DIEP 2015

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  • Som
    Som Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2015

    Thank you annieb4.   You really nailed what I'm feeling about not feeling so self-conscious if I actually had two "breasts."  I think back when I had tissue expanders in, which looked sort of crazy and were hard as rocks, but with clothes on I felt "normal" and looked "normal."  Does your abdomen scar sit above or below your underwear line?  Also, when they pull your stomach skin down to sew you back up, does it pull your pubic area up?  Thanks for all the info!

    Trvler: Thank you also for your recommendation to consult other plastic surgeons.  I am currently with the same one I've had through my surgeries (mastectomy with expanders/implant exchange/revision/implant removal). 

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  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2015


    My scar is above my panty line. It is right in line with my jeans, which I don't like especially if my jeans are a little tight. I was surprised how high my scar was. There is no way I could wear a two piece swim suit, unless the bottoms were high. And as for the pubic area, no that really is not that different. I will say my PS did a great job. I think the whole thing looks strange because I truley do not have a belly.

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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited April 2015

    Annie -- My scar is below my panty line in the middle, but above it at each end, if that makes sense.  Honesty, I never wore a bikini before BC, so for me the scar was not a big concern.  I know it is a really big deal for some, so I'm not downplaying it at all.  I think I did get pulled down from the top and pulled up from the bottom re: the abdo scar, but not too much.

    Just had the stitches removed from nipple recon today.  My PS said I could book tattoos in 10 weeks.  Have to protect the nips for 4-6 more weeks, which is interesting re: clothes dressing. The hospital uses these little medicine cups, upside down to protect them when you come out of surgery.  They are not the easiest things to disguise!!


     

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  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2015

    Ridley.,
    Yup that makes sense. Just like a big ol Smiley right on your belly.

    I don't think I am getting nips, just the 3D tattoos.  I like the smooth look under clothes since I don't like to wear bras, and I just really don't want to have to mess with nipples.  I just want to be over this whole thing.

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

    I'm almost one week post Stage II. There's a sloshy puddle under my right arm where they didn't put a drain. PA said that we'll let it reabsorb, but call if it's getting worse or not getting better. I can make those farting noises under my arm with it, smack it and it sloshes, and sometimes there are sound effects just walking. I think it could be an area as big as my palm. Anyone had this? Thoughts?

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

    Thought: you are going to be a hit at parties! Seriously, if it's too bothersome, you can have it aspirated. It's a big ol' scary-looking needle, but these areas are usually pretty numb and they can add a little lidocaine too. I wonder if lymphatic drainage massage could help. "Sloshing" seems like it might require the big guns! Best wishes on getting this resolved.

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  • mefromcc
    mefromcc Member Posts: 188
    edited April 2015

    I had problems with seromas after my skin sparing BMX. My BS would aspirate the areas every two weeks or so. He'd remove about 40ml most times on one side. I got a kick out of sloshing the fluid. I didn't feel the needle at all because the area was numb.

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

    I went back to work last week. I'm a physio but in Home Care, so I do a lot of sitting/driving. I noticed at the end of last week, my right Foob, which was always bigger than my left (irradiated) side, looks even bigger and has some pitting edema and looks a bit flushed to about 3 cm about the upper incision line (I have the football effect scar).

    I saw my PS yesterday, and he said he doesn't think infection, but to watch it. It may be some truncal lymphedema, so to try adding a bit of compression (Sports bra). I already have established mild/moderate LE in my left arm, and now I am concerned about my right. I never thought about it as an issue before surgery, as I didn't know the lymph nodes could be affected. I get tenderness along the back of my forearm and hand, especially on rising, and I can actually SEE the lymph vessels on the back of my hand when they are sore/distended. Kind of interesting, as I never saw lymph vessels before, so I don't think that can be common! But I really DON'T want to end up needing compression garments for BOTH arms!

    I always used (and still do) my right arms for blood draws, currently weekly as they are trying to stabilize my INR on warfarin. If they say I shouldn't use my right arm it is going to be a real issue!

    My ankles are also up and down with swelling, and my weight can vary 5 pounds more or less in a week, so it's obviously fluid issues. Sigh

    Anyway, I've signed consent for a revision (stage II) surgery probably toward the end of the year to achieve a but more symmetry and reshape the right..... I'm not in a big hurry for another anesthetic, after my lung clots, and I have quite a busy summer planned, and no sick leave left, so I'm OK with waiting.

    Ack ... I've had a tough month: two friends have passed from breast cancer and another (friend's sister) from endometrial cancer, plus I wasn't able to attend my mother's ashes ceremony in the UK, so sad about that too. Just feeling sad.

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  • Brandi999
    Brandi999 Member Posts: 143
    edited April 2015

    Morwenna so sorry about what you are going through. LE is one of the things that I fear. Does it ever go away? That uncertainty is only compounded with seeing people you care about die from this horrible disease. I'm glad that isn't anything I've had to deal with thus far.

