DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016
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So sorry for the itching, Simplicity. I found rubbing helps for those deep itches. If that doesn't work, an ice pack can help. Itching is he worst!
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Thanks BigSister. I massage it which oddly they told me not to do. But it gets some of the fluid moving and satisfies the itch, a bit
Here it is today. Don't let this scare any newbies. Complications are rare and my body has always been unaccepting of surgery (I've had a lot for various reasons). Looking SOOOOO much better!!!
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Simplicity we are kind of new to Charlotte November will be 2 years. The only family here is me , hubby, daughter and her 2 children 2 yrs and 5 yrs. My niece will come down on day 10 when my husband goes away. I had to tell my daughter she will need to take off when he's away.I am not even going to try to take care of her kids and set myself back.
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I think I am having trouble with body image, I think I look fine in clothes but I dread taking a shower and will go too long without one. I thought it was because it is tiring but I think maybe it's more.. Anyone else
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Mom, I'm sorry your body image is bothering you, and that showering is a challenge. There is so much change in our bodies, they're so different after all the surgeries, and then we throw in the reason for needing the surgery in the first place, and it's understandable that what we see in the mirror makes us unhappy.
I've been having a hard time looking myself in the mirror lately, too - something I have to do twice a day at this point as I'm still packing a wound around the nipple, and watching for signs of my infection returning. My surgery was 6 weeks ago and at first it didn't bother me, but as days pass it bothers me more and more. I know it takes time to heal, to settle, to soften, and perhaps I'm being impatient or unrealistic but I thought I'd look better by now. I, too, find myself avoiding looking at myself in the mirror, rather I look at the small spot I need to focus on and then dress as quickly as possible. I saw my surgeon yesterday for my 6-week follow-up and he's fascinated by the "beautiful mound" he's created; I wish I could see what he sees.0 -
Dlia, glad to hear you have some support. I'll send you a PM soon if thats okay, and try to come and see you/meet you while you're at CMC
Mom and Nancy, yea me too. For quite some time now. Neither of you are very far out, try to remember that. The holes, tears, openings do heal. With my abdominal dehiscence (which has been closed for about 2 months now, but I still have divets and a 'cliff'' where the belly goes down to the dehicence), and the holes on both breasts, bleh.
But it is what it is. I can see my figure, under all the.....scars. I have dog ears too and a boob nose (the name I gave it). I also try to avoid looking at it as a whole.
Nancy how is that tear doing? How does he have you dressing it? How deep it is? Size? My left breast hole is probably about an inch deep not sure how far to the sides it goes, but I do know I have fluid pockets that still havent drained. He says its dead fatty cells? Sometimes, changing dressing, it smells horrific (not infection-according to the Dr)
Try not to get too discouraged you two. We are so much more than our figure. I know it sucks. really sucks. But this is temporary, and will change/heal.
I just covered my breast hole last night. Kinda brave lol Magically thou, it didn't leak through Yay!! I did some yard work yesterday and activity seems to make it drain more? Which I am thinking is good?
I am so scared for stage 2. Seeing the issues I had with this one, and knowing I have those fluid pockets (he wants to get in there and clean out that breast-yay more cutting
More drain tubes *sigh* and yet another recovery period. bleh bleh bleh0 -
Nancy and Simplicity, iti know time will make things easier but it is nice to know I am not the only one. I have dog ears and my abdomen scar is not straight it's got a crooked curve. Then my right side is way smaller than my left and that was the one thing that I wanted the most, to be equal on both sides even if small. I think I would be an A cup on the right and a B on the left... Sigh.
I told my dr that I didn't want to to stage two for at least a year
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Ladies, I'm sorry your dealing with issues but yea to your fabulous attitude! I know it can be hard. I have quite an abdominal lump on right side that was suppose to be fixed during stage 2. It's a little bit better but you can see quite a difference still.
