After FLAP Thoughts-DIEP, TRAM SEIA
Comments
-
1. What kind did you have?
Unilateral Or Bilateral? bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? delayed
How long of a Delay if delayed? 2 yrs after mastectomy but an attempt and infection from expanders along with big insurance appeal
2. How long for Initial healing? 4 weeks How long has it Been total? anniversary this week 2 years post stage 1
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? less
4. Any Complications? What? a bit of tummy incision seperation keloid on tummy incision also that was injected with kenalog but really did nothing to make keloid go away
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? no I told him to use his judgement And are you about that size now? depending on bra company C, D or DD
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) D and D
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? yes a version of skate flap
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? yucky and jiggly How did you like it about 6 months after... firm and tight
How much do you like it now? still flat but softer
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? my own bed. after mastectomy I slept in recliner I actually did not need to after DIEP
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 3 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? low blood pressure treated with IV thing called plasma expander. 2nd stage post op bleeding treated with compression bandages
Anything Else you would like to Add? no family at hospital during first stage. They traveled to city when I was discharged. 2nd stage husband mostly played with computer during surgery and read some.
-
Id love to hear your thoughts after your Flap Reconstruction:
1. What kind did you have?
Unilateral Or Bilateral? bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? immediate
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? How long has it Been total? 01/04/08 two months for healing of breast, but had problems with the incision on my stomach healing.
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? breast pain was less, somach pain was more
4. Any Complications? What? just the incision, I had wound dehiscence
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? And are you about that size now? yes
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) 38D
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? not yet, I go next Wed 4/23/08
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? didnt like it How did you like it about 6 months after...it hasnt been 6 months yet but so far I love it, it is flat and I love to look at it
How much do you like it now? love it alot
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? bed & recliner
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay?8 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? no complications
Anything Else you would like to Add? Good luck!!
-
dejaboo, my doctors told my husband to stay for the mastectomies to be completed (about 90 min), at which time my surgical oncologist came out and talked with him. She then told him to go home and wait the remaining 12 hours , and try to keep busy around the house or doing errands. My brother and sister kept him company all day, and my plastic surgeon called when he was done. We live about five minutes from the hospital, so they all came back at that time. I'm sure it was the longest day of my husband's life, and I didn't want him waiting at the hospital. It seemed that it would be more stressful than at home.
My revisions have all been done out-of-state, and my husband has stayed home with the kids. My friends and family have sure taken the opportunity to view the results before I wake up! I'm taking my 20 year old daughter for my next surgery in a couple of weeks. I doubt that she will peek, because she freaked out when she saw the bruising from the lipo on my sides.
Speaking of spasms, I went swimming the other day for the first time in nine months. I could feel the muscle repair but it just felt very tight like it did when it was first done last November. I didn't notice any soreness or unusual sensations until last night and then I had severe spasms all night, which kept waking me up. My entire abdomen was rock hard with each one. This morning, I got up and promptly sneezed, and had a twingey, icky feeling in my belly button from the pressure. I called my surgeon's office, and was told that everything is probably fine and my muscles are just reacting to the workout.
-
LorenaB
Sorry, just started back to work this week so haven't been on the 'puter much.
We were pretty sure I'd be having radiation after the surgery. Had a PET scan before so knew I had positive lymph nodes so that rad was a real possibility. He left the right (cancer) side larger storing some extra fat under the arm because of that. (the breasts look the same, I just have fullness laterally) It is a bit annoying but I figure I can deal with it until stage 2. I just know that for me, when I was given the option of immediate reconstruction, emotionally it was the right thing to do. If, when everything is said and done I end up with little bitty titties, there's always push-up padded bras!
-
1. What kind did you have? Diep
Unilateral Or Bilateral? Bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? Delayed
How long of a Delay if delayed? 5 years
2. How long for Initial healing? How long has it Been total? Its been 3 months since surgery, I dont think I am completely healed but feel great.
