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DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016

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Comments

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited August 2016

    thank you Dlia! My boyfriend surprised me yesterday wit a one month trip to Kauai in September, so I am looking forward to a funny convalescence lol. Best boyfriend ever!!!!!

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016
    Hi everyone! My apologies for being so absent lately. It's been a whirlwind, and I'm still trying to deal with it all.


    In my last post I had just been released from the hospital (second time) after four days, with a diagnosis of cellulitis. Later that day my PS called and said my cultures had come back with a superbug called klebsiella, I was to stop taking the Augmentin immediately and start on a new oral antibiotic. The problem with this superbug is there are very few antibiotics that treat it - and only one oral. I started that night (Wednesday) and had a follow-up with the PS on Friday. My breast looked worse by then, so I was readmitted to UofM for IV antibiotics, including a broad spectrum abx just in case something hadn't showed up in the cultures. I am now working with both my PS and the infectious disease doctors. My PS opened up the small area that was draining and started packing the wound, hoping for some relief of the swelling - no such luck. But - over the next few days the abx seemed to be working as the redness and swelling started to recede, and the pain was far less intense. I was released home (again) on Wednesday with at-home IV antibiotics, and am packing my small wound twice a day.

    The home IV is really weird and uncomfortable for me, but it's better than being in the hospital. I see my PS tomorrow for an office visit, and then am supposed to stop the abx this Friday but keep the port access just in case the infectious disease doctor wants to continue the abx longer (I don't see them until next Tuesday). In the meantime I have another area around my nipple incision that is leaking gently, so I expect another open wound is in my future. :-(

    I have no idea where the infection came from, and frankly it's had me scared to death. But - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I've turned the corner on this infection. I understood the possibility of infection - I just didn't expect I'd be one of those statistics. :-(

    I hope everyone else is doing well and feeling good!
  • slv58
    slv58 Member Posts: 486
    edited August 2016

    Oh Nancy, how horrible- gentle hugs hon. It sounds like your Dr.s at least have a handle on it and you are getting some relief. Hoping for good news at your apt tomorrow!

    Shari

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Nancy sorry to hear you had to go through all that keeping you in my thoughts and prayers for a complete recovery.

  • havilover
    havilover Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2016

    NancyHB So sorry you are dealing with this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Nancy, you have had a really rough time, hope it just gets better from here

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited August 2016

    O NancyHB, so sorry to hear all that. I am still dealing with complications too, thou my PS isn't being as aggressive as mine isn't as severe. Infectious disease Dr was mentioned, but just as it was, my wound started to heal (still big/deep), and the bottom of my breast has 2 small holes, I think thanks to gravity lol All the fluid from the side breast wound was settling there (Sent Dr pics before it opened, told him it was going to open), and it initially was just a pin hole for, overflow I suppose. Its only a tad more open and I am not really worrying as, in my situation, those holes are assisting the top wound to drain.

    Anyway, just wanted to say you're in my thoughts and prayers. We'll be over all this healing stuff soon I hope, and any other still encountering issues.

    Is the nipple incision leaking clear, or a yellowish thick type leakage? Keep it dry and covered until you go back tomorrow :( Please check in and let us know.

  • lemint
    lemint Member Posts: 76
    edited August 2016

    Hope you feel better soon Nancy.

  • zinny
    zinny Member Posts: 169
    edited August 2016

    Sorry to hear of setbacks, Nancy. Vacation bliss, Stellamaris!

    I am meeting with my PS re stage 2 this week, and to be honest I have been avoiding thinking about it. I am not really happy with my cosmetic effect so far after BMX with DIEP. Prep, I was a bigger than I'd like to be DD. Post op the irradiated side is about a B/C and the other is a much lower down C. My girls always had a little distance between them - no cleavage unless pushed together - but now it is a bit like the grand canyon between them, and the one on the irradiated side started rising up right after surgery ( i had some pretty significant deep tissue stuff going on with tightening of my pec on that side preop.) My left boob is weirdly flat in the nipple area - there was some bruising there immediately post-op, and it is definitely much flatter than the other side. It looks weird in tank tops!

