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  • Dragonfly1976
    Dragonfly1976 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited August 2009

    Good morning ladies!! Dont shoot me, I'm not from Seattle However I am from Salem, OR. I have been researching trying to find a good surgeon for the DIEP reconstruction. No one seems to have used anyone local is the conclusion I am coming up with.I can't afford to travel to NOLA, and would much rather stay local if at all possible. I thought maybe someone on this thread could help?

    I am a long ways out from reconstruction, but have heard and read that it's good if you can pick your plastic surgeon before you have the mastectomy done. So that the ps and the breast surgeon can go over both procedures and where best to make incisions, etc...



    There are no surgeons in Oregon that do the DIEP process. I have looked online and found a couple places in Washington. Just saw there are a few ladies on here from Portland and Washington and wondered if you've heard of either of the centers or doctors, or can recommend a good one?



    http://www.swmedicalcenter.org/body.cfm?id=53



    https://www.virginiamason.org/home/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=1175

  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2009
    Cheri- I am an ultrasonographer, and although I do not specialize in echocardiography ( ultrasound of the heart) I would imagine that the tech had to apply some moderate pressure to your expander. I would think that the muscle over the expander is just bruised a little. If you are anything like me, you've been babying these things since they were put in. Then someone comes along and starts poking at them. I would think they would be sensitive. It doesn't sound like an infection to me. I hope you feel better soon.
  • 4greatkids
    4greatkids Member Posts: 89
    edited August 2009
    Dragonfly- Have you asked your BS or your oncologist for their recommendations? I got a lot of guidence from my surgeon and my oncologist concured with her. Good luck to you.
  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2009

    Hi, I just wanted to say hi to everyone & I've been lurking & keeping up to date with all the postings.  I got my results from my 1 year anniv breast MRI and they were"normal/begnign"!  Doing the happy dance!  :)

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2009

    Dawn- Good luck tomorrow! We wish you all the best!

    Misty- Hope the unveiling is wonderful tomorrow!

    Our Breast Whiperer- (A post from Deb said....."Val, packergirl sent her PS something like three pages of questions [RIGHT PG?] and so you can ask these piddly little questions....") Darn straight I sent him questions- the guy wouldn't communicate during my office visits so I tried email! This forum and the loving guidance of our breast whisperer helped me figure what I needed to ask- there is a LOT more to all this than I ever gave it credit for at the onset- and having knowledge now is empowering! (Deb please don't get mad....I just want to say it was 5 questions not 3 pages-- I only felt the need to say that because my DH and current PS make me feel terrible for asking questions) Does anyone else get that feeling? Like we should feel quilty for asking questions? How dumb is that right?

  • Dragonfly1976
    Dragonfly1976 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited August 2009

    4great kids - I have asked but in my town there are no DIEP surgeons, so my doctors are only really familiar with the PS here in town.

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Deborah, Sorry I was away for the weekend but would be happy to talk to Angel.

    Angel, I have the textured since July 14th. I know they aren't commonly used and I was surprised when my ps chose them.  Feel free to send me a pm with any questions.

    Dianne

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Dragonfly,

    I'm going to PM you.

    Good luck this week ladies

    8/11 - mallenne - Exchange surgery

    8/12 - 4greatkids - Exchange surgery

    8/17 - lifegoeson - Exchange surgery and scar revision

    Misty, can't wait to hear about the unveiling.

    Karen

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited August 2009

    Hood I'm doing the happy dance 4 u

    Dawn I'm sure everything will turn out just great : - )

  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Great news Joyce on your B-9 results

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited August 2009

    HAPPY Dance for JOYCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    DAWN... here is a cheer for you...

    Go Dawn.. Go Dawn.... Go Dawn.... Go Dawn..... Go Dawn.... Go Dawn........

  • lazydaisy
    lazydaisy Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2009

    Dragonfly, I don't have personal experience with DIEP. But by asking around during my own recon decision-making time I heard a few names of Seattle docs repeatedly (with positive comments): at Virginia Mason, Keith Paige and Kevin Beshlian work as a team to do DIEP -- regardless of which one you have as your PS, they do the surgery together. Frank Isik at Polyclinic used to be at UW and has done many DIEPs. His colleague Drew Welk does TRAMs. Their surgeries are done at Swedish. Both PS offices (VM and Polyclinic) offer once-a-month breast reconstruction support groups. You can ask questions of the nurse, hear an overview of the different techniques, and talk to patients who have had the procedures (and will show you the results). You don't have to be a patient at either office to attend the meetings. To get the meeting times and dates, just call their offices. Good luck.