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? It was what I expected
4. Any Complications? Heparin injections really thinned my blood and needed a blood transfusion
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? Yes And are you about that size now? yes
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) C-D/C-D
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? yes, I had a skin graft from my inner thigh
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after... I hated my tummy before, I had elasticity from having 2 kids and gaining too much weight. I love it know, its very flat. Havent gotten to the 6 month mark
How much do you like it now? I love it
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? Bed
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 5 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? Just needed a blood transfusion
Anything Else you would like to Add?
-
Hi Dejaboo,
Id love to hear your thoughts after your Flap Reconstruction:
1. What kind did you have? IGAP - (fat and skin taken from the lower buttock)
Unilateral Or Bilateral? prophylactic bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? immediate
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? They told me to expect 6 weeks, which was realistic. The healing was much easier for me than for my laparoscopic hysterctomy/oophorectomy surgery 2 months earlier. I felt amazingly well after the surgery and was able to walk over 2 blocks one week after. My Dr. said his patients with IGAP don't have a lot of pain. I didn't believe him, but it was true.
How long has it Been total? My surgery was 10 months ago.
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? Much less. I was on pain killers the first post-op day and then switched to Ibuprophen only.
4. Any Complications? What? I had slight "cording" or tightness of tendons in my arms.
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? And are you about that size now? Yes, although initially one side was much larger because of swelling. He said it would go down and it did.
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) I was a small B and now am a large C
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? yes, not sure what type. They were made from the new skin that was transferred to my areola area. The skin is cut, twisted and sutured. It was done 3 months after initial surgery. Tatooing was done couple months later.
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after... My stomach was fairly small - only enough to make a small A cup so I went with buttock where there was plenty of tissue! My butt looks much better now!!
How much do you like it now? Love it! The incisions are big - from inside of thigh all the way to middle of outside, but they lie in the crease where my butt and thigh meet. Now I wear a skirt bathing suit. Under clothes, I look much better than before.
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? I slept in my bed and sometimes in a big easy chair with pillows around me.
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 5 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? no
Anything Else you would like to Add? www.diepflap.com has info. on different procedures. The doctors there were amazing. My surgery was 10 1/2 hours, but the doctors called my husband numerous times throughout to update him on my status. He went out with a friend to have lunch and dinner and wandered around the neighborhood. He would have gone crazy sitting in a waiting room all that time.
I am so happy with my results. I now feel like the whole process is behind me and I can get on with my life. I had LCIS, ADH and am BRCA 2 positive.
And the most important thing I did - pray! Good luck to you.
Cindy
-
Id love to hear your thoughts after your Flap Reconstruction:
1. What kind did you have? Bilateral
Unilateral Or Bilateral?
Delayed Or Immediate? Immediate
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? 7 weeks How long has it Been total? still healing.
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? what I expected after reading the post on this site.
4. Any Complications? What? No.
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? No. And are you about that size now?
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) same size
7. Did you have Nipples done? Not yet 5/27 What kind? flap origami methode
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? Hated it. How did you like it about 6 months after... Not at six months yet. How much do you like it now? Like it much better now. Will have a little bit of lipo to fix one area during the stage II.
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? Bed and rocking chair some nights in the first couple of weeks. Tough.
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 4 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? No
Anything Else you would like to Add? Wish you the best.
-
1. What kind did you have? DIEP
Unilateral Or Bilateral? BILAT
Delayed Or Immediate? IMMEDIATE
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? How long has it Been total? I'M ON THE 3RD WEEK
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? MORE
4. Any Complications? What? YES, A LARGER SEROMA POSSIBLE INFECTION ON THE TOP RIGHT. DUE TO GO BACK IN FOR SURGERY MONDAY.
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? YES
And are you about that size now? YES
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) E & DD
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? NOT YET BUT I WILL
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after... HATED MY STOMACH BEFORE. NOT SURE HOW I FEEL ABOUT IT NOW. IT IS GONE AND IT FEELS WEIRD.