    So, now I am trying to sort out what to do next. Obviously, some fat grafting to try to even out some of the valleys and the "sunken upper chest " when I lean forward. I don't know if fat grafting will change the "projection" in the area that used to be the nipple. At first I was not eager for the nipple recon, because I kind of liked not having to worry about nips showing any more, but I think it would help my breasts to look more breast-like… not sure 3D tattoos would do that enough.

    And my poor squeamish husband is trying to pretend it doesn't gross him out, but I can see that my scars kind of do, because he always looks away when I am changing :(

    I thought about getting flowers or something pretty other than nipples, but now I feel like I just want to make them more normal again….


  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    When I sent my paper work to the doctors office to be filled out the nurse faxed the paper work to the job but had me to pick up the originals. When I got it I noticed that she had said to see notes for the diagnosis. When I asked her about it she said Oh it was too much to type so I sent the doctors notes from your file. I also needed a note for my doctor for the surgery so instead of going all the way back across town I had her mail the papers to me. To my surprise she sent EVERYTHING!! When she had to say was that the doctor would be doing reconstruction surgery for previous breast cancer diagnosis. SMH!!

    Hope all is healing well and having a peaceful day.

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited August 2016

    Zinny, sending you positive thoughts as you make your stage 2 decisions. Just before the operation yesterday, my PS asked if I wanted any tweaking done on the DIEP side, and even mentioned a bit of lipo around the kitten ear, if I wanted it, but honestly I didn't have an issue with it. It looks like i am now a B after a lifetime of DD. My DD side had pretty much succombed to gravity, and was hanging almost to my waist, so I'm thrilled to be more symmetric. I have decided on a 3D tatoo, because I am "surgeried out'. I just can't face any more cutting. I hope your husband can get past the scars. Sometimes I think it's not so much that they are grossed out as they have a hard time dealing with what we are going through. It is hard for them to know what to do or say. Sending you all the best. This forum has been my lifeline, and I feel so close to you all.

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    I just had a visit from the OT. This is the first day that I am allowed to use my arms more, it's been 4 weeks since surgery. I had no idea I would have such a limited range of motion, again. After the BMX it was hard and now it seems I am back to square one. Silly that I thought today I would be 100%! I really did...

  • Christianna
    Christianna Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2016

    mom4four - did you have Diep flap on both side on the 27th?. . I am 21 days out yesterday and went today for some medical massage he really helped with my range of motion on my right cancer radiated side and did some cupping I feel a lot less tight. Before my Diep I used one of those bands and did stretching exercises behind my shoulders I just wonder if that's what has helped me... Praying for relief and quick healing for you.

    Christianna

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    I got my preadmission testing scheduled for the 7th it is getting closer. I know I will have pain but I can't wait to at least get rid of this big bubble on the left implant.

    StellaMaris my sentiments exactly!!

    Praying for everyone's healing and peace!

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited August 2016

    Evening ladies.

    Mom4four, how are you feeling? How are the wounds? Do you have any stretch bands to use, or have they shown you exercises to improve your range? I did OT & PT after BMX and it really helped. Now I have my stretch bands tied to my bed posts like some kind of freak lol I stretch daily, even while at work. I woke up with AWS about 2 weeks ago (axillary web syndrome). It's like a cord of they dont know what after all this money for BC research :( Anyway, it restricts your range and you can see and feel it, at least I can.

    Hope all others are doing well.

    Im hoping I dont have to fight my PS again to continue antibiotics. I go in Tuesday and wounds are looking good, but one lapse of antibiotics and redness, soreness, and stench in 48hrs. But I clearly dont know what Im talking about, nor do I know my own body.

