Diep date 27th June -encouragement needed please

[tinfish]

Hi A
spent 1 night in hospital as I had lipo to above the reconstruction so had another general but they did the nipple at the same time. Not getting any pain from the nipple only from the lipo sites and had to have pain relieF. Like you I have a new surgebutane was a little sad mine retired but so far happy with the new team, go to dressings clinic next thursday so will see my new nipple then.

L

x x

[beaniebaby]

Hi Tinfish,
Hope your op went well on Thursday and that you are happy with the results. Time has gone very quickly. I have an apt. in March with a new PS to discuss having a nipple made. My origonal PS has left the NHS and the hospital where I had the op. So I will be meeting a new PS. I hope I get on as well with this one and feel as confident with her as I did with my other PS.
More than happy with the results anyway. Hope all the ladies on here are doing well. I enjoy reading your updates.
A x

[Lilac_Blue]

Sue, I'm glad you are excited and I can so realte to you.
I did come down with a bit of a bump and now two weeks out well, I'm having a few ups and downs. I was hoping for a closer match. The lefty is still bigge and wider than the right. I'm still swollen, so more time is needed until a decision is made as to another shot at it. I saw my PS Tuesday and he removed every-other stitch on my cobbled nipple and I showed him the new blooped swelling on my right hip, where liposuction was performed to smooth the flap incision area,. My "blooped area" overlapping my right end of flap incision was a seroma and about 35cc of fluid/blood was drained. That hurt like hell (a slight oh shit, popped out of my wittle mouth) eye watering pain and then an hour later, I was fine. I think I got that from banging my hip as I sort of recall doing that last Thursday and wondering if I had done any harm - guess I did. I'm wearing a compression garment (shape wear that I already had from the first surgery - medium), so I'm watching to see if it fills up again. It look very purple hued and not extending out like it was. I see my PS again next week and well, I will be the squeaky wheel that gets the grease, if you get my drift.

[samos]

LB - so good to hear that everything went well and how pleased you are with strage 2! Yep, after stage 1, I'd pretty much say that ANYTHING else is a walk in the park!
Good Luck for today TF - hope all goes well!
I'm doing really well, I have my pre-op on Friday for my stage 2 on the 15th Feb, and I can't wait!
My 'twins' look pretty good, but the right one has settled a little more than the left and is a little less full at the top, so I am having some lipofil to even them up. To be honest the difference is tiny, but I want them to be as good a match as my real ones were, so I'm going for bust:)
Take care everyone, Sue xx

[tinfish]

Hi Ladies
Hope your all having a good Monday!!
I just wanted to update you, on Wednesday I am going in hospital to have the niplle reconstruction, a tidy up on the breast scar (only a little) and some lipo above the reconstruction it self.
I hope my journey is at last nearing the finish post

L

[Lilac_Blue]

Sue, thanks for asking and I'm feeling great! This was a walkin the park compared to the BMX and well, I'm so happy with what results I can so far see under hte massive brown medical tape. The anesthesiologist was fantastic and got it spot on as I woke clear as a bell, no druggie hangover or blues. I think I had come to the end of my rope with this large, bulky, awkward shaped left diep breast. I was feeling very disfigured lately as it had enlarged from holiday eating and I'm a small breasted woman. My goal was to get back to looking like the old me - same size match as my healthy right (including nipple size and aerola shape) and to age gracefully (for a long time to come). I finally after 9 months feel like I'm finally coming back to me and it's fantastic! It's been a long, painful haul.

Hope all is well for you as well Sue and that you are keeping warm and cozy.

