Diep date 27th June -encouragement needed please

[Danigirl501]

L Good luck with your DIEP on 27th!
Had my meeting with plastic surgeon yesterday and emphasised to him how much I would like DIEP and after examining me he agreed I would be a candidate. He can achieve a C cup even though I am a D cup so he said to put on a little weight if that's the size I wanted. I told him I don't have a preference just as long as the other boob looks similar!
Today I received a message to say I will need a CT angiogram to look at my blood vessels prior to surgery because I had 2 C Sections and they need to check blood vessels are ok... I am stressing as if they're not then the alternative would be implant and I am not overly keen. Just wondered if anyone on here has had DIEP even with C- Section scar?
Best wishes to all.
Dani X

[Guest user]

Hi L
What you are feeling is perfectly normal for what you are going through, I think we all become totally irrational the days leading up to our ops.
I was a horror to live with, knew I was but couldn't stop myself. Your friends, family and close ones all know that it is not you, and the real you will be back. Please don't be tough on yourself. You sound a very brave and strong lady. Take care x

[Guest user]

AAAAHHHHHH!!! whats up with me, I am either in tears or snappy (I dont feel like myself)!!!
I hope I dont get any worse, I went out with my daughter and baby grand daughter earlier and I was fine, I have most of the days leading up to the op with something so I think that will help.
My husband has decided to get the bathroom refitted (its over 25 years old), so we have no tiles on the wall the sink hanging but can still use the loo, luckily I do have a downstairs shower room. The first plumber can do the job whilst I am in hospital but wanted a lot more money than we expected so hoepefully we can find a cheaper one. I am fed up looking a taps and showers and today told my husband to get whatever he wants as long as its not too modern as it may have to last another 25 years!!!
Oh well thats my rant over, I should be grateful my cousin is hanging on to life and has 1 year old twins so how must she be feeling.
Hope everyone else in in a happy place
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Beaniebaby
I hope you get a date soon, I delayed mine for a month or two as my duaghter was expecting my grand daughter and I wanted to make sure that all went well.
Have they given you a expected date? My consultant always said 6 months.
I think i have got most things sorted but now I am really feeling it and to say it has been a stressful weekend is an under statement!!!
Oh well hopefully when I phone on the 26th there will be a bed for me and this time net month the op will be completed and I will be recovering.
I have really found the ladies on this site helpful and encouraging, and hope you do too.
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish,
I am following this post with interest. I am also waiting for my delayed Diep reconstruction. I'm hoping it will be done in July or August. I was hoping it would of been done last year but here i am still waiting patiently.
There are so many things to remember but all the tips on this post are most helpful.
Wishing you luck for your operation and hope all goes well, as i'm sure it will x

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish
I am sure that your nurses will take good care of you too 🙂 as you say it is the unknown that causes us to want to run away!
As I am sure you have worked out it is the waiting that is the worst - I am sorry that you have had to wait so long HUGS

Hi Kim
I am so glad someone has mentioned the bad behaviour - as Anne says about herself - I was a really horrible person before my op - so pleased to hear it was not just me!
You won't see this till long after your op today but I wish you well and hope you come home soon 🙂
HUGS
Liz

[lisaf]

Kim, good luck xxxx

P>S> you are being totally normal xxxxx

[Guest user]

Hi Lizdeb
Your hospital sounds good, I am sure the care for this op seems 2nd to none wherever you have it done. I have heard very good reports and hope mine will be as good. I will be at east Grinstead and to be honest have heard some wonderful reviews.
Its sunch a shame we all worry so much but I think its the un known and for most of us we seem to like to be in control and thats taken away from us.
I look forward to hearing about your recovery
L
x

[Guest user]

Sue
I am having mine at East Grinstead, you?
L
x

[Guest user]

