DIEP 2015

Trvler,

Thank you for all your advice. You are right that we need the best surgeons for this procedure. I have decided to pursue NOLA. I am going to check to see if they will take my insurance. I have a few logistical questions for you. How long did you need to stay in New Orleans after you were released from the hospital? How often did you have to return to New Orleans for follow up appointments? I love the idea of two doctors making the surgery time shorter. Do you need someone to stay with you in the hotel after discharge?

Thanks for your advice!

Smvr

Ramonica, one of the ladies on the 2014 forum developed an abdominal bulge. They ended up treating it with ultrasound. It took several treatments. I think it was some kind of scar tissue?

I am 4 weeks post DIEP. My doc didn't have any recommendations for or against a bra (except to say no underwire), so I went without for the first 2-3 weeks. I started wearing a soft sports bra last week because it felt more comfortable to have a little support.

I also wear yoga pants most of the time. I had gotten a pair pre-op because the women on the 2014 DIEP forum recommended them. All I can say is, "Yoga pants, where have you been all my life?" LOL. My girls love them, and now I know why! The light compression they provide on my belly is nice so that I don't feel like I am falling apart.

Smrlvr, I believe that all facilities use 2 surgeons for a DIEP. There is just so much to do that it takes two of them, even if the mastectomy is already done. The second surgeon on my case was another doctor that was skilled in DIEP.

I had mine done at a teaching hospital, so I was a little nervous about them having residents work on me. (As a nurse, I know what happens at teaching hospitals!) So, I asked my surgeon. He said that there are times that a resident will help out while a main surgeon is taking a break--after all, they can't go 9 hours straight!--but he would ALWAYS be scrubbed and in the room and residents would not be doing the nitty-gritty. I was comfortable with that.

Also, as a teacher I have learned that the best way to learn something is to teach. I am pretty sure that there were always two nurses at my side for each of the doppler checks of my breasts (at least the ones that I woke up enough to remember!). It was good to hear one teaching the other, and to have two heads to decide if the pulse was adequate.

Smrlvr:

I think I was down there 11 days for the original surgery. I was in the hospital 5 nights instead of 4 because I had a bit of bleeding and they had to go back in. You will need someone to stay with you. The washing and drains can be tricky to do on your own at first. I think some people may have done it on their own. If you could consult with them before surgery in person, I encourage you to do so. If there is a particular surgeon you want, tell them before you go there as you will get who they want to give you otherwise. I will probably go back for Stage 2 in April. Other than that, I don't know that any return trips are needed. They also work with a handful of hotels to give you room discounts and have one place that you can stay for free if you have a cancer diagnosis and they have room. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. YOu might want to PM me because I don't' always read this thread.

I'm scheduled for my DIEP flap surgery June 6th, 2016. I was DX with DCIS in my right breast last May. Had a lumpectomy, re-excison, and 33 radiation treatments that ended in mid October. At a follow-up appointment with my oncologist I was scheduled for a mammogram so that they could check my right breast every six months. To my dismay there was some suspicious calcifications they were concerned about. Biopsy revealed Atypical Ductile Hyperplasia which is not cancer but they wanted to remove it asap. I decided (with my husband) that I was over this and didn't want to deal with it any longer. Had rt MX just before Christmas with plans for MX for the left when I do reconstruction. Six months need to pass on my radiated breast before PS will do surgery which works for me because I'm a 46 y.o. "atypical" college student in her senior year. (I'm over that too. Just want to be finished with school as well.)

