2018 DIEP Surgery
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Hello. I am wondering if any of you wonderful ladies have hear of a Dr. Watson in Thousand Oaks CA? I am scheduled to have a consultation tomorrow and would just like to hear from anyone who’s familiar with him.
Thanks!!!!
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here’s a link to Dr Watson's Patient reviews on Vitals.com. Make sure to review all the suggested questions to ask on this board and the answers from him.good luck today!
https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_James_P_Watson/reviews?page=
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hi all,
It's been a week or so since I last posted, my recovery is continuing to go well, I am just about 3 weeks post op, I totally under estimated the amount of energy this would take from me. I am hoping to turn that corner soon.Saw the plastic surgeon last week and all drains were removed, he cleared me to lift up to 10 lbs but still no laundry, vacuuming or heavy household chores, who knew I would miss doing that! Today I am heading in to see the breast oncologist along with the medical oncologist to discuss estrogen blockers wondering if anyone has any experiences to share with those?
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Hi all
One day post-op and feeling better than expected . My biggest issue was I was apparently dehydrated on arrival so it took 4 different tries to get the IV line in! My hand is hurting where they finally got it started.
During surgery my PS found my right side abdomen was a great candidate for a SIEA flap so I have one DIEP and one SIEA. - which I never even heard of ...my quick read understanding is SIEA doesn't require cuts in the muscle to free the blood vessels .. only cuts through fat and tissue and a skilled surgeon 😊.. meaning faster recovery at least on that side - yay!
Just got out of bed and into chair so many tubes and lines coming from everywhere! What a process! I'll be moving out of ICU into a regular room soon.
You all have helped me prepare so much!! Forever grateful!
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so glad things are going well teaberry!!!
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One year post R. breast DIEP surgery! Actually, a year and a few days. I suddenly remembered that I watched Game 2 of the NBA finals from my hospital bed after waking up from surgery -- and here we are again! For those who recently had the operation, or are contemplating it, I thought a one-year status might be useful. But your mileage may vary....
*Pain - none in DIEP breast at all. Occasionally a little nerve pain where the rib section was removed, when cold air blows on the area. It's bothersome, but seems to be very gradually going away.
* Numbness - skin is still numb to the touch on the DIEP breast and between the abdominal scar and belly button. Probably permanent.
*Scars - abdominal scar has faded to pink or white except for 2" stretch directly below belly button, which is still purple. Scar around belly button is raised and visible. Breast scars are invisible.
* Nipple - I plan to get a nipple tattoo after the scar fades from my L. breast nipple lift. For now, it is a 2"-wide area of paler skin - looks rather odd.I'm very happy to be over this episode and move on with my life. I'm comfortable with the result - I wouldn't want to go naked in public, but I'm fine with what I see in the mirror.
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parachutes - my incision is higher too - mostly impacts that my pubic hair seems higher. Oh well. When I’d asked about the incision initially (and dog ears that I’d read about here) my doctor explained that both have a lot to do with your anatomy- where your blood vessels are , etc. he had told me that the incision for a standard tummy tuck would be lower since there’s no need to get to the blood vessels.
Glad you are doing well and leaving the hospital. I was so happy to get ho
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Runrcrb-your pubic hair likely is higher. Many women get laser hair removal to lower it if it doesn't get corrected to their satisfaction during stage 2. Mine lowered some but not all the way to where it was previously. I just had all my laser hair removal spots touched up and had them hit that area too.
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Lula73, you've given us some great information. It is utterly mind blowing how much information we have to take in. Runcrb, isnt't kind of wierd to see the incision above your panty line? I have a huge piece of surgical tape from the wound vac right now so I really havent the seen my incision or my belly button. Not looking forward to it! I also ended up with a graft from my stomach skin on my breast. My margins were clear but my surgeon in Idaho thought the DCIS was a little "too" close, so she was going to go in and re-excise more tissue in lieu of radiation. Interestingly enough these points are where both my biopsy sites were. I guess thesurgeon from PRMA decided to take more than tissue. I'm sure he will clean things up later. Also, I'm pretty sure my surgeon only took the stomach fat he needed.
I'm worried about what is going to be covered with stage 2 surgery. I went back to the beginning of this forum and was surprised at all the conversation regarding that. I had my UMX, then the DIEP, and now I'm going to need a third surgery for revisions. How does insurance see this?
So this binder is worse than the drains! I'm pretty small so I have a two panel binder and I can't get it to stay put. It keeps riding up all the way to my surgical bra. Also, I've tried to wrap gauze around all the drains hoping to relieve the pressure of the binder on top of them but it still feels terrible. The drains coming from my abdomen are sticking straight out, not convenient. On another note, I walk around singing "oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...". 😂
I'm happy to hear my fellow May and June gals are faring well.