Hi
Kim: I wished we lived nearer as you sound like you have the same feelings as me, going by what the onthers say this time next week you will be so glad you went through the op. I know what you say about the family, yesterday I felt like all I was doing was snapping (couldnt help it!!) but if I didnt keep going I would have been in floods of tears. Not helped however by my husband deciding to have our bathroom upstairs refitted whilst I am in hospital!! so we went out and chose the tiles and to be honest I wasnt 100% in the mood, but we got some in a clearance and whatever gets done will be so much better than the 25+ years old bathroom we have!! I think I have everything now and next week will be sorting out stuff etc, getting everything up to date and then the next week is for me, hair/reflexology and meals out with friends and family. I hope you dont mind but I read your post to my OH so that he knows that the way I am isnt personal. Good luck for your op and please keep in touch when you can
Anne: You and the other ladies are an inspiration and your stories and helpful tips are a godsend.
In a way I hope the next 2 weeks for me goes quickly but in another way hope it goes slow.
Thanks to you all

L
xx

[Guest user]

Kim
Thoughts are with you for tomorrow, when you wake up, pain free, you will ask yourself why on earth you stressed such much beforehand, I know I did!
I was a horrible cow for about 2/3 weeks before my op, I was so ashamed after at how moody I had been before, my husband and girlies, just said - don't worry about it, if we were in your position, we would have probably have been the same
Don't worry if you cry just before going into theatre, it just means that they put you to sleep quicker. I think they expect you to have a few tears, it's normal!!!!
Monday evening, you will be propped up on your pillows, drinking a cup of tea and wondering what on earth all of the stress was for.
Go girl! Xx Annex

[Guest user]

Hello all,

Well later today I am due to go into hospital for my op tomorrow (that's if you can catch me - my very scared self says!) I do feel a wee bit calmer than a few days ago but it is a very thin veneer that can crack at any time. I have been such a cow to live with these last few weeks so much so I really think oh & kids will be glad of the peace and quiet while I'm away!!! I did have a bit of a positive point in my week as my BCN put me in touch with a lovely lady who had the same op as I'm due to have back in January. We met up and got along great and after 2 hours of boob banter she showed me the results of her/my surgeons skilled handy work. I was very, very impressed ( as was she) and would be happy for my out come to look like that. I can't thank her enough, I feel confident now that I can live with the results of the surgery........ I have just got to resist the urge to do a runner (not a good look with one of those backless hospital gowns and my arse hanging out) prior to them getting me to theatre!!!
I know I have to go through with this op to be one step closer to being rid of this Horrible BC but I am still scared witless about the actual operation and immediately afterwards and no amount of "you'll be fine" seem to help. So sorry to sound so wooly and pathetic but I hope that maybe you ladies will be some of the few to understand what I'm feeling right now - or have finally lost the plot????
Well if I don't get a chance to post before monday I hope to post later next week... In the mean time if you hear reports of traffic chaos on the A38 caused by woman running in hospital gown showing her arse..... Yep you guessed it......that will be me!!!!!
Kim xxx

[Guest user]

I have just investigated further on the The Boudica Within website and the book is available for less than £15 plus P&P from them direct so why those ppl want on Amazon want £75 for their copies I am at a loss to understand.
If you have just under £17 to spare and can't find it anywhere else to look at - it is well worth it.

[Guest user]

I have just had MX with immediate DIEP (29th May) - came out of hospital yesterday evening. Well, actually I spent the last 3 days in an on-site patient hotel which is for patients not
requiring full medical attention but who still need to be nearby. I still had my tummy drains so they wanted me around for them to measure them and change them if necessary. Last drain came out yesterday so I was allowed home 🙂
I was looked after SO well and it really is not as bad as I thought it would be. It is well worth it to have a cleavage and a breast and as far as I am concerned it got rid of a large spare tyre on my tummy 🙂
I consider myself lucky to have been able to have had the immediate reconstruction as I am not sure I would have had the courage to go back to have a later one - I do sympathise with you about nearly cancelling - if it had not been for the fact that the cancer needed to be removed I would have cancelled too but believe me the waiting is the worst - the actual event is nowhere near as bad as our imaginations make it!
There is a book which I wish I had seen BEFORE my recon which I recommend you try and get a look at - you might find that your BCN knows of a copy somewhere. It is called "The Boudica Within" by Elaine Sassoon (a plastic surgeon who has done hundreds of recons). http://www.boudicawithin.com/ or you might even want to buy it - ooops I have just looked on Amazon and it is £75 plus P&P so maybe not!! Still you might be able to get a sight of it somewhere. There was a copy in the Day Room of my ward in hospital.
Keep smiling (it makes you feel better as well as everyone else :)) and keep positive.

