Delayed DIEP after bi-mastectomy

[sleslieuk]

I am having a DIEP in a few days and would love to see your blog. Thank you

[Duffer56]

If you send me a pm with your email address then I can attach a copy of the blog to the reply
X

[jayneanne]

Hi everyone I have just joined the site and am thrilled to find so many folk with doubts, questions and worries like me.

After a double mastectomy in July 2013 and failed implants with strattice, (previous radiation 10 yrs ago) I am now considering a double diep reconstruction. I have been advised that being thin, they will be very small, but I really do not want the LD alternative another surgeon has suggested.

In my area of Wales, there is little experience with Dieps and so I'm short on personal experience from others (including within the proffession). Hence my delight on seeing this forum, which I am spending hours reading!! Very interested in perhaps learning from your well noted blog on your diep experience Duffer56. And has anyone else with less spare tissue undergone a delayed double Diep?

Thank you and love to all you brave ladies x

[jillybee]

Don't be angry.The surgeons are trying their best.I am due a DIEP in July,following 8 operations,failed implants.At least they will be using my body fat,not silicone or expanders .this will be my 13th operation on my breast overall.

[doubletrouble]

I am considering DIEP afer 3 failed attempts with expanders following bilateral mx in  Sept. Please could PM me with a link to your blog?

I'm so mixed up and angry and I just dont know what's best for me anymore!

thanks x

[Duffer56]

Hi Sasky,
I am so glad you found the blog helpful. It means a lot to me that it was of use to you.
Hope your recovery goes well. Remember - baby steps!
Anything else you need to ask please feel free
X

[sasky]

Hi Guys
Back home yesterday after DIEP (delayed) last Thursday. All went well 😊. The advice esp from duffer with her blog has been so important & invaluable thank you so much. It's amazing how you come on each day. Lovely to be home although sore, all manageable. So pleased with results even with all the swelling. Had a good night sleep last night. Helped by a v pillow and pillow under my knees. Good luck ladies about to have a DIEP. Xxx

[jillybee]

Thankyou.....doing the 10k BUPA run in London in 2weeks......raising money for our BC unit at our hospital.You shall be my inspirations .thanks for link.....

[Barbamama]

fit bit flex

https://www.fitbit.com/uk/store

13 days after op I did 15000 steps which is roughly 15 km, on normal day i do 10.000 steps (7-9 km).

have fun!

[jillybee]

Can you message me with details of the fit bit bracelet.Have just pounded the treadmill.....feeling great!

[Barbamama]

just wanted to add that I am not allowed back to gym for 3 months. Also no Pilates and Yoga because I am advanced in both and my  surgeon does not want me to do abs (although he checked that I can do it now no pain); and no weights above my head.

To compensate loss of fitness at the moment I am making saure I walk fast a lot (I have fitbit flex bracelet which counts my steps and distance). Although sometimes pants rub into my tummy and it is not comfy.

hope this helpful info to someone.

best

[jillybee]

I want to cut and paste the last post.Due a DIEP in July,and so hoping for speedy recovery.Am keeping fit,just returned from a Pilates class,first time in weeks as had breast surgery quite recently.She did say I will be not be able to return for 3 months post op....however,plan to get outside and walk after.She also has done courses in post breast care surgery.Take care Barbamama,and gentle hugs to all

[Barbamama]

Hello, I just thought I would give everyone a quisk update as I know how worrying it can be just before the operation.

Yesterday I was 3 weeks post op. For me real difference how I felt was on the 8th day after surgery. My upper thighs were still swollen with fluids but there was no pain I just felt good. I switched to Spanx pants that day because my compression belt was driving me nuts: so thick and I was very itchy from it. Spanx pants are tight compression pants (you can google them). My surgeon said it is ok to wear them if they are more comfy for me. I was out and about, shops, daycare and on 10th day after op I even went to the zoo with my little one for the full day. I was resting more than usual but I felt really good. later on I saw my surgeon and he told me that I do not have to wear any compression anymore if I do not want to.

now, I am almost back to my normal body size/weight. I still have a bit of swelling around tummy maybe 20-30% plus but I can wear my all pre op clothes, pants, jeans etc. I wear normal bra just underwired and I do not even remember when was the last time I took painkillers. I do everyhting around the house or with kids, I just do not exercise or run or lift very heavy things. I sleep on my side if I want to and I started rubbing a bit of lotion around my scars.All scars are healed there are few scabs here and there, I just wait for them to fell of. At the of end the day I do feel a bit tight around my belly and I want to get into my soft yoga pants. But during the day I am just like any other day before op.

