Moving On......After the Flap
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It takes a woman to do that, "expand beyond balls..." Go liefie!
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.....hahaha.0 -
I had a call from my PS's patient manager. She first asked if I would talk to a new patient who had questions and needed reassurance from someone who'd been through DIEP. (that went well.) Then she asked if I wanted to go to session for 3D tattoo training. The teacher will be using me for "human" practice to show the two students who will be attending. I'm trying to decide if that is how I want to get tats.
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Hi all!
Are you willing to share YOUR story of reconstruction? We'd like to feature it in our Acknowledging Our Community Members section on the website!
If interested, please PM us
with a few paragraphs about your experience with Reconstruction -- the
type of reconstruction surgery you chose, how it went, advice you'd give
to others about choosing (or not choosing) reconstruction, and any
other information you could provide to help others in their choices.If you could also include a photo of yourself or something representative of you, we'll include that with the story too!
Please
send to us, the Mods, ASAP as we'd like to finalize this section in the
next week or so. Thanks so much for contributing -- your story will
help inspire others!!!--Your Mods
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teacher - though it might not be as personal as one on one, you have a great opportunity to help teach from the patients perspective. As long as only the experienced artist does your tattoo, no work by trainees. They also should not charge you since you are being used as a model, IMHO. You could be doing an enormous service, but I would so understand the wish for privacy. I haven't even decided if I want my DH to watch, though I know he will be fascinated and it will make home more a part of the process.
Jackie - so glad to hear you are doing well and are back.
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teacher.....marty raises a lot of important points. You certainly would be helping others and that "teaching process" is invaluable. Also....ditto on the tattoo at no charge expectation.
Like you, I have talked to and shared my recon experience with women on a one-on-one, very personal level. I will admit though, that for me....having just gone through the first stage of tattooing, I am so grateful it was a very private scenario. I still am processing how emotionally charged it was for me. It was a combination of a final grieving for what "was", combined with overwhelming gratefulness for was "is". (as well as more "zingers" than I anticipated!!!!)
We all have our own personal "set points"....for what we are willing to do for the benefit of others, and what is needed for our own "soul".
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Tattoo situation...the instructor(she wants to train others because she wants to retire), my PS's medical assistant, someone from another PS's practice, and me. I think it will be ok if it is that limited. If there are more, I don't know about it.
Does getting the tattoo hurt? Since I will be driving 40 miles, I won't be able to take anything.
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teach....I think for most women, there is little to no sensation in the reconstructed nipple/areola/flap. I have sensation....some of it feels normal, there are some "duller" areas and some that are hypersensitive. I took some extra strength advil after my tattooing...and was ok to drive about an hour to get home.
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Thanks, Nihahi. Since I am a tattoo novice, should I wear anything specific? Should I wear a bra?
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I didn't, just a soft, cotton cami. But, I am on the small side, so often don't wear a bra...
The "bandage" that was put on the tatts was very thin, nothing bulky like after the nip recon, so if you prefer to wear a bra, I don't think you'd have any problems with that scenario either.
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Teacher, I wore an old bra and I'm glad I did. I seeped through the bandages a bit as the day went on. Today it is not seeping, weeping, whatever, as much.
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Hi Ladies,
I am scheduled for a BMX with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction right after. My question is for people who are all done with their recon. Going forward in life, will I need a bra? I know people who have implants don't usually "need" to wear a bra ever again. Can anyone advise me? Thanks!
Erica
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edukes, I guess it depends in your final size. Nihahi says she often goes without. I am a 36C or 34D, so I almost always wear a bra, but these days, I am only wearing a very stretchy Bali bra. Something I was never able to do prior to this surgery. I used to cinch 'rm up tight. My shoulders are much happier now that they don't have bra straps cutting into them.
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edukes - The lovely thing about DIEP breasts are that they are so much like your own - including softness and gravity. So it's a personal choice whether or not you feel like wearing a bra. I'm a 36B and I've always worn a bra, and will continue to do so - I like when everything is still.