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? RECLINER BUT I RECOMMEND RENTING A HOSPITAL BED. I AM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE.
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay?7 DAYS
11. Did you have any Complications? What? JUST AN UNEXPECTED HERNIA DURING SURGERY.
Anything Else you would like to Add? PLEASE READ THE "WHAT TO PACK FOR SURGERY" THREADS!!!
-
1. What kind did you have? DIEP FLAP
Unilateral Or Bilateral? DIEP ON LEFT, IMPLANT ON RIGHT
Delayed Or Immediate? DELAYED
How long of a Delay if delayed? HAD TO WAIT ONE YEAR AFTER COMPLETING 4 MONTHS INTENSE CHEMO
2. How long for Initial healing? How long has it Been total? HAD PROCEDURE 4/8/08 - NOW ON THIRD WEEK
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? MUCH LESS THAN EXPECTED
4. Any Complications? What? SO FAR, NONE (KNOCK ON WOOD)
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? And are you about that size now?
YES AND SO FAR, YES (HAVE TISSUE EXPANDER ON RIGHT, NO IMPLANT YET)
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) BEFORE - SMALL 36B, NOW HEALTHY 36C
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? NOT YET, BUT PLAN TO HAVE TATTOO :-)
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after...
How much do you like it now? HATED MY BELLY BEFORE - DEFINITELY LIKE IT BETTER NOW, BUT HOPE MORE SWELLING GOES DOWN
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? HAVE SLEPT IN OWN BED WITH PILLOWS UNDER KNEES AND ON SIDES (SO I DON'T MOVE TOO MUCH) NIGHTS HAVE BEEN THE HARDEST
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? STAYED IN HOSPITAL 5 DAYS (WAS THE WORST PART OF ALL OF THIS)
11. Did you have any Complications? What? NO, KNOCK ON WOOD (AGAIN)
Anything Else you would like to Add? I THINK MY DR IS AN ARTIST AND I AM SO HAPPY I DID THIS! -
Hi Lorena,
I also live in MA, and I go to MGH for treatment. The first PS I talked to is willing to do immediate TRAM flap. I would also need radiation after mastectomy. My surgery (MRM & TRAM) is scheduled for May 14th, but I am still on the fence as to whether I would do immediate reconstruction or not. I went to see another PS, and his opinion was to delay until after radiation. Did you face the same dilemma? What did your PS's say about radiation after TRAM flap? Any input would be very helpful. Thanks.
JC
-
JC - I've spoken to two ps's about the DIEP (which I've decided to do instead of the TRAM in order to preserve the abdominal muscle). The first said that she would not do it prior to radiation. The second said that he would if I really wanted him to, but he thinks the results will be better if I wait until the skin heals after radiation is completed. Also, I've spoken with someone else who has a similar dilemma, who has learned from some of the doctors at the forefront of the DIEP procedure that it is ok to do the surgery prior to radiation. How's that for a bunch of contradictory opinions?
I've finally made the choice to wait until after radiation (see thread below re: choosing a plastic surgeon). I am getting the mastectomy on the right side and getting an immediate reduction on the left (from a DDD down to a C cup) and I want to get a path report back to make sure that the left side is completely cancer-free before I procede with reconstruction. This way, if there is any evidence of anything to be concerned about, I could still get a left mastectomy and then do reconstruction on both sides.
If you'd like to discuss further feel free to send me a pm. I'd be happy to talk -- these decisions are tough!
Lauren
-
1. What kind did you have? IGAP
Unilateral Or Bilateral? Bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? Delayed
How long of a Delay if delayed? Three Years (had implants first that failed due to radiation)
2. How long for Initial healing? About five weeks. I was running again - although slowly - at the end of week five and returned to karate six weeks to the day after surgery.
