Reconstruction group-Nov-07

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  • GeeGee
    GeeGee Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2007

    Hi ladies.  This is my first post ever, anywhere.  I am scheduled for DIEP reconstruction on 11-23 and am very concerned about just about everything. Like one of you said, the mastectomy was necessary, not much to decide. Have you heard of a DIEP where they use "just a tiny bit of muscle"?

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Marina,


    Good Luck with your surgery on Nov 1st!  I'll be thinking of you, and praying that all goes well.

    I also was worrying about whether I made the right decision, but I have also decided that it will all be fine... I am too thin to use my own body fat for the surgery, so I have to have implants.  It is just that I was driving myself crazy over this, because my ps changed the surgery on me...  I trust him, but I don't know HOW HE knows what size I want to be.  If I wake up and I am not big enough, then I  might need another surgery... but if I wake up and he has made me too big... I guess it would definitely have to be another surgery.

    Good Luck!

    Harley

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited October 2007

    Did anybody's PS give them only one option for implants?

    My did. He said "this is what I use". They are round silicone....

    Traci

    ps Harley, how's your hair doing???

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2007

    Wecome Geegee,

    I haven't heard of adding muscle to a DIEP but perhaps others have.

    marina1 11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram

    harley44 11/07 expander?/implant?

    sjoc 11/09 expander

    Sandyk 11/9 stage 2 DIEP 

    katie-nc 11/12 lat dorsi

    nelliebelle0361 11/14 exchange

    kcq 11/19 mast/diep

    maryannecb 11/22 lat dorsi flap

    Geegee DIEP reconstruction on 11-23

    TraciWalters 11/28 expanders

    Abby2 11/30 bilat diep

    Sandyk 11/9 stage 2 DIEP 

    Harley sounds like you need to tell the PS what YOU expect, after all the procedure is your decision and it is your body. The whole idea of expanders is to start small and expand them to the size that works for you, isn't it? So it is likely that you will wake up not necessarily the size you will end up. If there is a size which will be too large for you, you better make that clear before surgery so it doesn't happen.

    Fists up!

    Mary-Anne

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Maryanne,

    I talked to my PS on the phone, and told him that I think I will be happy with a C.  He said that he always SHOOTS for a C...  So I am pretty sure that I won't wake up BIGGER Than I want to be...  I'll just have to see what happens.

    Thanks

    Harley

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Traci,


    Yes, my ps said I will get saline implants... that is what he uses... that is it!  Also, I had to get my nipple from my good breast attached to my leg, and he will make it into TWO nipples when he is finished... NO OTHER OPTIONS!

    My hair....  it hasn't grown AT ALL!!  However, it HAS started to turn darker, and my dh "thinks" it is growing, because he is actually seeing the hair turn darker... 


    Tomorrow, I am going to start using the Nioxin scalp therapy and shampoo...  I hope it works!  I tried the shampoo & conditioner, when I lost alot of hair, due to my thyroid disorder, but it did NOTHING, except the bottle was COVERED with my hair!!  I sure hope this works!!  I will also start to take the Biotin I bought, in a few days.  Can I take that before my surgery, maybe I should wait til my surgery is over...

    Thanks for asking...  I am getting IMPATIENT!! I want my hair back! I STILL look like SLUGGO!!!  Yell

    Harley

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  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited October 2007

    My docs tell me nothing but Tylenol and maintenence drugs like xanax before surgery. No vitamins whatsoever.

    What do you mean you get your nipple attached to your leg?????????

    Traci

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  • bbmom
    bbmom Member Posts: 391
    edited October 2007

    I'm scheduled for stage 2 DIEP on 11/21. Good luck to all and I'm hoping everyone gets the results they are looking for.

    God Bless!

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2007

    Hi Alaina,you are now on the list. Did your first stage go well?

    marina1 11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram

    harley44 11/07 expander?/implant?

    sjoc 11/09 expander

    Sandyk 11/9 stage 2 DIEP 

    katie-nc 11/12 lat dorsi

    nelliebelle0361 11/14 exchange

    kcq 11/19 mast/diep

    Alaina stage 2 DIEP on 11/21 

    maryannecb 11/22 lat dorsi flap

    Geegee DIEP reconstruction on 11-23

    TraciWalters 11/28 expanders

    Abby2 11/30 bilat diep

    Fists up!

