DIEP 2014

Ridley · June 2015

I had a pelvic MRI after DIEP surgery without problem, but I don't know if I have surgical clips - no one ever mentioned them. Can you call your PS office?

mary625 · June 2015

I called them and they said I could have surgical clips in the abdomen. They said just let the tech know. I'm still nervous though. Hate, hate, hate the MRI

trish01254 · July 2015

Passed the one year mark since surgery. Everything was going great until this week. Had major pain in lower left ab, went to ER. Scan and ultrasound confirmed 8cm ovarian cyst. I guess taking tamoixfen increases risk of these. Waiting for dr appt now to see what happens next.

LiLi-RI · July 2015

Trish01254: So sorry to hear your news! If it is not one thing - it is another for us. Congrats on the 1 year mark - and keep the faith regarding the cyst. Before I was diagnosed with BC, I had complete hysterectomy at 44 yr. I was devastated because I had put career before children. Now - during this journey - I am wondering if it was all part of a larger plan for me. Sending hugs!! Lisa

trish01254 · July 2015

Thanks LiLi, surgery scheduled for end of aug. Gyn/onc wants to take it all so I dont end up in his office again. Now my worry is that the 9cm cysts will grow larger over these few months and the only option will be for him to cut me instead of laproscopic. I told him I would rather him not make any new scars on my frankenstein belly. You've been through alot. Enjoy the beautiful new england summer.

caligirl3 · August 2015

Hello Ladies,

Haven't posted here in a while. Have been extremely busy since finally getting back to work! Hope everyone is doing well. I started a new topic on this but did not get any feedback. Hoping I can get more responses from ladies here. Will be having nipple reconstruction and fat grafting next month. Just wondering what I should expect? Any suggestions for a problem free recovery? What I need to have post op to help in recovery? What you wish you had known before going into surgery? Would appreciate any input! I'm getting more nervous as it gets closer. For those of you who have had nipple reconstruction, are you happy with your decision and with the outcome? I'm taking 2 weeks off work. Is that enough time for recovery? I have a physically demanding job and work 12 hour shifts.

Thank you!

Teacher64 · August 2015

Caligirl- I love my nipples. Love them evEn more after the tattoos. They are the cherries on top! I also had fat grafting. Nipples were a breeze. Once stitches were out, I got nipple covers from Victoria's Secret to shield them. The fat grafting was a rel challenge for me because I bruised a lot. Most don't.,even my PS was surprised about my bruising. Everything healed easily.

Janet_M · August 2015

I love my nipples too!

I was on the fence about having them done, because I'd had enough of being poked and prodded, and I was getting used to having smooth Barbie nipples. But my PS suggested I should see it through because other woman had felt so positively about the experience. I trust him, so I went ahead. And I'm so glad I did. I remember a moment, a few weeks after surgery, when I got out of the shower and felt absolutely gleeful about feeling so complete.

Teacher is right - They were a breeze. However I didn't know that Vicotria's Secret had nipple protectors! My Dr. used gauze with a hole cut in the middle, and protected them with the bottom of a small plastic cup which was taped on. I was awake of rate surgery (1 /12) hours and didn't feel a thing.

I don't know about fat grafting - I only had my dog ears smoothed out which again, was easy.

I really hope you enjoy your finishing touches. We all deserve to have a surgery that's easy and rewarding

Janet

caligirl3 · August 2015

Thank you so much Teacher and Janet for your reassurance! I'm so glad to hear you are both happy with the results. Although I am nervous, I am also excited to complete the process. I will have to check out those nipple sheilds.

lovesroses · August 2015

I'm so glad I read these today. I go on Monday to have revision number 2 and nipple reconstruction. I have also been on the fencepost about whether I wanted to do this. But I have read many positive remarks from you ladies and that sure helps me. Do you have any specifics on caring for the nipples?

aff · August 2015

I had fat grafting and nipple reconstruction in June. I took 2 weeks off and though I was still sore from the lipo I was able to work. I was still sore for nearly 6 weeks but it was bearable. Everyone heals at their own pace. Nipple was a breeze. Wish you both well.

BigSister-2015 · September 2015

Hi all,

I am looking at possibly getting a bilat DIEP down at IU in Indianapolis. Just wondering if anyone here has used them?

trish01254 · October 2015

Hi Ladies. has anyone had to have tweaks done to reconstructed nipple? Mine is fairly flat and nonexistent.

