Diep date 27th June -encouragement needed please

[Guest user]

Hi Rita

So glad you are happy with your op and now take it easy, the time really does fly by as Beanie baby said

Jan: Hope your op went well

Dani: Sorry to hear you have to have rads but I had them the first time and you have got through so much I am sure you will do well. I didnt find too bad well compaired to chemo I found them easy!!!! I did get tired I think about half way through although I cant remember too much as I had them over 15 years ago.

Be Strong: not long now and I know you will be just fine, just read the posts and I found them a great source of encouragement. I wasnt looking forward and was really frightened about the op thats why I started this post and I am so glad I went through it and it seems like ages ago I had the op now.

Liz: have been reading your posts, I hope your taking things a bit easier!!

Everyone else (sorry to bunch you up but I will be on here for ages otherwise)

Hope your all recovering and doing what your told!!!

Love L xx

[Danigirl501]

Thanks Liz..
Apoarently that's the standard given for MX. I know some ladies who have had WLE and had 25 RADS!
Keep me posted re stage 2.
TaLe care.
Dani xx

[Guest user]

Hi Danigirl
sorry to hear that you have to have Rads! what a bummer! 15 treatments sounds like a lot! Hope all goes as well as possible.
Liz x

[Danigirl501]

Hi Rita
happy you are back home after successful surgery and now it's just a case of rest rest rest oh and more rest.
i was told well before surgery that it would be a DIEP/muscle Soaring TRAM. Did surgeon not say beforehand?
Mine was an immediate recon and have had confirmation that I will be having RADS. So wish me luck girlies as I have to get through 15 off the things! Date not confirmed yet.
Dani X

[Guest user]

Hi Rita

Good to hear you are happy and that the wait and the worry was worthwhile 🙂

Would be good to hear from Jan!

Thanks for your good wishes BB - hope you are showing signs of improvement.

Best wishes

Liz x

[Guest user]

Welcome home Rita, glad it went well, look after yourself for a good few weeks.

[Guest user]

Hi Rita,
So pleased to hear from you today. Glad it all went well for you. Make sure you take things easy though. I am 12 weeks post op. now and I have to say the weeks have flown by. Hope you continue to recover. Hope Jan is also doing well.
x

[Guest user]

Hi jan and all the ladies who sent their good wishes. IM HOME !!!!!! YAY!!! jan I Hope your op went well and you are home too. Mine went well but they had to do a muscle sparing tram flap. It's all fine tho I'm healing well had 2 drains out on Sunday and the other 2 on Monday then they let me home last night. I can't believe the results and am so happy that the implant has gone. All the fear and worry is behind me and as someone said it made such a difference to talk to people who have been there. Thank you all so much. I'm now going to do as I'm told (hard tho that is) and take it easywhile I heal. Hope to hear from you soon jan. love Rita xx

[Guest user]

Hi Liz,
Glad you got to see your consultant at last. Hope you get your apt. through soon, it must be so frustrating for you.

Be Strong, glad your date will soon be here. What date are you going in for your Diep ?

Yes looking forward to hearing how Rita and Jan are doing. Sure they will be on here soon giving us an update.

Keep up the good work ladies.
All the best.
x

[Guest user]

Looking forward to hearing how Rita and Jan are; this time next week I will re join the two boob club when I have a DIEP reconstruction. All of you ladies have given me so much hope and helped me to feel not too nervous! Thank you x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,
Just to wish both Rita and Jan all the best for today. Will be thinking about you both.
x

[BrainyBlonde]

Hi Rita, We will be having the op at the same time! I'm going in at 7am tomorrow morning to have a second mx with immediate reconstruction using LD Flat and implant and having delayed reconstruction using the same on the other side. I'm nervous but relieved that it is going ahead as planned after the build up as you say. The surgeon at the hospital this afternoon wound me up by pretending not to remember about tomorrow. I nearly strangled him! I was wound up enough. I just want it over with now. I wouldn't have had the double reconstruction if I hadn't had to have the prophylactic mx but thought that while I was under I might as well go the whole hog.

Fingers crossed for us both tomorrow.
Jan
x

[Guest user]

Hi ladies thank you all somuch for your good wishes. Just heard 5 mins ago that they have a bed for me so I'm leaving now! Will be in touch as soon as I'm able, wish me luck! Love Rita xx

[browneyes43]

Hi Rita

I hope they have a bed for you and that the operation goes ahead. I had my DIEP three weeks ago and whilst the first 2 days post op were hard, I catch glimpses of my cleavage (despite the sports bra) and my heart sings. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Karen xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish and BB and Rita and all

Thanks for your good wishes Tinfish. 🙂

I have been to see the PS dressings nurse because I was worried that I had hurt myself whilst heaving boxes on the move back to London. She said I was fine but must not heave boxes! I asked her about the bladder problem and she suggested it might be because the wound scarring is causing pressure where it should not be. She was not impressed that the Registrar was embarrassed by my question! She says I should push the point when I see them on 24th and get them to refer me to a Urologist - which is what he should have done last time I saw him! She also agreed with me when I suggested I get my GP to refer me as well!