[Guest user]

Hope you get your date soon, I found the waiting the worst. I can hand on heart say that it is nowhere as bad as I imagined.
Good luck
Anne x

[samos]

Am watching this shamelessly as I am awaiting date for my Mx with immediate DIEP recon. I see my ps on Monday, so fingers crossed I'll get a date soon. Where are you having your DIEP?

Sue x

[Guest user]

Bottles of squash, straws are also helpful for first day one two! X

[Guest user]

Oh my God the time is going to quick until the op, I went out yesterday and bought some bras from Asda (in 2 sizes) pants (in 2 sizes) ordered some more bras from Tescos (2 sizes) checked everything else and I have 3 nighties, 1 dressing gown, hand fan, wipes, deodarant, moisturiser, shower and hair stuff of course makeup, dry shampoo slippers. Going to get some of that cooling spray if anyone thinks i have forgot anything please let me know.
L
xx

[lisaf]

Hi All

Well even though I am still having to wear a small cover type prothesis I still dont regret it at all, maybe the first week or two but then i had a diep and a tram so suffered a bit but like others i wanted to cancel had lots of morbid thoughts and allsorts and even though I had a blood clot it was sorted so fast.... I need another op as about two cup sizes different due to problems with rads etc. however I still dont regret it and it's already changing my life, I wore scarves everyday even on hols as my implant had capsulated and was up at my collar bone, since the op it's costing me a forturne in my own handmade jewellery and buying things and great not to wear the scarves.

Good Luck xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Natalie
Thanks, yes time does fly I remember your postings prior to the op and I am so glad you are well and recovering.. Yes I am going to try and do what I am told when I went for my pre op they gave me a spreadsheet of what I can do which I think should be reworded things I cant do . This time in 3 weeks I should still be asleep and hopefully getting to the finish of the op.
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Tinfish

I am nearly 14 weeks post op after my mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. I remember speaking to you at the time and now can't believe it will soon be your turn......how time flies.

Everything went to plan with my op and recovery was quite quick compared to some. All I can say is do as you are told, listen to your body and be kind to yourself. Good luck with it all, I am sure you will be fine.

Thinking of you
Natalie xx

[Guest user]

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied, three weeks today I should in there having the op done. They said they take my down at 8.30am, and you have all said you have had the same feelings as me so that also makes me feel much better.
I have been ill over the weekend with a stomach bug so bad I lost 7lbs in weight (every cloud has a silver lining!!)and have done nothing or seen no one, I have really missed seeing my grandchildren but didnt want to pass it on, my husband also had the bug so its been loo roll at the ready sick bowls and bleach!!! He had his first so recovered first so for the last couple of days he has been back in training for when I have the op!!!
I am going to look for bras this week and pants so your suggestions will save me time and of course money I have booked my hair to be done before I go in and I have having refelxology the week before also (s*d the expense!!!)
Cant wait but sh*t scared, that you all so much you are all an inspriation to me
L
xxx

[saffronseed]

Like everyone I was in two minds in respect of my delayed reconstruction -DIEP/TRAM. I know its a big op and was worried that maybe I was tempting fate and my prothesis wasn't that bad. I had my Op in November and now 6 months down the line and had no regrets at all. I am so very pleased with my new boob and just come back from holiday and no worries about putting on bathing costume and/or swimming - also can wear anything (even sleeveless which was a no no before). The op is a long one but they are so good the drugs take care of everything and I afterwards I felt fine a bit groggy but thats all. It does take a while for you to be able to walk 'straight' as the tightness in your tummy encourages you to walk like a bannana but gradually you will get back to norm. I am doing face for life later this month so you can see recovery is quick and I have two lovely boobies to show off! Still awaiting my new nipple but that should be done later this year. Good luck with yours and you will not regret it I promise. xx

[Guest user]