LB, x

[samos]

Hope all has gone well LB and you are feeling good!
Sue

[Lilac_Blue]

As I've been through DIEP on my left breast (June 13th) will be going in for stage II - scar revsion and nipple construction on January 16th. I'm feeling rather cavalier about it this time around. We live an hour and more away, and I'm first op, so I'll drive myself to hospital at 5:30am, husband will get our son off to school and take the train/taxi to where I am and be there when I'm out of surgery. I had quite a bit of physio because at the end of September developed frozen left shoulder and that was my only set back. Received an injection for that and back on track. My PS said the lipo on both my hips will be painful for a bit and I thanked him as he never told me how painful the first surgery would be. My tummy filled lefty is much larger than my healthy right so it will be nice to finally be even looking and small again. All I've wanted was to get back to looking like me, all me and continue on aging gracefully.
Happy New Year wonderful woman!
LB, x

[samos]

Merry Christmas my DIEP girls! Hope you all had a lovely day, and wishing you all health and happiness for 2013:)
Sue xx

[beaniebaby]

Very best wishes to all you ladies. So pleased to be living with and loving my new boob. Theses past 6 months have flown by. Glad to hear that you are all doing well. X

[Nottsgal]

Hi all, I too feel I got an early Christmas present in my new boob. I had the diep op on 27th Nov. My husband took me in for 7am on the day of the op and then when I went into theatre, he went to work. He came back to see me when the op was finished but I was a bit dozy. I kept saying my foot was hurting - he thought I was mad given the big scars elsewhere but those still had local anaesthetic in whereas my foot had a line in as they couldn't find a vein for a cannula in my arm. I was in hospital 6 days due to drains.
It is painful. I have multiple abcesses on the tummy wound, which are being treated with antibiotics and mannuka honey dressings. Would I do it again? yes, yes, yes

[tinfish]

Hi Sue
I was the same as you re: journey, my husband dropped me off and made sure I was settled etc and then said he would come in the mrning of the op but I told him not too. For me this was better there is so much to do the morning of the op that you dont get much time. He came the nest day I think although my op was in June it seems like ages ago, when he did cme however I remember I was sleeping quite a bit bu so pleased to have a visitor.
If you want to PM me I can give you more info.
I do want to say 6 months on I do not regret the op at all and love having 2 boobs

L
xx

[tinfish]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone
Hope you all get what you want in the coming new year, I got mine early a lovely new boob
I hope you all a healthy and happy 2013 and many more to come

L
xxx

[samos]

Hi Sue, please feel free to join in - we are all here to help if we canl
I'm lucky as I live a maybe 10/15 minutes away from the hospital where I had my op, so visiting was really easy for my husband and family.
I'd agreed with my husband that he shouldn't come and visit me on the day of the operation. It's a long op, and even after you come around, by the time you are taken back to the ward, it could well be late evening. I was quite 'dopy' when I came around, and can honestly say I didn't miss my husband being there. There is so much going on around you with the half hour checks, plus members of the surgical team wanting to come and check on you.
My Ps rang my husband as soon as she'd finished the op, and so he knew I was ok and that everything had gone well - so I would guess your hospital will do something similar.
My husband visited me the following day, and that was great! I really didn't want lots of visitors, so I restricted it to just my husband and my children.
I was in a side room on my own, so it could have been quite lonely without visitors. Also, because I had the double recon, I effectively had no arms nor stomach to help me do anything - I couldn't even get out off bed unaided. So I really relied upon my husband to come and look after me - and yes, that included showering me, and even doing 'the paper work' after I'd been the loo. Sorry, that may be too much detail!
But, if you are in a ward with other women, then things may be easier, you will have company, and you may not need the same level of help - especially if you have a good arm you can use! You are not allowed to lift anything heavier than a small glass of water.
Ask away if there's anything else...

Sue x

[sue987]

Hope you do not mind me joining in, but just need some advice.

I am having a DIEP reconstruction on 3rd January. It is a one and half hour journey from my home so we are not sure what to do about my husband visiting. He is taking me in the day before the op and doesn't know whether to stay overnight nearby so he can see me in the afternoon/evening after op or will I not be up to visitors?

Can anybody let me know how they felt about having visits in the days after the reconstruction as it is a long journey for him but I dont like the thought of no one coming to see me!?

