DCIS. - confusing information

[Coralie Stephney]

Wow schummi. Getting in and out of a bath is real progress. Im looking forward to that time too. The paint on tummy and belly button looks dirty despite showering. But hey ho will get there. I look forward to lunches out but know the tight tummy will be telling me not to over do it. Glad you are pleased too. I felt confident after Steph and your updates.

[schumi12]

Steph you really need to look after yourself better, although easier said than done.  I'm lucky my youngest who is 16 is a fantastic cook and wants to be a nutritionist so I'm havng lots of healthy meals cooked for me.  Unfortunately when she's got too much on it has to be hubby he can do spag bol and beans on toast and that's it!!  We've just been for lunch to one of the Jamie Oliver Italian places and although it was good I could only manage half of my meal and now I feel so full and a bit sick.  I did manage my first bath yesterday which was absolutely wonderful, I just lay there for ages topping up the hot water - sheer bliss.  I tried climbing in and out fully clothed (obviously empty bath) first with my daughter at my side and once I managed that I knew I'd be fine.  I think it's great that we are all so pleased that we went through with the diep, two surgeons advised me against going for an implant although the easiest option they said it wouldn't give a good cosmetic result.  The first few days after the op I must say I did have some regrets but not now!!  I love my flat tummy and 2 small perky boobs (haven't had ones like this since I was a teenager).  I'm not a sun worshipper I usually love the winter but these endless grey days are getting me down, roll on spring.  When I first came to this forum I used to agonise over ever word I typed incase I was talking drivel, well obsviously not anymore. Isn't it funny how people you've never met can feel like such good friends.  Thank you ladies.  Schumi xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya i think i will be like you Steph popping in and out of the forum if i can offer advice and i find reading others stories reinforce that we made the right decision in the end. I vowed i wouldn't have bits and bobs taken but i did. Im not so breathless today. I did too much yesterday but today i only walked around the block with the dog. Big achievment for him and me. He didnt pull either.lol ive taken my pump.and yes feel better. I've been grateful to all the support from you, and schummi poppyfields princess and Ali. Im trying to eat well but to cut down portions. Lol. At the moment my husband looking after me so im lapping up being spoilt. Lol

[Steph J]

Coralie ...tut tut ... you must use your inhalers . Its only by using them that you will be able to eliminate if your breathing is associated to your asthma or whether it is some sort of side effect related to your surgery . 

Im good arent I at telling you what to do ha ha ... when Im worst person in world for having terrible binges of eating crap .

And on top of that Iv sat on my BTM for almost a week doing naff all !! I had my hair done and thats about it .. Definately cant be an ambassador for anything this week lol . 

Iv been sitting looking out of my window watching the pigeons and seagulls flying about the grey miserable sky ..thinking you need to get yourself dressed lady ..and then I think CBA . 

I believe that you made the right decision for you too .. it wasnt good for your mental wellbeing all that little bit of this and that ..then finding out there was more than you were led to believe . I was happy with my decision too and after hearing what youd gone through it just reinforced to me that Id done the right thing ..so weve all inspired each other in different ways . I dont know how long Ill come on this site for .. Ill hazard a guess that Ill always be popping on even if I dont feel I have anything to say . But one thing Im certain of I will always be grateful to you , Schumi and Ali , Poppyfields , Sudzi and the other ladies for sharing your experiences and taking the time to speak to me . I cannot express how much it has meant to me to be able to talk to you all . Thank you doesnt seem enough but its all that I can say . Take care Steph xxx

[Steph J]

HI Schumi 

Glad you getting out . Iv gone a  past the lunch bit now ...sounds terribly ungrateful but theres only so many lunches that I could do and I guess its the eating bit . There does seem to be less room in there ha . Im afraid Im eating probably a bit too much junk at the moment ..Iv had a bar of chocolate for my breakfast and nothing since and its half past two !! not good . 

I was good for a few weeks though .. I will be good again . I have my son , daughter and grandson staying with me but theyre not always in at meal times so because its just me I dont bother cooking . No excuse really but its the truth . My son lives with me permanently and were like ships that pass in the night . My daughter  and grandson( sometimes grandsons ) has been staying for a while due to personal problems and she was really good in beginning making some fab healthy meals , she is now sorting herself out and geting a new home prepared so I will have to start looking after myself again and being more serious about what I eat . I usually work nights ...and trust me a quick fix is an easy option . 

