DIEP Flap Reconstruction 2016
Comments
-
I've been doing well, had a scare when I found a lump at the side of my diep breast that started hurting, thankfully after mammogram and ultrasound, nothing concerning was found. My PS said it's the edge of my flap and probably a bit of necrosis. I'm scheduled to have one more fat grafting to fill a divot on upper pole. My last surgery, whatever the results will be I'm going to thankfully accept! I believe she is going to use outer thighs for donor site. My reconstructed nipple has flattened a bit and I'm hoping that it won't anymore! I've booked my 3D areola tattoo for July!
Hoping this year sees us all completing this stage with ease and success!
0 -
So glad you got it checked out and all was good! I found a bump in my armpit a couple weeks ago too. Luckily it was an infected hair follicle. I haven't had to have any fat grafting, thankfully. What is the 'pole'? I never thought of a nipple rebuild with 3D areola. Hmmm....Can I be so bold as to ask if you mind pm'ing me a photo? I am still trying to decide on the nipple aspect. Think it would still be a while for me due to left breast issues/contour. I have to wait a bit either way.
0 -
slv58...........I can't reply to you........it says you are not accepting private messages.................but that is where I plan on going too!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot WAIT to see yours (if possible). I have been in contact with them already but until I am healed from my next surgery I can't do it. so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!! who was your surgeon?
0 -
Hello Group,
I'll be in NOLA in early February for the DIEP surgery and am also coming in from elsewhere.
I was also worried about flying and the airport and so we have chosen to drive instead of fly. It will take longer in the end but I believe that I'll have more flexibility and will be more comfortable.
Mustlovepoodles, when is your surgery? Mines on the 2nd.
0 -
Mine is scheduled for Feb 7, so we'll probably miss each other. We'll be coming in a couple days early so we can do a little sight seeing. We're staying down off Jackson Square, so we'll be able to get our beignet and gumbo fix. We'll be at Hope Lodge for 4 nights, then head home.
I thought about driving down there, but we got a really good flight so it just didn't make sense to drive >8hours vs. fly 1.5hrs. We are very comfortable using taxis so we don't anticipate having any transportation problems. I think our biggest problem will be leaving our little doggy at home! Well, that and, you know. Major Surgery.
0 -
Simplicity, pics sent. The upper pole is just used to describe the area on the upper part of chest at edge of flap. I have a divot there that shows when I wear v neck tops and I figured I'd try one more grafting to plump it up a bit.
0 -
Mustlove and MAPBB, that'd be awesome if the two of you got to meet! I got to meet Dlia
Lovely lady. Haven't seen her post lately....SLV58, thanks for sharing. Looks great imo.
My PS and I discussed last week whether or not to revise my left breast. Not sure how I feel about it. I know it probably doesn't look as bad as I think it does. I'll post pics next time I take some. Could use others opinions on how or which way to move forward.
Hope all are resting, healing, and enjoying the weekend.
0 -
Hi all! Looking for some help. I'm 5 weeks post-surgery and last week during an appointment with my PS I asked what I could do about swelling in my abdomen and the firmness in the bottom of my breast. He recommended massaging both.
Tried massaging my breast, but it felt more sore, so I stopped after two days.
I've been searching for a YouTube video to demonstrate how to massage after DIEP but haven't found any. I don't want to do it wrong and move lymphatic fluids in the wrong direction in my abdomen or damage the breast tissue.
Thanks for suggestions or any resources you can point me to.
0 -
JCN-did you have any lymphnodes removed? I had 19 removed, 18 positive
There is a certain method to a lymphatic massage. You should start just above the collar bone. Let me see if I can find a video...This one is decent thou I don't do the breast part. My lymph specialist starts above the collar bone, a light circular massage, then the neck, then a light massage to 'awaken' the other lymph systems. Underarms, and at both hips.
Trying to type this and describe lol Is there a lymph specialist near you?
