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Pre DIEP flap nerves.
Hi ladies,
The hospital called this week with a date for my MX and immediate DIEP recon - 5th July in Addenbrookes, Cambridge. I had WLE in Jan and my last chemo treatment 2 weeks ago.
Before I had met the PS I had decided that I wanted recon using implant, but once I met him, he was quite persuasive that I was excellent candidate for tummy flap and that because I am a C cup that would give me best aesethic cleavage (which was all I was really wanting, don't really mind how my boob looks undressed). I felt quite sure that this was right decision until I got the date and it all became so real.
Now I am really nervous that I have made the wrong decision. The longest I have ever had off work is 2 weeks following WLE and ax clearance, and I was going stir crazy. And that is only time I have ever had surgery or been in hospital (I was a day patient). 6 weeks off work will drive me nuts. And it all seems so BIG now, if you know what I mean. Do I really need to cause possible damage to my abdomen, just to get a cleavage? Is this just vanity?
I am seeing BCN recon specialist on Friday so will discuss my nerves. But was anyone else this nervous beforehand and did you think it was worth this big initial investment once you were fully over the op?
I know that I am very lucky in that I have lots of support at work, and as I have been well enough to only had few treatment days off during chemo, I have lots of paid sick leave left. My husband is also retired and one of my grown sons is home from uni for the summer, so they are happy to 'take care' of me and the house. When I read posts from women with young children and little support going through this, I feel so lucky and selfish.
Thanks,
Jacqui
Hi Jacqui
I had DIEP April last year and haven't regretted it for one second since. A little different to you, in that I had MX two years prior and I'm sure that you will be soooo pleased with the result further down the line.
I started a thread "Diep booked 18 April-Eeek", when I was at the same stage you are at now, can totally relate to how nervous you are, quite a few other girls joined and if you have the patience to read, I think you'll find quite a few tips and hints, and I'm sure that everyone who chatted then are really happy with the outcomes.
It is a big op, and be prepared for the first few days in hospital - any questions you want to ask please fire away - I didn't really see it as causing damage to my stomach, no muscle is involved in the DIEP, but really as a perk, having a tummy tuck is just so brilliant - haven't had a flat tum like this since I was a teenager!
Go for it, let the boys take the strain for the summer, enjoy the sunshine and yes, it is worth the investment.
All the very best
Cheers
Anne
Hi Jacqui,
I had mx and immediate Diep in Oct last year following my diagnosis late Aug / early Sept. At the time, I couldn't get it right in my head to wake up without my breast so chose immediate recon. I unfortunately have a couple of problems which meant that I couldn't have LD flap or silicone implants, I therefore chose to have a Diep. I have not looked back from that decision and yes I was nervous prior to my op but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I have a nice flat tummy and a good recon breast that feels soft and like a normal breast, albeit with little sensation - I have just had my nipple recon and didn't feel a thing! I was in hospital for 7 days, 2 days longer than normal because of a chronic back problem. I was out of bed the next day, had more than enough pain relief and was back to work within 10 weeks, yes taking it carefully but still able to perform nearly all my duties - I am a nurse. I would thoroughly recommend the Diep because it does not affect the strength of your abdominal muscles which is a bonus in my mind and gives you a nice flat tummy as well. The down side is the length of the abdominal scar but now I don't really even notice it.
If you have any more questions or feel that I can be of help then you can always PM me.
Hope it all goes well,
Marjay
Thank you both.
I think that it was just getting the date that set the nerves in motion. I found your previous thread, Anne, thank you.
I am feeling much better about it and think that I have made the right decision and luckily I really like the sugeons who will be carrying out the op, so that helps in term of confidence.
Best wishes,
Jacqui
I was wondering how you are getting on Jacqui?
I had mastectomy last Oct and could not have recon done at the same time due to location of the cancer. I now have to decide if I want to go ahead with recon. next year. My surgeon suggeted a DIEP flap would be best but it sounds so scary, so I'm interested to hear how you have got on.
Hi ET
It is early days but I am doing great. I had surgery on Tuesday and got home this afternoon. I feel very well and I am uncomfortable rather than in pain, controlling this with just paracetamol. As you know I was very nervous and had been warned by specialist BCN and PS of all the scary possibilities, but it has all been much better and easier than I expected, I do understand that there is still lots of healing to be done and I have to take it easy, but feel like I could go to work tomorrow!
my new breast is lovely ,,, and i have a newly flat tummy as an added benefit. I know the bruises will fade and the scars will cease to be noticeable with time.