Hope your bed is available Rita - hope all goes well 🙂


Best wishes all

Liz x

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, I have to ring up tomorrow at 10 am to find out if they have a bed for me, I so hope so, don't think I could go through this build up again! I'm trying hard to stay busy and calm (on the outside anyway) my OH and youngest daughter are so worried so I'm trying to be calm enough for the lot of us, feel like its a very thin veneer!! Will post tomorrowwhen I know for sure, thank you for your thoughts and wishes. Not sure how I would have got through these last few months without you ! Love Rita x

[Guest user]

Hi Rita

Hope you have heard if they have a bed for you, I am sure the op will go well. I hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine, I am sure you will be and all you have to go through will be worth it. Its the best thing I have done for a long time. In fact I said I wasnt bothered about having the niplle done but I see my consultant on 19th Oct and am going to say I want it done next year, there s no stopping me

Good Luck, take it easy

L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Rita,
Well your day is nearly here. You have done so well because when you posted your first letter you seemed so afraid and now I see how confident you have become. The next few days will fly by. I hope your operation goes ahead and it will soon be over and you can concentrate on your recovery. Wishng you all the best and hope to hear from you soon. Remember it will be the hardest but best thing you will ever do.
Hope all the ladies are doing well and sending good wishes to you all.
x

[Guest user]

Hi all, well only 2 days until I go in, tomorrow I'm going to keep busy, clean my house, get all the washing up to date, and pack my bag. I'm working thurs morning and have to ring the hospital at 10 am to find out if they have a bed for me. I so hope so, don't think I could go thru all this build up again! It's on my mind 24/7 even at night ! Not good! Can't wait until its all over and I'm on the road to recovery. Hope everybody is well and recovering. . Love Rita x

[Guest user]

Rita
You sound just like I was, the way I thought of it is like your pregnant and before the birth instead of bringing a baby home I bought a lovely new breast!!! The time will fly and although the first couple of weeks I found tough at times its does get easier and I am back to doing most things prior to the op, I still take care when lifting so I dont hoover the stairs my OH does that and the upstairs hoovering. I can honestly say it has been so worth it. Please look at my first post and I am sure you will agree we think the same.

Dani
You sound great and I.m so pleased for you

Karen
It may be healing they have done a lot of surgery there so if I was you I would make an appointment to see the doctor you can ring the secretary and she should sort it for you, if not the breast clinic

Liz
Have you sorted your concern about the tummy wound yet, I did have some numbness but its almost gone, it was between the breast and tummy though.
Beaniebaby
You also sound great and doing very well your like me so happy to of had the op

Anyone else who I have forgotten , sorry

Hope you all recovering well

L
xx

[Guest user]

Well actually that is a very good idea - my OH worked very hard whilst I was in hospital for my op trying to get the house clean in order to reduce the chance of infection to a minimum 🙂

So keep up the good work but dont exhaust yourself - you need to be well rested 🙂

Best wishes

Liz x

PS the next week will fly by 🙂

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, hope you are all recovering well. Only 8 days until I go into hospital! Not that I'm counting or anything!! I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be, scared as I am I know I won't cancel it as I can't wait to not have this brick in my chest. Every time the nervEs kick in I tell myself it will be gone soon! The time seems to be going by quite quickly but I am trying to stay busy. My house has never been so clean! I've even washed all the nets! Take care, love Rita x

[Danigirl501]

No problem Liz,
Let us know how you get on and we're here to support each other.
Will let you know how I get on Thursday too.
Take care.
Dani X

[Guest user]

Hi Dani

Thanks for your support. I have booked an appointment with my GP and will call the PS tomorrow if I can - not always easy to get hold of them! 🙂

Hope Thursday goes ok 🙂

Liz x

[browneyes43]

Thanks BB
Your post spurned me on to contact the hospital. The staff nurse said that I shoukd see how it goes overnight and if still concerned to contact them again to discuss. I am going to take some diclofenac a bit more regularly as had only just weaned myself off analgesia to once in the morning.
Karen xx

[Guest user]

