DIEP 2015

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  • mefromcc
    mefromcc Member Posts: 188
    edited March 2015

    Morwenna, a jog around the track! Whoo hoo!

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited March 2015

    Mefromcc, definitely don't feel like a wimp! I was even 10-15 years younger than those women that were healing faster than me. I found that I got more hunched over when I tried to do without the pain meds, but with the pain meds it was easier to stretch and get upright sooner (also less back pain overall). Plus, I wasn't such a bitch. Happy

    Wallegator, you look all-girl to me and gorgeous as can be!

    Morweena, way to hustle!

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2015

    wallegator- I just had my surgery on Friday February 13th, and it was very lucky

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Hi Everyone

    I was diagnosed with ILC this past Monday, March 9, 2015. I met with a PS today to talk about options. She recommended the DIEP procedure or implants, but thought DIEP was the preferred procedure for me overall. Can you share with me your reasons for deciding on the DIEP procedure? Are you satisfied with the results? Thanks for sharing.

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2015

    I am going to have a DIEP (although I haven't had it yet) because I have implants now and I want them out. I am wondering why the PS recommended the DIEP as being preferred for you.

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  • nmh35
    nmh35 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2015

    Trvler-

    I know for me the doctor said he preferred DIEP because I'm 35, and he thought with implants I might have to go through a few exchanges in my lifetime.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    She said she would have to use a larger implant because of my breast size and thought the DIEP would provide a better result.

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited March 2015

    I am 55, and I was totally against the idea of implants from the start. I used to work on a plastic surgery unit and followed up with ladies at six weeks post diep/tram. I was always taken with how pleased they were, I think without exception, at that stage.

    Personally I think implants look false, and inappropriate for somebody of my age, and I've heard they also feel false and cold to the touch. I feel I don't do well with foreign substances in contact with my body, and there'd be a high risk of rejection or complications, possibly leading to failure. And then there is the fact that they do need replacing after time. The whole long drawn out process of tissue expanders, filling, replacing? Not for me, thanks!

    Anyway, at the time of my radiation the RO told me that implants would be "difficult" following radiation, and autologous reconstruction would probably be the only possibility.To which I replied that I was fine with that!

    I was concerned about the possibility of flap failure due to my history if blood clotting issues, but I would prefer to be biilaterally flat and symmetrical, rather than continue with one large uniboob, or have an implant.

    I'm not yet symmetrical, exactly, and I did develop lung clots post operatively, but the flaps survived, and I have no regrets having proceeded with the surgery, even though I will now stay on anticoagulant permanently, which took a bit of getting used to!

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited March 2015

    I wanted diep reconstruction after I had radiation, but didn't have enough fat for it. I've had three attempts at implants, and now have a new PS. I've gained 17 pounds in the past year, so hopefully on May 4, I'll have a successful surgery!

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2015

    Morwenna: I will go to my grave convinced that my cancer started in scar tissue from my implants. I know about all the studies saying implants don't cause autoimmune disorders and cancer but the scar tissue is another matter, at least in my opinion.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Morwenna for your reply. I do agree with having your own tissue is a better option than foreign objects in the body. I worry about the long surgery with the DIEP versus implants. I am so sorry you are having to deal with anticoagulation therapy because of blood clots. It seems from this site that most women who have DIEP are pleased with the outcome.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Andrea623, WOW what a journey. Did your body reject the implants? I wish you well on your DIEP procedure coming up. Ironic that you have to gain weight for the procedure. That is not the case with me. I have plenty to go around.

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited March 2015

    Guess I need to join the 2015 group to discuss my Stage II--which I have been working on scheduling for two months now. Getting very frustrated. Also I need to know what things are typically done inStage II in NOLA

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited March 2015

    Hartrish, I had bad contracture the first two times I tried implants. This time, my radiated skin is so thin it's in danger of tearing, and the contracture is back. If I can't do the diep, I'm not sure what I'll do, because I don't really want a lat flap.

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  • Sassy01
    Sassy01 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2015

    hartrish, I had my mastectomy in January 2014. At that time I just wanted the cancer gone, so I did not do immediate reconstruction. We only have a PS locally that can do implants and I hadnt heard great things about him. I waited and finally met with s PS in Seattle in June. He told me I was not a candidate for implants because they didn't leave me much skin. Implants would stretch the skin too much. So, I kept doing my research and finally decided on the DIEP in NOLA. Amazing decision. I'm blown away every day when I look in the mirror. I amso glad I waited and didn't Rush into implants. They are symmetrical, warm and I couldn't be happier. As for the long surgery- look at it as a good nap!

    Mary, Stage 2 is the fine tuning. I had lipo, fat grafting, scar clean up snd he removed some necrosis in the abdominal scar line. I really didn't need much. It was pretty easy. I was back to work in sbout s week and a half.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015

    Hi Sassy01

    Thank you for sharing your experience with me. The PS I want to use is out of network for my insurance but she says she gets 100% approval from insurance companies. Once approved, I will have to follow up and see if there is a difference in my deductible or not. I am leaning toward the DIEP procedure.

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  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2015


    Andrea,

    You are having the same problem I had except I had expanders in and hadn't gotten around  to the implants yet. My radiated side was so thin and tight my PS was surprised it didn't break open. I had strict orders to take it easy, no hugging, nothing that would put tension or pressure on that side before the surgery.

