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DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016

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Comments

  • lemint
    lemint Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2016

    Hello lovely ladies. I just wanted to check in and get some advice. I finished chemo on March 24th and radiation on May 29th. My mastectomy was last October and I've had expanderes in since then. I'm finally scheduled for my reconstruction surgery on Oct18th. I'm excited but a nervous wreck. I'll be having a unilateral diep flap. I'm a little worried about the length of the surgery. Also symmetry with other side. Has anyone else had a unilateral DF and how pleased were you with the results? I've deleloped neuropathy in my hand on surgical side. Wondering if that is related at all to mastectomy/chemo/radiation/anastrazole. Thanks to anyone with any insight.

  • omickijo
    omickijo Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2016

    Simplicity- I'm sorry you're still having healing issues. Sending positive healing thoughts your way.

    NancyHB- Let me know about the ultrasound search for fluid pocket. That's what I have to have when they drain my seroma. I'm glad they aren't worried about losing the flap. I'm sorry you have an infection and have to be in the hospital. Heal quickly and completely.

    Dlia- My belly button is still an innie. No outtie.

  • taag4
    taag4 Member Posts: 93
    edited August 2016

    NancyHB-I had a free tram flap on my right side. Ended up with a tram because of my vein placement. Anyways my left side which is my own breast is a size D and my right that I had my flap surgery on is probably a small B. Just saw my ps Im 9 weeks out. My next surgery is Nov and thats when he will be doing a lift and a reduction. I can't remember how many weeks you are but expect the swelling to go down. I was pretty close in size after my surgery but now the swelling is gone wow what a difference.

    Phoebe58-thanks Ive started with the massage, hope it helps. Hope this doesn't become a habit. Don't want to be doing it in public lol

  • taag4
    taag4 Member Posts: 93
    edited August 2016

    simplicity-so very sorry your still having healing issues. Hadn't seen any post from you lately was thinking things were all healed. Hope things get better for you soon. Good luck at the ps. Hugs!

    Lemint- I had a free tram flap on my right side. As of right now Im 9 weeks out. My flap side is a small b and my left side which is all me is a large d. Ill be going for my second stage in Nov. My ps will be doing a lift and a reduction. I also have a faint line going through my flap breast, which my ps said he could do something about if it doesn't go away on it own. I also had the same problem with my hand after my mastectomy and ended up with lymphedema in that arm. Im wondering if that wasn't the start of it. Just keep and eye on it and signs of swelling get it checked right away.

  • omickijo
    omickijo Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2016

    Lemint- I also had a unilateral DF. My symmetry is good. The PS said he'll lift and probably fat graft to my left (one I was born with) in November. When I wear the cami tops with bra shelf built in they look exactly the same to me. I was a large B small C prior to the surgery. The left one droops a bit when there is no support....dang kids after breast feeding and age added on top. My surgery was about 6 hours and they stacked my flaps to make it the same side as my left. I have never had much pain with my surgery which is lucky because the pain meds made me nauseated. I have been battling a small seroma in my abdomen area but it hasn't been bad. I got one after my mastectomy too so I was familiar with it. Best wishes!

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    So I just got a call from my PS office, I am scheduled to see the PA on Wed for my two week check up after the DIEP. But the scheduler called and said the PS was wondering if I would like to see her on Thursday instead of the PA on Wed.? I find this strange. It makes me nervous, like why is the PS wanting to see me now, I have another apt in a few weeks with her.What should I do?

  • rgray1967
    rgray1967 Member Posts: 6
    edited August 2016

    I was told by my oncologist doctor since insurance is cracking down on them i will see the PA. but if i wanted to see her i will have to ask. Insurance companies are saying Pa are not as expensive. hope this helps

  • Christianna
    Christianna Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2016

    lemint -- i just had bilateral df last Tuesday there is so much I could say to you. I'll start with I am thrilled with my result semitry is beautiful left may be a bit larger but what I understand they will settle down a bit.

    As far as being terrified I had zero anxiety going into this . It is a long surgery mine was 12 hours. I was concerned at one point but realized they do this surgery a lot at least where I am and I am very healthy so I knew I was going to be fine.

    If you are a reader you should download or order Loving What Is author Byron Katie or look up The Work.org it will help you start understanding and questioning our stressful thoughts. We just make up stuff in our heads that will probable never happen to us. I say fear is from the evil one Peace comes from God. I choose peace.