Overall, I am very happy with the op. I would say first week is the hardest ( not only beacuse of pain) but after that is just geting better and better.

Some parts of my scars on breast look very pale already so I imagine that after few months they might be barely visible. tummy scar as well is quite low and pale pink. belly button is healing nicely as well.

go for it, ladies! It is truly amazing how they can do it. I cannot stop looking at my new cleavage 😉 Breasts are not that big (I never had big breasts and I did not have enough fat for big boobs anyway) but I wanted cleavage more than size. Now I can wear normal tops. Also, for me it is massive difference how they feel. new breast are quite numb but I do not feel them at all (weight wise) whereas I had two pairs of prosthesis and I always fell that I wore them. They were just weighing down. Although one pair was realy light.

good luck to everyone with upcoming surgery. if you have any questions let me know.

[darlojo]

Good luck, will be thinking of you x

[Duffer56]

Good luck - will be thinking of you! x

[sasky]

Hi everyone
Thank you so much for all your advice. Going in tomorrow ready for diep on thurs. I ll let you know how I get on xxx

[darlojo]

So pleased to have found this thread. Will be following all your progress in the coming weeks and months. My op is in 4 weeks time and worrying about everything under the sun x

[darlojo]

Good luck for tomorrow, hope all goes well x

[impatiens]

Hi sasky

I'd strongly reckoned support pants, I didn't get mine really sorted out in time and should have taken more to hospital - I was very swollen so had to have huuuge ones at first, that are now a bit big. The stooping is because the scar across the stomach is vey tight and uncomfortable to stretch, but getting better - a bit slowly in my case I think.

[impatiens]

Hi everyone,

So sorry, I posted then couldn't find post, being a bit dim I think.

Now three weeks after diep op, I'm still not completely upright, maybe my skin not as elastic as some of you others! They had to take a big slice though so maybe it 's that. I had a slight skin infection on the recon boob where a stitch had gone a bit sceptic so on antibiotics that very nice nurse at the gps gVe me. I took myself down there as I was a bit nervous about changing the dressings on my boobs, the recon one and the reduced one. The stomach scar I could do but the boobs felt so fragile and having been through lots of infections after my mastectomy I didn't want to risk anything. The nurse was fab and completely understanding about it. Mentally feeling really good, sleeping a lot, two hours in the afternoon and the eight hours straight through the night - more sleep than I've had in my life!
I Agree about the cleavage, you don't really know how how much you've missed it until it's back and don't have to put that horrible prosthesis on all the time.

I waited a long time for mine, nearly three years since mastectomy, I think I fell between stools and if I'd pushed more I could probably have had it sooner. Then i was given a date, then cancelled, and then two more that were cancelled. Then I made a fuss - a big fuss- and was given a date that wasnt cancelled.

Now looking forward to full recovery, and walking normally!

[Barbamama]

Hi and thanks for your reply.
I called nurse she said it is ok if my belly button a bit wet. I also changed dressing today (they gave me stuff to take home) and I am seeing my surgeon on Friday.

Regarding stitches they told me everything was done from inside (both stomach and breasts) so no stitches removal for me.

I look like I am proper pregnant right in the middle 🙂 So weird, 6 days ago i had waist and now I do not. yes I wear compression belt which is fine, I kinda like it keeps everything tight. But my hips down to knees are still massive. In hospital they told me they have pumped with fluids so it will take a while to get rid off it.

I have energy to do things and I am not used to sit around (with 2 kids) so I am making myself actually to sit on the sofa and watch daytime telly.