    Also, I put on 20 lbs before the surgery because I didn't have much belly fat. My PS was thrilled . Definitely gave her a little more to work with.  My breasts are not huge, but they will do.

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited March 2015

    Annieb4, after you put on the weight and had your surgery, did you lose any weight? Will our new breasts shrink if we do? I'm only having one side done. I wish I could have both sides, but I don't have enough fat. I wish I could go to NOLA or PRMA, but it's out of my HMO network, and honestly, we can't afford the expense of traveling. Were you pulled very tight after your diep?

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited March 2015

    Mary625, you are very welcome of course to chat on this thread, but you might find more folks who have actually had stage 2 on one of the other threads, eg last year's? As most of us are just starting out on reconstruction.

    There is no formal sign up, nor limit on the number of threads you participate in :)

    Andrea623, I've been told several times that flap tissue acts the same as fatty tissue elsewhere, i.e. if you lose weight it will go from there as well. Having said that, I was never able to lose that little pouch when it was hanging south of my belly button!!! :)

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited March 2015

    I am also on DIEP 2014 thread, but thanks for the suggestion. I just get so tired of waiting for the next step in getting things set up in NOLA and just need to vent! Guess I can do that anywhere.

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited March 2015

    You are welcome to vent here!

    If the diep2014 thread is not so active these days, it might even be a good idea to start your own thread? Then it will perhaps be more visible in the "Active Threads" menu?

    I have no knowledge of NOLA personally, being from the UK, and living in Canada....

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited March 2015

    Mary, try the "NOLA in September" thread too. I've been hearing more and more complaints of the Center not being as responsive. Maybe they are getting to be too well-known.

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  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited March 2015


    Andrea,

    Are you then keeping one implant in? I did lose a little weight after surgery and my breasts stayed the same. I suppose if you lose a lot you will notice it more. And, yes I was and still am pulled pretty tight. I used to have people feel how hard my expanders were, now I have them feel how hard my stomach is. I thought I would be hunched over a lot more than I was, and  was really surprised how fast I was able to stand up straight. I do still get a little sore and stiff once in awhile depending on what I have been doing. Even eating sometimes makes me feel like I want to explode. (hopefully that can't happen!!!)

    I am hoping that starting back at the Y will get me back to pre-surgery weight without losing anything from my breasts.

     

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited March 2015

    Annie, yes, we're leaving my non-radiated one in. I wish I could get rid of them both, but I'll even be happy to have just the radiated side removed. I know I probably won't look even, but I don't right now anyway. I think if for some reason the flap doesn't work out, I'm done trying. I'm ready to move on.

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2015

    This is good info for me as I am consulting with NOLA Monday. I am going to ask about it.

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  • mefromcc
    mefromcc Member Posts: 188
    edited March 2015

    Hi all, had my four week visit with my PS today. He had to trim more of my dead bellybutton out. Plus, I had popped a stitch two days ago which was causing drainage, so he teased that area open and pulled out the stitch that was not cooperating. Neither spot had any feeling in them, so I found it didn't bother me. I still need narcs to sleep at night because one area until my arm is very tender, like I am being stabbed. He immediately touched the exact spot that triggers the pain! Turns out, I have a neuroma there and he is not going to be able to treat it for at least two weeks, depending on how my healing is coming. He told me to be careful not to move my arm in ways to increase the pain, and to continue to take the narcs. I was discouraged about still needing that med when my fellow DIEP sisters have been off them sooner. My sister was driving me home and interrupted me and said, "Hello, ME, this isn't a competition." So she got me laughing. So for the DIEP sisters who will follow me this year, your medication experience will be unique to you, but don't despair if it is more than a month.😌

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited March 2015

    Sorry to hear you are still having issues ME, but good reminder.

    My "slow to heal" patch under my arm on my irradiated side has only really been healed in the last week, and that was without actually developing infection! It was just slow. Now finally at the point where I wouldn't worry about soaking in a tub or even going swimming. Sometimes these things just take time.

    I haven't really had to take narcs, but this week I find I can sneeze without hurting! (9 weeks post op!)

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited March 2015

    After 2 c-sections, I can only imagine how much those sneezes hurt. I can also tell getting in my SUV will be hard. I am going to have to switch cars with my husband for a while I am sure.

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  • Sassy01
    Sassy01 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2015

    Trvler, the DIEP was not so painful, but the abdomen is very tight! I had a hard time standing straight for a week or so. But I quit the pain meds as soon as I got home. I actually had a harder time with my two c sections than the DIEP. I laid low the first week home from surgery and did not drive.A lower car might be easier for a couple weeks.

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  • Morwenna
    Morwenna Member Posts: 1,063
    edited March 2015

    My abdominal incision scar was never really painful. Where I got the discomfort was right across my tummy between my belly button and my lower ribs. My surgeon said there were "a lot of internal sutures in that area", and it would take a few weeks to be comfortable. During surgery they release the abdominal skin and fat layers from the fasciae covering the muscle layer right up to the lower ribs, so they can pull it down to cover the flap donor area. It's not surprising it is a bit stiff and sore at the least.

    I just found if I coughed, sneezed or inadvertently stressed the abdominal area, this caused a sharp increase in pain. It's still a little tender but improving all the time.

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