Hi All,
I wondered where everyone had gone. Lizdeb sorry about you not being able to post. I too have had problems guess they are still working through the problems.
Lizdeb i managed to get a better nights sleep. Woke again at 2am then 5am then 7am but managed to get back to sleep so not so bad. It’s a little like having a new baby who wakes for feeds lol.
Not liking not being able to drive. I didn’t realise how much it would impact on me. Still with the better weather coming I should be able to walk around the lake which we have nearby.
All the best
A X
Hi Beaniebaby
Glad to know you are not getting too stressed about the lack of continuous sleep. I don’t much like driving anyway so it tends not to bother me. I probably won’t drive till the pain in my armpit has gone - the SNB has done quite a lot of damage to my nerves under there I think.
The lack of access to the internet is caused by having to go and stay at my OH’s father’s house. He died in February and we are having to split our time between his house and ours.
I can use his father’s PC whilst I am there but it is in his study which is secluded from the rest of the house and very cold and lonely. Great if I feel like I need some space but not so good otherwise!
We are going there after my PS checkup on Monday - leaving sometime on Wednesday and won’t be back till sometime after the Olympics - I will try and make sure I keep in touch but just so you know I am not ignoring everyone just have difficulty getting to a PC!
Have some nice walks round the lake - I do hope the weather improves! Cold and mis today!
Liz x
Hi Everyone
Having the morning catching up with emails etc. and trying to get decent quotes for house and buildings insurance.
Well yesterday I phoned the hospital as I was leaking out of my lower boob wound in a couple of places, they told me to go there its just over an hours drive and they fitted me in. After seeing a nurse first and then 2 doctors I have some special dressings to put on after my shower so hopefully it will work. I go back Monday morning for a check, they think it may be to do with the stitches so I hope to see some improvement. I am a little worried as I lost my LD implant due to infections but they dont seem worried and were so pleased with their work!!!
Seems like we are all getting on well and getting frustrated not being able to do mych espeically driving (I cant wait) but the time will soon go.
The weather seems to be on the up especially next week so I will be taking gentle walks
L
xx
Good to hear everyone is doing well!
I can now manage to get myself into bed unaided, but am still grateful for a bit of support in getting out of it again. Everything seems to be healing nicely, with just a very small weep coming from the middle of the abdomen. Having fun peeling the glue off still lol. I’m sleeping well which is good as I think if you manage a good. iChat’s sleep then it sets you up for the day. I’ve not napped at all since cominggnome from hospital - although my oh has!
Feeling pretty good all in all, and can’t believe how far I’ve come in such a short time! Boobs still feel a bit like aliens at the moment, they feel kind of ‘full’ a bit like the feeling you get just before baby latches on when you breastfeed lol!
Lovely sunny day here, so think a potter on the garden is in order!
Sue xx
Hi Samos,
Really glad to see you are doing so well. As you say it is amazing how much you improve day by day.
Hope every one is enjoying the better weather. Had a little more retail therapy today. Actually brought a bikini in the sale. I thought that I may as well show off my flat tum. and new navel. Well there have got to be some perks 
Keep up the good work ladies.
All the best A x
Hi everyone. Hope you dont mind me gate-crashing this thread. My date for DIEP is 8th August and having been happily waiting for this for so long, I’m now absolutely terrified. So it’s reassuring and helpful to read of your experiences pre- and post-operatively. I’m going for my abdominal CT scan tomorrow, then pre-op assessment the day after. I cant believe this is really going to happen!
Hi Dima,
Great news that you have a date at last. Good luck with your scan tomorrow. I found some useful information from all the ladies that posted on here. I hope you will too.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions.
All the best.
A x
Thanks beaniebaby - I’m really grateful. Virtual hand-holding desperately needed!
And what a great feeling for you shopping for bikinis!
Hope those of you recovering from surgery are healing up nicely, getting some sleep, feeling stronger day by day - it sounds like a long haul but hopefully worth it.
D x
Wow Beaniebaby, bikini shopping sounds good to me:) I can’t wait to get out of these big support knickers - very attractive, not!
The 8th of August will soon come Dima - and don’t be scared, if we can do it so can you. And as bb says, any questions then ask away.
Plouging away at my exercises, but the biggest problem I have is the numbness in my armpit from the ANC. It is improving, slowly, but it is noticbile how much stiffer that arm is than the other one.
Hope everyone is well,
Sue xx
Hi
Dima: Good that you have a date - always easier once you have that and yes the nerves kick in but you will be fine!
Sue: I have problems more with my LNB site than any other scar as far as exercise goes too - really tight but I have just started creaming it with cocoa butter and am hoping that will relax it a bit - if nothing else massaging the cream in will help!