The1toC · October 2015

I have not (still with nothing) but my friend had hers redone this summer after 1.5 yr. As they had gone flat anD colorless. She loves them now. Again. Me I am considering 3d tatts.soon.

jdersh · October 2015

I am hopefully a new survivor with early disease but Lynch Syndrome which is now being more associated with breast cancer ; only 6+ weeks from bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and TAHBSO and abrupt menopause. Tissue very tender and now trying to consider what I ultimately want for nipple reconstruction. (Recreated nipples with tattoo that always require a bra or 3D tattoed nipples that don't). PS- Couldn't yet imagine wearing a bra again! Just can't get past walking out of my shower every morning and seeing my new little breasts ( maybe luckily I am thin with little B 's) in the mirror across the bathroom; but feeling kinda freakish with no areola and nipple. Where do I find photos on line to decide and what have you done? I am SO Sorry for this petty question when many women face much more life concerning ones; I think my new found insomnia and hormones (or lack thereof) is convincing me this is OK to worry about when I know ther are much more important concerns.

Moderators · October 2015

Hi jdersh! Welcome to the BCO community, we hope you are finding the forums helpful.

If you want to see pictures, we know there is a picture forum run by long-time members of the Breastcancer.org community, but that forum is not actually part of BC.org. To apply to gain access to the forum, you'll need to send a private message to the administrators (Lilah and nowhere girl). Follow this link and read the very first post in the thread for more information: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

Hope this helps, and again, welcome to Breastcancer.org!

The Mods

lovesroses · October 2015

Hello friends. Have any of you had more than two fat transfer revisions? I have had 2 so far but I am seriously considering one more before the year is over. My right breast is more hollowed out than the left. I haven't started the nipple reconstruction yet.

sas-schatzi · October 2015

Many here have donated . Thank you !........Wandering around and cheerleading again

Donate today, make a difference directly in all our lives. By supporting BCO, we support each other. Thanks and Hugs

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/110/topic/834331?page=1

Link to the mainboard donation page

https://secure3.convio.net/bco/site/Donation2?df_i...

Many here have donated . Thank you !........Wandering around and cheerleading again

Janet_M · October 2015

jdersh - Don't be 'SO sorry' about questioning nipple construction. It's a pretty big deal to make it all through reconstruction and across the finish line. And it feels so good to make a desicions that while not life-altering, will make you feel good about yourself. After my bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction I had no desire to have any surgeon touch me ever again. My PS gently encourage me to get the 'finishing touches' and since I trust him, I did. My nipples just celebrated their first birthday, and I love them!

Good luck with your decision, and continued healing

Janet

norita19 · November 2015

jdersh,

There is a Facebook group called DIEP FLAP support group whose members frequently post photos. You might find that helpful too.

geewhiz · December 2015

What did everyone use for nipple protectors? Victorias Secret has a product? I cant seem to find a link. My bandages come off tomorrow after fg and nipple recon.

jbdayton · December 2015

I am just using 2 double layers of gauze with a hole cut in it and another gauze for covering. I am also keeping them slathered in Aquafor under first layer of gauze and between top of nipple and gauze covering. This was what my PS instructed me. Mine are looking great at one week post op.

trish01254 · December 2015

My PS made a shield out of some cylinder that hard plastic. However, I have trouble keeping it from moving around. Hopefully this time around the nipple doesnt go flat. It's looking pretty good but might be a little off from my other. Oh well, can't have everything perfect. Now on to the post-xmas diet plan. Holy cow, think I put on 5 lbs.

Janet_M · December 2015

I had the same 'shield'. My Ps made them by cutting the bottom out of a tiny pill cup. I lost one during the first week. So I cut a hole in a stack of gauze and topped it with the cap of a perrier bottle - which I taped on. Worked beautifully! After the second week I went with just stacks of round gauze with a hole in the middle and tape. It's been just over a year and my nipples are gorgeous!

trish01254 · December 2015

So I go for my followup next week. I stopped using the guard. Is it too early to stop? I also have quite a few tails of the clear stitches sticking out all over. Hope those are the dissolve on your own kind. They are clear so hopefully same as what I had in my belly incision.