    Peace and hugs I would love to help support you thru this. Where are you from?? I'm in Kansas City


    Christianna

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Thanks rgray, but that is what is strange my appt was changed from the cheaper PA to the more expensive PS at her request....just thinking something is up am I paranoid? I did have a horrible hospital experience

  • jwoo
    jwoo Member Posts: 931
    edited August 2016

    Nancy and Simplicity- hoping they get your issues fixed up quickly!

    I'm feeling pretty good now, the only issues i'm having are the lack of bowel movements (surgery was on 8/4) and pretty heavy water retention in my legs.

    I've been eating papya enzymes, colace, mirilax, drinking tons of water, walking, eating salads, etc. I've got gas, but that is all. Nurse mentioned an enema if i don't by my post op on 8/10. never had one and would prefer to keep it that way! anything besides the above that you've tried that works?

    and the edema, i've been walking, elevating my legs, drinking water, have those embolism calf pumps on when laying down. The compression socks they gave me, we can't figure out how they go.. the instructions in the bag show a different item :/ and I know putting them on wrong can make things worse. If anyone has a trick for that, please let me know.

    I'm starting to feel like a well-fed tick.

    Otherwise, the healing is going well, i think. Keeping my fingers crossed for quick recovery for all of you experiencing wound issues & infections.





  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited August 2016

    LeminT - I have had the uni DIEP, and my PS was not able to do the reduction at the same time as she ran out of time (surgery was 10.5 hours). So, unfortunately for me I have to wait for stage 2 for symmetry. Is your PS planning to try for symmetry in the one operation?

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited August 2016

    PS - I love my noob - I am very happy with the result, and am soo glad I went with the autologous recon.

  • lemint
    lemint Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2016

    Thanks Christianname. Omicijo, Stella, and Taag4. for all your insight. I really appreciate it. I'm from the suburbs south of Chicago. I'm having treatment at Northwestern. I'm an excited about this just a little nervous. I feel a little more nervous than my mastectomy surgery. I think that's because at that point I just wanted to get the cancer out. I don't think my PS will be doing anything to my other side. I'll be looking at a stage 2. I was wondering what a stacked deip flap is?

  • BigSister-2015
    BigSister-2015 Member Posts: 298
    edited August 2016

    Mom4four, I'll bet your PS saw the appointment book and decided he wanted to see you himself, knowing you need extra reassurance. I would not worry one bit. I would consider it a blessing that the doc wanted to see YOU!

    Belly Buttons. Some of you were asking about your BB. I have my old one. They cut around it, removed the flap, pulled the skin down, and poked a hole and sewed it in where it should go. At first it looked pretty flat and pathetic--I didn't like it at all. But now that I am 8 months post Stage 1, it has perked back up and looks really cute! Phew!! (I never realized how attached I was to my BB!)

    JWoo, I sure hope you get some movement. Sounds like you are doing everything you can. An enema isn't a big deal. I used one years ago when I got constipated after a long road trip. It got everything going and I haven't needed to use one since.

    Long surgery. LemonT (I think?) was worried about the surgery length. I remember reading on the 2014 forum that one lady talked to an anesthesiologist friend who said it is a piece of cake. You are not under deep all that time, so the risk is low. It is harder on your family and friends than it is on you. It felt like one second to me!

    Stacked DIEP. When a woman only needs one side done and doesn't have enough abdominal fat to get enough volume, they can take both sides of the tummy and stack them to make one large breast. I am not sure what they do with the blood supply, but it is not an uncommon procedure.

    Nancy, I sure hope you get better news today. So sorry about your cellulitis. I hope they can figure out what they can do to conquer it. Sounds like they are trying to find the source.



  • Christianna
    Christianna Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2016

    Jwoo--

    I had the same problem with my mastectomy the enema isn't really that bad much worse than that feeling of not going. So when I had DF my main focus was not to get there. I took Mirilax 2 x a day a 2 colaces. Surgery on 2nd went on the 5th. All I ate was oatmeal and fruit. Hope it happens for you soon!!!

    Lemint--

    I know what you mean about just wanting the cancer out. This is a totally different deal having this surgery. I thank God I am on this side because coming up to it there are so many emotions. But I can say it was all worth it and I am only 7 days out. I wake up with little expectations. One hour at a time. Pain management. Be still and heal. Eat as little as possible and as healthy as possible. Take small walks but in my case I'm not moving a lot until post op appt. when I left the hospital I had a small healing issue on right breast which looks great now. I just rest and know that I am healing life will take over soon enough!! I can't wait to hear what your PS says about the the surgery for you. Are your for sure a candidate? No woman likes to brag about a high BMI but my surgeon said the perfect BMI is 30.... That is so you will have enough to use for breast tissue and not too much so you have healing Issues. Mine was 32.... God is so good He even made sure I was heavy in the middle when needed to be...lol


    Have a great day ladie

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Thanks Big Sister, I am going to the PS appt on Thurs, it just means keeping the drains for 1 more day.