Hi L
I am now just a little over 2 weeks post op. I can honestly say that I am pretty much now just doing normal things. Hubby has gone back to work.....thank goodness, and even though I am taking it easy, I can pretty much do all the things that's could do previously.
Hav a little discomfort under my arm, but this is just from the lymph node removal, so am sure that will settle down soon. Haven't seen a doctor or consultant since 2 days after I came home, and my next appointment is on 12th June. I then see my oncologist in the morning, hopefully to find out all of the nitty gritty... She should also be letting me know if I need rads. I then see. Y plastic in the afternoon, so that he can admire his handwork. Lol.
Big pants - I bought some in matalan - they are brilliant, and some in marks, they are not so good and twice the price. Thru to get ones that are firm fitting and go above your tummy button. I got my normal size, squeezed into then pre-op, but they fit perfectly now. Am going back to matalan for more, as you have to wear them 24/7 for 3 months. Not sexy, but they do the job!
Bras - was a 34/36 pre op, had to get 40 for 1st week after op, now in 38, hoping I will reduce at some point to 36' as I feel as. It as a house.
Enjoy grandchildren...... Anne x

[Guest user]

sorry the duplication is still happening

[Guest user]

Hi Anne Lisa Jane Pam
Thanks so much for all your possitive replies it really does help me to see you all come out the other side. I cant wait to beable to wear tops without worying about the prothesis and if its too low (not that I want to bear all!!) I just want to have choice and also those bras, I dont tend to wear a mastectomy bra much but the ones which fit well are always more expensive.
I was pleased with my pre op visit but although the nursing staff etc are really nice they dont have the personal experience you all have.
I was told to buy big knickers and sports bras (1 size bigger) but not to get them until a week or two before the op and to keep the receipt for the bras so I can return them if I dont use them for a refund.
Kim: I think we are made from the same cloth, although I havent cancelled the op I have felt like it, and like you am a control freak so being told not to do anything etc is not easy. I have been given a speadsheet with dates down one side and tasks along the top and it has when I can do things, weeks one and two nothing and week 3 dusting!! on so forth, I was also given loads of leaflets to read. I have had some negative comments "if I was you I dont think I would go through another op" but they arn't me and dont know how I feel with just one boob and also a strange one due to the LD not working. I am glad to have someone on the site who is going through the op in the same month so we can support each other. I would PM you but with this new site I am worried you wont get it.
Well I am off to my daughters to help her out with the housework etc and to spend some time with my 3 year old grandson and 5 day old grand daughter (thats the only time I dont seem to think about the op)
Have a nice weekend everyone
L
x

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, I am new to this, but am feeling like I need some support from some ladies who understand what Im thinking and feeling. I had my bilateral mx in March, I had the LD flap, it went well and to begin with the size and pain was ok, however by May the muscle had decreased alot in the centre of my chest and I was getting awful back pains where the skin has been stuck down. the surgeon has said she will do a couple of fat transfer operations to fill out my breasts which I am so hoping will work as I have lost all my confidence and hate how i look and feel, I am sure all will be ok, just wondered if any one else has had this procedure done and was pleased with the result?

[Petal5]

Yes it is so worth it. Every day I marvel at the skill of these plastic surgeons. It has made me feel so much happier. I have just had my second bit of surgery, mastopexy to good side and a bit of liposuction and nipple creation on the diep side.
I agree with Jane it is fantastic not to have to worry about each top you wear.
As far as the op is concerned I can honestly say I was never in pain. A little uncomfortable and unsure how to move at first but it is amazing how fast you recover from surgery.
Good luck.
Pam

[Guest user]

Yes of course it is normal to wonder if it really worth it!! You will probably still be wondering that for the first week after the op but believe me it is!! I had the same kind of feelings but the day I put on a top and didn't have to worry about it being stuck to my chest so that every time I bent forward evertybody got an eyeful of my prothesis, I knew it was definitely worth it.
Mine was a diep with risk reducing mx the good side and umbilical hernia sorted out all at the same time. My consultant said I would have more discomfort from the hernia op than the rest and he was right. This is doable ladies, yes it is scary but just think of the benefits of when it is done and concentrate on that.
Every day I get up and put a bra on and no padding I am so grateful for the wonderful work and care that I have been given.
Hope this helps a little ladies,
Jane x