How long has it Been total? Next month will mark one year since the surgery
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? Much, much less
4. Any Complications? Minor one What? I popped a few stitches on my backside (extremely unusual!)
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? Not really. I never asked (basically just wanted to cover a huge hole left by the skin not healing completely after the implant was removed)
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) C cup before, B cup now
7. Did you have Nipples done? Yes - about four months after the IGAP What kind? The twist method, I believe
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? My stomach was fine before surgery - so much so that I didn't have enough fat to make any sort of breast from it, much less two.
How did you like it about 6 months after? My donor site was the bottom of my butt, so my stomach is the same as it was...
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? My bed with lots of pillows as the drains in my hips made sleeping difficult for the first couple of weeks. I lived in a recliner during the day, though (have laptop, will travel)
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? My surgery was on Monday and I was dischared Friday morning.
11. Did you have any Complications? None
Anything Else you would like to Add? Waiting until after rads might be a good idea. I can tell you from experience the damage rads can do to healthy tissue...
-
Bump
I am going to have a DIEP in about a month and love this thread.
-
I was diagnosed with 9 mm stage 1 lobular breast cancer, no node involvement, but an oncotype score of 29 (high intermediate risk of recurrence in 10 years) and opted for chemo. The regimen is 4 treatments over 9 weeks, the last scheduled for June 25, 2008. I've been thinking about the next step, mastectomy/reconstruction and am considering DIEP. At this point the thought of the DIEP procedure, and the additional recovery it entails, is daunting. However, I still am very interested in it. My singlemost greatest concern: I am 59. I am very active and love to hike, swim, cross-country ski, race walk, etc., and normally hike once a week, swim a couple of times a week, and race walk daily when I'm well. These activities are absolutely essential to my emotional health besides all the other benefits. I also have on and off lower back problems. I live in NYC and consulted with a plastic surgeon at Sloan-Kettering who advised against DIEP because of my back issues and because there was no guarantee that there would be no trauma to the stomach muscles. I also consulted with Dr. Robert Allen, who is headquartered in the South but comes to NYC regularly and has done over 2000 DIEPs with an overwhelming success rate. I'm worried that DIEP, even if otherwise successful, could result in some compromise to my muscle strength. I want to know the risks of that happening and speak to others who've gone through the procedure and particularly anyone who, like me, finds a high level of physical activity to be vital. Thanks.
-
I was diagnosed with 9 mm stage 1 lobular breast cancer, no node involvement, but an oncotype score of 29 (high intermediate risk of recurrence in 10 years) and opted for chemo. The regimen is 4 treatments over 9 weeks, the last scheduled for June 25, 2008. I've been thinking about the next step, mastectomy/reconstruction and am considering DIEP. At this point the thought of the DIEP procedure, and the additional recovery it entails, is daunting. However, I still am very interested in it. My singlemost greatest concern: I am 59. I am very active and love to hike, swim, cross-country ski, race walk, etc., and normally hike once a week, swim a couple of times a week, and race walk daily when I'm well. These activities are absolutely essential to my emotional health besides all the other benefits. I also have on and off lower back problems. I live in NYC and consulted with a plastic surgeon at Sloan-Kettering who advised against DIEP because of my back issues and because there was no guarantee that there would be no trauma to the stomach muscles. I also consulted with Dr. Robert Allen, who is headquartered in the South but comes to NYC regularly and has done over 2000 DIEPs with an overwhelming success rate. I'm worried that DIEP, even if otherwise successful, could result in some compromise to my muscle strength. I want to know the risks of that happening and speak to others who've gone through the procedure and particularly anyone who, like me, finds a high level of physical activity to be vital. Thanks.
-
megger, the charm of DIEP is that it doesn't use any muscle. Take a look at the information at www.breastreconstruction.org
FYI, I had a muscle sparing free TRAM, which is similar to DIEP but uses a very small piece of muscle, not quite two months ago and I have absolutely no muscle issues. Good luck.