[Nolton9]

Hi,

My tummy button stitches were just "on the turn" I'd say when they were removed, as planned, on day 13. Immediately afterwards my lower adomen looked quite red  and mottled so the surgeon asked if I would take antibiotics for a week . He and clinic nurse dressed it and applied some ointments,  not sure what. I think that site has been a bit yucky but nothing too painful . I would call the hospital if in any doubt.. best to catch anything early. Also they know what is nirmal for this procedure so will reassure you.

I haven't had too much swelling just a little around tummy site at the end of the day.. did your hospital suggest you wear the shapewear pants? I think they are supposed to help manage swelling...but they do look utterly hideous !!

its still really early days for you... I definitely saw a huge improvement at the end of week 2 with everything. Hope you find everything settles down too.

[Barbamama]

Hi Nolton9,

Tomorrow I am 1 week from my surgery. I am still very large down waist (hips, knees) post op swelling and fluids, I am told. When will this go down? Also, my belly button under dressing is kind of wet today but not sore. I wonder if it is ok? thanks

[Nolton9]

Hi,

I had an immediate diep after MX 3 weeks ago. I had a longer than expected surgery at 10 hours. I found the monitoring and constant checks in hospital over the first 48 hours the hardest bit to sope with (but I understand how necessary they are at the same time! just v hard to sleep at all overnight!) and of course all the drains and bits hanging around but I think that is universal and is very quickly over and done with... mine were out except one drain (far more manageable to chuck in a little handbag) in 24 hours.

Initially, after a MX was recommended I was sure I wanted  implant as the surgery/recovery associated with diep didn't sound too appealing but the more I looked into things and spoke with the hospital the more I felt the diep would be better long term for me.

Post -op,  I was up for a v short walk day after and to sit in the chair, but it is painful but I am a massive fidget and a mum of 3 so I can't ever sit still. I bathed the next day after that, again huge effort but I like to be clean... cheers me up... After that I just did short walks all the time round the hospital anywhere.. I did bump into my surgeon, in a random place on day 3, which prompted a little reminder from him for me to take it easy!

I went home on Tuesday, I had the op on Saturday - i think that is pretty fast but I was desperate to sleep in my own bed and I am lucky that my husband could step in and look after house/home for a bit.  For the first week I took it very easy and did do some odd sleeps during the day - which I cut back on as I was then awake overnight... That said, I have just gradually built up again and now 3 weeks on I can do most things except for exercise and cycling which I'm banned from for now.. I work for myself in an office role and am starting up lightly with one client this week and will rebuild from there...if I don't fall asleep!

I should add I've had two homebirths and a recent c section and breast fed for a fairly long period - weirdly all of this helped in this recovery I think. The reconstructed boob does v much remind me of how a boob feels when milk comes in, hard and tense!! but not painful like breastfeeding can be in the early days...

The tummy scar has some similarities to a c section but I think mine is so much neater already the nurses in hospital all looked and said to each other : proper plastic stitching!! I guess that sums it up.

I would say buy proper surgical bras rather than the high impact sports bras I was suggested to get  initially, my surgeon felt the sports bras just flatten the new boobs rather than support in a good position! which makes total sense now!!!

All in all.. I am far happier with the initial results than I expected to be and in my recovery path.... in clothes even my husband and closest friends tell me they can't tell - out of clothes  ( without the good support bra) as you would think it looks  quite a bit different but the swelling takes several months to go down..I can see that it will be a good match then..

I do think that the hospital and BCNs have to err on the side of caution and tell you everything that may go wrong (everything!!) so you are prepared  but that can be completely terrifying to hear -   I found it really helpful and reassuring to talk to women who had actually been there and done it! and to think "wow they are back to their lives - it must be OK".. of course they may have had a slightly different experience but it's much more real...

If I can help anyone with anything else, please do let me know.

[jillybee]

Reading all these posts with interest.Sasky,keep us all posted and let us know how you get on.I had bi lateral mastectomies,implants removed......my DIEP will be my 13th op to date since 2000.long story.I went for new prostheses last week.My thought,was ,only for 3 months till my DIEP,but glad I got them,as the softies did not sit right.