I am not pleased with my left breast
My PS says he can remove the flap of skin, hopefully with a result of more roundness. Not sure what to do. Or maybe wait a bit longer and see how it settles?Side view
Front view UGH-and that's my non cancer breast
Bleh bleh bleh
0 -
Hello all, I had my stage 2 surgery last Thursday. My PS did fat grafting, nipple reconstruction, scar revision and liposuction in the flanks, the whole abdomen and the pelvis. The lipo sure looks good. I can't see the breasts yet because they are covered in dressings that I have to keep on until my post-op tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing what these nipples look like!
I ended up staying in the recovery room for 10 hours. I had a major allergic reaction to an abdominal binder they put on me and had terrible itching and rashes everywhere. They gave me a benadryl injection that didn't work, then another drug that did work but made me sleep the entire day. Apparently these binders were new and there were 3 other patients also having the same allergic reaction to it, so the nurses had to do an official report. The pain hasn't been too bad, it feels like I have big bruises everywhere from pelvis to shoulders.
0 -
hi everyone - I fly down for my stage 2 today and have a pre-consult Tues and surgery Thurs - nipples, kitten ear removal, and not sure what else. The radiated side has risen a bit, so possibly some other stuff.
Glad to hear you are doing pretty well now Maya15, but sucks about the allergic reaction.
. Happy healing and can't wait to hear about the fipple reveal!!You are such a strong trooper Simplicity. Each picture does show improvements. You have been through far more than your share. Big hugs. I have a great lymphedema specialist here, and she does what yours does, but then slides across the breast too.
0 -
Phoebe, my PS was quite aggressive and did a lot of lipo. I am very pleased! This is your chance, before you go in, to ask your surgeon for any "improvements" you would like but would never be able to get otherwise!
0 -
Simplicity,
Thanks for the video and the suggestion of seeing a lymphatic massage therapist. Great ideas! I had only 2 nodes removed and so farno symptoms of lymphedema. I'm just trying to soften up the new breast. There's some firmness on the underside that I hope will resolve. It's the swelling and tightness inside my abdomen that's keeping me from being more active. My PS said massaging my abdomen would help, but I want to do it correctly.
I'm so sorry that you are unhappy with your breast after all you have been through. Sending hugs and encouragement as you decide on next steps.
J
0 -
Hello,
MustLovePoodles, I will be in the Hope Lodge from the 5-10th. If you want to stop by on the 6th, feel free. But don't change your sight seeing schedule for me. I haven't figured out what kind of clothing I will pack. Apparently, we need shirts that button up instead of over the head. Most of my comfortable baggy shirts are pull overs. Also, need to figure out some comfortable pull on pants to travel in on the way back. Any suggestions anyone?
0 -
Simplicity that is a huge improvement! Look back at your original pics, there is a big change. If your comfortable with your PS, then tell him how your feeling and your fears. His answers and explanations may help you decide your next step.
0 -
Mapbb,
Stretchy yoga pants are comfy for traveling. Also a sleep mask and ear plugs to help you sleep in the hospital. Docs round very early at most hospitals so a notebook to write down your questions in advance will help you remember what you want to ask. There's a detailed list of what to bring at the top of this thread.
0 -
Morning ladies.
Maya, so good to hear from you! Hate to hear that about the reaction. No more holes? Feels good doesn't it!? Good suggestion on talking to PS further. I didn't ever look at it that way.
MAPBB, Target sells button up pajama sets. I had a hard time finding button up pajama tops. Lounge pants, sweats, leggings are all good.
Phoebe, thinking of you as your day draws near! Thank you. I did add that to my massage last night, feels good.
JCN, it will soften up with time. You can also talk to your PS about steroid shots in those areas to loosen up the scar tissue a bit. I had some during stage3 and it seems to have helped. Not sure there is an incorrect with the abdomen. Unless you have dehiscence (opening up). I couldn't massage mine with the dehiscence so it puckered inward as it healed
Revision is done, but he didn't go all the way across. Trying to decide now if I want him to fix that and the left breast. Too many decisions.Thanks SLV58. I'll look. Just seems like it's sagging more and more as it settles. Bleh.