[Guest user]

I was scared witless, was a pain in the bottom to live with, but in all honesty it was all for nothing. Op went wee, imam well, so I know it is difficult but please don't worry, all wiil be okay. My thoughts are with you. Anne x

[Guest user]

Hi, I have just come across your posts and thought I would say hello. I am due to have my mx and diep recon on 11 June. Ever since my surgeon gave me the date I have been freaking out. I got through chemo very well and managed to maintain a normal life - well as normal as you can with 4 teenagers and a 5 year old! However, the control freak in me has well and truly come to the fore and I am scared stiff... Well terrified would be a better description. So much so that last week I actually cancelled the operation, I know that sounds overly dramatic but I am not a drama queen but I can't seem to get my head around this. After a week of being talked AT by every man and his dog the op is back on but I am still not a happy bunny. I may still sign the concent form Micky Mouse and do a runner.
Well today is June so the op is THIS month, very nearly next week and I'm not sleeping and eating for England due to the stress of it all. I have had my pre-op and all was well there but despite talking to BCN, councillor etc I don't feel mentally ready for what is about to happen to me!
Am I the only one who feels like this? Did any of you not feel ready?
Kim (nice but scared) x

[lisaf]

Hey posting on here as have no idea what is happening with messages, says I have one new but can't find it and thought I had posted to you on here ...... arrggghhh!!!

Congratualations very pleased for you.... happy days. Try and forget those thoughts as i have a vibe all will be good xxxxxxxx

[Sam_BCC]

Hi tinfish
Just to let you know I have deleted your duplicate posts.
Congratulations on the birth of your Grandaughter.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator

[Guest user]

whoops its doing the duplicate thing again!!

[Guest user]

Hi All
An update on Monday evening my daughter delivered a beautiful baby girl so I now have one grandson and one grandaughter, I am very lucky. I have been round there helping out and today took my grandson out in the afternoon.
Yesterday I went for my pre admission that went well, had my obs etc done, then I saw another nurse who went through what I can (not much) and can not do post op I then saw the anaesthetic guy who was really lovely as well he asked me about my fears and also any problems I have had post op, I wont be having morphine but another pain relief which he says should help re: sickness.
I feel everything is moving much faster now, waiting for results of my mammo last week and hoping that is good otherwise things will need to be changed!!! This time 4 weeks I should be post op scary!!
Have been having thoughts should I shouldn't I but in my hear know I really want two boobs but wish they could just wave a magic wand. I also think because my last recon failed it plays on my mind, I just keep telling myself by Christmas all will be sorted and I keep being told I am going to one of the best hospitals in Europe if not the World!!
Anyway hope your all recoveing well, take it easy
L
xxx

[Guest user]

Hi L,
Really don't like this new site!!! Been using it for last 3 years, my 3 year anniversary last week and can honestly say I can't find anything I want. Tried to pm you but our messages have disappeared!!
Just wanted to say I am doing well, starting back at the gym probably next week for light exercise!! Been a long haul but getting there at last, thank goodness!!
I know you are getting nervous but please try not to, you will be fine!! And you know that your hospital will really look after you well!!!
Hope your new grandchild arrives and takes your mind off your impending surgery.
Jane x

[Guest user]

Hi L
I had mine at Addebbrookes, surgery took about 7 hours, was in recovery about an hour and then straight to my room.
The first night they do Obs about every half hour and then it moves to every hour then every 2 hours.
Honestly, it really is not too bad.
9 days post op and have popped to the pub for a pint!!!
Anne x

[Jo_BCC]

Hi tinfish,
I've passed this on to the technical guys to try to stop this happening.
Take care,
Jo, Facilitator

[Guest user]

Not sure whats happening but when I post it duplicates my reply 5 times!!!!!