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parachutes- I only had to wear thebinder while I was up and about. Didn’t have to wear it in bed or the recliner. The drains were most comfortable for me under the binder if I layed them back a little on each side so the were flatter against my skin and not pulled forward. Then i put what they call an ABD pad on top of the drains for cushion (they are pillowy soft), then I’d pull up my panties & pants (i wore yoga pants mostly), pull down the long soft tank top I wore 24/7 over my hips and then put on the binder. If i wore jeans, i made sure the tank top got pulled down over my hips before pulling up the jeans, then the binder over top of the jeans. My binder rode up too. Then I came off the pain meds and realized everyone had been putting it on me upside down and because i thought they knew what they were doing i just copied them! The narrow part was at my hips and the wider part at my waist. No wonder it rode up. I flipped it over and all was good. You should be able to get some ABD pads at a local medical equipment store or call some local pharmacies as they may have them or can order them. Shoot! Amazon might even have them. I hope this helps!
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It has been quite a while since I have checked in here. I am so glad to see everyone is recovering well!
I am just now 12 weeks out from my UMX/DIEP and I feel great. I went back to work at 8 weeks out, which was more than enough time for my desk job. I am meeting with my PS this week to go over my phase 2 plan one last time before my surgery on July 5. My PS team did such an amazing job with phase 1 that I should just need some fat grafting to get the foob to match the boob.
For anyone out there considering the DIEP, I can safely give it two thumbs up and I would make the same choice again if had to. For those still early in phase 1 recovery, once you turn that corner, it will be so much easier and less frustrating. Everyone heals differently, so be patient.
I am looking forward to seeing some phase 2 stories rolling in. I will be sure to come back and update once I have mine out of the way.
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Runrcrb, I asked my PS about the stomach scar and that I wanted it low. He said it depends on how high my belly button is, and I have a high one. They don't like to use the lower skin when the belly button is high but he said he should be able to still put mine lower, he will just discard some of the lower stomach skin. I am sorry yours is too high, I sure hope he is right about mine. I don't want my jeans to be at the scar and I want it hidden under my panties.
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carmstr85, go figure. My scar is low but my belly button is an inch and a half higher than it used to be. And of course, it's not my belly button but a newly made one, an inny as opposed to an outy. Now that was one question I never thought to ask.
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Primrose - I'm on an AI since November when I had my ovaries removed. I started with one and changed to another and I really haven't seen much of a difference. My issue is joint pain but specifically pain in my feet - left foot way more than right. I have to brace myself when I get out of bed or get up from standing. If I'm on my feet and walking all day it's a actually not bad - it's getting started that's hard. The other thing I've experienced is belly fat weight gain. I think it's all part of being thrown into menopause and not being as active. I'm trying to work on that by walking and slowly starting to run again. I also bought a Peloton as it's easier on my joints.
The only good thing about the belly fat is I can have a DIEP where before I was told I couldn't. That being said, I hate the extra weight nd not fitting into my clothes. Had I known then what I know now I would have tried to get in front of diet and exercise sooner. I have had a hard time accepting at 48 that my body is totally different and I have to work twice as hard OR just accept the weight.
I hope you don't take this as all bad - I just know I wish I knew all of this. I take that little pill everyday along with glucosamine, Co Q10, Allegra, B12, and calcium. I hate the sudeeffects but I love living so that's the trade off.
Good luck,
Michele
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I will totally concur with the feet pain on the AI. It is so painful after sitting or laying down and getting up. My knees also hurt. I am 54 but was having periods before cancer but chemo seems to have put a stop to that quite suddenly. The weight gain since I was diagnosed is awful and exercising too hard is painful. But I am with you Shellybeans, I love living.
One month until my DIEP surgery. I saw the CT scan report and if I am reading it correctly they found the DEEP INFERIOR EPIGASTRIC ARTERY but could not detect the SUPERFICIAL INFERIOR EPIGASTRIC ARTERY (which I think someone else mentioned). I guess that is still OK? It was a bit of relief to see they listed the "non-vascular findings" which said everything else (liver, kidneys, bladder, uterus, colon, etc.) looked normal.0 -
ocdAmy — I mentioned the SIEA because my doc did one side with that artery and other side with DIEP. I didn’t have a CT scan prior but both use same tissue just different arteries. You should be good!