    Christianna, I like your way of thinking I have been trying to do as little as possible to allow for healing that I can't see. I am 13 days past surgery

  • rosiesgirl
    rosiesgirl Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2016

    Oh no, Nancy! Please keep me posted. I keep having swelling on my right side that we are watching. I am so afraid of developing an infection. Sending prayers and healing hugs!

    Joy

  • lemint
    lemint Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2016

    Christiana I saw the PS about 3 weeks ago. When I first saw him last year I was heavier, my BMI was about 28.5. I lost 23 pounds and now it's 26. He warned me not to lose any more weight. I didn't intentionally Iose weight I just was very ill. My other breast is a b cup. I'm happy you are done with your surgery. I may be bugging you with questions. I'm wondering how long I'll be off work. So many decisions😀😀

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016
    Finally - I'm home!! Was released early this morning, although I'm not certain exactly why (but am not complaining, I'd much rather be here than there!) Joy, I thought of you on Saturday when I was admitted, and wondered if you were still around (but I figured you were probably released Friday). I hope you're doing well.


    I have cellulitis and did IV antibiotics for two days (Clindamycin), and with no results on that they switched me over to Bactrim oral. Then yesterday my doctor ordered an US, and we found four seromas, two fairly large and two much smaller. My doctor asked that three of the four be drained (the fourth was right on top of the vasculature for the flap so he wanted to leave that alone). The big one was deep behind my flap, and they removed 50cc, leaving a small amount behind. That fluid looked pretty good, just like what was in my drains. The second was much smaller - 5cc's - and was thin but a little more red. The third was small, - another 5cc's - but was thick and brown, so that was disappointing. I felt a little better yesterday after that, but then this morning I swear my breast is bigger and redder- yet the attending said it looked better, and I was being discharged with a new antibiotic - Augmentin.

    I got home and sat down in my recliner and noticed the front of my shirt was wet. There is now a small opening on the breast flap, and it's leaking what appears to be serous fluid. I called my doctor's office and they said to just let it leak and they'll see me on Friday.

    Dammit. I hurt so badly, my breast is like a boulder on my chest, and now possibly the incision is opening?! All my worst fears. And, for some reason, we can't seem to get a handle on this cellulitis. Four days of pretty strong antibiotics, and it's not getting any better.

    Does anyone have any idea how long it takes to clear up a case of cellulitis? I've never had this before and I'm worried. Also worried because I understand this is a risk factor for lymphedema, and so far I've been able to avoid that.

    Thanks.
  • Christianna
    Christianna Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2016

    Lemint---

    Please ask me all the questions you want I have all day to sit and answer what I may know. What is your career? I own a salon and I was a work aholic....I love what I do and 9 months ago when I met my PS I told him I would have implants please and not interested in that DF surgery...ain't nobody got time for that...Haha I just knew everything, NOT!!

    Part of my journey with my diagnosis is learning to trust God. I ran around most of my life feeling like I was in control of most everything I have learned that is not true...lol. So along way around your question I am allowing myself 8 weeks off work. If I had a desk job maybe I would allow myself less time. But I have 12 girls in my salon and my clients were happy to book with them until I return. And then I will return part time for at least this year. I would have worried in the past that I couldn't afford to not bring in the money I make but that is part of my trusting. We have been creative in learning to live on less and what is , is!

    I think it is very important to take this time to think about yourself. That's hard for us as woman we are born to care for everyone else.

    Being a b cup I am sure your PS will have enough....girl I was DD and I was over it I told him I wanted to be a c. I appear to be a d now but they are beautiful and feel great without the expanders in. Another thing is I have a lot of my numbness with my lymph node removal is gone now. I can feel a lot more sensation now.

    Got company better hop off here




  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Nancy, My mom has had several bouts with cellulitis and she is a BC survivor and UMX of 12 years with LE. I can say it took over a month of antibiotics after she was out of the hospital but it did not make her LE worse. She is very susceptible to getting it again and has had 2 shorter bouts of it. You will fair better as she is now 80 and diabetic, but still able to fight off the cellulitis.