Mom, size difference between breasts is usually addressed during stage 2. I was at least a cup smaller on diep, so my PS reduced and lifted my good side during stage 2 and reduced the large areola and gave me a nipple. They do match now but I suddenly realized ( seeing pics of myself) how much smaller I am now. I don't love it but keep telling myself that the cancer is gone and that's what matters. I guess I just wish I could have remained a D cup instead of a B. I thought I had quite a belly but my PS did warned me that she didn't have enough to keep me a D and after surgery I was left with a 'hamburger bun' breast. I just have to learn to love the new me and look in the mirror with admiration. I also have to stop looking at my chest in profile!! Lol
Hoping for continued healing for my diep sisters. This is a lengthy journey and sometimes it takes time and effort to love the new bodies we have. But they are healthy
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Hi Ladies, I am getting ready for surgery on Sept. 21. Scheduled for UMX and immediate DIEP. Feeling extremely nervous-somewhat terrified actually! I haven't been on the board for a few weeks and just went back to read what I had missed. I do feel extremely fortunate that my SO and PS are extremely skilled at what they do and my nurses have told me they think I'll do very well, but I can't get past the anxiety that keeps creeping in. I've noticed that many of you have voiced concerns in your recovery over the past few weeks and would like to know-despite some bumps in the road-are you still glad you went with the DIEP? I've already been through chemo and just want to have surgery behind me but I really am scared. Stupid things pop into my mind like what if I wake up during surgery, what if the anesthesia makes me nauseous, and worst-what if I don't make it through surgery? I've tried to put positive affirmations in my mind and say them over and over to myself but still can't prevent all the anxiety.
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Hi Katiebird!
I understand!
I had my DIEP on 7/14 and I am happy that I did. My foob will need a little cosmetic help still with stage 2 surgery, but still worth it. My best advice is to do lots of squats and lunges and get your legs strong now so that you can be more mobile after surgery. If you can afford it, rent an electric recliner for a month after.
Do tell them you are afraid of nausea- I get very nauseated but they gave me 3 drugs before during and after and I had none. They can answer all your questions about risks, if it helps, review them with your RNs and docs again.
Good luck!!!
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Katiebird - I completely understand your fears and concerns, and had similar ones myself. It's a big, long surgery and there are possible complications, so it's natural to be worried. I asked my PCP for a couple of Ativan beforehand, for when I had a few tough moments. I only used them a couple of times, but it helped alleviate the anxiety and stop my "monkey mind" from chattering away with fear and worry.
I had UMX and immediate DIEP six weeks ago. I was great for the first two weeks of recovery then spent two weeks battling a superbug infection with two hospitalizations and in-home IV antibiotics - so, in general, some of my fears came true. BUT - I have not one ounce of regret, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Recovery is a process, and takes a while, and there may be bumps in the road. I'll be thinking about you in the days up to the 21st - take care.
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Nancy, Simplicity and Mom4four, I'm thinking of you all. Hope your feeling better soon. Good luck to everyone😀
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Thank you Annie and Nancy. Having strong, courageous women like you to provide answers and support helps me believe I can get through this too.
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hi Katierbird!
Ask away, I'm happy to answer any questions you have. It's not easy but it's doable. I'm glad I did it and I would do it again for sure
Hug
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Katiebird, hugs to you. You can do this! It is an anxious, insecure time, I know. I was. 66 when I had my DIEP in March. I was questioning my sanity and my ego, going thru that at my age. But I am so happy I did. I am a woman, and deserve to feel and look like myself. After stage two in August, I am now balanced, although I will never again look like I did before. I am getting accustomed to the new physical me, but iam no different than the old me. This weekend was full of activity with my DH...hiking and kayaking as we used to before my dx. I refuse to let this diminish me. We are warriors, and we will make the most of our lives, no matter what. We are so brave, and you all have my utmost admiration. You will get past the fear and anxiety, but know that when you need to vent we are here. Best wishes to all of you
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Stella, so glad you mentioned your age! I'm 67 and have nipple sparing DIEP in December and sometimes I think, "what am I getting myself into at my age" but I am healthy and certainly feel at least 10 years younger. I just don't want to be reminded of this for the rest of my life and this seemed the closest to "normal".. Thanks for the encouragement
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Katiebird, I had the same fears before my surgery. I was diagnosed in January of 2015. I went for a BMX with implants on February because my PS said I was too thin for a DIEP. One side got infected and had to be removed. It got infected again after being put back in, and that time landed me in the hospital with sepsis before they finally took it out again.