Hi Karen,
I can't say that I experienced what you are feeling. I was given a contact number to phone at the hospital if i had any problems. If you could contact your hospital it might be a good idea. Also you could call your Breast Care Nurse. As you say it's probably just nothing but best to check. It is very early days yet and as the days go by you will start to feel better and more relaxed.
Good luck with your recovery and well done.
X

[browneyes43]

Hi Ladies

just a quick question - I am 12 days post op and starting to feel a burning/stinging sensation at the top of the DIEP. It feels soft with no redness etc so not overly worried about it (yet). Did you experience similar type/different sensations through the recovery process?

many thanks

Karen x

[Danigirl501]

I would call your Surgeon's secretary and try to bring your appointment forward. I would also call your GP for extra reassurance.
Dani
X

[Guest user]

Do I wait for my next follow up in 2 weeks or do you think I should see my GP and get things rolling now?

[Danigirl501]

Hi Liz
From my experience of DIEP I can say categorically it has not affected sensation and I can always tell when bladder is full. Don't be fobbed off by registrar and demand answers!
I'm seeing my PS on Thursday for 6 week follow up and need to know for sure if the rash was to do with heat as it's now just a pinkish colour just on the side of the breast and not all around it.
Let us know how you get on.
Take care.
Dani
xx

[Guest user]

Hi all

Glad to know you are all doing well and that rash was nothing sinister Dani 🙂

I have got a question which I think I might talk to the BCC helpline about but before I do I thought I would run it past you guys...

Since my DIEP the area round my tummy wound is numb and for some reason this means that I can no longer tell accurately how full my bladder is - I asked the PS registrar at my 2 month checkup and he was embarrassed by the question and shrugged it off with a "it should not have affected that". (making it seem like he thought I was deluded!) So what I want to know is whether anyone else is having same problem or is it just me? Maybe I need to go and see a urologist?

Good luck with your op Rita - try to hold on to the thought that you will have a nice boob and a cleavage 🙂

Best wishes all

Liz x

[Danigirl501]

Hello ladies

Iweek going to be 6 weeks on Minday since my surgery andwounds healing well.
We're in Cornwall enjoying the hot weather although went to local GP as had rash on my reconstructed breast.
Doctior said it was a heat rash and to take Piriton... I'm seeing my PS on Thursday so hope he says the same.
Will let you know how I get on.

Hope all ok.
Dani X

[Guest user]

Hi tinfish, I did find lots of help and advice on the site, thank you. It was helpful to read of other people's experiences. I've just been away on a weeks holiday in Wales, trying to relax and not think about it. I nearly succeeded!! Came home Tuesday, and had a ct scan on weds at the royal free. Feels very real now, only a few more days and it will be next week!! I'm sure I will be fine but can't help wondering if I'm doing the right thing. I keep thinking I might be uncomfortable in my chest but my tummy is ok, what if after the op I'm uncomfortable in both places? I'm sure it's normal to have second thoughts, one lady saidthat she nearly did a runner on her way to hospital!! At least I feel prepared as I've bought all the things people recommend on the posts. Hope you are continuing to recover well, thanks for all yoursupport ,love Rita x

[Guest user]

Hi All,

Hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine (at last!)
Just returned from my 2 month check up with my Plastic Surgeon.

He was really, really pleased with the reconstruction. Seems I won't need any further surgery to my other boob, as my new one is a very good match. Just going to have a nipple done later on. I have to go back in 3 months time for another check up when I will be put on the list for my nipple to be done.

I have a small lump near my armpit which hardened about 2 weeks ago. He seems to think it is fat necrosis, which I had guessed it was anyway. I am seeing my Breast Surgeon tommorow anyway just to be sure.

Well I am really pleased with things any way. I still have swelling in my arm and am going to the Lymphodema clinic on Monday for them to see if my sleeve fits correctly.

Hope every one is doing well too.

All the best.

[Guest user]

Hi Liz
Well done you, I was so looking forward to driving and when I did it was hard work!! I continued and am know back to normal driving around.
My wounds have now healed and I love my new breast and cant wait to have the next stage nipples!!! I am having another consultation in October sometime but whatever the outcome I want to wait until next year.
Littlerita

How are things with you, I hope you found help on the site

How is everyone else, I hope your all healing and recovering well and enjoyng the nice weather if you have it.


L

xx

[Guest user]

I drove a car on Saturday for the first time since my op! I only drove a mile or so to the local shop and back but I did it! 🙂 Didn't hurt and I think I drove ok 🙂

How is everyone?

[Guest user]

Rita
All you are thinking is what most of us thought prior to the op, and as you say we are all positive after the op
21st Sept will be here before you know it.