[Guest user]

HI Anne
Thanks for your reply, its good to hear from someone who has had the op, where did you have yours??
Hope your resting and enjoying the sun
L
xx

[Guest user]

I had mine on 19th May, home on 23rd, doing well, am sure you will too!!!
Thoughts are with you
Anne x

[Guest user]

Hi
Just a quick update, had a mammogram on the right breast to make sure all is good there, and going for pre op on Wednesday so its full steam ahead.
Although yesterday I went to my hospital breast club for support etc. (which I got from the other ladies) and took my Mum but later in the evening sat wondering "am I doing the right thing!!" I am sh** scared of the op and worried about the recovery and I really want 2 breasts again but I cant help worrying (I suppose thats normal)
Have my hair (cut an coloured) , eyebrows waxed and tinted booked for the week before the op, reflexology the week before so hepefully that will help me relax, blow the expense!!!
My grandaughter should arrive tomorrow so all good there
Enjoy the sun
L
xx

[Guest user]

Hi Sid and lisa
Sid: Yes I know its not a walk in the park, anything but!!!! and I am trying to eat healthy etc but I am one of those who eat when stressed and I am starting to get stressed!!!! I had reflexology last week and am going again the week before and hope that will help, if not its an hour having your feet massaged!!! As far as the extra duties are concerned, my daughter lices 5 mins away and although she is pregnant she is booked in to be induced Monday so that will then give 4 weeks for her to recover before I go in and then I will be in 1 week so she said she would help, my husband does what he can but its never quite the same as you would do it yourself. He did say however if it gets too much he would get a cleaner in!!(that would be good I have never had such one, also I have a friend up the road and she said she would walk the dog and do whatever needs doing. I think the main thing with me if letting go, I am a control freak so I have always found that hard.

Lisa: I have tried to pm you but wasnt sure if you would get it I had a couple and when i tried to open them they dissappeared!! I hope you had a lovely holiday I was wondering when you got back, it sounds like on another post you managed to rest, how was the flight!! Well you are onwards and upwards and I am at the stage when we first started posting eachother time does goes so quick. I am having my pre op session next Wednesday so it really is starting to sink in.

Thanks again
L

xx

[Guest user]

Hi Sid and lisa
Sid: Yes I know its not a walk in the park, anything but!!!! and I am trying to eat healthy etc but I am one of those who eat when stressed and I am starting to get stressed!!!! I had reflexology last week and am going again the week before and hope that will help, if not its an hour having your feet massaged!!! As far as the extra duties are concerned, my daughter lices 5 mins away and although she is pregnant she is booked in to be induced Monday so that will then give 4 weeks for her to recover before I go in and then I will be in 1 week so she said she would help, my husband does what he can but its never quite the same as you would do it yourself. He did say however if it gets too much he would get a cleaner in!!(that would be good I have never had such one, also I have a friend up the road and she said she would walk the dog and do whatever needs doing. I think the main thing with me if letting go, I am a control freak so I have always found that hard.

Lisa: I have tried to pm you but wasnt sure if you would get it I had a couple and when i tried to open them they dissappeared!! I hope you had a lovely holiday I was wondering when you got back, it sounds like on another post you managed to rest, how was the flight!! Well you are onwards and upwards and I am at the stage when we first started posting eachother time does goes so quick. I am having my pre op session next Wednesday so it really is starting to sink in.

Thanks again
L

xx

[lisaf]

Yippeee, good luck, you will be fine, I have really picked up in last two weeks on hols, even pulled my suitcase home - ooops!!!xxxx

[Guest user]

You will be fine but you must know by now that it is no walk in the park. Just keep yourself as healthy as possible before you go in and alert your loved ones that they will have considerable extra duties for some time when you come home. All the best. xx

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies



I have my date 27th June for my diep cant wait but scared stiff!! Seems like the next few weeks will be going to and fro to the hospital for pre ops, tests etc.



I cant wait to have 2 boobs especially after the problems I had with the LD flap ( I had infections etc and had t have it removed, I am one of a very few this happens to and dont want to put anyone off)



I slept like a log last night so hope this continues, let my relatives and friends know and got lots of encouragement apart from my Mum who I think doesnt want me to have this done, and she is a very negative person where I am not.



So thanks to all you ladies who have posted their journeys (it really helps me) and I look forward to reading them, anyone who is having the same/similar soon it would be good to hear from you to and we can compare notes and encourage each other



L

xx