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited August 2009

    Denise

    Thanks for that.  Yes she did apply pressure but I am numb so really didn't feel it.  She was wonderful.  Thanks for that- yes it is probably bruising.  I will keep with that thought.  I had to take 2 valium last night - so that was down from 3 the night before (can't take them during the day with my kiddo's) I will give it a couple of days and see how it feels.  It is not red at all and I am guessing if it was infected it would be red.

    I just need/want my exchange surgery to happen- one step closer to the finish line that way!!! 

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited August 2009
    Thanks for all your encouragement - Off to surgery I go!Smile   HUGS, Dawn
  • hood1980
    hood1980 Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2009

    Good Luck Dawn! 

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Dawn--I'm sorry I missed you for this week!  Well, you should be at the hospital now.  I hope it all goes well, and look forward to hearing your update.

    Hugs,

    Karen

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Hi,

    Just a reminder that Jazzy (Janet), and Kew (Karen) have put together a team for the Oregon Race for the Cure.  With the blessings of Laura, the team is called the TaTa Sisterhood.  We are trying to get women from Washington and Oregon to come walk with us, so we can meet, have some fun, and raise a little money and awareness.  Please consider coming to walk with us, or if you cannot, and can afford a donation in these tough times that is great, too!

    Here is the URL for the team http://rfcp.convio.net/site/TR?team_id=42052&fr_id=1110&pg=team

    If you participate in other threads that have women from Washington and Oregon that participate please consider inviting them to join us and providing the URL

    Thanks and hope to see you there!

    Hugs,

    Karen

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited August 2009

    Hi darlings, Linda, sweetie, this is unacceptable!  For now, focus only on you made it, you did it, and the girls are almost completed.  WAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

    However, in a few weeks, be sure you get an appointment with the anesthesiologist and have him explain what could have caused this.  I had something "new" the last time and i threw up after surgery which I normally never ever do.  You have every right to know what the drug is, and have it blazoned on your chart.  I never have surgery now without going in with at least 7 copies of all my allergies to drugs.  I re ask the dr. when I see him, I insist on an anesthesiologist interview pre op, otherwise I tell them if I don't get to talke to him, I'm not going under.  Period.  They get them in there PDQ.

    I also insist on a pink band to alert them to check my chart.  This is standard.  But I am POd for you, this one was supposed to the super easy one!!!  Well, you'll get it all sorted out and your girls will be unveiled and I am SO EXCITED for you!!!!!!!

    Misty: ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs!!!)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))00

    Prayers to both of you, for swift healings.

    xoxox

  • malleme
    malleme Member Posts: 164
    edited August 2009

    Misty  How it the reveil?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    packergirl:  Oh yeah, that's right...I was ME you sent the 3 pages of questions to!  LOL

    Linda:  I have had three general surgery procedures since DX of BC and the first and third were fine, but I do not know WHAT that anesthesiologist did to me at the exchange surgery, because I awoke just in utter agony, as if my pain was not controlled well during surgery.  I could not swallow -  my throat was so sore.  I had a horrid sore throat and coughed for several days after surgery.  I related this experience to the anesthesiologist [not the same one] prior to the third surgery.  I am sure it is related to not properly relaxing the airway or something having to do with the method of intubation...but I was glad that anesthesiologist from the 2nd surgery was on maternity leave.  I hope she wants to be a stay-at-home-mom.

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited August 2009

    Lifegoeson - I just had to drop in to say my thoughts are with you. Many people really love their pets, but I think I am in that group of "over the top" pet lovers. When my Baxter became ill, I don't think any animal had more people praying than he did. I will pray for you and your precious Kenya. I created a special all natural  dog treat..so wish I could send you some. Please keep us posted.

    Just to end on a "Candi" note. I had to laugh when you guys were talking about the Mentor Ultra High Profiles. All that jumped into my mind was a comical picture of  Anna Nicole Smith with the Marlboro Man!