Hope you get your hand sorted .. its good youre being been quickly . Take care Steph xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya Steph and Schummi, i had mild asthma before operation but used to forget to takei my preventor and never took my reliever. They said i must start to use it again and the ibuprofen can agrivate asthma. I feel the tight tummy gives me the feeling of breathing in and almost holding my breath. Lol i will get used to it. Ive got lots of lunches luned up but cant eat to much as i feel uncomfortable. Thats a good side effect. Im gonna start doing more walking to build up mmy stamina. I remember Steph, you saying you were out of breath. I think i talk too much so im not breathing properly inbetween.lol Schummi, i had pain in left arm after my operation in right boob. I had pain in right arm and shoulder after the earlier 3 operations and the recovery nurses explained that your arms and shoulders are held in very awkward positions for 8 hours to get perfect symmetry. Let us know how you get on at the clin. Hopw it gets betterx im recoupingmy energy today.had a good nights sleep despite sleeping on my back and pillars under knees.
They took the glue strip off my tummy but its only just healing. Looks very fresh still. That paint stuff they put on tummy and belly button looks horrible now and despite showering, it's still there. Im not ready to soak in a bath yet cause im only just healing and would have difficulty getting out.
Well Steph, i forget sometimes the difficult start you had with your DIEP. your journey still inspired me to have a DIEP initially and followed by Schummi helped me along. Always be grateful because initially i was offered only an implant, which i was concerned about rejection. I know I've made the right decisionx

[schumi12]

Hi Coralie,  I haven't had the shortness of breath but I do get tired very easily.  Took my 7 week old grandson for a walk in his pram yesterday.  A walk that would take less than 10 mins took me 20 and then I slept in the car when I went out with my hubby, I was absolutely shattered.  I've got a problem with my right hand - I can't bend the tip of my index finger or my thumb.  It came on a week after the op (the diep was on the left side) I think it was when I was trying to get out of the chair in hospital and I was trying to protect my left side and I must have been putting too much pressure on my right hand and elbow.  Anyway I'm back to hospital tomorrow for some nerve and muscle conduction tests.  I've been having lunch out most days just to get out of the house but I really can't eat very much with my new tight tummy and I don't want it going backt to the size it used to be!! xx

[Steph J]

Hi Coralie 

I certainly had the shortness of breath ., so much so on my first follow up they kept me in for the day . I had to have all my bloods checked , a CT and chest x ray . I was very thankful they were so thorough but they didnt find anything ....it was just a nuisance as my app was 10 40 am and I got out at 10 pm ha . 

It seems to have wore off over the weeks . But if it continues its always worth  reporting it to your plastics team and/or GP . 

Dont forget Id had complications and had 4 units of blood , everyone is different and sometimes it can be serious . Steph xxx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hi Steph and schummi Ali and all the girls. Well today i went to have my dressings checked and they were pleased. Took some chocolates up to the ward i was on and the plastics team. Then feeling adventurous cause my friend drove me up there, we went for coffee and cake then to lunch. When i got home i was knackered and short of breath. The lovely tight tummy dont want me to eat to much and makes me out of breath when i do.lol but it was fun. Does everyone have this short breath thing? Still really happy though and i did have fun today.

[Coralie Stephney]

Ahh thankyou. Babes. It was over a silly issue that on a better day, should have ignored. Im quite forgetful at the moment too, so im getting annoyed with myself. Ive got loads of friends making dates to pop round or to take me to eat, so i should be happy. I did some of the funky chicken exercises bridge and went on my excercise bike this morning. I've had to take a codienne yesterday and today so i had a great sleep last night and less pain today in the boob. The bruising coming out more now. I felt a bit more energised today though. Bit itchy under boob againx thanks for the hugs and fairy dust. I'll call you tomorrowx

[Steph J]

Hi Schumi 

Ha its def not been a secret ..my nursing background . Trust me when its yourself or a family member poorly your nurses hat stays in the cupboard and depending how severe the problem is you cant make the same rational decisions as you would looking after a patient . 

