Hi FLF just wondered how you were progressing. This probarly sounds silly but the bit I dont like is being put to sleep, I know it happens very quickly, but I still find it scary.How does your tummy look everyone says its a bonus to have a flat tum.Are you having a quiet xmas and letting everyone wait on you.Are you taking any drugs at the moment, ie tamoxifen or arimidex.I hope this finds you well love suzan x
Hi lovely to hear from you. I am feeling really well still! Better each day. I have managed a walk to the end of the road yesterday in the snow and today a drive to have my eyebrows done. It was lovely to get out. I love going to sleep! How weird am I? Only time I get a good sleep. Seriously the going to sleep is lovely. You just lie back, a nice nurse holds your hand and a injection is put into your hand, it feels slightly cold going up your arm for about 4 seconds then you are out. My tummy looks amazing. I can honestly say I have never had a tummy this smooth, and I have always been an average or small size and trained. My other half is disappointed as he always loved my ‘jelly belly’!!! Tough I say!I am alone for Christmas, my choice. Daughter with her dad and my partner is off to his brother’s - all previously planned. I am looking forward to it as well. Not a Christmas person! I had some anti Hormone treatment but as I had a full hysterectomy 10 years ago and been on HRT ever since, but that got stopped as soon as I was diagnosed I didn’t have the need really for any drugs. The only pain relief I have been taking since day after surgery is Paracetamol. And now that is not every day. Hope this all helps. Have a lovely Christmas Suzan. Try and relax and enjoy. Easy for me to say I know but try! This op is a positive thing, not the treatment of a bad thing. xxxx
Hi FLF well you sound amazing and you are getting out if only for a short while and doing the things we all like to do like getting our eyebrows done. To be quite honest I am not a xmas person and would be quite pleased to be on my own, at least you can do what you like then. I was thinking about before your op how anxious you were getting, do you look back now and wonder what you were worrying so much about. I must admit you have made me feelmuch more positive about it and as you say its a positive thing to have done. Did you have high blood pressure before or did it only come on because of the anxiety.Strange isnt it how we are all frightened of different things and I dont know why its the sleep bit that frightens me,as you say I suppose the best thing is to enjoy the sleep, like you I dont get many good sleeps. Just off to fight my way through the shops, have a peacefulxmas day and I am so pleased you are doing so well love suzan x
Hi Suzan!! Just back from 1st check up. All going well, except a tiny bit at the furthest point of the flap. Always was going to be a bit dodgy as the consultant (in his words) pushed this flap to the limit with what was available. Hint try not to loose weight before the op!!! I didn’t but did loose about 6lbs which was not good as I was borderline anyway! Anyway the stomach is absolutely fine, still taped for another week but no problems. The belly button is lovely, can now start massaging a little oil into it. The Foob is doing well. Re-taped today. Going back in a weeks time for him to review again. He will then decide if the end bit is coping with the low blood supply or not. If it isn’t, he will shave the bit off. It will be done in day surgery & only takes about 20 mins. Day surgery & he probably would do in the final ‘assignment’ anyway!! Back on antibiotics just as a precaution but I can live with that. Am allowed to take the corset of when around the house etc but I have found being in the car I do like to wear it as the car jolts my stomach. Compression socks on for a full 6 weeks.
My BP goes up when I get ‘bad stressed’ - my mum and then my dad dying (long and painful) it rocketed, but when life is going as normal it returns to ok and my GP doesn’t worry. I am a control freak and I think it is the lack of control and giving my self up to this man that freaked me out. & the level of care that was required after. I look after myself and the thought of anyone having to do it for me … even my other half struggles to do anything for me, as I fight him all the way!
Have a lovely quiet Christmas Suzan, enjoy the time and relax. I promise you that this is not so bad. I even managed a quick trip into work today to say Merry Christmas to my team!
Love and hugs to all
hello ladies
I’ve posted a thread before I saw this one so want to say thank you and hope you don’t mind me joining you.
FLF your experiences have given me some hope, I am going in on 3rd Jan to have DIEP (maybe TRAM) on 4 Jan, my surgeon says he decides on the actual day the best one for me).
