Hi
I had reconstructive surgery (DIEP flap) exactly 3 weeks ago. Have recovered really well and scars healing nicely. When I stepped out of the shower this morning this huge lump-literally the size of a tennis ball-suddenly blew up right in front of my eyes on the scar line of new boob.
My daughter drove me straight to the hospital-I had 2 plastic surgeons come to look it (including Elaine Sassoon who came out of theatre to see it) but they’ve never seen anything like it before and have no idea what it is! They put a needle into the lump but it contained no fluid. So I’ve been sent home to rest and told to go back in if anything else develops.
Has anyone else had this happen or have any idea as to what it could be?
I’ve gone from having one boob to now having three!!!
Thanks
Love Gill x
Hi Gill
I had a diep flap done nearly 3 yrs didnt have a lump come after but 2 months after surgery had a rash form and the flap became very red and slighlty inflammed its went around to my back, They put my on steriods and antibiotics In the end it was put down to an infection, you did the best thing and got it looked at straight away .Hope it sorts its self out, take care of yourself
Hiya Debs
I do indeed feel and look like a real woman again-albeit with 3 boobs at present!
The op was very long and the 1st 3 days after that were tough. You wake up with 4 drains hanging out of you-2 in boobs and 2 in tummy, plus a drip and extra cannula for anti-biotics plus a catheter. One of my drains in the abdomen became twitsed and was agony until it was removed. Being flat on your back and unable to get out of bed for 3 days was not pleasant. However, i would have gone through 10 times that to have my boob back-and a gorgeous flat tummy too!
I was in my own room for the 1st night and the usual practice is for single rooms. However there was another girl who’d had same op the day before me so they asked us if we would like to share-we both agreed and had great fun together sharing all the intimate details ranging from stitches, wind and ‘going to the loo’ to when we were likely to next have sex!!
The care we got was second to none- the staff were absolutely fantastic. You get a xcheck up every 15 mins for the 1st 24 hours then every 30 mins for next 24 hours. It obviously disturbs you at night but you just learn to doze between checks.
Wear loose fitting front opening PJs-drawstring waist better than elastic as tummy will be swollen for weeks.
If you want any more details etc don’t hesitate to ask.
I see this op as the beginning of the end. i am so thrilled with my new boob i’ve shown it to virtually everybody!
Take care
Love Gill x
Hi Gill
Sorry you’re going through some difficulties. I will be having a DIEP flap eventually … about to finish chemo and then onto Herceptin so have a long way to go yet. I recall your thread after your operation and was thrilled for you. Whatever this is, I hope things work out for you very soon.
Best wishes
Gill