I have needed the support and guidance from you ladies as much as anyone . Also, this might sound odd but I knew very little about the types of breast cancer , reconstructions and treatments available . I have learnt so much since my diagnosis . 

I think you need big hugs and fairy dust too ... and you have a good cry  if its what you need , you certainly dont a reason , the last few months speak for themselves . Youll probably have a laugh in the future about the time you cried when the sun went in and the rain came down ! 

And be careful climbing in and out of the bath because you still will be a bit weak . Take care ...more hugs and fairy dust xxxx

[Steph J]

arhh Coralie ..sorry to hear that youve been a bit blue , you could have phoned me . I dont think it matters that youve had an emotional few days .. I cant say I know why it happens after such a successful op  , perhaps its just relief . I think sometimes we just get on with things and its the volcano effect ..only so much getting on with it before we have to let it go . You have had an emotional roller coaster dont forget .

I remember years ago I had a D&C and I had a weep the day after ...a nurse said "Why are you crying ?" and I said " because I want to " ha what an answer but it was the truth .. 

Dont beat yourself  up kiddo if you want to cry ..let it go !! And youre prob still worrying about your pending histology . Enjoy your friends .. take care ..Big hugs and fairy dust for you today xxxxx

[Coralie Stephney]

Thankyou. Ive been euphoric since the operation and so pleased with the results but now i feel tearful. I've a few visitors booked in next few days to cheer me upx

[4princesses]

I had 5 operations in 5 months, after each anaesthetic, I had a few tearful days a couple of days after the ops. I was the same after previous anaesthetics too, I think it is a side effect. Hope you feel better soon xxxx

[Poppyfields]

Don't feel silly! It's just part of the process I think. And its better out than bottling it up.
Xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Thankyou. Feel silly

[Coralie Stephney]

Yes its an emotional roller coaster too. Ive been in tears today too

[Poppyfields]

Coralie, I was a bit emotional one day soon after my surgery. I'm sure it's normal, you have been through so much over the past few months and have a lot to come to terms with. I'm sure it will pass. Big hug. Poppy. Xx

[schumi12]

Thanks Steph, you kept that quiet about being a nurse!  Thanks for the advice I'll be having a bath in the morning - providing I can get in and out of it OK.  Really hope your tummy does settle down soon.  I had a bit of a melt down today.  I know I am doing really well but I went to a friends for lunch and the whole time I was there it was lovely and sunny and I was really looking forward to going for a short walk with my hubby when I got home.  Well I got home he finished some paperwork got ready to go out and then it poured down - I just lost it and cried my eyes out!!  Everything a bit up and down just now.  Love Schumi xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya girls, feeling strange today. Bit tearful, slightest thing. Is it full moon or the results of the operation/anesthetic. My tummy doesn't feel too bad but my boob aches today on inside near sternum bit and outside bit. Im trying to gently massage a slight lumpy bit on outside of boob. Ive been trying to get by with just paracetamol and ibuprofen but that didn't touch the pain today. I didnt want to go back to the codienne but i did today and its eased a bit. The bruising coming out today. Dont know why i feel emotional as I've been euphoric since the operation and really happy with the results. Silly i know

[Steph J]

Hi Girls 

As long as your suture lines are free from infection and dry ..without any open areas . Youll be fine with a bath . just  dont have the water too hot and avoid any bubble baths or scented soap that may irritate skin . 

It will too early for you Coralie ..but Schumi you should be ok . 

I am a nurse and thats what I would advise my patients about bathing after surgery . Im just not great at giving myself advice ha .. I still need the reassurances that everyone does . Thats why Im in a dilemna over my tum ...trying to decide if its a strain or something brewing , but Im sensible enough not to leave it too long if it doesnt settle by end of week . 

Best wishes and big hugs xxx

[Coralie Stephney]

I wanna know that too. Lol dont think i could get in and out yet though.

[schumi12]

Just a quick question, anyone know when we can have our first bath. So far just showers but I would love a long soak in a hot bath. Might help get the dried blood from my belly button yuck!!