    Mary-Anne

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  • katie-nc
    katie-nc Member Posts: 37
    edited October 2007

    I am so excited.  I am meeting with the doc again on the 31st and will discuss staying in overnight.  I really want to come home, but if the pain is going to be bad, I might stay in.  I will let everyone know what I decide.  I think I am ready for this.  I have waited a long time to do reconstruction.  I wanted to let my body recoup from the chemo, radiation and surgery.  I know feel that I am ready.  (also it is a slow time at work for me to take off time!)

    I am hoping to find out on wednesday and other details I will need to know....

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  • Gillkath
    Gillkath Member Posts: 149
    edited October 2007

    Hi Ladies ...

    Harley, it is good to see your postings again -- I miss you on the chemo boards. 

    I am not scheduled yet for my actual exchange surgery -- I meet with the PS on 11/19 to finalize my surgery date.  I had a single mastectomy with immediate expander placement on 8/1.  I am very small-chested (size A) and only had to have two or three small fillups.  Even with the expander in place, you can't tell that I ever had anything done to my left breast (in clothing).  So, I know that when I actually get my implant, the look will probably even be better.

    I so struggled with the decision on which type of surgery to have.  Originally, I was going to have the TRAM procedure, then I read about the DIEP procedure which is not performed anywhere near where I live.  Then I waivered between the expander/implant procedure.  It is amazing that you think you made your mind up and then in an instant you start doubting your decision. 

    I called my ps and asked for a list of women who had each procedure that I was contemplating.  I phoned each and every one of them and then I called and talked to my PS on the phone with additional questions.  What it boiled down to for me was that my PS told me I would have great results with any of the procedures, so I went with the easiest.  To be honest, the fact that I still have my good breast played into my decision-making.  I knew that if I had the TRAM or the DIEP and the cancer appeared in my good breast that these procedures wouldn't have been an option then. 

    Looking back on my decision now, I wish I had been given the option for a double mastectomy.  This was never suggested and I never thought of it until searching these posts.  Oh well....

    I am very happy so far with the expander and am looking forward to my actual implant.  I will let you all know when the date is.

    Laurie

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  • katesf
    katesf Member Posts: 139
    edited October 2007

    Hey Ladies:

    I would also like to be added onto the November surgery list. I'll be having my exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants Nov. 6th. I'll be saying a prayer for everyone on their surgery day. Guess there will be two Katie's on the list!Laughing

    Take care everyone and hang in there. You'll be in my thoughts.

    Katie (from Minnesota)  

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2007

    Hope your appt goes well Laurie.

    Hello, Katie, sounds like you are nearing the final reveal.I'll add your name.

    marina1 11/01 bilat mast/pedicle tram

    Katie 11/6 exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants

    harley44 11/07 expander?/implant?

    sjoc 11/09 expander

    Sandyk 11/9 stage 2 DIEP 

    katie-nc 11/12 lat dorsi

    nelliebelle0361 11/14 exchange

    kcq 11/19 mast/diep

    Alaina stage 2 DIEP on 11/21 

    maryannecb 11/22 lat dorsi flap

    Geegee DIEP reconstruction on 11-23

    TraciWalters 11/28 expanders

    Abby2 11/30 bilat diep

    Fists up!

    Mary-Anne

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Traci,


    Thanks!  I believe that is what I have been told, also.  My ps said no Ibuprofen ONE week before the surgery. 

    During my mastectomy surgery, my ps took the nipple from my healthy breast and attached it to my leg, at the groin area.  He will take it off, and cut it in half, and attach it to my new breasts after my surgery, when they heal.  The nipple on my leg has MORPHED into a large mole... that is what it looks like...

    Harley

    PS  Do you think it is SAFE to use the Nioxin?? 

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    Hi Laurie,

    I don't go on the chemo board much now... there hasn't been much activity lately.  Now I am gearing up for my surgery, Nov. 7th.

    How are you doing?

    Harley

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2007

    This is a cake some friends made for me on the weekend to celebrate my upcoming reconstruction. I thought I would share a piece with all the Nov -recon crowd.

    Fists up!

    Mary-Anne

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited October 2007

    Marina, 2 more days....

    How is your head?

    Fists up!

    Mary-Anne

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  • sjoc
    sjoc Member Posts: 133
    edited October 2007

    Hi Marina - wishing you luck and a quick recovery.  Let us know how everything goes - Sandy

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  • 2curvy
    2curvy Member Posts: 183
    edited October 2007

    Hey ladies:  Can you add me?  I'm December 10th,  (close enough to November?) DIEP at City of Hope in Los Angeles.  Not nervous yet, but will be soon!