I came home today what a process getting discharged. No pain in breast or arms .. biggest issue is the bent over walking. PS said I can gradually try to be more upright — not sure how that’s going to happen lo. I’m doing my phase 1 exercises as instructed. The breast drains have very little output less than 5 cc. The hips are crazy high over 100cc each so far today. They may never come out!
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teaberry- sounds like you're doing great (except for those pesky hip drains!). Walking bent over a little is a pain for sure. Don't be surprised if you experience some lower back pain at some point from it. Each day you will notice that you're able to stand up a little straighter than the day before, just don't force it. The skin will slowly stretch and allow you to be upright. I think for me it was 2-4 weeks. I will say that if I had a really long day at work even at 12-14 weeks I'd have trouble standing up straight by the end of the day and I would just creep into the house from the car. But I also have a job with a lot of walking, driving, in and out of the car all day, and lifting. Time is your friend on so many fronts right now. You will get there, I promise!
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I'm about 4 months post-surgery and my stomach has started to feel looser in the last month. I've also been trying to regain strength (very slowly), and I think the exercise may be helping. My PS said women can have belly tightness up to a year. I have laughed many times at the difference between what i thought they meant by "tight" and what it really means -- tight is not the world for your skin is so taught you can't stand up straight! But I second what someone else has said that I am glad I was able to have the DIEP. My breast surgeon said at one point -- "it's a good option, you do all the hard work up front" -- which seems right.
Did any phase 2 ladies have to have their new breast reduced? Mine is a little bigger than my remaining breast, which the PS said was to help the skin look its best, I'm curious about the revision for that. I'm in chemo until end of August so I haven't had the Phase 2 meeting with PS yet, they don't do it while you're doing chemo because of low WBC counts.
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Okay, ladies. Add me to the list. I'm scheduled for DIEP with Dr. Wise in NOLA Aug 17. This will be my third appt. Had to cancel my first two after my mom got sick and died. I am stunned at the relief I feel having gotten this ball rolling. Two and a half years without breasts is ENOUGH.
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Mustlovepoodles, hurrah! Good for you. The long wait will help you have a better outcome. You go
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mustlovepoodles- Yay!!! So happy for you. It’s been a long road for you to get here. Dr Wise assisted Dr D for my DIEP. Love the results! It is so worth the wait!
2002Chickadee- in stage 2 they can reduce, lift, remove side boob, scar revisions, fat grafting, lipo and resculpy your bottom half to put your proportions back in line. A little light lipo on the upper abdomen will also help more with the tightness.
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Got my surgery date today...August 22nd with Dr Robinson in Charlotte. I'm so thankful for everyone sharing here as it is helping me know what to expect.
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My fellow posters and cancer warriors, I need some input on selecting a surgeon for DIEP.
After NSM, I'm ready to start the reconstruction phase and have decided that the DIEP procedure gives me the best options. After meeting with PS number 3, I've narrowed my choice down to 2. I want to make an educated and well thought out decision and am trying to avoid getting bogged down with teetering emotions.
PS #A is highly experienced with microsurgery, but does not specialize in breast reconstruction. His main area of treatment have been face/head, neck, and trauma cases. He is very familiar with TRAM, but due to the abdominal muscle issues, I do not wish to pursue TRAM. PS #A answered my questions, but does state that he has not done a lot of DIEP, but is confident he will be able to give me positive results. When I asked about failure rate he said about 10%. PS #A was a tad concerned that he would not be able to reach the rib area for vessel attachment, so he would use the arm pit area option. I'm anxious to get this process started (son is getting married end of Oct and then a first family cruise first part of November, so I would like to be well healed) PS #A thought he could get me scheduled in 4-6wks, though I saw him 6/4 and his scheduler has yet to notify me of a surgery date, plus the PS will be gone for 2 wks in June for humanitarian work in Guatemala.
PS #B completes 1-2 DIEPs a week, has offered training to other surgeons, and specializes in breast reconstruction. He will likely team up with another specialized surgeon for the procedure, but since I am only having a unilateral DIEP, he can accomplish solo also. Failure rate is >2%. PS #B was not concerned about using the rib area and would NOT recommend using the arm pit area since it can possibly cause the donor tissue to pull/shift toward the arm side, and he prefers it be in a more natural upward pull from rib. This Dr. also would want to obtain a CT scan to verify veins/vessels. PS #B has a full schedule but was confident he could get me scheduled for this summer. (I've noticed though that when it comes to scheduling, the actual surgeon is not always abreast of their options, their scheduler is really the pro on piece.) PS #B also went into a more detail about refinements that might need to happen in the future,IE symmetry, fullness etc. Unlike PS #A, PS #B is in a neighboring town, so travel would be a must. I guess a call on Monday to the scheduler to see if there really is the opportunity to get this completed sooner than later would be the next logical step?!