-
I'm looking at flaps to replace implant reconstruction with LD on the cancer side, too. One PS told me bilateral DIEP's for me would be considerably smaller than my current implants. Thought I'd get more volume from GAP (butt) flaps so am checking that out. Maybe an option for you...
-
I'm looking at flaps to replace implant reconstruction with LD on the cancer side, too. One PS told me bilateral DIEP's for me would be considerably smaller than my current implants. Thought I'd get more volume from GAP (butt) flaps so am checking that out. Maybe an option for you...
-
I'm looking at flaps to replace implant reconstruction with LD on the cancer side, too. One PS told me bilateral DIEP's for me would be considerably smaller than my current implants. Thought I'd get more volume from GAP (butt) flaps so am checking that out. Maybe an option for you...
-
I'm looking at flaps to replace implant reconstruction with LD on the cancer side, too. One PS told me bilateral DIEP's for me would be considerably smaller than my current implants. Thought I'd get more volume from GAP (butt) flaps so am checking that out. Maybe an option for you...
-
Everything went well. Not much pain. Had unilateral mastectomy on 2/12. Incision is healed, belly button still not healed.
I hated my tummy before surgery. I'm not so pleased now. It was flat after tubes removed and then became swollen and hard and numb. Called my PS and she said to get a compression garment. I've tried many but I don't really know what to get.
So, I'm 3 mos. post-op and my belly is flatter than before but still swollen. I've seen my PS several times and she says it's normal. I get funny jabs of pain in random places. Feels a bit like a baby kicking. It seems to swell more when I'm active.
I can't have phase 2 until the Fall because I am on coumadin for a clot I developed a week or so after coming home. Someone said she had liposuction during phase 2. Is this common?
Anyone else use a compression garment? If so, what type and how long...all day, day and night.....weeks, months?
I really need to get some input from someone who has been through this.
-
I am having the tram flap procedure on 5/30 and I am a little nervous and I have questions. Does it take all your stomach fat away and what if you're very sports oriented . When can you go back to bowling,swimming,etc...Is it very painful and what is the estimated recovery time???
-
I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction on April 10 in New Orleans. Stayed in the hospital for 4 days slept in recliner for 3 days when I got home and moved to my bed after that....I did not have much pain after surgery got off pain pills after a week and felt much better without them. I am 7 weeks post-op and have started exercising. I feel great! My stomach area and breast are numb except for the little shooting pains and some strange feeling in my breasts and stomach but nothing that actually hurts....The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook by Kathy Steligo has become my bible!!! You can order it on-line.......I'm glad I did! I am planning to go back to tennis and bowling in September!!!
-
bean in VT, I just used control panties bought from Target. I couldn't stand the surgical binder they gave me at the hospital, plus it kept riding up to my waist. I don't know what they are thinking sometimes.
Another option would be spanx or a copy.
-
Leigh - You don't say anything about swelling. Have you had any? In your abdomen specifically. I am wearing a tram flap body girdle from Design Veronique. It is like a panty girdle but goes up to my breasts. It has compression panels specifically for after a Tram flap.
I tried an abdominal binder but like you said it kept riding up. The one I'm wearing now is comfortable. I'm going to get that book.
Vicki
-
bump
-
Thanks ladies! I have really enjoyed reading this thread. I'm still early into this process, but am pretty sure I will be looking at some sort of reconstruction in the future. Hearing about everyone's experience is helping me get my mind wrapped around things.
Lei
-
1. What kind did you have? Unilateral pedicled tram flap
Unilateral Or Bilateral?
Delayed Or Immediate? Immediate
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? back to work in 6 weeks How long has it Been total? About 6 months
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? More, I had no idea the surgery would be so painful. Pain much better after the first week or so.
4. Any Complications? Yes What? Portion of my abdominal wound failed to heal, needed debridments. Abdominal bulge on side of surgery but no frank hernia.
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? Yes And are you about that size now? My surgeon did an absolutely wonderful job with size and shape. My husband was astounded at how natural the reconstructed breast looked.