I live in France and have asked many questions to my surgeon and he has basically said everything you ladies have its the same in France, except that I won’t go to HDD after surgery. He said about keeping me warm (why is that?), that I will have to be very still for about 2 days and that there will be continuous checks to make sure all is well. I won’t be able to eat or drink until he is sure I won’t need to go back to theatre (not looking forward to being hungry LOL).
Hope that you are all doing well and had a nice Christmas, happy new year to us all.
P
Hi peacock! Nice to meet you. The keeping warm is to help the blood flow so the Flap has the best possible chance. Not sure about the keeping still. I was out of bed on the Sun, 24 hours after op but just to a chair & only 30 mins. The constant obs are annoying but necessary so smile & accept. They are doing it for you and your new boob! I drank as soon as in recovery, loads of water, refer to earlier posts. Food was offered but wasn’t really hungry.
Latest update from me, I had day surgery yesterday to remove the end of the flap under the arm. It hadn’t really taken, and my body was struggling to heal it. So that got taken away, although the PC said it would probably have been removed anyway when he did the reassignment later on as he tends to smooth that side anyway. All good. Took about 30 mins, total time out 1.5 hrs. Was home from start to finish within 4 hrs. Still in surgical bra which is a pain, and the socks. Corset I only wear when out walking or in the car as it does help. Day before I managed a mile walk and was ok on it. Nice to do some exercise for a change.
Had a bit of a down day before going back in, but think that was just a case of surgery blues when I was feeling so well. Back to feeling positive and good. Even braving slighly lower necked tops now as the cleavage looks good even at this early stage and in the Surgical Bra!!! Himself is happy, and it boosts your self esteem to ‘look’ normal from the outside! When naked not so much yet, but getting there.
peacock - good luck for the 4th. Enjoy your New Year and look forward to hearing how it all went. I hope and am sure it will be good (fine is a word I now hate!) Maybe some hiccups, but remember the bigger picture.
Hugs to all and waiting to hear from a couple.
Fiona
I’m sorry if I’m being a bit insensitive as I’m so early on in this and I’ve currently been told that I’m keeping the boobs I grew as a teenager, but I have a couple of questions for the ladies who’ve had this op, just in case.
Do you have any sensation in your new boob, or when you touch it does it feel like you’re touching someone else? I know I don’t need to worry about this sort of thing just quite yet (and hopefully never) but I do like to get my worrying done early and this is one thing that’s been bothering me. Also, I have a line of dark hairs that goes from my pubic area up to my belly button, so if I needed to have reconstruction would those hairs then end up on a new boob? I realise these may be silly questions but they have been bothering me at three in the morning when my head gets full of "what if"s and the thought of dark pubes on a new breast is just weirding me out.
Thanks, and sorry for not having anything constructive or sensible to add to the thread.
Choccie Muffin, hi there! No question is too silly. I had loads and didn’t know about this type of forum until just before surgery so spent hours worrying about things. I can feel the bottom and top of my new Foob as still my original skin from that area. The middle bit where the flap has been attached I can’t feel a thing, although only 3 weeks in so that may change. My PC says that I will never experience full sensation in that area, although some may grow back as the nerves etc take hold. Who knows. As a lady who loved her boobs pre DCIS, I now find I have very little attachement to them. I just want to look normal outwardly to make life easier for those around me, especially my daughter, and also to boost my self esteem - which was pretty rock bottom - after the full hysterectomy and then mastectomy, the two areas that make you female. This op definatley has given my the outward appearance when dressed, and there are no alien bodies in me, something I would have struggled with (implants) so on that basis I would totally and untterly recommend it. I am sure my attachment to the new Foob and the old existing one will return when I am not constantly being prodded poked and having to take my top off!