I have been driving and doing my housework etc (not as much as before op) but it makes me feel better. I have however had a couple of days when I feel tired and at night I start to wind down (as my OH says) so thats when I know to take it easy.
Referring to the past message re: sex, I still havent been able to get the motivation!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope everyone is recovering well and enjoying the long weekend

L
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi ladies I have been reading all your posts and am so relieved that you all seem to have no regrets. One of my biggest fears (other than not waking up from the anaesthetic!!) is that I would do it and regret it. I just can't imagine how it will feel not to have the brick in my chest it's sooooo uncomfortable. I just can't wait for it to be gone. 21st sept can't come quick enough for me as its on my mind all the time. I can't seem to think about anything else. It's very reassuring to read about other ladies experiences and I can't tell you how much it has helped. Before I posted for the first time I felt so isolated so thank you for taking the time to reply to me best wishes Rita x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies
All is going well my new breast is softening and I love it!!!
I went to London yesterday for lunch with my daughters to visit friends and I felt so much more confident, I wish I had had this op ages ago.

Rita: I had the LD flap done with implant and had to have the implant removed, I was then just left with the flap and was not happy. You are the only one to make your decission but as you read the threads we all love our new breasts. I started this thread because I was so worried about the op etc, read my first comment.

Any help I can be just let me know, you will get great help from everyone on this site.

L
xxx

[Guest user]

hi thank you so much for your replies. petal5, im so glad to speak to someone who knows what i mean when i say i have a brick i my chest. i dont think anyone who hasnt had it can have any idea how uncomfortable it is. my daughter thinks i should just have the implant taken out and have nothing but i would hate that as much as the implant! at 63 you wouldnt think it would matter but it does. its been good to read all your comments about what to expect. im terrified on one hand and cant wait to get it over with on the other. i do feel more positive since you all replied .i had so many questions ,which you have answered. thank you so much for your support, i cant tell you how grateful i am. take care everyone, best wishes rita x

[Petal5]

Rita you are certainly not old to have this surgery. I am only three years younger than you and had my diep last year. I felt just the same about the "brick" and like Angie love the new look. My family were unsure about my having this surgery as well but once they realised how much I wanted it were very positive too. I was extremely lucky in that my recovery from surgery was very good. Like Angie says it is a long op, mine was about nine hours but I can honestly say I was kept pain free afterwards. I had a morphine pump for the first 24 hours. I found the nursing care superb. I had constant attention for the first day as they need to check the blood supply frequently and you will need a bed bath for the first day at least. I was helped up the next day and sat in a chair. I was propped up in bed and also had a pillow under my knees to help the tummy wound. I had a single room for the first three days before being moved to a five bed bay. My catheter was removed on day 3 and from then on I walked around the ward and to the bathroom ok. By the time I left hospital I was almost upright when walking. I live alone so from then on I managed to do everything I needed just slowly and carefully. I absolutely have no regrets about the surgery. Pam x

[Guest user]

Hi Rita,
You are most welcome. I too had many comments as to why I wanted to put myself through such a big op. Well I felt exactly like you do, hated being without my breast. Every day in the shower I looked down and hated what I saw. Now every day I shower I just look at my new boob and love it!
Yes you will have to sleep propped up, but that is no problem in hospital because of the adjustable beds. When you get home you will need to stay propped up so will need loads of pillows to help. I invested in a V-pillow which was great. I can now sleep flat, just a bit uncomfy turning over. I am 7 weeks post op.
I didn't have to wear a bra. I'm only B cup so it was fine for me. That was on my PS instructions. Also don't let your age put you off. I will be 60 next year !
Have also brought some nice underwear, which I am loving.
If you get time to read back the previous posts you will also get lots of info. from the other lovely ladies on here. Very good info on what to take into hospital too.
I think thats all I can remember from you post. Sorry if I have forgot to answer anything else. Please ask me again.
All the best Angie

[Guest user]

Hi angle, thank you so much for replying. It's so reassuring to talk to someone who has had the same op. I'm worried about so many things, as you say you wait for ever, (15 months, in my case) but now I have a date it's real and I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. My daughter doesnt want me to have it done because it's such a big op and I dont 'need' it, she's right, I dont have to have it but can't bear the thought of spending the rest of my life with this BRICK in my chest, I hate it so much. It's good to know you don't regret it. Also I'm probably quite old to have this surgery. I'm 63 but quite fit and there were no problems at my pre- op. When you woke up, did you have to lay flat or were you propped up? Did you wear a bra straight away? Was there anything you wished you had taken in to hospital with you? I actually feel a bit better now I've got all that off my chest, don't think I've told anyone how scared I am. Thank you so much for talking to me, your answers were so reassuring best wishes Rita x