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  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 1,216
    edited April 2015

    Morwenna, I'm also so sorry about everything. Sometimes I can't find words to express, but just want to give you a big {{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}.

    Shari

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

    Morwenna: I am so sorry about your friends and surgery issues. What Shar said. Hugs to you.

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2015

    Morwenna - so sorry you are having to deal with this. I hope you get a solution soon.. Sarah ((hugs))

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

    I wore a sports bra today, and the swelling in my right breast is much improved. I'm seeing my lymphedema PT next week, and maybe she will measure my right arm again and see if I need to be doing anything.

    I have a habit of trying to ignore my suspicions, sometimes to my cost ..... Had a nice supper with a girlfriend tonight, and not feeling so down generally.

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  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 1,092
    edited April 2015

    Morwenna - glad you are feeling better after going out with your friend. You've had a lot to deal with in a fairly short period of time. Glad the sports bra helped and good that you will be talking to the lymphedema PT. Glad you're stage 2 revision is being scheduled; we must have missed each other once again at appointments - I was in the same office for my PS yesterday for my preop appointment.

    At the appointment he said that he didn't want to do nipple sparing mastectomy on the left side as there are ducts in the nipple (concern re: IDC developing on that side but he offered areola sparing mastectomy. Has anyone else here had it or planning to have it?

    I will also only be having the DIEP on the right, not enough abdominal fat for both sides. Disappointed by this as it means expander on the left, then implant. I was hoping to convince him but he said I would be flat if he tried to use for both sides.

    Thinking of those who had surgery this week, hope all is going well and that we will hear from you soon

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  • mefromcc
    mefromcc Member Posts: 188
    edited April 2015

    Am I reading the calendar schedule correctly?!? No one in this group is scheduled for surgery until May? We have two weeks without having to send good vibes for our fellow DIEPs? Yeah!

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2015

    Was scheduled to see surgeon this afternoon, but my appointment was cancelled as she had an emergency (not sure yet if ano patient or her emergency as she is due a baby towards the end of May!) I'm now booked in to see the Physicians Assistant on Monday morning. So , so disappointed to miss the chance for my drains to come out as they are really nipping now and will not be missed.

    In the scheme of things a couple of days are nothing. I am 11 days out from my op and I love the results so far. I've even seen a birthmark I had at the top of my leg that I haven't thought about, so probably couldn't see, for years. In place of my appointment I went out with my sister who is visiting from the UK and has been my angel. We had lunch in the beautiful SoCal weather at a local Cafe/wine bar. (I felt a little like an escaped patient with my drains dangling under my top!) Stuck strictly to no wine and to some blood orange San Pellegrino. Was so nice to be back in the real world for an hour or two.

    How is everyone else who have had their surgery? I wish you comfort, healing and rest.

    (((Hugs))) Sarah

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  • Melissa86
    Melissa86 Member Posts: 9
    edited April 2015

    Hi all, I am new to the group but I have my surgery scheduled for Thursday April 30th. A little nervous but just ready to get it over with!

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2015

    Welcome Melissa86, you'll find lots of shared experiences and support on this thread. I am certainly glad I have had my surgery. Have you PM'd Morwenna? as thats the best way too make sure she put you on the list.

    I am finding I am recovering better than from my last survery which was only a month after my chemo.




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

    You need to visit Timmy's more regularly Websister .. or something .... I had plenty spare tires ... I think my reconstructed righty is even bigger than it was before surgery! ... and I'm so looking forward to having it reduced. I'm sure it is at least two cup sizes bigger than lefty!

    edit: I'm really quite fond of lefty, having been flat on that side for two years :)

    Not feeling so swelly this morning, and singing tonight at Calgary Sings event http://www.up2something.org/content/calgary-sings-...

    I'm OK (I keep telling myself this til I believe it!) :)

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  • Hopkins2015
    Hopkins2015 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2015

    This past Friday was 4 weeks post op and I saw my PS on Thursday. He gave me the ok to return to work full time starting Monday. He said I was a good healer but I think he is also a skilled surgeon and I am so glad to have a wonderful team at Hopkins. I will see him again in 5 months to plan phase 2. I had radiation 15 years ago so he says it takes longer to heal on the inside and for the swelling to go down. I know I will be tired but it will feel good to get back to my normal routine. I have no restrictions except for not lifting more than 10 pounds for the next 2 weeks

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  • Bogie
    Bogie Member Posts: 286
    edited April 2015

    Hello Deip Sisters to be!

    I am not new to the forum, but new to my upcoming Deip procedure coming up and happy to return on a better note than cancer.

    My surgery is scheduled for June 10th at NOLA with. Dr. Sullivan lead and probably Trahan Co-Surgeon. I would love to hear if anyone who have gone to the center for restorative break surgery with this group. If anyone is scheduled that week I will be at Hope lodge post surgery with my daughter.