Hi Ladies, hope you don’t mind me butting in. I am having a bilateral mastectomy and Diep one saturday in january and have just caught your thread today. Just to say thanks for your reassuring words. I’m trying to get organized with stuff to take into hospital with me. Just ordered pyjamas online and have some little tote bags for the drains. I’m stressing about being incapacitated and can’t bear to think about someone else washing my bits for me or having to wipe my bum, but I guess they do it all the time and I’ll have to lay back and think of England. With any luck I’ll be so constipated it won’t be an issue until I can deal with it all myself! A year ago I never thought I’d be having to think about anything like this. I’m trying to think of it as a big new adventure hahaha. The thing I’m really looking forward to is the sense of relief once it’s done, and putting this year behind me. Time to move on and look forward to the next 48 years of my life!
Good luck Choccie Muffin
Nicky xxx
Hi girls and welcome to peacock, nicky, choccieMuffin,this is a good thread and fiona has been writing her progress on here like a diary which has been great, and its so nice to have someone go through it and give us some tips. I was laughing fiona when you said you hadnt got enough spare skin because you wre so slim, my plastic surgeon said with a glint in his eye, "some ladies are under the delusion that they musnt lose weight, but in all honesty even if you lost a lot of weight, there would still be plenty of material ", well I couldent help but laugh. I have lost 12 lbs but its difficult being on arimidex and am practically starving myself. I am so glad you are doing so well, a bit of nuiscance about having to go in again, but at least it was only a short stay. I was amazed you walked a mile, I bet you felt better for it.I am pleased that your self esteem has been boosted, like you I just want it done to appear normal to those around me and to feel good about myself again.Nicky you made me laugh when you said you dident like the idea of anyone washing you, I feel the same, good idea about taking in bags for the drains, I am not too sure about bras so if fiona you have any advice on them I would appreciate them.I am hoping my op wont be postponed vecause of the flu and the bad weather, he did say early 2011 so I am just waiting.Trouble is my bp will go up again,but I did have a 24 hour monitor so I know its only stress thats doing it.Where do you live in france peacock and is the medical care over there as good as I have heard it is and are you starting to feel nervous, its a mixture of pure terror and excitement all rolled into one.Well hugs to everyone and let us know how you are all doing love suzan x
Is there room for another in this wee club? Im on the waiting list fr a tram- was supposed to be 10th Jan but had no word : (
Anyway, it’s been great reading all the tips as I just cant get enough info on what will be a HUGE op from what Ive read! Ive had some great feedback from another lovely lady who’s gone through the op just before Christmas at the same hospital and has answered even MORE of my questions!
I had a little laugh when I read bout the tummy hair-it was something I really wanted to ask surgeon, but thot he’d think I was mad!!!
We all seem to have same/simolar questions and fears so it’s grat to read of others experiences. Hope you all have a great new year
Cathie xx
Yes also smiled about the tummy hair. I used to have ONE tummy hair before chemo days but that, like most of my body hair (except in the places you don’t want it) seems to have gone.
Can I ask a question about the corset please? Where did you get one and what sort is it? Would an ordinary tummy pull in pair of knickers be any good?
No time to feel nervous, well nearly not!!
Welcome to all the new ladies, lovely to meet you all!! This thread seems to be link to the outside world most days and I am loving it, thank you for talking and making me laugh and realise I wasn’t the only one with daft questions.(And trust me, they are not daft!!)
Will try & answer some of the ones that I can:
Peacock - Corset was given to me in hospital & it is washable by hand. Takes a while to dry but otherwise has been fine.
Bed baths etc - the day after the op I was so hot & sweaty that I was grateful to my lovely 1-1 nurse who washed me. I lost all sense of dignity! Came back the next day mind you & refused help for washing & have done ever since.
Surgical Bras - the surgeon puts them on in theatre, and they are supplied by the hospital. I have got 3 now as I woke up in 1 that was fine, but with the natural swelling needed to go up a size, which they gave me. & I got another one this week with the little shave that was done. Not the most attractive things, but they are comfy and machine washable and you will be in it day & night for a while. After this apparently you go into sports bras but will update when I get to that point!
Anyway have a happy New Year’s eve and looking forward to 2011! Bring it on and lets enjoy it. Looking forward to a glass of Champagne later - don’t drink, but this is an one time I will make an exception!!