Originally I wanted to have a GAP surgery because the stomach scar from DIEP is very disturbing to me. (Vanity I'm sure). I live in Boise and had to drive to Salt Lake City for a microsurgeon. I found a great surgeon in Dr. Reuben. I'm active...I mnt bike, ride my horse, kayak, paddle board, yoga and I had met with a PS here in Boise that wanted to do a Lat flap on both sides. Using my back muscle was not within my comfort zone. I'm fairly thin. I'm 5'9" and weight between 140-145 depending on how close I am to finals. (I forget to eat when I'm studying hard.) After being given the options of DIEP and IGAP by Dr. Reuben, with both producing a small B, probably an A cup I almost decided not to do either and remain flat. I haven't been bothered by it too much and a long surgery with a long recovery was not very appealing for a cup size that will potentially be smaller than I am now. After reading so many stories on these discussion boards I decided I'm going to do it. (PS did tell me that he could add more fat if needed by fatgrafting at stage 2.) My vanity had me looking at tattoos to cover that stomach scar and there are some great ideas out there. I decided not to do the IGAP for a couple of reasons. My surgeon has not done very many of them, and I was concerned over possible problems long term with sitting. I have a bony sit bone type of butt now. I don't need to expose those bones too much more. Especially since I need them for my saddle on my horse and my bike.

Anyways, I'd like to thank everyone for posting their stories and experiences. I have read through this one, DIEP 2014 and DIEP 2015 too. I wanted to find the right choice for me. This forum was a great way to make a decision that would be my own.

The tummy incision is what I was most afraid of with the DIEP as well. Now that I am on the other side, I find it doable.

It is the hardest part to recover from, but I am not unhappy with the scar. It is low and hides under my panties. Mine doesn't look too bad, and I am only 5 weeks out from stage one, so I have hope.

welcome coolgrammie, best of luck to you on 2/18. I'm in Charlotte also. Wishing you well!!!

hi coolgrammie,

I way over prepared and used hardly anything I had bought in advance! Yes CMC/Levine. My best purchase was a power recliner. I sleep in it still! I tried sleeping in bed with pillows but it is hard to get comfortable and stay comfortable when you are trying to sleep.

Drain management is the biggest hassle. The camisole they suggest with drain pockets is good, however most of the time I was not wearing anything and I used pink pockets where I could attach them inside a big shirt. However the hospital will provide you with the most useful drain holder of all, definitely go home with at least two of them! Comfy sweat pants or pj bottoms or I am now wearing yoga pants. You won't be able to wear anything tight at your waist for quite a while. I'm 4 weeks out now.

Another useful item is a bed buddie - one of those things you can heat up in the microwave - it helps with muscle aches. It helped me get to sleep sometimes too.

You will definitely want help at home for the first week home, maybe the 2nd also. My Sister stayed with me in the hospital and then my DH took over once home and was wonderful.

Best of luck to you!

Hello CarolinaAmy

This has all been a whirlwind experience so far. I'm not so sure about protocol. I am so new.My surgery is scheduled for Feb 8, my BS is Dr.Sarma, really like and feel very comfortable with her. she will sit and explain anything I need to know. My PS is Dr. Lefaivre. I have my pet-ct scan Jan.20 and pre-op Jan. 28. Will keep you posted if I learn anything new.NotAgain is the one who has a lot more knowledge, she has already had her surgery and is on the mend..so happy for her

Hi Carolina and cool.

No compression or binders for me. Their method is similar to BigSister's. And when you say pre-op process not sure what you mean. But I have always had my DH or sister with me all the way.

CarolinaAmy, My husband was allowed to be with me right up to the minute they wheeled me into surgery, so you should be good to go. It is good to have someone there as they are getting you ready.

What to Bring to the Hospital

As to what to bring--not much. I used

• toothbrush/toothpaste
• phone/charger/extension cord
• lip balm
• Biotene moisturizing mouth spray
• lanyards
• clothes to wear home (loose pants, loose top or button/zip up top)

Frankly, I hardly remember my five days in the hospital. I know they walked me around, but I don't remember doing it. I lived in the hospital gown, which is convenient with all that they have to do with you. I probably wore another hospital gown as a robe since I didn't bring one.

I did have my phone and I apparently texted people and FaceTimed my kids, but I don't remember. (My friends and family said my communication was pretty wonky!) So, phone and charger. I had a family member with me every day so they kept the thing charged. You might want an extension cord if you won't have someone to help you with that.