What are the important factors I should be evaluating the surgeons on? PS #A is the top micro surgeon in the state, but doesn't have intense DIEP procedure. (He successfully reconstructed a mans face after a bear attack, so has skill.) PS #B is one the top DIEP surgeons in the state, but is about a 50 mile drive away.
Thanks for reading this far and offering any feedback. I have a limited amount of 'people' support so this community has been a much appreciated source of information.
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Hi Daizy07 - I don't think I'd hesitate to pick #B as he has the microsurgery AND diep skills you require ie he can give you both the surgical and cosmetic results you desire. Honestly, I don't think #A would even make it on my list bcs if his lack of diep experience.
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Go with B.
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Hi Sonia! Have been wondering how you are doing and see that you've made the same decision as I did to go with DIEP. Those rads did a number on our breasts, didn't they.
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Daizy, I wouldn't even consider A. If you were having a face-lift would you let just any old surgeon have it? Would you allow a surgeon who rarely does cardiac operations to perform open heart surgery? This is no different. DIEP is some serious surgery. You need a doctor who is extremely experienced, not one who is essentially going to practice on you. Don't let timing be the decidng factor. There's a reason that B is harder to get into.
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2002Chickadee, I too feel my new breast is bigger than my native and it's really firm which is even weirder. It's good to know it can be reduced but scary that the second surgery is it as far as insurance goes.
I had two drains removed yesterday (day 8) and wow, what a small victory. I've been walking a half mile a day but man the strain to my lower back is the pits. My stomach skin is so insanely tight and numb! The wound vac finally came off and I wanted to cry seeing my incision right below my belly button. Is my belly button suppose to look weird and small? I was told they can't do anything about the incision scar because "I'm small" and that was the only option. I'm bummed but oh well, high waisted bikinis are coming back in.
Also, are there any ladies who practice yoga? If so, when is it okay to return to something gentle after surgery?
Thank you
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Daizy- From what you’ve written, PS #B would be my choice. There are a few things you didn’t mention so I’m going to throw those out there...
Have you seen the before & after photos of their personal work on women who had the same procedure from the same starting place as you?
What did you think when you looked at the photos? If you wouldn’t be happy to have the results you see (to be clear, not just happy to have breasts again, not just happy considering where you started, not just happy considering you’ve had a mx & you’ve seen/imagined so much worse), then you need to keep looking for the right PS.
During stage 2, how do they address the changes to the lower 1/2 of your body (appearing shortwaisted, dog ears, scar revision/lowering, tummy tightness, resculpting through hips/thighs for proportion). And does he get all of that covered by your insurance? If he doesn’t touch the lower 1/2 other than maybe dog ears/scar revision,keep looking for the right PS. If he can’t get it covered by insurance, keep looking.
Have you googled the PS and read any patient reviews that are out there on the internet? What were his reviews like?
Have you thought about posting the name of PS #B or even #A on here to see if anyone else has gone to them/has any knowledge of them and ask the ladies on BCO for comments or to PM you their experience?
Please don’t let the dr’s distance from where you live or when he can get you in make the decision for you. Consider those 2 things the sprinkles on the top of the cake, They are nice, but not essential to the cake itself. The last thing you want short term is to be in a potentially worse position than you are now for your son’s wedding and/or the trip in Nov. Selecting the right surgeon who will get you the best stage 1 result plus the best stage 2/3 result overall for your body as a whole is the important thing. You want to be comfortable and confident on both of those occasions. You need to find/choose the PS who best tips the odds in your favor. I traveled from NC to NOLA for my DIEP. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I could’ve traveled a couple hours by car for the surgery, but i chose to tip the odds in my favor with a team that has the most experience, best before & after photos that most if not all mx ladies would want for themselves (I’m living proof the photos they have online is the real deal everyday outcome not just their best work on display), and they actually pioneer the latest of these types of procedures. So instead of a couple hours by car, it was a couple hours by plane. I wore a bikini in Mexico 3 months after stage 1 (could have worn that bikini at 6 weeks easy). Had stage 2 in Nov, wore a bikini at the beach 6 weeks later. If PS #B doesn’t pass the test with the additional questions above, and if NOLA is an option, I’d give NOLA a call. I know they’ve scheduled some dates in Aug recently.
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parachutes-congrats on getting the wound vac off! Are they really saying they can’t lower that scar in stage 2?!?
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