Speak soon ladies. Hugs and kisses to all.
xxxx
Hi ladies just wanted to wish you all a peaceful new year.The weather here is very grey and overcast and starting to rain, but I am off for a walk anyway.Glad you are ok fiona, I can imagine how fed up you must be with being stuck indoors.I will have to check with the hospital regarding bras as when I asked them before they dident say they supplied them, perhaps all hospitals have different policies. Anyway just a short post as want to get out before it gets dark again. Thinking of you all and all our fellow bc sufferers love suzan x
Happy New Year to you all! Hope this year is a good one to all.
Just a quick update - had a lovely surprise visit from my close friends from Spain, real boost. And just back from a walk with my daughter without the corset. Am determined to do at least one walk a day if not two, this was recommended to me by my PC so once life returns to normal with school and work, I will plan into my day. Had a good look at the new improved Foob today as the dressing had to be changed. Looks so much nicer now that nasty bit at the end has been removed. Fingers crossed that it now continues to take. If all goes to plan now I am 28 days away from returning to work!!
Hope all is well out there in cyber land…
Speak soon
Fiona
Day 23 - and I have got a pair of loose jeans on, did a small food shop & managed a mile walk at a decent pace! Hope this is a positive message to all … It is so worth having this op.
Hi fiona you are doing really well,I am using you as my mentor. I have got a date for 3rd march and feel terrified and excited all rolled into one.There are so many conflicting stories regarding this op but we are all different and recover at different rates but you haave certainly given me more confidence now. What will happen about a nipple are you going to have one ??And did you have a good time with your friends from spain take care love suzan x
Hi Suzan!! I have only good to say about this operation. Yes it is a biggie, and the first few days are ‘uncomfortable’ but I am being totally honest when I say there was no real pain. Even with the procedure last week, no pain. I was petrified before, previous posts confirm that, but I think more than anything it is the fear of the unknown. If you were closer I would come round and show you in person the outcome, and to give you a hug. As I would to anyone who wanted to have a look. I have been tonight for a follow up with my PC and he is so pleased. He has taken all dressings of bar a little one in the middle of the stomach, and a small one over the site of last weeks op. I can wear suporting bras, even underwired if I want, if they are comfortable. I walked 1.5 miles this morning in 20 mins. I was averaging 4 miles an hour pre op - so getting back to speed. And I can start driving next week, the op last week putting that back by a week otherwise it would have been this week. It is easy to say - keep postive. Before the op, I gave up caffine, alchohol ate loads of ‘superfoods’ - spinach / watercress / beetroot / tuna / salmon, tons of veg, and loads of oil on my skin, walked daily and did yoga. Not sure if any of it helped, but I certainly feel good now - who knows!
Hugs to all and I am more than willing to meet up if it helps!
Hi Fiona
We have pm’d each other before but just wanted to say you are a real inspiration to anyone considering this op and thank you so much for sharing your experience. I saw my surgeon today and he is going to refer me to your ps. Can’t say his name on the open forum. He said that he had great admiration for his work. As I am nhs it will be a long wait. Said to expect two month at least wait for first appointment then probable four month wait for op. Hopefully worth it in the end though. Best wishes. Pam.
Hi, sorry Suzan, forgot to say - was so excited at getting out of the surgical bra! - I am seeing my PC in 3 months for a review of the new Boob in comparison to the old one. It is slightly smaller, lack of available fat! so likely I will have an uplift and tiny reduction. He is holding of doing the nipple until all matches. This man is a perfectionist - Petal5 - he will be worth the wait! Once you are in his hands, you will feel so confident. My cleavage is better than before, and looks totally natural. I have a nice soft cup bra on today from Debenhams and I feel female again!! Good luck to you all, and try to look past the initial op, it is only a few days in comparison to the rest of your life. Would be lovely to meet up one day and compare!!!
I miss my friends from Spain, known them all my life & now only see them 2 or 3 times a year, but they are thinking of moving home soon. Fingers crossed xx
Love & Hugs to all
xx