    Colleen

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  • bbmom
    bbmom Member Posts: 391
    edited October 2007

    Love the cakes Mary-Anne.

    Marina, Good Luck to you, hope everything goes well.

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  • marina1
    marina1 Member Posts: 30
    edited October 2007

    You guys are so great! thank you for the support and well wishes. I've been in nesting mode. Getting the house ready, shopping for button down shirts and loose pants and today is my "me" day- massage and facial. My husband and I went out to dinner last nite (sans children). So by all appearances, I'm ready- or would you call it staying busy so I don't think about anything :)   I'll be in the hospital around 4 days they tell me so i'll post again to let you know how things have gone when I get back. Keep those prayers coming...i'm taking them all...............

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  • mommytms2
    mommytms2 Member Posts: 11
    edited October 2007

    Please add me to the the group- I will be having bilat DIEP on Nov 27th.  A little nervous, but excited to be able to wear v-neck shirts, it was a long summer. 

    I had my PET scan today, waiting for results.  The waiting is the worst part.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

    Laura

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  • sjoc
    sjoc Member Posts: 133
    edited October 2007

    Hi Ladies - we have two new members to our group.  I have my preops scheduled for Tuesday and hopefully, surgery on Friday.  I don't think I will be scheduled till afternoon - I kind of prefer morning, hopefully my ps is just as fresh in the afternoon.  Anyway.....goodluck to everyone

    marina1     11/01    bilat mast/pedicle tram

    Katie          11/06    exchange w/ bilateral silicone gel implants

    harley44           11/07    expander?/implant?

    sjoc                   11/09    expander

    Sandyk              11/9      stage 2 DIEP 

    katie-nc             11/12    lat dorsi

    nelliebelle0361   11/14    exchange

    kcq                    11/19    mast/diep

    Alaina                 11/21   stage 2 DIEP

    maryannecb       11/22    lat dorsi flap

    Geegee              11/23   DIEP reconstruction

    mommytms2      11/27   bilateral DIEP

    TraciWalters       11/28   expanders

    Abby2                 11/30   bilat diep

    2curvy                12/10   diep

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  • sjoc
    sjoc Member Posts: 133
    edited October 2007

    Hey Mary Anne - loved your cakes, but especially love your pink "gloves" - Sandy

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  • katesf
    katesf Member Posts: 139
    edited November 2007

    Good luck tomorrow, Marina. It sounds like you're taking very good care of yourself. Good girl. Hang in there and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. Look forward to hearing from you on the board when you're feeling up to it. Probably after my surgery on Tuesday. Remember, one day at a time. You're going to get through this. 

    Laura, good luck on your test results. You'll also be in my thoughts and prayers. We all appreciate the anxiety in waiting. Hang in there.

    Mary-anne, those boob cakes were GREAT!! Thanks for sharing.

    God bless you ladies....Each and every one of you. We're all so blessed to have each other to share all of our experiences.

    Take care,

    Katie :)   

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  • bbmom
    bbmom Member Posts: 391
    edited November 2007

    Laura, keeping you in my prayers for good PET results and a short wait to hear that good news.

    My brother always tells me when I go for one, "Why did they scan your dog?"

    Marina,  praying for a successful surgery and an easy recovery for you.

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  • morgaine109
    morgaine109 Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2007

    Hi. Morgaine here. Can you add me? I'm having mast/DIEP on Nov. 27. thanks

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  • Deborah
    Deborah Member Posts: 59
    edited November 2007

    I have been reading your posts so full of encouragement and support for each other. I would love to be included even though my bilat

    reconstruction on December 4. I will have a Diep on one side and if my radiated side blood supply is inadequate, then I will have a pedicle flap (ps  will "tunnel" the rectus). It is a comfort to know that we each understand what the other is going through.

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  • MaryGirl
    MaryGirl Member Posts: 201
    edited November 2007

    Count me in.  My stage 2 is finally scheduled for Nov 19th.  It's been more than a year since my stage 1 diep, but I've had to delay stage 2 due to other health problems.  I'm looking forward to getting this all behind me.

    Here we are in November now.  Good luck everyone!

    Mary

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited November 2007

    HARLEY here...

    I am having my surgery on Nov. 7th, and it is implants without expanders.  I don't think anyone else here is having this type of surgery, but if they are, I would sure like to hear from you.  Please pm me, because I would like to hear about your experience.


    Thanks,

    Harley

    sjoc, you can update your list with my info.  I see you have lots of question marks next to my name!  Thanks!

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