I have seen the PS (well a registrar that I had not ever met before) and he seems happy with my progress and general shape - seems to think my new boob will sag to match the other one - not sure I want that LOL - I would be happy to have 2 unsagging boobs! We spoke a bit about nipple recon and he says he would be happy for it to be done in 3 months or so!! I thought one would have to wait longer than that!!! Still not convinced I want it really but I will probably have it done to keep the OH quiet - he seems to think I will be unhappy if I dont have it done!
I asked about nipple recons getting smaller and needing to be re-done he said that yes with some women that did happen but we wont know whether it will happen with me until the time comes! Apparently it is not the same for everyone - well there’s a surprise!!
Hope all is still well with you all and that Tinfish is managing to get out and enjoy the fabulous weather.
Liz x
Hi all
It is lovely to have 5 minutes to get back to this thread; I have really missed it as it my source or reassurance that I am doing the right thing having a DIEP reconstruction. (Lizdeb, I do have a date; 2nd October)
Work is really busy at the moment and with decorators in at home going on line for some me time has been impossible. On the bright side having not been on this thread for 2 weeks it is lovely to hear how much progress those of you who have had the surgery have made, people are out and about enjoying the sun, sleeping at night and even buying bikinis. Bring it on!
Love to you all
Hi Everyone
Went back to the hospital yesterday, and the small leaks from my wound are drying up and healing Yeah!!! should be a few more days of dressing and that will be it (a small cost to pay for the op)
The breast nurse phoned me today and I asked her about driving etc and she said “to wait until 6 weeks” before hoovering driving etc.,(bit fed up) but I am not going jeopardise the good work that has been done for waiting another 2 weeks.
Went out today with a neighbour to the garden centre for lunch and a walk around, its good to get out.
Beanie baby: get you buyng a bikini (good on you, GO GIRL!!!), I feel too old to wear one nowwished the rest of my body looked as good as my stomach!!!and boob
Hope your all recovering well
L
XX
Hi L
Sounds line you’re more than pleased with your recon!
Have been away on holiday to Kefalonia and returned yesterday to find
letters confirming pre-op date of 31st July and MX and immediate DIEP on
6th August. Very scared and anxious! Have been undergoing chemo and last treatment was 22nd June.
Are there any tips or advice on what I should take to hospital with me?
Thanks for your help.
Dani XX
Hi Dani
All hospitals are differnet to what they supply, I would suggest
- Open from nighties, although for a couple of days I wore theres (which they preferred). Bought mine from Matalan and M & S, Matalans were about £7-£8.
- Support pants, they supplied a binder but you will need the pants.
- I didnt need a fan but I know some do, but again my hospital had them if you needed them
- Bottle of squash, you need to drink and water can get a bit boring
- wipes
- towels, i took these in but again my hospital wanted us to use theres as there wasnt anywhere to dry wet ones and they boil theres, so mine went home (perhaps a good idea to ask at you pre op assessment)
- change just in case
- phone charger if you take your mobile in
- sweets to suck sometimes your throat can feel scratchy after op
- before you go in you can ask what the hospital suggest you take in (they are all different)
If I can think of anything else i will add them
Yes I am really pleased with the results so far and I am only 4 weeks post op.
Good luck with everything I know you will be pleased with the results, its a shame so many ladies have to go through this.
L
xx
Hi Dani
Great news about the date for your op 
We were all nervous/scared/anxious - I nearly turned tail and ran! - but it is worth it
There is a list elsewhere on the site but as the search facility is not working I will try and remember all things to take:
Front button short sleeved pyjamas (I found I didn’t need a dressing gown as the ward was very warm)
Slippers
Several support bras (not underwired) - they will get grubby
Wet wipes
Lip balm
Shampoo
Disposable flannels are a good idea - I took in a packet of 10 cheap holiday flannels which I could just throw away
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
If you have a lightweight open-topped shoulder bag that you can put your drains in once you are up and about that is a very good idea.
Lightweight reading material - paperback or two or preferably get someone to come on Day 2 with your Kindle if you have one - you wont need it before that!
Mobile phone
Sorry but I can’t remember what else - I am sure there was more than that!
Once you are home you will need:
Lots of pillows (as previously discussed in this thread)
Moisturising lotion (to be applied once the wounds have sealed) - I use cocoa butter but anything you normally use will be ok or you can splash out and spoil yourself LOL
Non-scented anti-bacterial soap - I managed to get a prescription for Hibiscrub - you could try asking the hospital to provide it as it is difficult to get the right thing on the high street
Hope this helps - I am sure others will post with other suggestions!