That said - I'm at home right now braless, in my T-shirt and yoga pants and I'm SO comfortable - if I could stay at home forever I wouldn't wear underwear at all .
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I can so relate to both of you! I will be going to a full 34dd down to a small 34b. I have NEVER gone without a good, stiff, shaping minimizer. This is going to be life altering in so many different ways.
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edukes - I wear a bra out and often go braless at home.
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Janet, YES!
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Popping in to say "Hi", and to say thank-you to all of you who sent me notes/cards after Dave's death.....you will never know how much they have meant to me.......and knowing you are here, and that you care, has gotten me through some pretty dark days, and will continue to give me strength in the weeks/months/years to come.......DIEP sisters are the BEST! XO
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((((((((Movie))))))))
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I'm a 34C (which I was before DIEP) and I always wear a bra - the old girls sagged so much after 2 kids, but the new ones are so plump and lovely I don't want them going downhill!
Sending love to movie and all the ladies here. xxxxx
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Ok girls. Just got to Sebastian, FL for the winter and found a new pea sized lump. I am 2 years out of DIEP and a skin and nipple sparring surgery. It is near my original BC site. Didn't think I ever had to worry about this again. I am pissed.
Is anyone out there familiar with Breast Specialists on the Vero beach/Melbourne area?
What could this be?
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Teacher- if your tattoos would be free or reduced cost that is especially motivating, but knowing you and your sharing heart you will figure it out if it is right for you.
Rum boob cake, I laughed at that one. Nice sister!
Movie/Jackie- I wish we lived closer I would so come and help with yard cleaning! Glad you saw sbe.
Marty, I am proud of you for being true to your non-pink colors! I still wear pink sometimes, it is one of my favorite colors but not as a bc thing.
Liefie- moose ribs, now that I would love to see! Would imagine they would be yummy made the right way. My husband was a hunter in the past but all I ever made was deer and I found some good recipes online for making them non-gamey and so forth. Have fun with making non ball moose.....
Edit added: I meant to ask, does everyone get follow up tattoos? I thought it was once and done? I scheduled mine for December 2 so now I am regretting it if there are more than one stage?
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Enjoy....I think it completely depends on the tattooist. Like everything else....there are more variables than we could imagine.
cherrie......many hugs....thinking of you.
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cherrie, all fingers and toes crossed that it's nothing to worry about. Please let us know. {{{hugs}}}
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Janet, just saw the rum cake boobs. Love it.
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enjoy,
I had vinnie do mine 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with the results. It matches perfect! I was told that this is it - should not fade at all. I have heard from others that have the tattoo done with artists that use a different ink that does fade & need touch-ups over time.
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Today is what I count as my cancerfreeversary.......23 years ago today I had my mx. I so wish all you amazing ladies had been there at the beginning for me, but am also incredibly grateful to have eventually found you. I send hugs and hope to everyone. Have an awesome day...(((((X))))
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NIhahi - Congratulations. A true landmark and a miracle! I hope you have a wonderful celebration!
Looking forward to Sunday when my new girls will celebrate their second birthday. When working out this morning, I looked in a mirror and saw my nips peaking through. It was such a great feeling! Can't wait for my tats.
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Yeah, Nihahi and Marty.
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Dang, Marty.....I meant to post a "Happy Birthday" for you on Sunday!!! It's been quite the journey, eh?
I'm looking at a blue skies, sunshine kind of day here. Too bad the windchill is -23 at the moment..
. For me, that means another day of running on the treadmill or going out to get to an indoor track. Hmmm.....which do I hate the least????Most of the "old gang" here, has moved on to Facebook to stay connected, especially the gang of 10 that got together in Oregon this past summer.
I hope many of the 2014 gals find their way here, as they also begin to "Move On".
Hope everyone is doing well...hugs to all.
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