    Very frustrated lately in general. Tired of dressing and packing wounds. Work is insane and well, you know, life, house, kids *sigh*

  • Katjadvm
    Katjadvm Member Posts: 117
    edited August 2016

    You tell em Simplicity. Stick to your guns!! You do own and control your own body. hang in there.

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016
    Goood morning everyone. Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm certainly frustrated by this set-back, but determined to think of it as a bump in the road rather than a derailment. Saw the PS's PA on Tuesday and she says everything looks really good. I now have the 1/4" opening at 7:00 that I'm packing (but it seems to be healing rather quickly and I'm down to just a couple inches of packing 2/day, and wearing a 4x4 over the entire area) that isn't draining anything, and two small pinhole openings 2:00 and 4:00 that are weeping a neon-yellow, bubbly fluid. The PA checked it and says it's not infection but rather serous fluid (I hope she's right). Like you, Simplicity, I think these areas are helping relieve the large seroma I had drained from behind the nipple flap. If I press gently on the breat tissue, the fluid comes flowing out. Sorry if it's TMI.

    The side and bottom of my breast look horrible - peeling skin, pitted, uneven - obviously still full of fluid. However - the redness is GONE as is almost all of the pain. No fever for over a week. My whole breast is much smaller and softer - no rock-hard places anywhere anymore. We see the infectious disease doctor on Tuesday and my hope is that the infection is resolved and I can continue on my healing ways. And praying for no more dehiscence along the nipple scar.

    I'm pretty sure alot of this has to do with the previously-radiated breast tissue. When I recurred a few months ago and had my SNB, I went running without a properly-supportive sports bra and ended up with a bad case of cellulitis in that breast, and the tissue never seemed to fully recover. I may have to accept that Lucy is never going to look fully "normal" again.

    Simplicity, I'll have to read back all your posts to see your exact timeline, but it sounds as though you've been on abx for a long time! I'm almost worried about stopping mine and having a recurrence of the infection since this one is apparently really hard to treat. Every time I mention to my PS that they can just take the breast, I don't need it, if it'll solve this infection problem, they all say, "No, you have such a nice breast mound, we don't want to remove it." Don't care about the boob as much as I care about being healthy! Erg!

    My PS hasn't mentioned anything about PT or OT, and I'm still on significant restrictions 5 weeks post-op. I teach yoga and can't lift my left arm above my shoulder anymore!! I'm going to ask when I see him next week - I'm hoping he releases me to start walking longer (only 1/2 mile a day right now) and re-start my yoga practice. Being inactive is driving me crazy (although I've read the entire Harry Potter series again, and almost finished a new afghan!)

    Healing hugs and love to you all!
  • BigSister-2015
    BigSister-2015 Member Posts: 298
    edited August 2016

    Hi everyone. Sorry for so many trials. You all have such good attitudes!

    I thought I'd share some response that I have had with my scarring. My lines were really red after many months with no sign of fading. My daughter recently had incredible results with Rodan and Fields for her acne, so I started a different regimen for my scars, and it is working! If isn't an overnight thing, but it is effective over time. I am looking forward to moving on to the next regimen to fade the scars even more.It's also guaranteed if I am not satisfied after two months. PM me if you want to hear more.

  • Simplicity
    Simplicity Member Posts: 723
    edited August 2016

    NancyHB, I am sure they are helping. I call the wound at the base of my breast the overflow wound lol Mine ache if the fluid doesn't have a way to escape. Can feel when they get full? It is discouraging, having these issues. I am stopping my antibiotic as of tonight as I am getting a yeast infection around my abdominal dehiscence :( Its completely closed up now but a nasty rash has popped up and the nurse is certain it's yeast from abx.

    Yes, do ask about PT/OT, but if you have open wounds like me, we both probably have to wait. Can you see a 'web' of sorts under your armpit? Does the pain when you try to extend, go down your arm? If so, it's just cording, painful as can be, but fixable via exercise and stretching. I think I have been on them since July7th, so yea. Long time :( But my prize hole is going to take a while to heal up. It's deep and wide. An abscess that burst. Frustrating. But this too is just temporary.