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya girls. Im finding the sleep thing hard. Im still on my back with pillars under my head and knees. I must drop off but dont feel I've had a good sleep. Im trying to catch up this morning now they all gone to work and school. My husband stressed trying to do everything before 7.15am. Thats when cab comes fore my son and hubby working in morning. Hes doing cooked breakfast. Back to do lunch. My wound on stomach looks a bit scaby now and that rubbery thing on top looks a bit dirty despite showering in hibiscrub. My tummy seems to be healing well and breast a little tender on outside right. I massage it over the bra. Belly button looks a bit crusty but still pleased with the luck. Going back Friday for a wound check and back to guys on Tuesday to get final hisology. Not looking forward to that one. Girls dont be tempted to do too much. Just rest.

[schumi12]

Hi Steph, I mentioned Bio oil at the plastics dessings clinic and the nurse told me it is best to use on more mature scars so to leave it for about 8 months and she recommend E45 cream but I forgot when she said I could use it.  I'll use it on my tummy today as that scar looks great but I think I'll leave the boobs for a bit longer. I tried to sleep without a pillow under my knees last night but you're right it just felt too tight so I managed with just one.  It's funny I'm really worried about squahsing either my reconstructed boob or my reduced one if I turn on my side.  I already have the flatest bum around after lying/sitting on it for the last 3 weeks.  I feel if I can lay on my side then it might all fall back into place!!  Recovery wise I'm doing well, I get out with my hubby most days for lunch and a little walk but it does leave me very tired so then it's home for a lie down on the sofa but I don't sleep during the day otherwise I would be awake half the night.  Hope you are and Coralie contiue to do well.  Schumi x

[Steph J]

Omg Ali my list of to dos was so long and I was going to do everything before my op ha ..... needless to say it all still needs doing ! Ill get round to it  eventually  ... as Im sure you will eventually too ha ha .

Best made plans eh !! ... 

Dont worry Ill only be admiring the weeds .. and while my tum is bothering me Ill only be admiring everything else aswell . 

Glad to hear youre back at work ,hope its going ok . Take care . Big hugs xxx

[Steph J]

Hi Schumi 

I will get myself checked out if it doesnt settle ...Im no martyr ha .

Iv been sleeping on my side now for a few weeks ...at first I was just pushing pillows and cushions where they needed to be to relieve any pressure or discomfort . I went from two pillows under my knees to one , and now Im using two / three behind my head . I think Id be down to two but  for this damn cough so although Im on my side Im still sort of propped up a bit . I know the pillows under your knees is a pain but you might find even when you go over on your side you may still need to use them under your legs a bit . I found my tummy seemed to pull too much without having my legs raised slightly . Youll just wiggle around till you get comfy .. theres no right or wrong way . 

Its mad though the things you worry about .. I was bit concerned that Id flatten my boob if I lay on it ha .. or  by being in a sports bra day and night Id end up with a pancake boob squashed to my chest lol .. 

And the cream ... Im sure they said once the scabs have dried and are starting to come off .. so not on any open areas .

I started with bio oil which didnt agree with  my skin , aqeous was the same and then I tried a garnier lotion that Iv used for couple of years ... all made me itch . 

So after asking for advice on here .. I ended up with good old vaseline and antihistamine ( latter not needed now) .

Its good to  know youre looking  at the ironing ... if you were unwell or low youd have no motivation at all ...so its a positive sign ha ... but yes youll have to resist the temptation even though its killing you ha ha .. Youll have to sport the Schumi crinkle cut  look ...and start a trend . 