I also am so glad that I bought a bottle of Biotene moisturizing mouth spray. After surgery your mouth is REALLY dry. This stuff was great. I sprayed it into my mouth and was instantly comfortable. My mouth would get very dry with the breathing exercises and the spray helped alleviate that too. Some docs keep you off of liquids the first 24 hours in case you have to go back to surgery, so having a way to keep your mouth moist without water is great.

For the drains, a couple of lanyards are wonderful. I didn't need them in the hospital, but they were handy for the trip home. My drains had clips, so I just clipped them to the lanyard, but you can clip them to clothing as well. I had a zippered hoodie that I sewed pockets on the inside (from the hood). The lanyard is great for the shower so you have somewhere to hang the dang things.

They give you non-slip socks, so I just wore those all the time. If they get dirty, they can just give you new ones.

I bought a pair of yoga pants pre-op, and all I can say is, "Where have yoga pants been all of my life?" I wear them all the time. I got mine at Kohls. They are boot cut and came in tall. I bought my usual size. I love the light compression they give me.

At home I usually wore loose-fitting shirts/jammies. I found that I could get them on and off without lifting my arms. I would put my head in and then bring my arms in from underneath. Taking off, I just reversed the process. Maxi dresses/skirts are great too.

My doc didn't have me wear a bra or anything. I ended up wearing a sports bra starting at week 3, but I just went without before then.

Having undies that don't have the band on the incision is nice, so having a package of undies that are maybe a size too big that come up closer to your waist would be nice. I liked how they covered the incision so that it didn't rub on my clothes.

Do they ever allow underwire? Good question! I see my PS for my 6 week check tomorrow, so I will ask. I am collecting my list of questions. I have learned that if I don't have them written down, I forget!

Shopping list for post op at home.

Pillows. The main thing I used was pillows. I got 6 standard size and extra pillow cases. That seemed to be about right. Some women get a recliner, but I don't have room for it. You'll want pillows for behind your back, under each arm, and under your knees.

You will also want a small pillow to use in the car between the seatbelt and your chest. I regular pillow works, but something smaller, like a travel pillow, is more comfortable. The hospital provided a bunch of disposable pillows with my DIEP, so I took those home. They were a little smaller than regular pillows, so they were handy for extra poofing.

Wedge or Recliner. Many women said they rented or purchased a recliner, but I don't have room for one. Instead, I got a wedge for my bed. I had gotten it before my BMX, and it was very helpful. It let me be upright without worrying about my nest of pillows coming undone. They come in various sizes. I got 2, a 7" and a 12". The 12" was too high (but great for the kids on the floor watching TV). So, 7" is the charm. Mine is a temperpedic.

Shower chair. After my BMX, I used a shower chair for about 2 weeks. I didn't need it after my DIEP because I spent the worst of it in the hospital, but they send you home the next day after a BMX with TEs. I was too weak/tired to stand in the shower, so the chair was great. I had to have help washing my hair and such. I couldn't bathe myself for over a week, as I recall (after the BMX).

Stool softener. Narcotic pain meds are notorious for creating constipation. At least 2 ladies on the 2014 thread ended up in the ER impacted. Lets not go there. I used docusate sodium, but after my DIEP they recommended Senna-S, which is docusate sodium with sennoside (an irritant to help move the bowels). The latter was more effective. The important thing is to ensure you continue to have a BM daily. If not, get right on it. Some use Miralax or other things. Also, prune juice is your best friend.

Thank you, Jill and jessharp!

Hi Meme77, and welcome to Breastcancer.org. You may find a few tips here: DIEP- what to expect. Additionally, you may want to jump over to the DIEP 2016 topic! https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

I did get a few sizes larger in a brief so that I had something comfy on under that binder.

I am sorry to hear about not getting the job to. . I am believing the right door will open for you & that the opportunity will be exactly what you need. Prayers for the brain scan too.

Xoxo

G