Hi girls-especially Kelley & Janet
I came home today having had my DIEP flap done on Friday. The op took 5.5 hours and I am absolutley thrilled with the results. I now have the boobs and tummy of a 20 year old-abeit rather scarred at the moment!
It was more painful than I had anticipated and the lying in bed for 3 days with 4 drains, cannula and catheter was unpleasant. Unfortunately one of the drains got twisted and I was in agony for sometime.
However, I am now home and can’t stop looking at my new body. I now feel like a woman again and can’t wait to go shopping for new underwear. Elaine Sassoon was fantastic-as was the whole team at Norwich.
If anyone is contemplating having it done-go for it! I am so happy!
Love Gill x
just bringing this up front in case Janet or Kelley see it!!
Hi Gill,
Glad to hear your op went well. I’m also in Norwich but not under Elaine Sassoon. I’ve heard so much positive about her and the Boudica project. My surgeon is Mr Hussien and I had bilateral mx and imm recon with expander implants in May. I feel a bit of a “work in progress” as I will need another operation to swap to permanent implants in approx 6 months, but at least I have something I can live with in the meantime. Do you go to the recon support group? I went along to the meeting last night and was surprised how well attended it is. It was a good session with speakers on bodycasting and relaxation. The group seems a good idea to keep in contact after the cancer treatments are finished.
Best wishes for continued good recovery.
Misha
Hi Gill,
Thank you for this thread. It is sooooo good to know of such a positive outcome. Has made me even more determined to go through with reconstruction.
all the best
Margaret
Hi Misha
I haven’t been to the recon group yet but understand there’s one in September which I hope to go to. I believe the recon nurse (Ruth) is going to be there. Hope to see you there?
Hi Margaret
Go for it girl! Not without pain or discomfort but definitely worth it to look normal and have a flat tummy for the 1st time in my life!!
Keep us posted as to what you decide.
Love Gill x
Hi Gill
Sorry in the late reply only just picked up on your post.
So glad it all went o.k and you are pleased with your new boobs !! ( and tum ) I am still waiting for an appointment to come through. Keep thinking if its really what I want just the thought of all the time off work again plus the pain ! My biggest fear is that what if I don’t like them when its done ! I will go and have a word about things when the appointment comes through and take it from there.
Keep Well and don’t overdo things.
Janet x
Hi Gill,
I seem to remember you’re the teacher from Attleborough - my boys went to Spooner Row Primary. I’m so glad your DIEP went well - I had mine by Elaine and Richard Heywood in April 2007 and am also very pleased with the results - remember to take it easy though - took me a couple of months to get back to (nearly) normal!
Love,
Sally xx
Hi Gill
I am frantic at the moment! I have the opportunity to see Elaine Sassoon, but its a long way - about 5 hours away for me.
Is it worth it, or do you think I should look closer to home.
I am a D cup, and have a tummy.
Lisa
Hi to you all
Lisa: I’d say definitely worth it! She can appear to be quite abrupt and speaks her mind but she has done a wonderful job. Even all the nurses and others on the plastic Surgery team said how lucky I was to have Elaine do my surgery. She is anxious to do exactly what YOU want-i.e I wanted to remain a DD and to have my left breast lifted and get rid of excess tummy fat and she did exactly that. The care I received post op was 2nd to none-felt like private health care (not that I’ve ever been private!). Keep me posted as to your decision. If you want more detail you can PM me if you want.
Janet: I can’t imagine for one moment that you won’t like your new breast/s. Everyone who has seen mine-and I’ve been flashing them off like an old tart!-has said how beautiful they look. OK they are both scarred but the shape of them is perfect. I would’ve gone through 10x the pain to have my breast back. Again let me know what you decide.
Sally: Yes I remember you saying you had children at Spooner Row and yes I am the Head at Attleboro’. I am doing far too much at present but am a hopeless patient-I just want to get off the operating table, say thanks very much and go home!!! I do feel very tired when I’ve done too much tho so guess my body is telling me to take it easy!
Hope everyone is well and enjoying the sunshine. I had my 6 month check up today and have been told there is NED (as far as they can tell which is the best they can say) so I am thrilled.
Take care
love Gill x
Gill
I am going to bite the bullet and do the journey, at least to have a consultation.
Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Lisa
Well if you need somewhere to have a coffee or lunch or just want to talk about my reconstruction, then let me know. I only live about 10 mins away from the hospital.
Good luck!
Love Gill x
Hi Lisa again
…or if you need somewhere to stay for the night as it’s a very long journey…just let me know. Where do you live???
Love Gill x
Hi Gill
I live in Middlesbrough. So it will be about 4-5 hours journey. There used to be a cheap flight down to Norwich, but that isnt available anymore. However, i will look at the train option also.
I really am looking forward to this meeting! Not sure if we will stay overnight, or just share the driving back, but I would love to meet up though.
Lisa