[samos]

Hi Chris,
Following neoadjuvant chemo for bc in my right breast, I chose to have a bi-lateral mx, with full ANC clearance on the 'bad side' and immediate DIEP - on the 27th June this year. No rads required. Having ongoing Herceptin, now 14/18.
Make no mistake, this is a massive operation - although having just the one side done is somewhat easier, and of course the hospitals are really good at pain management, so I couldn't say that I had much pain at all.
The operation is a long one, for me it was about 10 hours, but to be honest, once you are asleep, that's it. Of course a side effect of a long anaesthetic can be nausea, but again, that is managed with anti nausea injections.
I was in hospital a full week after the operation, but some ladies are out a few days earlier.
Recovey time for me was pretty quick, and you improve day on day. For example, I left hospital in a wheelchair as I couldn't face the long walk, maybe half a mile, to the car. But literally, just two days later, I managed that walk, and some, as I attended the dressing clinic and then went to the ward for some anti nausea tablets that hasn't been ready when I was discharged. All in all I must have walked a good mile, mile and a half - and this was just 10 days post surgery.
I was a size 10/12 with 32DD breasts - and I'm still a size 10/12 with 32DD breasts - but these new breasts are more like the breasts I had 20 years ago lol - I'm 55 now.
Was it worth it? For me, yes. I chose this recon because it gives the best results, and once it's done, that's it for life.
But, there is the tummy scar, mine looks quite good, it's very low down, and even now, just five months post surgery it is fading well and looks good - much better than I was expecting at this point. Lots of women say DIEP is good because you get a tummy tuck thrown in.
The biggest piece of advice I would give anyone thinking about DIEP - especially neoadjuvant girls - is to go in to it as fit as you can. Believe me, you will need all of your strength and stamina. I was very fit, and otherwise healthy, but it was hard going - but then, I am 55 so if you are younger it may be easier!
Most important though, is your choice of PS - you really really need one that specialises in oncoplastic breast surgery.
Good Luck!
I'm in the Altrincham area.

Sue xx

[boblet]

Hi im new to this sight but felt i must reply as i feel so alone,i had a skin sparing masectomy almost two years ago and its not good it feels like a brick.I found out about diep flap surgery and after a lot of thought went on the list which ive been on for a year,in october this year things started moving but was told i couldnt have the surgeon that i first saw.They put me with another surgeon,and i got a date to go in,only for it to be cancelled,they then put me with another surgeon, and im due to have op wednesday 13th nov,and wont know if im having it till tues its bad enough with the stress of the op without all the letdowns.Im glad all went ok with yours as i know you were feeling like me.l

[cat23]

Hi Girls
Looking for some advice.. Ive had chemo, mastectomy and radio, finished treatment in July. Im now contemplating having a reconstruction, ive seen the surgeon and he has suggested the tummy recon (DIEP) im quite big breasted so the remaining breast would be reduced. Just wondering is the operation really painful? Recovery time? Hospital stay etc... Also ladies that have had it, would you say the final results are worth all the trauma?
Is there any ladies around the York area as i'd like to speak in person to people too.

Thanks
Chris xx

[Cubbykins]

Evening eveveryone
Went to clinic today and had my dressings looked at by my surgeon who just happened to be around I had all the tapes removed and apart from a couple of bits, all the scars are healing well and dry. He suggested I start massaging the scars which will help soften and flatten them out, and massage all over my breast which willhelp with any lumpy bits and soften it.
I asked about wearing support vests/bras but he said I didn't need to wear anything in bed unless I wanted to, nor did I need to sleep propped up on pillows. He did give me some waist twist exercises to help with the stiffness and tightness in my tummy, and advised I should carry on with the arm exercises. I then had the nurse dress the couple of leaky bits and left armed with a bag full of dressing to manage them at home.
It took almost 2 hours to get to the appointment, normally it's about 45/50 minutes, due to the weather conditions, and not unexpectedly I fell asleep for 3 hours this afternoon.
I still can't believe I have a cleavage, AND a new breast!!! Is it just me who feel this way when they look down at their bodies??

Hope everyone is well.

[Cubbykins]

Hi eveveryone - been 'lurking' around this site for a few weeks. I finally had my reconstruction using the TRAM flap technique. I was diagnosed with bc 10 years ago, had WLE, mastectomy, chemo and radio but not a candidate for reconstruction with my breast surgeon. Not enough skin for back flap or for expander, and he was not registered to do any other kind of reconstruction. He did offer to send me to a plastic surgeon for the TRAM but felt that as I had had a hysterectomy (cervical cancer 2 years previously) that the operation might not be possible.