My worries are not the surgery,is that I may get constipated,and feel sick.I sailed through all my breast ops,but really suffered following hip replacements.I sound I right old crock,but running the London 10k next month.Raising money for our breast care unit.

It is a funny old world.Can not wait to get this done.

[sasky]

Hi ladies
Omg just had my date .. 7th may. So excited but feel sick. All advice very welcome.😄 xxx

[Barbamama]

Hello ladies, I am so glad I decided to check up on this forum today and found so many responces.

I am now 4th day after DIEP double reconstruction 🙂 I went to surgery on wed am and was back in my ward in the evening (after few hours in recovery suit). Not much pain just very thirsty. Next day they made me to sit up and sponged me, helped to wash my face etc. Four drains, urine bag, iv, antibiotics. I had exruciating headaches for a couple of days after surgery. On Friday, they enciuraged me to walk. For 3 days after surgery they check new breasts with contrasting agent to see blood supply. Also they check clinicalls new breasts every 2 hours (touch etc). On Friday I was so fed up lying in bed it was just depressing. But on Sat my 3 drain and urine bag were out, I took a shower and walked hallways here and there. I am not hunched at all and I am not taking painkillers. Last drain went today. My surgeon surprised that I can stand straight up, he can't explain it, saYs maybe I have very elastic skin. New boobs look even bigger than natural ones. They are not tight, in fact after prothesys they feel very natural and light. Tummy is flat (oh my god flat!) And hurts only if I sneeze or cough.

Tomorrow I am going home. I ordered hubby to put rose or bubbly in a fridge 🙂

The only thing is that I am massive down from waist. I look like I gained 4-5 kgs! Fluid retention they say. I think I need some herbal tea/supplement to get all water out. Also, back home I will be more active for sure. It will help.

Cleavage is there, I actually forgot how nice to have cleavage..

Sorry I cannot help you ladies with NHS waiting times etc. I am in Switzerland based at the mom and here I just went scheduled my op when it was good time for me. Also in hospital they gave me front fastening soft sports bra. I am in my normal underwear just soft invisible type pants.

Hope my post will help someone. I feel good, happy to go home tomorrow and if you want to ask something, just ask. SorrY for spelling typos, phone is small, I cannot even see begining of my post.

[Duffer56]

I didn't really gave any pain to speak of when I had my DIEP a year ago but I took the Ibuprofen and iaracetemol for a few weeks anyway - just to be on the safe side.
The stooping forward isn't because if pain it's just that you have a scar site hip to hip and in my case it was the (needless) fear of splitting something if I stood up straight. My hospital recommended Bridget Jones knickers two days after to operation. And they really really helped - I was upright after day 3! I was also afraid to cough as it isn't a pleasant sensation as you don't realise what muscles you use until something like this. I gave a blog if my early days after the operation if you would like to take a look. Pm me with an email address and I will happily send it to you.
Carol

[Mrs_B]

Hi ladies...I too am reading your postings with interest. I have my consultation next month and like you Sasky am curious as to how long I'll need to wait. Am hoping for diep or tram reconstruction. Am off to get a new prosthesis from the hospital next week. The one I have I got last year a couple of months after my mx but have gone up two cup sizes on my ' good' side. Feeling a bit guilty about getting a new one, but with no idea I'll have to wait for my op, don't want to put up with poorly fitting bras for the unforeseeable future. I only have one mx bra and it's not looking too look. Hard to feel glamorous at the best of times with only one boob, but a worn out bra makes it even harder. Cleavage.... Can't wait to have it again. Never thought I'd be looking forward to an op. Well that's the crazy world were in after a cancer diagnosis

[Mrs_B]

Hi ladies...I too am reading your postings with interest. I have my consultation next month and like you Sadly am curious as to how long I'll need to wait. Am hoping for diep or tram reconstruction. Am off to get a new prosthesis from the hospital next week. The one I have I got last year a couple of months after my mx but have gone up two cup sizes on my ' good' side. Feeling a bit guilty about getting a new one, but with no idea I'll have to wait for my op, don't want to put up with poorly fitting bras for the unforeseeable future. I only have one mx bra and it's not looking too look. Hard to feel glamorous at the best of times with only one boob, but a worn out bra makes it even harder. Cleavage.... Can't wait to have it again. Never thought I'd be looking forward to an op. Well that's the crazy world were in after a cancer diagnosis