Have a friend that just had lumpectomy. Her surgeon only removed one node which turned out to be positive. My friend is freaking out that he didnt remove more than the one. Does that make sense that with initial dx of invasive cancer the surgeon would only remove 1 node?

enjoyevrymoment · January 2016

Trish,

Good luck with your follow up appt. I have seen where only one node is removed in others but I would definitely ask my oncologist or surgeon for an explanation. I had invasive cancer with 2 nodes removed, one being sentinel, both negative

JerseyMomOf3 · March 2016

Hi everyone,

Its been awhile! I had my BMX May 2014, and revision surgery September 2014 with lots of fixes and fat grafting. I am supposed to have a second revision next week with my nipple recon. I really want nipples made, but the more I think about doing more fat grafting and tweaking the more anxious I get. My left (prophy) breast is awesome, but the shape on the right is flatter and the first revision, which was extensive and which i thought would fix things well, did not meet my expectations. I stil lhave some dog ears on my ab scar (which were addressed in first revision, but did not resolve them enough) which are annoying and my rightie is still basically the same as beofre the first revision. I was in alot of pain after the revision and I also developed an infection on my leftie which left me more scarred up around where the aerola would be. I just dont know if i want to go through all of that again, especially since i am pretty sure my results will not be fabulous. I am thinking that I could live like this and just get the nipples and the tattooing and save myself the stress and agony. I just started to go to the gym again, starting to feel like I am getting my life back a little and the thought of a long recovery time again is not appealing either! While I am not one to "settle" necessarily, the thought of just having the nips done, getting tattoos and then leaving this behind me sounds appealing.I dont mean to sound negative but I just need to vent about this with people that understand! Does anyone else relate? Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks for listening!

LAstar · March 2016

I relate! I had to have one of my SGAP breasts redone due to extensive necrosis. After 3 years of putting it off, I finally had the uni-DIEP to correct it in Jan 2015. I was supposed to go back in the fall for Stage 2, but I haven't bothered. I have a dog ear and need scar revision, but good enough is feeling pretty good right now. I'm working on losing some weight, so maybe if I am very unbalanced afterward I will reconsider. It's hard to consider going back once you feel strong again. For me, the risk of other complications outweighs the need for everything to be perfect. Heck, they look pretty good!

JerseyMomOf3 · March 2016

LAstar I remember you! Thanks for sharing your situation. I'm so glad your uniDIEP went well. My rightie is where the cancer was, so even though it's a bit lumpy and misshapen I'm so glad the cancer is out and replaced by tummy fat, and you know that is pretty darn good on its own! And I agree about the risk of complications, I have been thinking that as well...it would be a lot to go through , again...thanks so much for replying. It helps tremendously to know I'm not alone!

Janet_M · March 2016

Jerseymomof3 -

Good Morning. I too have mismatched breasts. My left one is a work of art, and my right one is sort of a work of art, if the artist was Picasso and he was allowed a lot of artistic licence. Flatter than my original - and it spreads on the right toward my armpit. But I don't mind. Once I'm in a good bra the difference is only obvious to me. I waited for a year after my original lumpectomies to have my BMX, and by the time I had recovered from that surgery, I didn't want anybody with a scalpel coming anywhere near me. I could have had further cometic reconstruction to 'perfect' my breasts but I didn't think it was necessary. (Also my surgeon had warned me on the outset that they'd be 'sisters, not twins'). And, I was also starting to slowly get back into shape and when I started feeling stronger, my boobs became less of a focus in my day to day life. Of course, it also helped that my clothing helped to even me out.

I was really on the fence about getting nipples, but my PS gently urged me to do it - saying that his patients responded so positively to the procedure. So I did it. I also had a dogear removed which, in my case, was a very simple procedure with no recovery time required. I didn't think nipples would make such a difference - but I was thrilled. It was like Christmas. Tattoos came a few months later and that was even better. My reaction surprised me, because I didn't think it would matter. But having nipples gave my lopsided boobs more symmetry and they immediately looked like they belonged together.

I think your decision would depend on how much you can embrace your 'sisters' and if you can love them just as they are. (I stole that last bit from Bridget Jones. Picture Colin Firth saying it). Knowing that the results may never be fabulous is also an issue. But, also keep in mind that the nipple reconstruction will add definition and symmetry to what already exists. It was my personal experience that my two mismatched mounds became my new and improved breast the second the nipple protectors came off. For years they felt like a science project, and suddenly, they were mine again.

It's not an easy decision. And it sounds like you had more complications than I did - so our situations are different. But I understand the conflict between wanting to move on, and, wanting to get things right. In the end I was fairly sure I could live with what I have. Now that I'm done, I'm extremely confident that I made the right decision for me.

Good luck with everything as you move ahead. Decisions are tough. Just keep in mind that you are through the hardest part and at this point there is no wrong decision - just a different adventure. ( I stole that piece of wisdom from my mom)

DIEP 2014

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