After a few years I did indeed take up the offer of meeting the Plastic Surgeon in Oxford and much to my surprise he felt the scars were not a problem as he would make 2 flaps to make the breast instead of one. I did have to lose weight in the months before but it has been really worth it. I went in to hospital the night before, Monday 5th November and came home on Friday 16th due to two drains that were misbehaving, but am well on the road to recovery. I had a bit of redness near my armpit and was put on a course of antib's for a week as a precaution but other than that I feel really well. I do fall asleep some afternoons very unexpectedly but I suppose that is my body telling me to slow down. I'm back to see them tomorrow to have my dressings looked at, and appointment with surgeon on 29th.

i would say to any women even if you have scars on your tummy the Plastic Surgeons are really creative artists that take great pride in their work, in most cases they will find a way to work with what you have available. I am really thrilled with my results (it's a bit big at the moment, but that will settled down) and I have a fantastic cleavage already!!

[samos]

Hi girls, it's been ages since I last posted, but I have dipped in and out and it's great to see that everyone is doing well. I can't wait for stage two of the reon to finish them off!
Sue x

[tinfish]

Hi Lisa
I am not sure I am just waiting for the nipple and a bit of tidying up (will be next year), although they did say they my be able to do it sooner but i think if an appointment does come up before 2013 I will kindly refuse it (they do know that too). You also had more done than me so I suppose it would take longer!!! and once you have the size difference done you will have 2 super boobs.
I second "It changed my life", I dont feel like I am all the way out of the tunnel yet but once I get the final touches done I know I will be and it has been the best thing I have done.

I am going on holiday on Thursday and it will be the first time in 6 years I will take 2 boobs both my own!!!!!
Good luck to anyone having the op soon, and if your thinking about it all I can say is "go for it"
L
xx

[lisaf]

I havent been on here for ages so apologies, i had my diep and tram (had one one each side in the end) 6 months ago.... just been back for check up, sadly the size difference is still huge, probably down to rads on one side and blood clot on other but hey Im still chuffed compared to before hand, have to wait another 6 months to totally settle then have reduction on one side. Good luck to anyone thinking of it, it changed my life. Tinfish, sounds like you are ahead of me now lol!! xx

[tinfish]

Hi Liz
I think we all have aches and pains in different places and different strengths so dont beat yourself up,The humping bit made me laugh I thought someones getting some action. We are too worried etc and its playing its tole but as we are in our middle/late 50's it seemed to be getting less anyway, we go on holiday on the 15th November and for some reason that helps, I think its because you dont have other things on your mind, just sea, sand and sunshine!!
I totoally agree with you about Pierce he is also my favourite, I love his voice and well everything else!!!
I am looking after my granchildren today and my daughter has the D & sickness bug so by this evening I wil be shattered.

Anyway enough about me

Hows everyone else doing, hope you all recovering well

Keep smiling
L

xx

[Lizdeb]

Hi Tinfish
Thanks for the reply 🙂 - I think maybe I just need to toughen up a bit 🙂

I spent yesterday humping boxes again but this time with no ill effects 🙂 Must be getting stronger 🙂 The major humping is nearly over now hopefully 🙂

Hi Angie
Hope you enjoyed 007 - I have yet to see any Daniel Craig James Bond films as I dont think anyone can beat Pierce Brosnan! 🙂

Hope everyone else is doing well - I am off to watch my recording of SCD - didnt get to watch it last night as we were still humping (boxes that is!)