[sasky]

Hi

I am on the waiting list for a delayed diep. I was told to take things very easy afterwards, and even small errands will be difficult. I cant wait but am also very nervous.Its great getting advice from ladies who have been their to prepare us. Can you tell me how long you waited for your op ? The walking with the stoop is that because of pain in tummy or back ? x

[impatiens]

Hi

I had a diep reconstruction a week last Saturday. I came out of hospital on the Thursday afterwards. Luckily my husband has been at home all the time since then because I really couldn't do that much. Not much pain from about the second day after the op. Am now down to about 4 paracetamols a day. Re the running usual errands - I doubt very much that you'll be able to do anything for at least three or four weeks afterwards. Some women do recover more quickly and you may be one of them, but it's ten days on from my op and I can't walk upright. You're not allowed to left ANYTHING heavier than a kettle, you won't have much energy, and in fact standing for any time is really hard on the back because you have to bend over so I think the 10 minute walk to the shop is not going to happen.

At the moment I look like I've been in a car crash but every woman I've spoken to or read their thoughts says that they're glad they had it done. Like you I wanted to not have to worry all the time about what people could see - or rather what they coudn't see! I had an mx on the left hand side nearly three years ago,then chemo then radio therapy. Lots of infections and seromas and infected tissue expanders after the MX so the last thing I wanted to do was go back into hospital and sit on my bum for weeks afterwards! However it feels like the worst is over and I just need to take it steady and remember to do my exercises. I wanted to not wear that blasted prosthesis any more and to have a cleavage. This bit is the price I have to pay for that!

Best wishes

Alison

[Duffer56]

Hi Barbamama, i had DIEP last May. I moved gingerly for about 2 weeks then took it easy for another few weeks after that but I would have thought you would be ok with short errands. I was back at my computer screen within a few days so that's unlikely to be a problem.
My reconstruction took ages to 'loosen' up. I kept describing it as a Belgian Bun but its settling down nicely now. Cleavage was fine within weeks but it did feel tight for best part of 9/10 months.
I did find it difficult picking up my granddaughter though so I avoided any lifting for as long as I could.
I had the MX at the same time so my surgery was quite lengthy. I tried to prepare as mich as I could for the op by eating well - lots of green veg -spinach, broccoli etc. and liver a couple of times. I also made sure I drank loads of water as soon as I could after the op to flush the anaesthetic out as quickly as I could - i certainly made use of the catheter being in for a day or so.
Hope it all goes well - if there's anything else you'd like to know please feel free to ask.

[June_BCC]

Hello Barbamama

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling like this, please feel free to call our helpliners for some practical and emotional support, lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays and the free phone number is 0808 800 6000.

Best wishes

June, moderator

[Barbamama]

Hello ladies,

I am having DIEP reconstruction after double mastectomy 3.5 years ago.

I am slim 164 cm 56 kgs weight and I am concerned about the look of my new breasts. I cannot have implant reconstruction because of radiation on the right side. So DIEP is my only option because I need skin as well.

My surgeon says he will do his best to give me small my normal size breast. I have post pregnancy (2 kids) tummy. 

But I just worry that I will end up with two little lumpy sacks... when I look at DIEP pics on the internet some of them look all right but there is plenty really really bad looking breasts...

I am very excited about having flat tummy but i want to have a cleavage and start wearing normal low cut tops instead of having always to cover my chest in summertime.

Also, I have very active kids and basically when I come back home after 5-6 days fom hospital I would need to run usual errands at home. is it possible? I would need to drop off my son at daycare (10 mins walk both ways), maybe pick up some milk from the store... etc Wil I be able to sit in front of computer ? 

I recovered after mastectomy really easy, did not spend a day in bed after I came back from hospital. 

but this surgery is much more serious? Also worried about 5-6 hours of anaesthesia...

having such a bad day today and second thoughts about surgery... help please

thank you