    Oh, lucky Anna....cleavage is never going to happen for me but I can dream can't I?

    Candi

  • sam1991
    sam1991 Member Posts: 137
    edited August 2009

    Ahhhhh.....Finally in my new home in Seattle. Got in late last night after driving almost 3,500 miles from MA to WA. Drove through the Berkshires....Dani....I probably could have thrown a stone at you as we drove through upstate NY to Niagra Falls...rode the roller coasters at Cedar Point...had 2 11 hour drive days through LOTS of corn in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa....wow....it all looked the same from highway 90 but made me appreciate the work all the farmers....whew must be a hard job. Mt Rushmore then Yellowstone for 2 amazing days. Then we bombed back for 12 hours. Almost dh did an amazing job of driving so I could curl up as co pilot and take my meds if I needed. Some days were harder than others on the girls but as most of you know I have had nerve pain since my bilat back in Dec.

    Holy mackeral.....lots of posts since I've been travelling. Leaving for Cali on Thurs to get my son settled into college. We'll meet in LA then drive to OC. Deborah.....I will call you...got your numbers...thanks. I'll call Lorraine too. Her schedule is usually crazy but hopefully we can all meet. If we can't find a common time, I still want to meet you. 

    Karen...looking forward to my Portland trip. Can't wait to meet you and Jazzy too. Boy...I'm sure getting to know our country in a few short weeks!!!

    Hope all is well with everyone.....Jean...I did see your posts about the miscarraiges and I'm very sorry. Had 2 before my baby and 1 after. Hugs and prayers to you.

    xxoo Kathie 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009
    Candi:  Ironically. when looking at the dimensions of that Mentor ultra high profile, it does seem aerodynamically challenging - perhaps like submarines diving into the chest wall.  Candi....look at all of these women going through multiple procedures....I am talking with someone now getting ready for her 3rd implant exchange procedure....
  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    Someone sent this to me....I feel this same way every time I go for a follow-up.  I don't know why they have to weigh me every single time - I mean - since BC, I go to the doctor every two weeks it seems.  I do not need to know on a running basis how much I weigh. And why do they ask my height every single time?  Like they are checking to make sure I am consistent with my lie that I am 5'4 and not 5'3?

    THE YEARLY EXAM

    I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. The nurse starts with certain basics.

    "How much do you weigh?" she asks.

    I say, "135."
    The nurse puts me on the scale. It turns out my weight is 180.

    The nurse asks, "Your height?"

    I answer, "5 feet x 6 inches."
    The nurse checks and sees that I only measure 5 feet, 2 inches.

    She then takes my blood pressure and tells me that it's very high.
    "Of course it's high!" I scream."When I came in here I was tall and
    slender! ....Now I'm short and fat!"

  • Baxter
    Baxter Member Posts: 91
    edited August 2009

    Deborah,

    Your right, I've noticed that many women go back for "tune ups." So...what does this mean...are our PS not listening or just unqualified!

    I think they need to invent an easier surgery for "do overs." Something like a combination Tupperware and Ziplock bag. Anytime we want to tweek something just unzip to open.... and burp it when you close.

    Or better yet....since our government is in such a giving mood, why can't we petition them to start a program for exchanges called "bucks for boobs!" That would certainly "lift" the economy!

    Better stop me now...I could go on and on

    Candi

  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009
    OMG Deborah and Candi.....You two have me cracking up at work!!!! Laughing
  • swest
    swest Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2009
    OMG Deborah and Candi.....You two have me cracking up at work!!!! Laughing
  • Linda54
    Linda54 Member Posts: 509
    edited August 2009

    Deborah

    Yeah, maybe she will want to be a stay at home mom..LOL

    Isaw my Gen Surgeon at church yesterday and I told him about my experience with this surgery.  He said that the phenergan can knock you out for 24 hours.....so I am pretty sure that was it because I did not have that with the other surgeries.

    Like you, I had that sore throat where they scraped my throat with that darn tube....that is being careless.....probably a newbie learning the ropes....

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited August 2009

    Bucks for Boobs - Love it!!  They'd sure run out of those funds pretty darn fast!!!

  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 916
    edited August 2009

    Candi, just posting to tell you I am laughing my a*** off at "buck for boobs"...

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