Best wishes all

Liz x

[beaniebaby]

Hi all,
Glad to hear that you are all doing so well. Seems a lifetime away now since the op.
Tinfish I will be having a change of consultant too as mine is leaving the Trust. Looks like he will only be doing private work. It is sad but at least I got the main reconstruction done by him, which I am really pleased about. I have yet to have an appointment to see another consultant (which I should have had by now). I think I will give them a ring next week to remind them. Definatley need to get my nipple done as I still see it as work in progress. So next year I hope to get it done sometime.
Well no other news, have a great weekend all. I'm off to see the new James Bond film tommorrow. Can't beat a bit of Daniel Craig
A x

[tinfish]

Hi Liz

My tummy scar is great, I dont really have trouble wearing jeans although I make sure the knickers I wear cover the scar!!! I dont have any dressings now and all has healed very well, I am so pleased I had the op.
I did say to my new consultant I have a numb feeling around the scar area, he said it may always be like that it depending on the nerves coming back.
Must go I am going to see my grandson at his swimming lesson

Hope everyone else is OK

L

xx

[Lizdeb]

Hi Tinfish

Good to hear you are doing well 🙂

How is your tummy scar? I still find it uncomfortable (sometimes painful) to wear jeans. Do you find that? Or is it just me? (I have a very low pain threshold!)

Hope everyone is still doing ok.

Best wishes

Liz x

[tinfish]

Hi Ladies
Havent been on here for a while,
Friday I met my new consultant as my old one retired, he seems really nice and has put me down for nipple reconstruction. I wasnt going to have it done originally but I am s pleased with my new boob I have changed my mind, also he is going to transfer some fat to above my boob as when I had my mastectomy alot had to be taken away.
It looks like it will be in the new year but they did say they would phone me if it can be done quicker, I go on holiday 15th November and with christmas I have decided to wait until New Year. I will have it all done with a general and they say the op will be about 1 1/2 hours, no time when you compare with the DIEP.
Looks like all are recovering well

Keep smiling
L
x

[littlerita]

hi beaniebaby, thank you so much for the info. I didnt get any going home info, so it was really helpful. im nearly 3 weeks post op so will wait a few more weeks. Hope you are doing well love rita xx

[beaniebaby]

Hi Rita,
Glad you seem to be doing well. You sound really pleased. I started massaging my scars at around 6 weeks. That was recomended by my PS. I started with E 45 but now use oil. It seems to be doing the trick as scars are looking good. Tummy scar is still a litte red but he says to perserve with the masage.
This is from my "going home" info."The scars are best left completely alone for the first 6 weeks. After this time they will be as strong as they are likely to be. The scars are likely to be quite firm, red and possibly slightly raised and lumpy. At this point, we advise that you spend five minutes every day massaging each scar.
You should use E45 cream to stop you from rubbing away the top layer of skin. You should start to rub along the scar rather than across it otherwise you may stretch the scar. You should start massaging gently with your fingertip or thumb and increase the pressure untill you are rubbing quite firmly. This will speed up the healing process and should soften the scars."
I hope this helps.
A x

[BrainyBlonde]

Hi there,
I had another appointment with the surgeon yesterday and got the news that the biopsy on my 2nd mx was clear. What a relief. I got quite stressed about it waiting to go in as the pesky boob had been itching like mad as I've already mentioned a few hundred times! The wounds are healing well and the reconstructed breasts look good I think. The only thing that struck me was when they removed the dressings from my back the scar on one side looked horrible (like it has been sewn up with a darning needled as Rita said about hers) but the other side was so neat. I know that they had two surgeons working on this so am a little concerned that one side is so much better than the other. I'm not too bothered about the appearance of the back but nevertheless I think I will ask the question next week. My surgeon is the same one who did my first mx and the scar that time was so neat too so I'm assuming the dodgy wound was done by the 2nd surgeon or by someone they hauled in off the street and asked to try their hand at stitching!

Still in some discomfort with a little fluid build up on each side where the pain busters were but I'm not complaining really.
I really feel that the level of care is very dependent upon the nurses in charge of the ward at the time. It varied so much from shift to shift with me and I practically burst into tears when one of the really good ones said that she was going off duty!
Best wishes to all.
Jan
x

[littlerita]