I have stitches that are just annoying the poo poo out of me! I have soaked and tried but they're just not ready to come out yet. So I am having to keep that covered to avoid friction.
Hope all have a good day!
0 -
I posted this on the fat grafting topic as well.
Hi, I had my phase 2 fat grafting to the upper poles 8 months after my Diep surgery.
The days following my surgery, the site where the fat was harvesting from was super sore, yet numb and had a burning sensation when moving around. Especially in bed trying to rollover. The harvest site was from my flanks (sides, near abdomen). One side was completely black/purple/blue and the other side was bruised, butnot as bad. Most of what I heard ahead of time was that phase 2 would be a breeze. I found it to be not so fun.
I am now 4 weeks out. In my chest that the fat was transferred too, I can see a bit of an outline that was filled. I am hoping I won't lose anymore of the fat. From what the dr tells me is that most people need more than one fat graft for it to take for such a huge indentation like me. He indicated that my surgeon who did my mastectomy is aggressive in taking all of the breast tissue and that it leaves big gaps to fill. I would hope that any dr performing a mastectomy would be sure to get all breast tissue to be sure the cancer doesn't come back. So I don't blame the surgeon for causing indents. But I really can't imagine doing this fat grafting surgery again, but it's too early to tell. They say it could taken 3 months to really know what fat will stick around.
My sides are still numb feeling-I'm hoping this is just temporary and will get feeling back.
I was sent home with a binder which didn't fit the contour of a woman's body so not sure why they bother. My nurse suggested wearing spanx until the swelling has subsided. I found this awesome maidenform firm camisole at Walmart that works great and is actually as comfortable as can be.
Anyway, just wanted to share my experience
0 -
Happy New Year!! my stage 2 was on Dec 20... it was an experience! During recovery they called the doctor and he came and was really pressing on the top of my right breast. I could hear him say we may have to take her back to surgery and for them to put a binder on me.. When I was finally able to sit up I was so sick even after the nausea meds. I finally went home after being at the hospital at 5 am and leaving to go home at 4 pm. I was really concerned with my incision after having it open after stage 1 surgery.Finally my incision didn't reopen. The breast is fine but the right one is a little square. The ps says it will change and every day it seems to be getting better. He told me to massage it. My stomach has places that are hard and stiff. The ps wants to know if there is anything else he can do for me and to decide if I want nipples and tattoo but right now I am at the place that I can't even imagine having another surgery whether in the hospital or in the office. I am so ready to live free from cancer and surgery. .today is my first day back at work and as soon as I came in the door there is a box with a laptop in my chair that they had assigned to me for an upgrade for an employee. Seems they were giving me tickets while I was out for 3 weeks. Hugs and healing thoughts for those still going through stages and welcome to those yet to begin the journey in to the Diep life...
0 -
So glad to hear from you Dlia. My abdomen is doing good too, just a divet on each side. But no openings
0 -
Simplicity, thanks for the insight. Didn't know about those options. I still have an open spot in the center of my abdomen that has started to heal now that I'm packing it. Will avoid that spot when massaging. Hope it looks ok when it finally heals.
0 -
Hey everyone! Had a few minutes to log on and wow, I had pages and pages to get up to speed. Hope everyone is doing well. Still waiting for my stage2 after it was cancelled in Nov. Have tried calling to get a date pinned down, but I always get an answering machine and no one ever returns my call. Really getting frustrated. My stomach is bulging on the left side which a ct scan said it is not a hernia. Not sure if that is good or not. At least I know they would fix a hernia lol. But the ct scan also showed I had nodules on my lung which was a shock , I was just going in to get my prescription updated with my oncologist. Guess this bulge was a blessing, now just waiting to hear from my second ct about these nodules. Just seems like this is never ending. I alway keep everyone in my prayers. Happy New Year wishing everyone all the best this coming year.
