2018 DIEP Surgery

I had an IV when I had my CT, I’m pretty sure that’s standard because that’s the way they make sure the arteries have good flow and map out the ones they will use. I was nervous about the results too

Yes, Lula in St. Louis.

Hi Primrose, will you have your reconstruction at the same time or delayed?

OCDAmy- my grandmother was treated there for mets to her liver and lungs from colon cancer. She received such great care there from her surgeon, MO and all the nurses. It's one of the good ones. Did you know Barnes Jewish is best known for being the hospital that pioneered prostatectomies that do not adversely affect erectile function for men with prostate cancer? Pretty cutting edge stuff.

Thanks this is very useful information, I have 2 surgical bra's and 2 camisoles already will look for some loose shirts - Thanks for the tip about the safety pins, gauze pads, surgical tape and alcohol wipes will have to pick some up. Also glad to hear that cotton exercise pants will do the trick

TWills,

My stage 1.5 is May 30th. The countdown begins.

Cindyanne- trust me when i say you’re not at stage 1 again with NOLA. I developed blood clots in my lungs from tamoxifen between stage 1 & 2. I had been on anti-clot meds for a month when stage 2 surgery date rolled around. NOLA required a CT of lungs which showed all clear. But Dr D decided he’d rather wait until at least 3 months had passed on the anti-clot meds just in case there were clot pieces which we couldn’t see. This was literally 2 days before i was to leave for NOLA that the decision was made. By the time the 3 months passed, and I had the CT it was getting near the holidays and everyone and their sister was trying to get in before their deductible started over. everyone on the NOLA FB page was either scheduled or being told the schedule was full. I felt just like you do right now. They finally called me with 2 dates-one 3 weeks later and one 7 weeks later. They can and do make things happen. And women just like you & I sometimes have to reschedule creating a new opening that NOLA will fill even at the last minute. Hang in there!

I'm very frustrated with NOLA right now. I emailed Liz 2 weeks ago--no reply. I sent a message through their contact page on Wed; they promised to be in touch within 24 hours--no reply. I'm going to call the Center directly tomorrow.

I don't know if they've written me off or what. I was originally scheduled for DIEP in Jan 2017. My mother became extremely ill and near death, so I cancelled. Mom rallied and returned home, so I rescheduled for April 2017. She became ill again and was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer, mets to the liver. It was clear by then that she would not recover a second time, so i cancelled surgery again. I was fortunate to to be able to care for mother until her passing last summer. Now, having tied up all the loose ends, I'm ready to go again.

TWills,

I really don't know where I fit in. It seems the way it was explained was Stage I was the MX with the DIEP and Stage II was the symmetry. I figure since I've already had my MX that I was at least partly done with stage I? It would be a mental downer to say the DIEP was stage I so I'm making myself feel better by adding a 0.5.

On another note, I received my pre-op paperwork and one of the forms is consent to remove a breast implant. I feel wierd signing it because I have a tissue expander and the form is specifically for those who have implants. Doesinsurance see removal of a breast implant and a tissue expander the same way?

Mitzi458 and Shaleae, thinking of you both as y’all prepare forThursday! We are all here for you and cheering you on!

I am scheduled for DIEP flap surgery on 6/4.

I realize this is a touchy topic, but I’m wondering if any other women were significantly overweight at the time of their surgery and if they felt it contributed to any complications? I was scheduled for surgery last June, but my PS was concerned that I was too overweight to safely undergo the surgery. (I was 205 at 5’ 3’’).

I’m now down to 175, but still concerned that being overweight may contribute to complications during and post surgery

Thanks! Carol

I was 180ish and 5’4”. Weight never came up as an issue. I am losing weight now for health and cancer recurrence concerns but it caused no complications at time of BMX with DIEP reconstruction

Carol- where are you having yours done? I wonder if perhaps they’ve never/rarely done a DIEP on someone with your BMI and it’s making them nervous...

Carol, congratulations on your weight loss.I don’t know...maybe he is concerned about obtaining a good result for himself. Did you already have a mastectomy?

My PS was the one team member who could put my mind at ease regarding the outcome of my BMX. If you have any concerns about this PS being able to deliver a result that you will be pleased with maybe a 2nd or 3rd opinion is not out of the question.

Lula, no, I don't know which surgeon in the group performed each of the before and after photos. However, I have a good friend who works at the Joan Katz Breast Center and “sees everybody's boobs" and says my PS does the best.