Hi ladies,
Sian I'm so pleased your experience on hospital was better this time. Like you, my hospital stay when I had my mastectomy wasn't great, and I was dreading being in again, but I was in a different one this time and it couldn't have been more different. Brilliant care from everyone. Makes all the difference! Hope you are recovering well.
Im now 2weeks and 4 days post op and am feeling ok. I had all dressings off and it's all been ok except yesterday when getting undressed I caught my tummy wound and made it bleed, so had to put a steristrip over it. Hope it will be ok. My breast wound is very neat ( unlike the previous one where I think they used a darning needle!) do any of you ladies knowwhen it's ok to start massaging the scar with oil or something? I don't want to do it too soon but know its important to do it.
Hope everyone is doing well love Rita x

[beaniebaby]

Hi all,
So glad to hear from Jan and Sian. Really very pleased to see that they both seem to be coping well and starting their recovery.
Great that you both seem to have coped very well with your surgery too. Keep up the good work both.
All the best Angie

[be_strong]

Hi everyone,
Thank you for all good wishes and support, it is amazing how much difference it makes to know I can ask questions, moan or cry and you will all understand. Marcie, the great thing for you is that it makes no difference where you live you are still part of this community so I hope we can support you in the run up to surgery as well as I felt encouraged and held.
My surgery was 6 days ago and it all went really well. I had a diep reconstruction having had an mx almost two years ago. The surgery only took 6 1/2 hours which seems really short compared to others on here and there were no complications. Like Rita I have problems with chemo vein but I discussed this in advance with my lovely anaesthetist and he used a small cannula in my wrist to get me asleep (and that did sting but only for 5 minutes). Once asleep he put a cannula in each foot and then all week one was used for my drip and IV treatment and the other for my bloods. I also had a catheter until I was fully mobile so no problems struggling to the loo.
The care from the nurses, physios and surgeon was incredible. I had been very worried about my stay in hospital as the standards in the ward where I had my mx where appalling and led to OH making a formal complaint. This time in the same hospital but different ward it was completely different sowe will once again be writing to the trustees but not to complain!
From what I can see under the wadding the results look good. I will see my surgeon on Wednesday and hope that my corset will be removed so that I can see my tummy.
The only (small) problems I have had have been bed sores on my bottom , a heat rash under the corset and a sore weapy drain site. No pain at all from the actual surgery sites. I am feeling well in myself, especially now I am home in my own bed and managed a shortwalk on the beach yesterday.
I just want to add a thank you for tinfish for starting this thread;following it helped me to not back out and also to anyone reading this thread and worried about surgery; don't be alone, ask questions,keep reading the thread and good luck!
Sian

[BrainyBlonde]

Hi all, sorry I have not posted for a week. I hadn't realized that anyone had posted even though I'm supposed to have subscribed to this thread! Grrrrr. Feeling much better now and healing up well - I think. The surgeon saw me last Monday and seemed really pleased. I've had a double reconstruction with a prophylactic mastectomy and two implants by the way in case I hadn't mentioned that. I've completely lost track! I've got another appointment with the surgeon on Monday and am stressing a bit about the results of the biopsy on the mastectomy as my breast was itching like hell as I mentioned before. The side where I had the first mastectomy and then lots of radiotherapy looks different in colour from the other side but apart from that I think they look quite even and good. Now that I am managing to get lots of sleep everything feels more positive and I don't think I have any seromas unlike when I had my first mx (fingers crossed). I'm still taking pain killers though but not nearly as many. I hope I haven't frightened anyone off. It really is the first couple of days that are difficult. All the drains on both sides and getting up and down and to the loo were very challenging. Be sure to take in two bags (long-handled carrier bags) and button down the front nightie or pyjamas with elasticated waist trousers. My PJs were tie up and I got in a complete panic trying to hold on to 8 drains and tie the bloody things up in the loo! I'm thinking now it's a case of short term pain, long term gain. Oh I forgot, I got my date for the oopherectomy today. It's the 6th November so that's not too bad. I should be over this more or less by then. Hope everyone else is OK.
Love
Jan

[beaniebaby]

Hi Liz,
That's good news about your bladder problems, at least they are monitoring it at last. Hope it's not long before you are back to normal.
I have just come back from an oncologist appointment. All is well and she was very impressed with my recon. So that was encouraging.
The plastic Surgeon who did my recon. told me he was leaving the Trust in October. I was sad to hear this and so was he at not being able to finish what he had started, so to speak. I will see his replacement in December, where I can discuss going on the list for my nipple.
Hoping Be Strong is recovering and hope to hear from her soon.
A x

[Lizdeb]

Hi Ladies

I saw the GP yesterday and we discussed my bladder problems - he could not think what had affected it but as it is slowly improving and the nerve that was affected cannot be tested apparently he is not referring me to a urologist. It looks like I might be back to normal soon anyway - it seems to depend on what angle I am at!!

