November 2019 DIEP surgery

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dvhmouse
dvhmouse Member Posts: 138
edited November 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Is anyone else scheduled for DIEP surgery in November? I’ve been following the 2018 thread, but wanted to see what others who are close to having surgery soon are doing and feeling, getting ready. Have you met with the PS and received all your prep information? How are you preparing for the hospital stay? How long do they think you’ll be in hospital? How are you preparing at home? Anyone else pretty nervous? Though I think my husband is more concerned than I am!
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  • Soulsmile25
    Soulsmile25 Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2019

    I have surgery scheduled for mid-November and yes I am nervous. They said 3-4 days in the hospital.

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  • dvhmouse
    dvhmouse Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2019

    Mine is November 13th. The plastic surgeon said 2-3 days in hospital. Like you, the surgery makes me pretty apprehensive,though I’m concerned that after my appointment with my MO she’s going to suggest either radiation or Kadcycla and that will quash my hopes for immediate reconstruction.

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  • Duzy
    Duzy Member Posts: 134
    edited October 2019

    I had my diep surgery 9/26/19 so about 4 1/2 weeks out. I have posted a few on the 2018 thread as I did not see a 2019 thread

    I spent 4 days including day of surgery in the hospital. I had my surgery at University of Michigan which is about a 3 hour drive from where I live but way more experience with this type of surgery. I only had the left side done and had a previous reduction on the right side.

    So far the only real issue I have is a yeast infection under the breast which I am treating with cream.

    I wish all of you the best and it is great to share and support one another going through similar things

    Connie

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  • Ekleavitt
    Ekleavitt Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2019
    I just had my DIEP flap done on Oct. 23, 2019. It was done at Moffit cancer center in Tampa, which is a couple hours away from me. My surgery was on Wednesday and they sent me home on Sat. I think my stay was shorter than some because it was only on the right side.

    So far recovery has been pretty much as expected. I'm not in a ton of pain but really can't do much. Definitely cannot stand up straight and that is pretty hard on my lower back. I can walk around the house crouched over with a walker. I'm really looking forward to having my drains removed at my post op visit in a few days.

    When I move around too much, my ab muscles contract and tighten. It feels just like Braxton hicks contractions. Between that and the back muscle cramping it feels like I'm in early labor, which is pretty weird. I wasn't expecting that part. My surgeon doesn't want me wearing any bra or compression garments yet but it feel like I have a really tight girdle around my waist.

    I had a lot more anxiety going into this surgery than I expected. I still have a lot of healing to do and phase 2 but it feels so great to be on this side of the surgery. I'm so happy not to wear my prosthetic anymore!

    Best luck to everyone!
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  • dvhmouse
    dvhmouse Member Posts: 138
    edited October 2019

    I just got notice from my insurance company that they have approved my left mastectomy and reconstruction with three days of hospitalization. Apparently they’ll review that the day after my surgery to decide if I need more or less hospital time. It was really weird to get because I didn’t get any notification that my chemotherapy had been approved!

    Duzy and Ekleavitt - thank you for sharing your experience with surgery. It really helps to know what to expect.

    Diane


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  • Lrazze
    Lrazze Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2019

    Dear Ekleavitt,

    Reading about your Diep reconstruction at Moffitt. I hope you are get better every day.


    I have an appt. scheduled for tomorrow at Moffit with Dr. Smith..I had double mastectomy due to breast cancer n 2/2018, and with direct implants put in...low and behold last night I noticed a red discoloration on myleft breast yesterday and now have severe pain under the breast and it is warm to touch. Nervous that I have an infection.

    I Had contacted the hospital in New Orleans (Center for Restorative Breast Surgery) but to long to get an appt.

    I've actually had this appt..with Moffitt since August. My initial surgery was in Clearwater,FL where I reside.

    Anywho, I was wondering if you could give me any insight as to the care at Moffitt and your surgery, Diep vs. implants. please PM me if u could shed some light,I'd appreciate it!

    Edited by Mods to remove personal contact information.

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