I found a DIEP surgeon and he said that I was not too thin. I had my DIEP in December of 2015 and my stage 2 in April. I am so happy with the results. I got C cups out of the deal. They match and the scars are slowly fading.
I look awesome in clothes and not too freakish naked. My husband is getting used to the new me. I like the new me. It can't compare to the old, but it certainly gave me back what had to go. I am happy with my warm tissue that jiggles like the old me.
I would do it again in a heartbeat, but I am sure glad to have all those surgeries behind me!
My heart goes out to those who are still struggling with complications. It is not the norm. Praying for everyone's healing.
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Katiebird, there is something about waking up from surgery and feeling a warm soft mound that makes everything worth it! You will see!
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Hi ladies haven't had my first surgery yet but I have a question about stage 2. Do you have the tubes inserted again at that stage?
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Thank you Ladies-you boost my spirit!
Just one question-I've seen several people mention the use of a shower stool following surgery. Why or how is this helpful?
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In case you are too weak or unsteady to stand
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Askyour PS about drains after stage 2. I believe the answer is usually no, I didn't have any, but I think it depends on how much he has to do.
I had a shower chair after my first mastectomy. It was very helpful because I was weak and tired and it was good to sit and let my girls help me.
I felt like I was in better shape after my DIEP because the worst of the recovery was in the hospital. I sat on the side of the tub when I needed to that time around.
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This question relates to the drains. How do you manage them after surgery? One of my nurses said you can get shirts or camisoles that have pockets built in for the drains. Is that helpful? What about showering with the drains?
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Katiebird - my hospital provided a "mastectomy camisole" which was a stretchy cotton tank top-sort of garment that had a velcro closure up the front. Inside were pockets for drains and/or breast forms. I mostly wore that until my drains were removed. I'd ask your PS if one will be provided for you, otherwise this is the one I had (there are other places you can purchase them from, too, including TLC and even Amazon):
When I showered I wore a cheap lanyard around my neck that I hung the drains from with safety pins.
After the first week or so, when I was more comfortable with having the drains, I'd sometimes skip the camisole and simply pin the drains to the bottom of my tank top (around the house) or wear the lanyard under my oversized shirt to the grocery store. For me, the drains were a little weird but not uncomfortable, and I didn't mind them all that much.
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Thank you Nancy-that's very helpful.
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Hi Katiebird - I made myself a drain belt similar to what you can get here http://www.marsupialpouch.com/store. I found it very useful when I had 3 drains after the surgery. Two of the drains came out 8 days after the surgery and the last one five days later, so I didn't have to deal with them for a very long time. I pinned the drains to a lanyard while showering like Nancy. My hospital also provided a Jacki recovery jacket which has lots of interior pockets for drains http://www.alittleeasierrecovery.org/index.php?link=features. I wore the Jacki after my mastectomy in April, but my DIEP was in July and it was just too hot to wear anything with long sleeves. I was nervous before the surgeries, but listening to "Preparing for surgery" by Martin Rossman helped a lot. I borrowed the recording from my library but it's also available on Amazon, or here http://www.soundstrue.com/store/preparing-for-surgery-3808.html. I'm 8 weeks out of surgery, back at work full time (desk job) and walking 5 miles a day. Good luck :-)
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Thanks esardee! I just saw the Jacki during an online search today. I might also be able to make myself a pouch-I hadn't thought about that. Going to look into the Preparing for Surgery CD. Glad to hear you're doing well!
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Hi ladues can anyone talk about the heat in the room?
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Hi Dlia. My room was kept at an uncomfortable temperature for the two days following surgery (while I was wearing the Bair Hugger). It was doable, but definitely not comfortable - more than my share of hot flashes. Once the Bair Hugger came off, my nurses happily turned down the temp and it felt great.
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what is a bear hugger?
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