Otherwise the GP was most impressed as he had not seen (or heard of) a DIEP before. I impressed him even more when I was able to tell him what DIEP stood for - I had looked it up (again) the other day so I could still remember - didn't know what it meant just knew the words ROFL.

It is annoying that if you edit a post it goes completely out of sequence! I suppose I should have just left it!! LOL

Hope all is going well with all people and that the road to recovery though slow is still going in the right direction!

Love and best wishes

Liz x

[Lizdeb]

Hi Be Strong

It is amazing how talking (well reading!) about what other people have been through helps!

All the best for next week 🙂

I saw the PS yesterday (I actually saw my consultant for the first time in nearly 6 months not just a registrar!) - they are referring me to an urologist (I originally wrote oncologist!!)! He said he can't see what they could have done to have caused the problem - well they didn't take any muscle so it is a bit of a mystery but at least they are referring me! They are pleased with the results though 🙂

The waiting list for nipple recon and lipo to tidy up and make the match perfect is 9 months so I have put my name down - I can always change my mind closer to the time!

Hope all is well with Rita and Jan 🙂

All the best to all

Liz x

Originally posted 25/9/2012 edited 4/10/2012

[Lizdeb]

Hi Jan good to hear from you - sorry you had such a tough time - you get lots of rest! Don't sit at the computer for long - I did and I regretted it later!! You keep getting better 🙂

Hi Marcie
Sorry you have had to join us - you keep thinking positive thoughts and the time will fly - don't forget - the imaginings are worse than the event 🙂

Well, Be Strong, you won't get this till you are back out but still I wish you all the best for tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing about your new boob!

Best wishes to all 🙂

Liz x

[beaniebaby]

Be Strong,

Good Luck for tomorrow. I will be thinking of you all day and sending positive vibes to you. Take care.
All the best
A x

[tinfish]

Be Strong

Good Luck, I am sure all will go well and like you said you will have 2 boobs. Take it easy

L
xx

[be_strong]

Hi everyone,
Rita and Jan, I hope you are both recovering well and I am so pleased to read that you are happy with results, even though it sounds as if you both had a bumpy journey getting there. Like Rita I have problems with chemo vein and I am badly bruised from the cannula used at my scan next week. However I am just thinking about the end result and being able to bin my protheses!
Marcie, I hope you continue to use the forums;I have dipped in and out but reading everyones stories has really given me the courage to go ahead. Whenever I have cold feet I log in and am inspired by tinfish, Beaniebaby, danigirl, Lizdeb et al.
I am waiting for my daughter, she will be here in about 30 minutes to take me to hospital.I will be admitted today for surgery tomorrow.The next time I post I will be the proud owner of two boobs!
take care everyone
xcx

[littlerita]

hi macie, glad you posted. i spent months worrying and reading all the posts before i joined. once i did , i received such support and help from all the ladies here. I was sooooooo scared, i cant tell you how scared i was, but everyine helped me with advice and answered my endless questions and im so glad i went ahead with it. I did think of not going ahead once or twice but now its over, i dont know why! I think the anticipation was actually worse than the reality. Hope all goes well for you, you will soon be out the other side love rita x

[littlerita]

hi jan and all. Jan, glad to hear you are home , sorry you had such a rough time. Although the 1st 2 days were tough and i needed a blood transfusion on the sunday, i must say i received excellent care and lots of help. I know what you mean about not getting much sleep though! I was lucky that i had 2 drains out sunday and the other 2 out on monday, then came home Tuesday. Have slept better since ive been home, and feeling a bit better every day. Tomorrow im going to the dressings clinic and hope to have all the dressings off. I hope you are pleased with your results as i am. It was tough but i would make the same decision again without question. Going a bit stir crazy just resting but i know its necessary so im being good. Hard to imagine 10 days ago we both were facing this op and now we are both out the other side1!
Hope all you other ladies are recovering well love rita x

[tinfish]

Morning Ladies

Hope your all Ok, recovering well, resting and keeping warm (its turned cold here!!!)