I don't want to make it sound like it is nothing, it is huge surgery in terms of complexity and some people do have serious complications. I was in theatre for over ten hours, required oxygen for 48hrs post op and fluid and pain relief drip for same period. I had obs and flap checked every hour for 48hrs and then 2, 3 etc. You are quite dependent on the nursing staff for those first two days. But since then I have felt better every day. Was out of bed on Friday and able to shower and do up my bra myself from then on. The drains are definitely a major pain. I had four, two taken out on Friday and one fell out today, I am home with one drain.
At the moment I would definitely say go for it! my breast really does look great.
Jacqui
Hi
Very interested in your post. Very pleased your doing so well, I am at the same stage as you were. My op is due oct/nov really nervous but excited to get it done. Time cant pass quickly enough, the prosthesis is not for me, I hate it. I know the op will be painful and long but feel it will be worth it for me.
Glad your doing so well.
Carolyn
Thanks for your post Jacqui. It sounds like you are doing really well, we often only hear about the ones that go wrong on here, the success stories are just too busy getting on with their lives in their fab new bodies!
You have made me feel a lot more confident. You are a very brave lady for going ahead with the op. I hope you continue to improve.
Best wishes
Et
Hi Et,
I am a little way ahead of you having had a mx with immediate diep recon in oct '09. I was in hospital for 8 days due to complications with an old back injury not the surgery (normal time in my hospital was 5 days!!), but I have to say that it was the best decision for me and I don't regret it one bit.
I feel so strongly about the result of my surgery that I am happy to meet and show ladies what the result can look like. Yes it has not been plain sailing all the time, but then I would defy anyone to find a patient that has "sailed" through any procedure related or unrelated to BC.
If you need anymore info, please feel free to PM me.
Regards,
Marjay
Hi! I am new to this, but am booked for my Diep in 5 days and so nervous. The mastectomy seemed easy compared to this which is so silly. I am now on Blood Pressure tablets to try and bring my BP down for surgery as I am so scared. So long on the table and the immediate after care are the bits that are getting me. I have had many ops, but all through necessity not because I wanted it, and this is my choice. Is or has anyone else got any good advice?? I have to be so strong for all around me, that I don't often get the chance to go into a 'melt down'. My consultant is fantastic and had told me everything in great detail, I trust him implicitly. Just need to bring the nerves under control.!! Is it really worth having this op???
Hi FLF I to am booked for a reconstruction after xmas, and like you my blood pressure is soaring, I was originally booked in for it earlier this year but posponed because I dident feel ready and I am as ready as I can be now. I just keep thinking what If I dident have the op ? how would \I feel living with a prosthesis all the time, and its the little things that get me down, LIke when I go swimming, and answering the door if I am not dressed, I know I should be up and dressed , but silly things like the postman catching you first thing in the morning.And mostly not feeling like me, try and think of why you want it done and what it would be like if you dident, perhaps we can keep each other company, which hospital are you going too.My blood pressure is soaring its sheer terror.You sound so much like me and the way you feel all the best love suzan x
Hi Suzan thanks for your post. Glad I am not alone, actually that alone makes me feel better!! Sometimes feels like the only person who is worried about the positive surgery when really I should be so grateful for the availability of having the surgery and also being so lucky in all cancer got with mastectomy. I am in Bucks. That close?? Re the BP I don't drink smoke eat a low fat low salt diet & walk average 3+ miles at least twice a week but usually 4x so unfair. Sorry this is a really moaning post & honestly I am not like that. Usually I am really positive. Prob just fact so close to surgery.
Hi FLF and Susan
I posted on here quite a while back trying to reassure Jacqui before her op.
Please try to have a look at our old blog, so many of us went through DIEP at the same time and we all started at where you are both at.
One word of advice - try to find out if your surgeon can help you meet up with other girls he has Diep'ed. Mine offered a meeting where you met up with others who were happy to chat through the nitty grittys and show off their results - I'm hoping to do this at my local one some day, nerves allowing! - it made all the difference to me, really made up my mind and from there I knew I really wanted to get rid of my prosthesis and get a cleavage again.
