HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Reconstruction date has been bumped/tips?

vlcarr · 08-10-2013, 06:38 PM

I had Diep a couple of years ago. It's a rough surgery but I think it's kind of a plus that you stay in the hospital so long. I wish I could remember all the details! Be prepared for very little sleep the first 24 hours. They came in every hour with a doppler type device to listen to the belly boob (that's what I call mine) to make sure it was thriving so hence the no sleep. I think after 24 hours they decreased to every two. They also gave me a lot of shots (they didn't hurt) in my belly. I think I may even still have some photos afterward so PM me if you would like to see them.

I had some healing issues and ended up with a hernia when my dog pulled his leash while I had it wrapped around my waist. This was many months out so I never gave it a thought. The hernia then came back and I ended up with a mesh repair which has since caused problems that I now have under control. No regrets here. I've been very happy with my decision. Having lymphedema in my arm and a bad shoulder made the prosthetic impossible for me.

It will be OK and you will do great!!

08-10-2013, 06:38 PM	#4
vlcarr Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 343	Re: Reconstruction date has been bumped/tips? I had Diep a couple of years ago. It's a rough surgery but I think it's kind of a plus that you stay in the hospital so long. I wish I could remember all the details! Be prepared for very little sleep the first 24 hours. They came in every hour with a doppler type device to listen to the belly boob (that's what I call mine) to make sure it was thriving so hence the no sleep. I think after 24 hours they decreased to every two. They also gave me a lot of shots (they didn't hurt) in my belly. I think I may even still have some photos afterward so PM me if you would like to see them. I had some healing issues and ended up with a hernia when my dog pulled his leash while I had it wrapped around my waist. This was many months out so I never gave it a thought. The hernia then came back and I ended up with a mesh repair which has since caused problems that I now have under control. No regrets here. I've been very happy with my decision. Having lymphedema in my arm and a bad shoulder made the prosthetic impossible for me. It will be OK and you will do great!! __________________ Vicky Age 47, TN, Diagnosed 05/09 Her2+, ER/PR-, Stage III, 2 tumors = 1 8cm tumor Grade 3 Sentinel Node Biopsy-speck present in 1 node Completed 3 month clinical trial of weekly Herceptin and 1000mg Tykerb daily Tumor no longer present Right mastectomy and lymph node removal 09/25/09 No cancer present at time of surgery, none in lymph nodes Start TCH 10/15, every 3 weeks for 4 months followed by radiation Finished chemo 01/28/10-YEAH! Herceptin every 3 wks until end of June Radiation begins 03/01, 6 1/2 weeks Radiation complete--Yeah!! Developed lymphedema after radiation In hospital for 4 days with pneumonia:( Herceptin done! 06/24/10 Port Removed 07/08/10 Still in PT for lymphedema and mobility issues DIEP Reconstruction 05/11 I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it~~Maya Angelou