Marcie: I was scared too thats why I started this thread, but the support I received was great and I did go through with the op. I was thinking about it this weekend adn although at times it was tough going the whole thing was easier than I had anticipated and if I had to I would go through the whole thing again, I am so pleased with the results.

Be Strong: Is it this week you go in?

Love to All
L
xx

[beaniebaby]

Hi Marcie,
So glad you have decided to post on here. It's so good to have you follow us all. I'm sure that you will get some really usefull tips from all of the lovely ladies on here.
We were all scared like you too. I can honestly say it's the hardest thing that I have ever had to do but the best thing also. I look in wonder every day and think how clever the Plastic Surgeon has been to create me a new breast. I love it more as each day passes. I know it sounds ridiculous but it is so true. Also the added bonus of a lovely flat tum which I never really thought about, but is a bonus!
Here's wishing you all the best for your upcoming operation. Please keep us informed of your progress also.
Angie x

[Marcie]

I am in the US but have been following this link for a few months, I finally have the nerve to post ... I am scheduled for the diep on nov 27th but am just as scared as you all were. You all sound spool good now like it was the right decision but it is scary as hell to be on this side of the decision, I am looking forward to being where you all are and this being behind me. I sure hope I don't chicken out. I Was diagnosed 1 year ago today and am done with chemotherapy/, radiation, and mastectomy, I feel like this is the right step for me. Looking forward to my future and moving on 🙂

[beaniebaby]

Hi Jan,
Great to get your update. I am so sorry that you have had such a rough time. Sounds like you have been through the mill!
Anyway you do sound as if you are on the up now you are at home. Please continue to regain your strength and I wish you all the best in your recovery. Sounds as if the worst is over and it is onwards and upwards now.
Angie x

[BrainyBlonde]

Hi there, It was so nice to read all your posts. Sorry it has taken me so long to post. It was a week today - practically this minute actually - that I went into theatre. It was a 10 1/2 hour operation and I have to say it has been tough. I wanted to get to a more positive point before posting so that I didn't deter anyone else. I woke up some time on Friday in the night or Saturday in the early hours and have to say felt pretty awful. They had to take obs every hour so I had no chance of falling asleep and by morning was not only in considerable pain in my back but was exhausted. It was really difficult to sit up to get a drink too and I was sooooo thirsty. I had 8 drains in - 4 on each side - the nurses said that it was a record - and found it very difficult to negotiate these to get up especially with the lovely gown gaping open down the back! I was in some distress actually trying to get to the loo with all these drains/bags attached and needed help which wasn't always forthcoming I'm afraid. The surgeon then insisted on me being connected to a drip of fluids to stop me getting dehydrated so I had to get this disconnected before setting off on the mission to the loo after this! I didn't have much pain at the front. All was at the back which was made worse by having to lie on it and wriggle around to get up. There was also the problem that they kept trying to take blood tests because I was very pale and feeling very weak but couldn't get into my poor chemo damaged veins. Health professionals considered my veins a big challenge and were constantly coming up to me asking if I minded if they had a try at getting blood! Not conducive to relaxing and feeling better. They finally managed to get a blood sample on Monday at 1.30am in the morning. They found from this that I needed a blood transfusion. The whole of Monday was taken up by firstly trying to get a canula in to get the blood transfusion on the go and then having the damned thing. However, as soon as I had had it I begged to go home as I had no chance of sleeping in the hospital and by this time was delirious through lack of sleep. Things have got better since being at home and all the drains came out on Wednesday. I'm still in some discomfort but nothing like at first. From what I can see though the results are good! All the nurses said the same and the surgeon seemed really pleased. Great to hear that it all went so well for you Rita. I will update again shortly as just typing this has made me feel quite tired.
Love and hugs to all
Jan
x