Hi Tinfish
Great news on your wounds
I have not told my OH that I am allowed to do the hoovering yet - naughty me!
May everyone’s recovery go well
Liz x
Hi All,
To Dani I’m very pleased that you have your operation date. I hope you are recovered from your Chemo. Avery wise move to go on holiday before your op. You should be nice and relaxed. It is a hard thing for me to tell you not to be afraid because I know you will be. But it does get easier day by day. All the ladies that are on here are all at different stages of recovery. It is so useful to read all their posts because it gives you an idea for your recovery.
The only thing I regret not taking into hospital with me is a nice soft, fleecey blanket which I had purchased especially to take into hospital (not too big, just big enough to cover you). I actually forgot to take it and couldn’t remember where I had put it (chemo brain!) The hospital blankets were so rough and if you fancied lying on top of your bed would have been nice to cover you with. I have used it several times since coming home, it also rolls up to make a nice rest for my arm on my op. side.
I am so happy for you that you are having an immediate reconstruction because I can honestly say the 2 years I was without my breast were quite difficult. I know it seems a small price to pay to be rid of the cancer but breasts are so much part of feeling a woman. If that makes sense.
Tinfish you sound to be doing so well. Really pleased for you too. I had been on holiday the week previous to my op. and every woman from 16 to 61 seemed to be wearing a bikini. Also they all seemed to be topless and I thought I’m going to do that next time I come here for a holiday. I havent got the perfect figure but what the heck, I’ll give it a go!
All the other ladies I’m glad you are all doing so well too. I would like to reply to you all but I know if I go off this page to read all the other posts I will loose my post!!! and it takes me ages to do. Ha.Ha.
Keep up the good work.
All the best
A x
Thank you ladies for all your advice and tips. I have met so many
Lovely ladies either on this site or at other organisations who have been and are
On the same journey…
It’s a Club I’m proud to say I’m part if and is the best club even though the circumstances
Are harsh I think it makes us rethink how we live our lives and how we are with
Others. I say we are blessed to know each other and thank you for being
A good support unit.
I’m afraid of the surgery and at the same time comforted by
the way all you ladies have come through the surgery with so much
positivity.
Thank you again.
Love to all.
Dani XX
Hi Everyone
Well its been so hot here the last couple of days havent done anything much bought a couple of support pants because the ones I have seem to loose their white ness (not sure if my OH put them in the wrong wash) but I am loading the washing machine now so hopefully I can keep these ones looking better.
My breast nurse phoned me the other day and told me not to do anything for at least another couple of weeks. I hate not being able to drive and the house is looking OK!!!cant afford to get a cleaner in so relying on my OH and others when they can help. My OH does do things but he doesnt think the hoovering etc needs to be done nearly as much as me,I dont have OCD but like the place to be clean.I have been cooking our dinners but he thinks I shouldnt be doing that but he is at work so I think if I do that it is a help.
My wounds are healing now and I only have one weeping a little so I am very pleased with that and if thats all I have to put up with then I am a very happy lady. I love having the new boob especially as it is mine (out of my own skin etc) I can honestly say so soon after the op I wished I had had this op done years ago.
I hope your all doing well, Dani the time will go so quick so enjoy your time before the op go out as much as you can and if possible try and give yourself a couple of treats before you go in. I am so sure you wont regret the op.
Oh well enjoy the sun if you have it and the olympics
L
xx
Hi L
So good to hear you’re healing well and you are happy with DIEP!!
my OH took me away for a week in Kefalonia to celebrate finishing chemo… Had such a
lovely and relaxing time, even though the heat was pretty scorching.
I’m making the most of the sunshine by having short walks and going to get a pedicure.
I’m also looking at the list Of things I will need for hospital stay and getting anything I need these next few days.
All very scary and real now I have the date booked!
Take care.
Love Dani XX
Hi Dani! And everyone else…
Had my op and implant two and a half weeks ago…I was worried about it too, but mainly daft things! I needn’t have, the nurses etc were all lovely, I was so well looked after…so try not to worry too much, although that’s easier said than done!
Don’t take too much in with you at first, you won’t need much beyond your toothbrush (and they have little toiletry packs if you forget that!). Ask someone to bring your main bag later. I would add magazines (I couldn’t concentrate much in hospital, pictures and short articles suited me better) and either ear plugs (lots of night noise on a busy ward) or ear phones to listen to your music when you need to zone out. Oh, and I like the idea of a soft blanket, that would have been a treat!
Good luck xxx
Ps from hospital stays previously I knew what to expect from the food, my OH brought me in a tuna roll for tea after my op, it was delicious!!