[Guest user]

Hello Rita,
Welcome and great that you have got a date for your recon. You think that it will never happen and when you do get a date that is when the panic sets in.
I'm not going to lie Rita when I say that is a big operation to have BUT never for one minute have I regreted having done it.
I went down to theater at 8:30 am and was back on the ward at 9:00 pm, so a very long operation. From being back in a side ward (just 2 beds in) i was nursed constantly through that night. The new boob was checked, I think every 15 minutes with a small hand held ultra sound machine. You could hear the blood flowing through your boob which was very reasuring. I had a wonderful nuse with me all night who never left my side. I was on a special mattress that helped and had leg cuffs on to stop DVT. I remember being very comfortable and not in any pain, as i had a morphine pump which i could use. Also you have a catheter fitted untill you are more mobile.
The next day is a bit of a blur but i think they came and got me out of bed. As you might have several drains fitted depending on what your PS uses. The girl in the next bed had the same op. but her PS did'nt use drains and also used epidural pain relief.
The following day I had the catheter taken out and my drains put into a lovely shoulder bag (which i could carry round with me) and I was up and walking to the bathroom. You tend to walk hunched forward due to your abdomen op. This definatley did get better day by day and i was walking upright on my discharge day which was on day 6. Once you are mobile it gets easier for you.
There are some really good tips from all the other ladies on here who have been through the same op. and well worth reading.
I hope this has helped I would be more than willing to chat with you any time. It is so reasuring to talk to others who have been there and done that, so to speak.
Good luck and take care.
Angie x

[Guest user]

hi ladies, hope you dont mnd me joining in. im due to have diep flap reconstruction on 21 st sept and im so scared. i have so many questions and would be so grateful to talk to someone who has been through it. After the op , how long was it before you could sit up or get out of bed? How long were you in hospital? and how long before you could stand up? Sorry for all the questions. Part of me is terrified and another part is desperate to get this brick out of my chest, i dont know what to think. thanks rita x

[Guest user]

Angie Beaniebaby
Good to know there is some light 🙂 Hope he also told you not to lift weights with that arm! Glad you found the sleeve comfortable 🙂
Best wishes - take care
Liz x

[Guest user]

Hi All,
Hope you all had a good weekend and managed to keep cool.
Really pleased you are all doing well, it's great to get all of your updates.
I had my appointment at the Lymphoedema clinic this morning. Saw a really nice nurse who did loads of measurements and asked loads of questions. He confirmed that my affected arm is over 13% larger than my good arm. Also he said that it can take 12 weeks for post surgery swelling to go down. So he has prescribed me a sleeve to wear and he is going to assess me again after the 12 weeks. He did let me try a sleeve on and it honestly felt quite nice to wear. It just felt quite nice to have some support on the arm. So I am hopeful that there might be some improvement still to come, fingers crossed.
Keep up the good work everyone.
All the best Angie x

[Danigirl501]

Thanks Liz
You're input is invaluable! I'm going through a metamorphosis as I had neo adjuvant chemo so I have major growth on head (fuzzy baby hair and eyebrows and eyelashes making a cone back! As well as having to focus on post surgery recovery the post chemo hair growth is distracting! Even have fine downy hair on my face that was never there before!!
Managing to go for short walks albet vey slowly but makes me tired and have to rest as soon as I return home.
MDT will be discussing whether I will need radiotherapy tomorrow and am praying they decide I won't need it however I will
give in to their professional opinion!
Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and kept cool with such high humidity!
Take care
Dani
XX

[Guest user]

I was told to stop wearing the socks on leaving hospital as once ambulatory they were unnecessary.
I was also told to wear whatever was comfortable - all I find comfortable is loose skirts (cotton) and cotton tops - no elasticated waists as they irritate my tum.
My underarm is numb and uncomfortable - ditto the top of my arm - since my SNB.
I was told to do my arm exercises but although the tummy exercises were in the same book the physio did not tell me to do any of them.
The only reason I have to have dressings is cos the wound is not sealed over - once the wound is sealed over they want you to stop the dressings and start the creams.
Best wishes all

Liz x

[Danigirl501]

Liz - my tummy button is higher. I'm also surprised that my PS said I could stop wearing dressings after next week!!
I really want to get back into my clothes as I'm having to wear tracky. bittoms and loose top!
Also been told to wear embolism socks for next 4 weeks day and night!!
Has everyone had axillary clearance? The underside of affected arm feels numb still and tender!!
I've been told to do arm exercises 2-3 times a day but not been advised on tummy exercises?

Hope everyone feeling ok and enjoying the weekend.

Love Dani Xx