2018 DIEP Surgery
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Islandbound, you might call your surgeons office and go in and get checked out. Maybe there is something else that might work. Another idea is a high quality probiotic. Swelling and tightness are normal and go away over time. If you are wearing a binder, perhaps you could have some time off from it. Hope you feel better soon.0
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Hi Ladies! Been crazy busy so just getting back on here.
parachutes- we are not alone and the responses prove that! I can say that since unloading my story, it did help to clear my mind! I also seem to be making “jumps”, while each day there doesn’t seem to be much progress, after a weeks time, I do seem to be jumping forward. Just not fast enough for us, as that we both seem to have been pretty active prior to this hot mess. For me, it’s just been a long year with treatment and surgery so I am completely done and ready to move on. Patience. Yes, sometimes I want to scream when someone tells me that.
Teacher01- yes the emotions! I am NOT a cryer. I cried at everything! It has gotten WAY better! So fingers crossed for you!
Leatherette- The Heat! Thank you for mentioning that! The oncologist cleared up that so many of the “complaints” I had were in fact due to the neuropathy and I never put it in that category! Because the neuropathy symptoms I was having during chemo have pretty much subsided but there are new symptoms that are from the surgery! Like little stings all over your body from the heat. I’ve been on a baby dose of Lyrica for awhile and the doc said to just stay on it until I can go without.
Islandbound- I complained about my belly in my LONG post. I am happy to report that it has gone down a bit. I did everything from probiotics to Dulcalax. Some nights it is still very uncomfortable! But it is getting better, ps said it was normal, and that some have it worse than others. Shorts I could not get on due to my belly on Aug 9th now fit and have a little wiggle room! So hang in there but talk to your doc too!
Ok, response to some of your other posts...
Yay for some jiggling! That just started in the last couple weeks.
Side boob- mine were so bad I could not put my arms down, ps told me 6-8 months for them to “settle”, I’m happy to report that I can put my arms down, almost all the way but some days, at the end of the day if I’ve been really busy, they still swell up a bit.
Crotch bulge- same answer as Side Boob.
I wanted to share a little nugget of wisdom that the surgeon (not plastic) shared with me about nipple recon that helped me make the decision against and to go with the tattoo. Again, no judgement, everyone needs to make the best decision for them, but even though this info seemed so obvious, I never thought of it. I should also add that prior to I had been a D or DD cup since I was 14yrs old, so little cute tanks and dresses were never for me because I could never find a strapless bra that fit correctly or I always had bras with industrial strength straps. It was something I was REALLY looking forward to because the PS said he would only ever be able to get me to a C cup (with fat grafting), if I really didn’t want an implant, which I didn’t. She said...why get a nipple, once you get them, they will not respond to temperature or emotions, so they will always be poking out. So, you will always have to wear a bra and unless you are “in to that”, not that there’s anything wrong with that, they will always be “there”. Well, duh, bring on the tattoo! She and the plastic surgeon showed me pics of the artist they use and me and the hubs could not tell which were real, made or inked. I should also add that I am completely enjoying the little tanks and dresses already and I am completely giggling to myself to be “out and about” for the first time in almost 40 years! I should also add that the ps during my second surgery, to remove the dead portion and clean up, so I essentially hadn’t my Phase 2, made a little “point” for lack of a better description, that he said would “act” as the nipple. It’s not Madonna pointy, just subtle enough for shape but I can still enjoy the freedom if you know what I’m saying. ;-)
Ok, I’ve written a novel again, have a great day ladies
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Questions for the group re post surgery compression garments ...
1. What did your Dr put you in right after after surgery? What style is it - tummy wrap? girdle?
2. How long do/did you have to wear it?
3. What will/did you change to next and how many weeks out from surgery did you change?
I woke up in this Marena side zip panty girdle (except mine is all beige and I definitely don’t look as good as this model!). Bcs of my recti muscle repair, my Dr said to continue with medical grade compression for 6-9 months so I'm moving to the same style but w/o the side zip at 5-6 weeks, unless I see you post something better!
Lanne
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OCDAmy...yay for jiggling! After 5 months of tissue expanders that went bad, followed by 5 months of flatness - I can't wait for some jiggling!
Ann63, if I remember correctly you and I have surgery on the same day (8/22)? We can compare notes. I'm nervous as well but actually excited too. I'm just ready to feel put back together. Praying surgery and recovery go well for us both!
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Hi
I really need some help making a decision. Has anyone had diep surgery after implants. I was stage 3A 8 nodes overflowing. Triple positive. Dr. took out 26 nodes. I think she was worried. Had chemo, radiation, herceptin, and reconstruction with implants. I have been having certain pains that I believe is because of the implants and the implant feels like it is in my armpit. It has been 5 years since end of treatment.
I would like to have this surgery but scared if I do this surgery it may stir up some bad cells and my my cancer will come back. I an taking still taking anastrozole. Anyone one do the diep surgery after implants with similar stage etc.
Thanks
Brandi
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Brandi, I had DIEP after having TEs for one year. I don't think this surgery can stir up cancer cells...at least I hope not.