Hugs
0 -
JCN, you doing the wet to dry? My Dr suggested baby shampoo for the shower, I also used hibiclense to clean the area when I showered. I dont think massaging would hurt, but check with your Dr. It would certainly help with scar tissue.
Taag, hugs. Please let us know. Thinking of you
0 -
Simplicity, I don't know what "wet to dry" is. I can get more specific in a PM if you want details. Just changed the dressing while getting ready for bed an it's definitely improving! Won't be seeing the PS until mid-February. The visiting nurse is still coming to monitor the healing so I'll check with her about the baby shampoo and hibicleanse. She just started visiting last Friday and got things going in the right direction immediately. Wish I would have had her sooner. Thanks for the suggestions!
J
0 -
Morning ladies.
JCN, wet to dry is just you soak the bandage, usually in saline solution, ring it out, prior to packing. I use to put a bit of hibiclense in with my saline about once a day with all my packings (per a Onc Nurse friend). SOooo glad to hear it's improving!!! They do close! Seems like it never will and seems slow while it's there, but it does.
I still have 3 stitch areas where the stitch is sticking out just enough to be painful! Then at my end stitch (my PS really needs to work on his end technique) there is a group of like 4 stitches proudly poking their heads out
It's been 3 weeks. I have tried to soak and pull on them gently, but they don't seem ready to give. Ugh.Last bone density scan revealed osteopenia. So I start my prolia shots (every 6 months) tomorrow, and another BCO friend, and the nurse have both said flu like symptoms will set in the day after. yay. ugh Do we ever get away from all this completely?
Classes start back next Tuesday and I am petrified. I have an opportunity to sit in on a class that I had to withdraw from 5 weeks to the end with my diagnosis. Boss doesn't want me to register until next go around. Wants me to sit in and get refreshed. Cisco, routing and switching. I am soooo petrified and not sure why...well, I think I know why, but don't want to think about it lol
Hope all have a good day!
0 -
Simplicity, thanks for the explanation of wet and dry. Sounds like an effective technique. I'm sorry you have stitches that are bothering you. Also hope your first injection goes well tomorrow and that the symptoms are milder than expected.
0 -
simplicity sorry to hear about the osteopenia. Your right this seems to be never ending. Hope your symptoms from your shot aren't too bad. Honestly not sure how you do it. Im sure you have had your break downs along the way, you have had to endure so much. I have friends say to me well if you couldn't handle it you wouldn't have been given it. In my head I just want to say REALLY...all I can do is handle it, please tell me another option lol. But I guess things can alway be worse. Good luck with the shot. Not a fan of needles anymore. Hugs
0 -
MAPBB
I used men's shirts. If you have a hubby, son, brother, cousin, etc who is larger than you, ask him for a few old shirts. Men rarely throw anything away.
0 -
Morning ladies.
Taag, I am not sure how any of us do it. This is such a ....weird road. I was in a funk prior to diagnosis, and found it sitting here waiting for me haha I do have break downs. Not lately thou. That fear of if I start crying I'll never be able to stop has set in.
Yea, that one bothers me. That and "everything happens for a reason" or the good 'ole "it's over now. Don't dwell in the past" Oy vay
I have to bend different, reach different, lean different, do chores differently. Just, in my experience, I am still adjusting, growing my strength back, and still fighting a bit with the fatigue and energy. But it's getting better, everyday! Really!
I admire you ladies. And am so thankful for all the sharing. Helps me know I am not alone.
Hope all have a good day, and a restful, peaceful, healing weekend!
0 -
Simplicity,
Amen! you said it so well! I too am comforted, encouraged and inspired by you and others on this site.
I'm looking forward to getting back to work and feeling a little more like my usual self. I work for a health care organization that includes a home for severely physically disabled adults. They inspire me everyday with their grace and humor.
This weekend is going to be busy. Plan to lose myself in all of the activity and forget about cancer for a while.
0