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) D
7. Did you have Nipples done? Not yet What kind?
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? Hated it, after 2 c-sections. How did you like it about 6 months after... Much better except the bulge on one side.
How much do you like it now? Looks better but I realy miss the muscle they used. Still pretty numb after two and a half years. I also have pain at times.
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? Recliner
Added Questions: Impossible to sleep in bed for about a month.
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 5days
11. Did you have any Complications? NO What?
Anything Else you would like to Add
I wish the best of luck to those who are waiting for surgery. Explore all of your options so you can make the most informed decision for yourself.
-
1. What kind did you have? DIEP
Unilateral Or Bilateral? Bilateral
Delayed Or Immediate? Immediate
How long of a Delay if delayed?
2. How long for Initial healing? How long has it Been total? 5 weeks and had surgery April 10, 08
3. Was the Pain More Or Less then Expected? Much less
4. Any Complications? What? NO none
5. Did your Surgeon Estimate your finished Size before surgery? And are you about that size now? Yes I am almost the same
6. Before surgery Size & After surgery size (cup) D and a full D
7. Did you have Nipples done? What kind? Got to keep my own (lucky)
8. How did you like your Stomach Before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after...
How much do you like it now? I hated it and like it much better after 2 and 1/2 months
9. Did you sleep in your bed, Hospital bed Or Recliner? recliner for a couple of nights & my bed after that with plenty pillows
Added Questions:
10. How Long Was Your Hospital Stay? 4 days
11. Did you have any Complications? What? NO
Anything Else you would like to Add? The surgery was much easier that I expected....only took pain pills for a few days after I went home and then took Advil..........Good luck and keep your spirits high!
-
1. What kind did you have? Pedicle tram. Delayed or immediate? Delayed. How long of a delay? 7 years.
2. How long for initial healing? Still healing, 8 days out from surgery.
3. Was the pain more or less then expected? About what I expected.
4. Any complications? No complications so far, and I am consciously reducing any risk of complications.
5. Did your surgeon estimate your size before surgery? And are you about that size now? I gave him my estimated size - bigger (I had breast reduction on bc breast to remove bad radiation effects and then left as well for symmetry, never was happy with size after reduction, however, it worked out so well in the end, no more radated skin (except for nipple - still work in progress), for me this was an extra step I am happy I did). Definitely bigger (after reduction that is), 7 years ago was a small C currently small C in tram breast.
6. Before surgery size & after surgery size? Small C with evidence of 2 pregnancies, now small C with no evidence of 2 pregnancies. (Breast enhancement for the left breast in 3 months to get a match).
7. Did you have nipples done? What kind? Still have remnants of radiated nipple left (that had a prior surgery to this), am looking into nipple recon down the road on both boobs to get an even match (I obsess over symmetry).
8. How did you like your stomach before Surgery? How did you like it about 6 months after? I had a chemo stomach (dare I say pouch) beforesurgery, that I just couldn't get rid of even after 2 whole years of diet and exercise (and I had 2 children, but it wasnt half bad after the pregnancies). I liked my stomach before chemo, hated it after chemo, 8 days out love my new stomach.
9. Did you sleep in your bed, hospital bed or recliner? Currently I am sleeping on the sofa (it has a round soft padded arm on it that I prop myself up with pillows). Determined to be in my bed next week after remaining 2 drains are removed (fingers crossed). I find I just cannot lay flat right now.
10. How long was your hospital stay? Surgery on Monday, released on Thursday.
11. Did you have any complications? What? Post operative swelling (hands and feet), although I hear this is quite common...lasted about a day.
Anything Else you would like to add? Expect physical scars. My experience, they fade to nothingness in time, and are very unnoticeable. Not a single regret. Best choice for me. I did do extensive research, made sure I was healthy before surgery and making every effort to be healthy after. If you smoke, quit...for good.
Summer
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team