Speak soon . Big hugs xxx

[Ali49]

Steph i started my time off doing lots while waiting for my WLE op. Then i was full of good intentions! I was going to sort kids clothes out , get rich selling stuff on ebay and have a completely spick and span house with everything sorted before i went back to work! Well i went back to work 2 weeks ago and the list is still to be done!! Really though, restong and recuperating is really all you have to do. I hope your pain goes Steph and you continue to improve. Dont dare do that garden yet! Xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya schummi and poppyfields yes im doing great. Using the opportunity to laze in bed letting air get to the tummy wound. Laying on the back is a killer though. And cant wait until i can lay on my side. Still got cushion under my knees. Really happy with results

[Coralie Stephney]

Hi steph yes its hard not doing anything when you feel so well. It's unfortunate you had that cough and to be on safe side i would go back and get that looked at. You have been an inspiration to me despite the earlier st backs for you. I have been fortunate that things seem to have gone so well. I was getting about in hospital so well but so tired. I can get up and down the stairs ok but im concentrating on getting these outside wounds to heal and catch up my sleep so i confess I've been getting up having a shower in morning. Drying off and only wearing my sports bra and going back to bed. Why. Cause i can. Lol i work hard normaly so it's the complete rest i needed. I go up and down the staiirs 3 or 4 times in the day and back her.lol

[schumi12]

Hi Steph, oh I really hope you haven't strained anything.  Make sure you rest and it it's not better in a few days get it checked out.  I know what you mean about going stir crazy, I hate all housework but yesterday I was looking longingly at my husband doing the ironing and I really wanted to take over - don't worry I resisted the urge (but we do all have clothes with more creases ironed into them!!).  Have you started to sleep on your side yet?  It's driving me mad having to sleep on my back with pillows under my knees.  Also one more question, I can't remember when they told me I should massage the scars with E45 cream, I have a great big bottle all ready to go do you think I should start now?   Take care Schumi xx

[Steph J]

Hi Coralie 

Youre still sounding bright which is great . I expect you and Schumi have found yourselves a nice comfy speck to sit and watch TV lol .. well I hope you have , not that I wish you to become couch potatoes but I discovered theres not an awful lot else that you can do sitting down most of the day . And you do need to rest to recover . 

If you read my thread to Ali you will see Iv developed a discomfort , Im keeping my fingers crossed I havent strained myself . Ill be pig sick if I have because Iv been pretty cautious  and for now  itll be back to being super cautious again ! .

Big hugs girls Steph xxx

[Steph J]

Hi Ali 

Its prob as Coralie says .. itll stay with us . But I suppose its trying to train your brain not to dwell too much on what was before .. I am not a worrier  by nature  at all but I have found myself thinking if they find anything in my other breast Ill have to have the tissue from my back ... Whats all that about ?? Im not even fully recovered from this one .!! So I guess yes thats what happens and hopefully with time the thoughts of what if and next time ( cant believe I even think this ) will go away . 

My recovery is going well , Im doing all what I should be doing and trying not to get too cocky .. I did notice today that I have got a discomfort in my upper tum off centre left side ..three fingers down from ribs . Im hoping its a bit of muscle strain and not a  slight hernia or something forming. Iv had no problems at all since coming out of hospital . I will be keeping an eye on it and Iv put my corset back on . The trouble is Iv had an irritating cough snce new year and Im hoping it hasnt caused a weakness . Other than that Im ok . Cabin fever setting in a bit ..I feel so well in myself so Im itching to get back to normality and pottering around house doing ..not a lot and it  is starting to drive me nuts . Iv done a good bit of lunches and wandering around shops ha .. and Im not ungrateful but Im looking at garden thinking I could be out there pulling the dead bits out.  Aswell I could be sorting the loft out and giving the house a good clean ha ... the normally boring jobs suddenly seem important and exciting ha . Anyway keep chatting Ali ..its good to hear how youre getting on  Big hugs xxx

[Coralie Stephney]

I agree schummi. The cavity shave was a very stressful and painful ordeal for me and the fear of radiotherapy was keeping me at wake at night. Ali you came out the otherside and you was certainly put through the passes. Others feel your healed but mentality we will always be carrying our cross forever and worry about cancer. Its lovely you had a successful shave yet taking time to support us with masectomys. I personally am pleased im the other side of the operation and despite being a bit sore, im so pleased with the results. I know im gonna find this rest thing hard. Lol

[schumi12]

Hi Ali, don't put down all that you've been through. You had the WLE and then had to go back for the cavity shave - I couldn't face that going back for the shave and the surgeon not being sure he could get it all. I was also terrified of having radiotherapy which it sounds like you sailed through. You are an amazing inspiration on this thread, responding to new posts and sending positive vibes to everyone. Much appreciated. Love Schumi xx

[Coralie Stephney]

I think we're all warrior women we all have our own pain and struggles to cope with and the stress it causes to our family is immense. Im learning to be more left handed lol.