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

    Simplicity, I am so sorry about your yeast issue. Are you taking a probiotic? Something with a wide range of bugs is best. One of my doctors recommended Advanced Naturals Ultimate Floramax - 50 Billion. You can get it from Amazon. Pricey, but worth it. I also make and eat unpasteurized sauerkraut. It's loaded with goodness.

  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016

    Simplicity - so sorry to hear your issues continue. I really admire your ongoing positivity and determination in this ongoing battle. I keep wanting to give up and am so discouraged, but I know one day I'll look back on this and it won't seem as bad as it does right now.

    I do not seem to have any cording or webbing - I think I've just not been able to use this arm properly for so many weeks, and now I've lost my range of motion. I'll definitely ask about PT, but as you say, with open wounds I doubt it will happen soon. If I can start doing yoga stretches, that will help immensely, I'm sure.

    From the day I came home from the hospital after surgery I started drinking protein shakes, 2 a day, each with 30 g of protein, to aid in healing. I continue to drink them (in part because I've had no appetite for the last couple of weeks and have now dropped 20 lbs. since surgery). As BigSister suggested, I'm also taking a high-dose probiotic as suggested by my home health RN as they're concerned about c. diff. (just what I need!) as well as yeast infections. It's already helped with my tummy troubles (SEs of the Ertapenem). I encourage you to try that, as well, if you haven't already.

    And thanks to you, I'm going to ask about raw honey to help with the healing of the nipple incision. Found another small area tonight that looks as though it may want to open. Sad Our friend has beehives and produces raw, organic honey, so she'd be my first contact if my PS says I can use it. Your results are inspiring!


  • nancyhb
    nancyhb Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2016

    Okay, I have a strange question - when did you start wearing a bra again? My right breast is a B but my left (recon) breast is about a D right now. I haven't had a bra on since before surgery, and would need to get new one because of the size different. I ask because I have at least one seroma that is causing significant swelling (it went away about a week ago but I notice the tell-tale signs again yesterday, including fluid movement under the flap and swelling into my armpit). I wonder if this is caused by my increase in activity and lack of wearing a supportive bra?

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

    Nancy, that would be a good question for your PS. I wonder if the pressure of a bra would help? I can't remember when I started wearing one--likely when I started moving around more!

    I got a Bali comfort revolution bra. I found it at Sams Club, and it was pretty cheap. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/bali-comfort-revoluti...

    The nice thing is they come in small, medium, large so it accommodates several sizes. I have found it very comfortable--much like a sports bra--yet doesn't squish or not give me enough support. Unlike most sports bras, it look nice under my clothes.

    HTH!

  • stellamaris
    stellamaris Member Posts: 313
    edited August 2016

    i started wearing sports bras right after surgery, on top of dressings. Even slept in them. I had no issues with healing or seroma. Had breast reduction on Tuesday and have been wearing sports bra. I think they really help. Xo

  • zinny
    zinny Member Posts: 169
    edited August 2016

    Re bra's - Just found a T-shirt bra at Victoria's Secret that has no underwire but has that memory foam padding and makes my shape look so much better!


  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Question if you can't lift your arms after surgery will I need all button shirts?

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    sending up healing thoughts and prayers for everyone

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    when I had my double mastectomy and got the expanders/implants I had an infection in the left breast and ended up in the hospital for 11 days is that something I should be concerned about happening again? The strong antibiotics messed up my kidneys and it took months to get my creatinine back to closer to normal. Don't want to have to relive that experience.

  • Mom4four
    Mom4four Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2016

    Dlia, I needed all button up shirts for the first 4 weeks, just this week I can wear stretchy shirts. Infection is a much lower chance because you are getting your own tissue not a foreign body, you should be okay

  • Dlia
    Dlia Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2016

    Nancy which protein shake are you drinking?

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