that my insurance does not cover it and if I don't qualify for assistance then it would cost me $4500! Has anyone else had this test run?

Karen

SheriCola, I got that dreaded visit the day of my surgery. I didn't notice my cramps with all the meds, but using a pad was tricky with that catheter. I'll spare you all the details. Best wishes!

For those who have already had the surgery, how long did you have the drains? Were you very tight in the stomach area? How long were you off work? I have a million questions! Thanks!

I haven't but you made me laugh with the bubble wrap reference. If it happens to me, I will have to keep my kids away from it.

Thanks ladies, the sloshing seems to have stopped but I'm swollen. Do I need to worry about swelling if it's not red or sore?

Neta, I would be concerned that there is a seroma that is so full that it no longer sloshes. I had a hip seroma with my SGAP and it had what the ladies call the "waterbed" effect. When touched it would ripple slightly. Do you see anything like that? If it's a seroma, it may need to be aspirated. It's not awful but not fun.

Welcome back, mefromcc! Rest well!

Good point LAStar. Keeping an eye on it.

Happy to hear things are going well for those coming out of surgery!

I am waiting to hear next week if my surgery will be an immediate reconstruction or delayed. The RO and PS are going to discuss as I will need 28 rounds of rads after my mastectomy, and there is a debate about irradiating transplanted tissue. Personally, I would rather the immediate, one surgery instead of 2, and having all this done before the new year!

take care all!