[Ali49]

I'm getting there Steph but know that this will always be a part of my life! I look at photos and think that was before and that was after! Maybe this will fade in time. Hope you are feel8ng ok xx

[Steph J]

Hi Ali 

dont think Iv been called a warrior woman before ha ...that s a first . I know what you mean though we're a tough lot and we dont give in !

Its fab to be able to come on here and chat to each other ..keeping one another  other going .

Youre sounding positive  Ali , which is great to hear .... and Im certain youre a warrior too . Big hugs xxx

[Ali49]

Coralie, Steph, Schumi you are all amazing. You have all been through it and are coping so well. Warrior women xx

[Coralie Stephney]

I know what you mean. Id be doing the saime toox onwards and upwards. You will get there hugs

[schumi12]

I've started trying to stand straight but walking any distance kills my back but I'm sure it will get better with time.  I'm much further on than I expected to be 17 days post op, but I'm impatient and I want to be back to normal NOW which I know is unreasonable.  Take care xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Yeah im shattered now. The plan was to come out tomorrow but they get you moving quickly down here. I am very tired cause all the waking up to check the boob and sitting out of bed so ive come upstairs and to bed. My hubby just fed me and ill rest again as the piriton for my rash knocks me out. They gave me Fucidin for the itching water blisters. I am doing the leg exercises to keep blood clots at bay. You did well because you had both breasts done. How are your movements nowx can you stand up straight yet?

[schumi12]

Wow Coralie Wonderwoman or What!!  Out in 4 days after that op is amazing, I was told I had made a fantastic recovery but I was still in for 5.  I did have the other boob reduced as well so that may have made a difference.  So pleased you have no regrets.  You will feel so much better once you are home and have had a shower, just make sure you don't do too much.  Schumi xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya all. Im coming out today. Pain controlled. Cant wait to get my hair washed.lol had my shower. I still have a blister type rash that itches. The piriton helps it and im awaiting the cream to put on it. The boob is amazing and minimul pain the tummy is slightly sore but 100% better each dad. So pleased i had this done nowx

[Coralie Stephney]

I think it it the blood thinner and plastics too. They called it something like st peters syndrome or something. They talking about letting me go tomorrowx im on the piriton otherwise drive me nuts. Ive just got into bed comfortably which yesterday i couldn't dox

[Steph J]

Hi Coralie 

Its a shame youve come out in blisters . Oddly quite a few women say they get itchy skin , some like you wonder if its a reaction to medication . I had some blisters where I had the clear plaster holding pump and drains in place . Later I ended up with itchy skin around suture line on tum and on boob . Its only just calmed down about a week ago when I started on a antihistamine and plain old vaseline to hydrate . So def keep on with the piriton otherwise itll drive you bonkers ...as Im sure you dont need me to tell you ha .

Speak soon ..you seem to be doing really well ..keep it up love n hugs Steph xx

[schumi12]

Fantastic Coralie, have they said when you can go home?  I got a rash all over my right arm which disappeared after a few hours.  Our bodies have been through so much it's not surprising to get some sort of reaction.  Schumi x

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya. Girls just an update. Only one drain left. Im getting in and out of bed and walking round the block. Still git the water blisters which they think is a reaction to some medication or material. Its going down with piriton. I'm so pleased withe the progress so far and the new boob and tummyx

[Poppyfields]

How you going today?
Xx

[Coralie Stephney]

Hiya poppyfields my operations were2 weeks apart 3 operations in 6 weeks. This is 30 days after. Ive come up in a bloody rash. Like water blisters on left wrist then its gone to my back. They've given me piriton as I've had similar before when pregnant with my son in last trimester. I think its the blood thinner or codienne. Not had thinner tonight cause im walking. Not easily in this stooped position lol. Ive had 2 drains out and got 2 left in. I can get to toilet so can walk a bit. Hugs to you all. Like steph and schummi i love the results. These surgeons are amazing arnt they. They've changed my dispair to painful pleasurex