Sonia, and Ann, you will be recovering before you know it! Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Interesting how different the protocols are. I had no binder in the hospital. I was sent home with a binder and told to wear it all the time but not when I sleep. They don't want the binder moving up and touching the breast. My PS told me after 4 weeks I could stop wearing it and he encouraged me to start engaging my abs. I did buy a spanx cami that is pretty tight and I wear that if I have on pants that might rub my belly button.
I am going with nipple tattoos as well. My friend has them and its amazing how great they look.
Lula, good to know about the laser hair removal because I think I will need it. I don't have dark hair but I have a few hairs sprouting up and its not something I had even thought about. Note to those of you getting surgery, they shaved my pubic area, did not realize that was going to happen. Its growing back now and I guess that is why it is coming back on my boob.
I am not having any stomach issues. It is still tight but not unbearable. I am on a mission to lose 10 pounds before my daughter's wedding so I am trying to eat less. These AIs do make it hard to lose weight. I am happy to report that I went back to my Zumba class this week. couldn't fully stretch but it felt good to move and I love the class so much. I am 6 weeks post op today.
Have my next apporintment with my PS on October 8 to discuss and schedule Stage 2!
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Amy, I can’t believe you could do Zumba, on any level! That is great! I am easing back into normal household tasks, and feel pretty close to myself. Sometimes I will have a spot on my abdomen that feels really tight, but in general, it’s not bad. And sometimes, I can go for a while without awareness of my new boob, but at other times it is sore for some non-obvious reason.
I think I’m going to go for stage 2 the week of thanksgiving, to have a little extra non-sick leave time to heal.
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hi all, Looking for feedback. I had uni DIEP in march 2016. My DIEP breast has felt wierd for the past week - vague aches and pains and fuller, heavier..also warm to touch - i am hoping it is nerve endings re-forming. Anyone have this experience? Thanks in advance
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I have been packing open wounds since a week after my first surgery May 18. I am happy to say I am officially finished with gauze and the sensitive skin very expensive blue tape. Everything is closed
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Stellamaris, I have experienced similar symptoms which come and go. You describe heat which can be a sign of a soft tissue infection. The rule of thumb that has carried me through recovery is as follows: If it bothers you, speak up. Put yourself in front of your surgeons or MO, and make your concerns known, if these symptoms are bothering you. At a minimum, you will obtain peace of mind.
Teacher01, I bandaged my abdominal wound for 8 months, the packed until recently when I had a third surgery and an abscess was cleaned out for a second time. We could swap notes on tape, gauze, abd pads and medipore adhesive tape. Good for you that you made it to the finish line. I know what a relief it must be. Good luck with your continued recovery
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Congratulations, teacher 01!
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Suburbs - thanks for your input. I have a regular appointment with MO in September and will mention it then, unless it gets worse beforehand.
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I learned something yesterday that I thought I’d pass along. We are mattress shopping and one of the salesmen told me and several more confirmed that if I could get one of my Drs to write a script for a mattress I wouldn’t have to pay sales tax. He said it’s pretty common to do this for people. I’ll be seeing my original BMX surgeon and also my PS this week so I’ll see how it goes. Seems to me there are plenty of reasons we would need a great mattress, I’m looking at cooling foam mattress because my back is an issue now and because of Tamoxifen I’m hot when I sleep, most likely getting an adjustable base which would have been fantastic after my DIEP. That also can be written on the script. Anyway, just thought I’d mention it. I’m sure this might also work for recliners as well. Hope everyone is doing great!
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We bought an adjustable base and new hybrid mattress last year and its heaven! Wish I had known about saving some money!
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Twills - we ordered an adjustable mattress today. We have the same PS - I emailed them and they were totally ok with writing a rx - offered to email or I could pick it up. So long as you provide it before you take deliver no sales tax. We save a LOT as it was a very expensive mattress. I have a hard time with heat at night because of the AI and after my BMX the pillows just were a pain - so I'm going all in this time. I just sick of not sleeping well.
Good luck - we went with Relax In Comfort in Winter Park, FL - looked at several options.
Michele
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TWills- the prescription should allow you to take the mattress off your taxes too if you itemize. Same for recliners
Since we’re talking about cooling mattresses....my sister and brother in law bought a new mattress at Costco. He would sweat at night like you can’t believe. His side of the bed and hers would be soaked and we’re talking about a king size bed! There was absolutely no snuggling either as you can imagine. This has been an issue since day 1 and they’ve been together for 20 years. They bought a Novaform mattress at Costco as they needed a new mattress and to their utter surprise the sweating is no more. Thought I’d share in case anyone wanted to try it. Costco will let you bring it back with full refund if not happy with no catches (around here those sleep trials all have a pricey catch- you have to pay for the base in full and can’t return it only the mattress and they put all but approx. $200 of the mattress set value on the base, or you can return it but it costs a fortune to ship and/or it’s never fitting back in the box so shipping is impossible, or you can return for store credit with 25% restocking fee and the next mattress you select is all sales final. You get the picture.)