This week I was signed off by my plastic surgeon, a brilliant man, and it was just an amazing feeling, new breast, tattoo'd nipple and a cleavage to be proud of - something I was not all bothered about at mastectomy stage, just wanted the cancer out, but as time went on, I just wasn't happy with my scar and the problems having a prosthesis brought (one ended up under the back wheels of my car! - sheer bliss!)
Good luck to both of you, and can truthfully say that having a DIEP was one of the best things I have done - for me.
Any questions - please ask away.
Cheers
Anne
Hi
Just wondered if anyone could give me a bit of advice. Finally got my date for Tram flap op on 14 dec, and I have a croaky throat had a bit of a cold the other week and this is whats left. I dont feel ill, chesty or anything, I have my pre-op tomorrow. I am hoping they wont cancel. Anybody had anything like this.
Thanks Carolyn x
Hi all! Just a silly question - considering everything else that we have to content with - when am I likely to be able to put on a 'normal' bra?? Not planniong on the super pretty lacy stuff for quite a while, but a normal tshirt bra, underwired preferably, being a slightly larger chested lady but even a soft bra will be a huge plus!
Hiya
Carolyn - I had a cold two days before my DIEP - phone surgeon's secretary who said come in and the aneathetist will decide - basically if he could get a tube down my throat, all would be well.
For two days I was so worried that it would be cancelled - but no problem whatsoever - point to note though, I was told not to take any vitamins for the cold - just vic rub!!
All the best for the 14th - will be thinking of you.
FLF - trying to remember back, I think after the two week check I was told I could go into soft sports bras - and def. after 6 week check was back to pretty ones - i can't handle underwired though, but figleaves do some really nice non-wired ones.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Anne
Hi Carolyn I will be thinking about you aswell on the 14th, I've just found out I'm BRCA1 after finishing all of my treatment, so am going to be having (hopefully) the same op as you (and ovaries out)..
Please let us know how you get on!
Emma xxx
Hi everyone hope you are all keeping warm. Anne could I ask you when you woke up after a long anaesthetic how did you feel and when could you move about on your own, Are you satisfied with the final result now and do you consider it was all worth it. Could I ask how old you are I was 39 the first time I was diagnosed and 57 the second time, keep thinking I should be hanging up my stilletoes but I still want to feel good about myself.I know its silly but its the anaesthetic that scares me most, dont know if you have any tips for me and also how do I keep calm the days before and did you feel better once you were in the hospital and ready to go.Any avice would be appreciated many thanks love suzan
Hi
Thanks for your comments. I will just have hot drinks etc, hopefully hoarse throat will disappear before nxt week. I have my pre op tmorrow, hopefully that will go well. Thanks for your thoughts, hope all goes well for you.
Love Carolyn x
Hi Suzan
Sounds a very familiar story. I was 38 first time round and 50 the second time. Now its eighteen months since DIEP and really wish I'd had it earlier. I am so very pleased with the result and although its a long hard op, its doable - certainly easier than Chemo.
Re. the knock-out drops, you will be so closely monitored all the time, and I didn't feel any worse than when I had the mastectomy which was a considerably shorter op. You won't be able to move about afterwards - be prepared for two days of constant care from brilliant nurses, you will be extremely warm and pretty confined, but it doesn't last long and so necessary to make sure all is ok and before you know it, you'll be up and about. A few of us had a blog going comparing notes "Diep April EEk" or something like that, during our time and it should give you an insight to what happens afterwards and I'm sure all the girls on there are happy with the results.
Keep calm??? - no tips there really, other than its only natural to be in panic mode, but I'm sure that given a few months down the line you will be so pleased you went through it. Only a few weeks ago, there was a special day held for my surgeon who has performed over 100 DIEPS at one particular hospital and we all turned up - brilliant to see so many women confident and happy with themselves.
Keep calm (red wine always helps me!)
and ask away if you have any more questions.
Cheers
Anne
All the comments have been so positive and helpful, thank you all. I am still scared, BP still high, just of the treadmill as walking seems to be the only thing that takes my mind of it all at the moment.
Had a review with the BC Consultant today and he is really pleased with me - 4 months post mastectomy so that is good, plus nothing else found, again good!! If I could get my BP down I would be a happy (!) bunny!!
Again many thanks to you all for your positivity and support, I know this is the right thing to do to close the door on BC. This time next week I am sure I will be a lot calmer, if tired!
Hi there! Carolyn159, how did the pre-op go and are you feeling better?
