DIEP 2015

I found that my normal panties were fine...the ones with a lower waistband were definately easier to deal with when wearing a binder. I wouldn't get a bigger size. You'll have a little swelling, but not enough to warrant new u/w, and it shouldn't stick around that long. Also, I had some with a very flat seam. Those were much more comfortable than others.

StaceySue, really emphasize to your PS that you don't want to be large. I was trying to get a C cup and still ended up with DDD after several surgeries. It's like they just can't understand not wanting big breasts! I know that part of it is that it's easier to take away that add after Stage 1. Bring a bra that you would like to fit into if possible.

No, they are fairly perky and I can rock a tank top without a bra. I feel a little sore if I go without a bra too long, but I can wear just the slightest amount of support and have forever sworn off underwire. Yay!

I hope you get the perfect breasts and stomach. I hoped for the same, but I want you to realize not everyone comes through this perfect.

I just get concerned when someone is super excited that they are getting a body they dreamed about and not consider you could have complications. Please be prepared emotionally. Even the best surgeons can have a 1% failure rate.If you are prepared then my prayers are for a perfect surgery and recovery.

If you have further treatments I hope you sail through them as well. The most important thing is you come through the entire process as cancer free at the end. Many HUGS!!!!

Oh - I've been looking at plenty of pictures of complications and revisions and keeping the faith that I won't have issues. Knock on wood.

I'm an RN and haven't worked oncology or seen a lot of breast surgeries but one of the scariest things I have ever seen was when a woman came into the ER with her implant in her purse. She was using the bathroom and leaning forward to pull up her pants and the entire line of sutures came undone. Another woman came in with her nipple peeled off onto her bandage.

We have to look on the bright side. Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst. I'd rather think about the reconstruction than about the mastectomy and the cancer, that's for sure.

Seeing photos and stories of people who have had complications and then turned out beautifully in the long run has helped my anxiety immensely. I have not seen any final products that were horrifying so now I know that if something happens I will not be afraid. Of course, I always look at everybody's cancer diagnoses too and I can see they've been through a lot and they're not only still here, they're here and looking beautiful. These forums have given me courage and lifted my spirits. I am so grateful.

twolumps -- what about using a bra extender?

What a great idea about the bra extender, Ridley! I will give that a go.

I had thought about having the bras altered jlstacey, but I'm hoping to need a smaller band size soon. Those pix of tattoos are gorgeous! I just don't see me settling for plain old nipples. Thanks for sharing and if you see any more, please post!

Thanks for y'all's help!

JL, I used mepiform silicone sheets from CVS. They are easy to trim to size and stay on quite well. You can take the strips off to shower, wash them with soapy water, let them dry, and then reuse them again. So, although a box seems expensive, it's going to last you a while. They worked really well on most of my scars. Years ago, I used mepiform on a skin cancer scar on my face. Today, the scar is harsly visible.

Swelling, I don't remember the exact time my swelling dissapeared, but I am sure it was gone by about 8 weeks. Your back should be getting a little straighter everyday and you should be noticing a little less tightness of the abdominal skin. It's definately a slow process, but you shouldn't be feeling too hunched over for very much longer...maybe another week. I know that feeling of tightness seems like it will never go away, but it will.

So DIEP stage 2....a little over 24 hours is when all the pain and bruising started to settle in for me. This morning, the compression garment on my abs and legs was so uncomfortable I had to unzip for a little bit. My outer thighs are so sore I can't find the words to describe the pain. I am hoping it eases up so that sitting on the plane tomorrow won't be too terribly painful. So, so glad I didn't do both inner and outer thigh at the same time. All other stage 2 work seems to be within my numbness field, so not so bothersome. My new areolas look much more proportional and I'm not nearly as boney up top as before. I know that some of the fullness is swelling and some of the fat will reabsorb, so I am worried that the boney areas will come back and need more grafting, but I hope not.

Did everyone one this forum have a bear hugger to keep them warm post sugary and for how long?

hi I'm new to this site. I am contemplating having DIEP surgery with Dr Fix this summer. How did everything go for you and your surgery? I am a bit intimidated about the whole thing

Hi Kukaryn,

I had my surgery on 12/10 and everything went very well. I am sitting in the plastic surgeon's office waiting to meet him to talk about the next stage.

Although it is a big surgery, the results are wonderful, and when you are done you are done, unlike implants.

There is a new group for the 2016 surgeries, so you might want to check in there--that group is more active.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

When I was first contemplating this surgery, I started reading both this 2015 forum from the start and the 2014 forum. I was amazed to see that everyone on these forums were happy with their choice, even if they had complications. That brought me much comfort!

Ask specific questions and you'll get all the answers you want.

I remember feeling more zinging sharp pains a year out that was probably nerve regeneration. It went on for about a year and then finally subsided. I was concerned that I would have to deal with those pains forever, but I think it's just part of the process. Best wishes getting some good news and allaying those persnickety fears, and best wishes with Stage 2 and being done!

Just a small question about recovering from surgery.

I've just have my second stage two weeks 2 days ago, and physically I feel great from the op - the scars are healing well and I have no pain for the lipo and bruising. But Im feeling so tired. I feel its most likely the anesthetic. For my first stage op I was 4 days in ICU, and I know that at least 2 weeks with drains. I suppose that I didn't notice being tired from the op.

Anyone else relate and can tell me how long I should realistically take to not feel so tired. I've spent this week not being able to achieve anything.

Thanks

Sarah

Thanks LAstar. I'm v pleased with the results. I will need a third op to get a little more done for matching sizes (thats if I don't become more even - my PS said it will take a while for all swelling to go down). Then nipples after that. Im so happy I got a huge improvement this time. Hopefully next week I will feel I have more energy.

Sarah