    Bogie


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  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 1,092
    edited April 2015

    Welcome, Melissa86 and Bogie!

    Scwilly and Hopkins2015 - sounds like you are both doing really well postop.

    Morwenna - I like the 'I am OK' :) Hope you enjoyed your singing event. Re: Timmy's - so that's the trick ;)

    I do think that being gluten free for GI reasons has not been helpful re: abdominal fat. Just going to get on with it now that implant confirmed and trust his reputation as an excellent plastic surgeon.

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  • hartrish
    hartrish Member Posts: 380
    edited April 2015

    Hi Everyone

    I had my BMX with SIEP reconstruction last Thursday. Came home today. Doing well. Did SIEP instead of diepbecause the vessel was so good.

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

    Glad to hear it all went well for you Hartrish! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

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  • Sassy01
    Sassy01 Member Posts: 61
    edited April 2015

    Bogie, I had my DIEP with Dr Sullivan last August with Stage 2 in December. Have you had your consult yet? Or will it be the day before surgery like me? Dr S is amazing. The entire staff with the Center and hospital are incredible. You just need to show up and everything will be taken care of! I feel it was the best decision I have made to go there. If you have any questions feel free to private message me!

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  • websister
    websister Member Posts: 1,092
    edited April 2015

    Good to hear from you, hartrish - adding my wishes for a speedy and uneventful recovery


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  • TallyLassie
    TallyLassie Member Posts: 56
    edited April 2015

    Hi Everyone! I'm 3 weeks post-surgery for uni-mastectomy and DIEP.I've followed this board and some on Facebook, but haven't posted here till now.Thanks to all for your tips as I've read through everything, so here's to those still to get surgery.The first week was challenging but its gotten better since.I went out of town for a great surgeon, Dr. Jason Rosenberg in Gainesville, FL.It was worth it because the surgery only lasted about 4 1/2 hours and he has a fantastic team of nurses who cared for me around the clock for 3 nights in the critical care unit. When I first woke up, I couldn't believe that I basically had the same breast that I had before (without nipple).It swelled up and went different colors, but is calming down now.The drains were horrible but I only had them in for a week, the last one came out after 10 days.BEST PART: No cancer seen in the biopsy!I had pre-surgery chemo plus Herceptin and Perjeta.No radiation needed!

    I was glad I had bought LARGE things to fit into around the bandages and drains: pajamas I lounged in after day 2, a button front shirt dress I wore home, zip front hoodie and xx1 pullup shorts.I didn't get the bra right and the nurses sent my husband to Kmart to buy a $7.99 cotton front-clip number. Actually 3 of them because he first bought my regular size (38) but I quickly ballooned out of that, so he got a 42 which worked (and a 44 just in case).If you are buying a bra, go at least one size larger than you currently are.The hospital had just about everything I needed, but I kept a little fanny pack by my bed with these comfort items: eyeshades and earplugs (because there is always light and noise), eye drops, lip gloss, reading glasses, phone, and IPod for favorite tunes.

    I've stayed on oxycodone pretty steady for the first 10 days and that helps a lot. The doctor gave me 60 5-325 tabs and I thought it was too much, but I needed them and still am taking one each day. I hit a pain plateau about 2 weeks in and I'm feeling a little frustrated at not making more progress, but he said it would be 6 weeks till I'm feeling like myself.I had a very tight tummy sewn up and still not fully upright.Some pain in my underarm and I'm moving it to keep from getting too tight.

    Still sleeping on my back propped up on many pillows.I don't want to mess any of my incisions up, so still moving gingerly around.I'm wearing Jockey "tame that tummy" underwear that compresses the incision nicely, still putting bandages over it.I'm still wearing my sports bra day and night.

    Stool softener, lots of water, and a healthy diet are keeping me regular.I had to give up coffee, but hot tea in the morning helps with regularity.I'm eating Greek yogurt with granola and fruit, smoothies, eggs, salads, chicken soup and other whole foods with protein, and I added some powdered protein to drinks.I hope to get out for a walk today, because I haven't been exercising much.I did a lot of walking, yoga, and squats prior to surgery to help with my mobility and it really did help with getting out of bed at first.

    My husband has been the best supporter through all of this, in addition to these great boards.Good luck to those awaiting surgery and my admiration to all who preceded me and posted about your experiences!

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

    TallyLassie--you've really shared a lot of valuable info! I wish you continued healing.

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

    Tallylassie: Good to hear you are doing well! Take care of yourself.

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  • rlynn76248
    rlynn76248 Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2015

    Hello All

    New to this site, I am having a consultation with PRMA for DIEP, Will be taveling from MN. I havent decided if uni or dbl. Who is the best Dr. for DIEP at PRMA.

    Also If anyone has had a DIEP were you able to keep your current cup size or did you all have to go smaller, I am not thin by any means and currently have D Cup I would like to keep. Renee



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