  • rosiesgirl
    rosiesgirl Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2016

    Glad you're home Nancy, but so sorry you are dealing with complications! I did come home on Friday and was pretty much out of it all weekend. Surgery went good, and everyone at UofM was so good! I struggled through a large post on Saturday, and then lost it! For some reason (probably anesthesia) my vision has not been what I was and typing seems to be a real struggle. My fingers just refuse to cooperate! I almost came back into the hospital Sunday because of swelling on my right side. After phone calls and sending photos it was decided that I would come in to the office on Monday. Things looked better on Monday, and I had a drain removed. I feel swollen and hard again today. I am just keeping an eye and will see how it looks tomorrow. I have to remember that the breast that is having swelling also went through a mastectomy just prior to DIEP, where the other mastectomy was done 15 months ago.

    Keep us posted as to how you are healing. Get some rest in your recliner.

    Joy


  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Nancy and Simplicity sending prayers up for your healing.

  • Christianna
    Christianna Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2016

    so I have an interesting one.... I'm having a sharp pain it comes and goes on the inside of my right thigh had it happen a few times in the hospital on the outside of my thigh one of the ps said it could be nerve damage from cutting my Abdomon just wondering if anyone else has had it. Praying it moves on out.

    Rosiegirl--

    As much as I wanted to write on here while in the hospital I chose to wait til I was in a better state I know you know what I mean. I go to post op tomorrow morning hoping to get at least 3 drains out. Only left hip is producing anything.

    Mom4four --

    How are you? I pray for you everyday that you will stay strong emotionalially and phsically... You can do this!!

    Lemint--

    What is your work? Wondering what your time off expectation is??


    Praying for everyone one today that you are giving your bodies the time to rest...


    Love and hugs,

    Christianna

  • Teacher4
    Teacher4 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Hi Christina. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I just completed stage 1 about 6 weeks ago and the healing process is going well praise God! I am now thinking about stage 2 so that I can begin planning. I know that everyone might not have the same experience but I am praying for one that is not painful and that has a good outcome. During stage one I had a really bad case of nausea that placed me back in the hospital for an additional 4 days but God is good. The staff took super good care of me. How was your experience with stage 2? How long did you have to stay in hospital? Did you need someone to be with you and how long before you were able to go back to work? I am a teacher and also I have three children and need to know if I would need to be away from them for a while. I did stage 1 during the summer in order to avoid any absence from my job and my kids were on summer break.

  • havilover
    havilover Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2016

    Nancy HB So sorry you are experiencing these difficulties. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Thanks for sharing your experience though. Its helpful. I have been experiencing continued pain in left breast while right breast feels semi normal ( new normal lol). Left breast feels heavy and full and like its a ball or something stuck to my chest. Its 5 weeks out for me. Never having been through this before I don't know how things are supposed to feel at this point, but my gut is saying things aren't right. After reading your and others accounts I started wondering about seromas. I had to google it because I didn't know what it was. I am a great one for self diagnosis with the help of the internet. Some doctors hate that, so I'm cautious about telling them what I have lol again! I had a telephone appointment with ps for tomorrow but I changed it to an in person one. Its a 6 hr round trip but will be worth it if this gets cleared up or I at least get reassurance that its just part of the process.

    Christina,I so agree about taking care of ourselves. I am not a religious person, but I too have had to face how little control I really have over just about everything. Its not bad. The more I give up trying to dictate outcomes the more room there is for some force of good that I don't fully understand to work in my life. Its not been easy feeling vulnerable and dependent on others, I like to be the one to help others.The reality is that I seem to be surrounded by people who are very happy to help me in what ever way they can. if I let them. I am grateful for my good fortune. Cancer is not fun, but it has put me in a position to realize how much good there is in my life. I hope that doesn;t sound too pollyanna to those in the throes of suffering right now, but making the choice to take that attitude seems to help me. I certainly am not able to feel that great about things when I am scared and in pain, but I try to keep in mind the good things I do have and it seems to help.

  • Teacher4
    Teacher4 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Hi Christina. I was reading and realized that you may not have gotten to stage 2 as yet. I'm sorry. Anyone who has gone through stage is welcome to answer my post please, if you are able. Thanks

  • Teacher4
    Teacher4 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Hi Slv58. Could you please share your stage 2 journey.

  • Teacher4
    Teacher4 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Hi Slv58. Could you please share your stage 2 journey.

  • Teacher4
    Teacher4 Member Posts: 7
    edited August 2016

    Hi Nancy. Praying that they get a handle on the situation. I went back for my post op and was readmitted to hospital. I spent an additional four days in hospital. I was not happy but realized that it was where I needed to be to get better so I relaxed myself mind. Reassure yourself that you are where you need to be to get well and that all will be just fine my love.

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