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Hi
Teacher01- if it makes you feel any better or if I can commiserate with you... I have been packing an open wound on my stomach since my stage 1 in February (grrr) they are going to surgically close the wound at the end of the month during my stage 2. I am SO done with Gauze :0
Lanne - I don't know if you are on stage 1 or 2 ? Stage 1 it was no bra and a binder but for stage 2 my ps suggested compression garments like spanx. She said the binder is ok but only provides compression on abdominal area. So, it allows swelling to go out to crotch / pelvic area.. giving that poofy floopa thing ppl have talked about. My stage 2 is at the end of the month and I purchased the Marena side zip. And and Marena bra cause I am going to get a small implant added.
Wishing everyone Good luck with their surgeries. I don't check in as often as I used to. But like to follow along.
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Hi Casun19,
I'm just at stage 1 (4.5 weeks out). Finally got my last (floopa!) drain out last week and am surprised at how less swollen I am with it out.
I wear a pair of high-waisted undies under the Marina side zip to give more protection to my incisions (I cut the back end of the crotch panel so I could take advantage of the snap crotch of the Marina) and bcs I'm still putting bacitracin on my incisions. I'm going to get the non-zip Marena to use for the next 3-4 months, my Dr said medical grade compression would be better for my abdominal repair. Although wearing the Marena isn't perfectly comfortable, I'm more comfortable with than without - and I tend to eat less so that's a plus.
One thing you might consider about the side zip style - the zipper is always ripple-y ie doesn't lay flat, and the hooks and zipper are very hard to close when they're all the way over at your side. After the first week I closed the side and (with careful drain management) just pulled the Marena up.
Lanne
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Shellybeans, yay, that’s such good news! I’m calling them later today! Did you happen to get an adjustable base as well? I’m trying to have that written on the script as well, I’ll ask. Thanks for letting me know they wrote that for you, I’ve been stressing about asking. I don’t know why but it just felt weird. Anyway, not anymore:) Hey, what about pillows?!
Lula, you’re right about return policy’s. Some have major expensive hoops to jump through if you end up not liking the mattress. I think we’ve found a place that has the least amount of hoops. As long as we buy a cover from them they will exchange it as many times as we want(I’m sure there is a time limit) or we can return it for a full refund. Not the base as you said but that’s fine, I’m sure I’ll find a mattress that we love and wouldn’t need to return the base.
OCDAmy, I wish I would have thought/known about this before my big surgery! It would have been so helpful. I’ve got several more nips and tucks so it will help for those:)
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Casun and Lanne - what is the Marina Bra you mentikned? I think I saw someone else post as well but when I search for it all I see are these skimpy lace garments. Maybe I’m soelling it wrong?
Has anyone used or even heard of Cryotherapy after stage 2 liposuction? A friend just brought it up and I don’t know much about it except you can buy it on Groupon! I’m going to ask my PS to see if it helps healing
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I really thought I was mentally and emotionally ready to have this surgery but now that’s is all done I am realizing I was not as ready as I though
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Teaberry - here is the link to the Marena post-op “Recovery" garments Webpage. There are several bra options, plus the girdles.
I just found a great bra on QVC - usually this brand doesn't fit me but this one does - and it's only $30 (or $27 for second, third etc). I'm tall with a long torso so shoulder straps in this style are usually too short, but this has an X-back option so the straps are longer. My underbust/band size measures 40" - I went up to a 3x and it's comfy. No side seam works for my wide stage 1 uneven boobs. (Note that Qvc deducts $6.95 for each item returned, but you have 30 days to wear and wash before you return).
Lanne
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OMG, ladies. I just had my phase 1 at NOLA 3 days ago. They are truly the best of the best. Magicians, I tell you. I don't know if it's okay to post pictures on this thread, so I won't. But, OMG !!
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Teacher01-pm’d you.
Mustlovepoodles, so glad you are happy with results! You sound like you want to dance! Don’t.😉
L.
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mustlovepoodles, great news! So glad you are happy with the results. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Donna, so sorry to hear the surgery has been so hard for you, we are here for you!
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Teaberry11, I’ve been planningto ask my PS about cryotherapy at my Stage 2 pre-op this Friday. I’ve been wondering the same thing.
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mustlovepoodles- so glad you are happy with your results! Feel free to post them on the FB page in the comments of your post. NOLA is the best!
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I will be ok. Sorry to worry anyone. I love the outcome of my surgery but there are some emotional issues that came up after it. Thanks to the one who reached out in a private message and I hope I didn’t share too much. Thanks al
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Teacher01, you can’t share too much. That’s what this thread is for, the good, the bad and the ugly. We all need support:)
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BCSilverlinings, I did chemo and radiation and worked full time. It is possible. I just decided that this wasn't going to take over, much less take away my life. I didn't cold cap, but i often regret that. I lost all my waist length blond hair. It is coming back at an extremely slow pace, but not too much right in front. I had a custom made wig, ($3000.00) but theres nothing like your own.
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