Suzan, are you nerves calming down yet? Mine seem to be easing closer it gets. Have taken to playing Wii games with my daughter and walking as much as possible and listening to loads of music!
amdamc, thanks for all the info, has certainly helped! I can't wait to through my 'jelly boob' as my daughter calls it under a train!
All I can say now is 'bring it on'.
Hi
My pre-op check was cancelled, due to severe weather conditions it is re scheduled for fri. Go into hosp Monday op Tuesday. Hopefully weather and roads will be better in a few days, dont really want op cancelled. I am really nervous wondering if I am doing the right thing. I suppose these feelings are normal. Will let you know on Fri how things go.
Thanks for your concern
Carolyn x
So sorry Carolyn, I can't imagine how you are feeling..more stress! I will keep fingers crossed for you on Friday and will think of you Tuesday, I should be able to have a conscious thought by then! I am not in night before, just going in for the blood thinning and scan then home to go back at stupid o'clock the next morning! Not as if the hospital is that close either, but never mind. I actually got past thinking about the op yesterday and thought about when I look down to see a cleavage again, and to be able to wear all my old clothes. Sort off looking forward to the op now in a very bizarre way! Hopefully you will too. Could do with not being in work next two days, but with so much time off already this year, I can't really ask for more. Anyway enough rabbiting on, good luck again and I am sure it will all go well, xx
Hi FLF good luck with your op what day is it and how is your blood pressure,still feel nervous but I suppose its only natural. Anne thanks for all your advice you have made me feel better we just have to keep telling ourselves we are in the best possible hands and let them look after us, how long before you got a nipple and how did they do it.Did you have a new primary the second time or was it a reccurence,it really knocks you after such a long time, how did you find it was it mammogram or did you find lump. Oh well off shopping freezing outside keep warm everyone.OH by the way good luck carolyn hope everything runs smoothly for you keep us up to date with your news love suzan x
Hi Suzan! Op is on Sat - 11th! Two days to go. Not so nervous now and BP coming down. Finally saw past the actual op and pain and realised what I will be gaining...This time next week, even tho prob still in pain I will look down and see what we are all pre-programmed to see! I trust my Consultant and his team, so off to sleep i go.
I hope your nerves are calming down. Try and enjoy Christmas and New Year and look forward to 2011 being the year we can move forward.
Hugs to all
x
Hi all
Hi all snow is really bad here in Scotland. Hopefully it will be a bit better by Fri so I can get to hosp for my pre-op check. Trying to keep calm.
Love Carolyn x
Hi everybody
Carolyn - fingers crossed that snow lets up for your appt on Friday and FLF Saturday's the day and really the pain is not bad at all after a DIEP - para and ibro was enough for me - only on night two did I ask for something stronger, more to make me sleep more than anything, and that didn't work, had a very heavy snorer in the same room!!
Suzan, to answer your questions - my nipple was done quite a long time after, due to another problem not related to BC, but it was just a tuck made in the skin. I had this done while he reduced my good side to match me up (bit lop-sided!) then a tattoo around it. My round two was a new primary, same breast which very suddenly reduced in size/shape (husband says I do nothing by halves). It was very scary, but treatment moves on in leaps and bounds and now on another hormone tab and everything crossed.
Wishing everyone the best over the next few weeks and keep in touch.
Cheers
Anne
Good Morning everyone
Thanks Anne for your thoughts. Roads seem a lot better this morning, so I am hoping I can get through no bother. I am feeling very nervous but I know its something I have got to have done.
Take care
Carolyn x
Hi everyone, many thanks for all your support anne it helps when someone else has been through it. FLF and carolyn just wanted to wish you both the best for fri and sat let us know hoew things go best wishes love suzan x
Hello Ladies,
I started this post back in June when I was very nervous too. Now it all seems ages ago! My new breast is not as beautiful as it was intially as a thick band of scar tissue formed and lifted everything up so it doesn't look exactly like my own breast as it did for the first month ... but it is still brilliant and I am thrilled that I had the recon. I have had no unpleasant side effects, apart from an infection in my tummy wound in the 2nd week following surgery which has left a small section of my tummy scar still a little sore and sensitive. I have a great cleavage and that was the main thing that I wanted from my surgery.
I was able to wear underwired bras after my 3 month check up FLF, but found some lovely lacey maximum support, non-wired bras in M&S.
Good luck to you all.
Jacqui