MJ,
In regards to how long it will take to get physically active. From 4 - 6 weeks my physical activity was limited to walking, and I mean LOTS of walking. I did some gentle stretching at home, but that was it. After 6 wks was when I started back with the yoga and wt training at the gym. The wt training btw was started conservatively with significantly lighter wts.
I found yoga to be extremely beneficial for stretching out the chest and arm areas. YOu can also consider physical therapy if you feel like you need it to for your range of motion.
Maryanne

Glad to hear you are well and recovering! Enjoy!

Hi Mary Jo,

I am so happy for you - you sound great, recovering well. I'm sure the "girls" are amazing - does it feel weird having them back again - or is it like riding a bike, you just get back on and don't remember what it was like without?

all the best
caya

You know Caya, it's amazing but it doesn't feel wierd. I'm not sure why but it doesn't. They feel so natural and look so "real" that it just feels right. So, in answer to your question, I guess it's like just getting back on the bicycle.

I find myself checking them out like every 10 minutes as I'm amazed. I always want to make sure they are still there and didn't leave or pop. Hahahahahahaha! So far so good.

Love to you,

Mary Jo

Maryjo, it's so good to have you back with us and hear the happy, positive tone in your "voice". I'm so happy for you. It sounds like your healthy lifestyle and God, of course, is healing you right up. Love, Bill

Thanks Bill. I appreciate that. It's good to be back as well. Yes, I do try to take good care of myself and of course, yes, God has been good to me. Why? I'm not quite sure but He continues to use me where He wants me and I just keep following. Not a bad gig I guess.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Today was a good day but a bit rougher because I think I pushed myself a bit much. That's my personality, unfortunately, and I need to learn that rest is my friend. Ugh!

I have no pain in the front anywhere - just a bit of pulling from where they pulled my stomach tissue back together but because of that pulling and tightness I have developed some lower and middle back issues. Just some achiness and a bit of spasming if I bend to much or over do. Today I overdid. Walked outside about 1/2 - 3/4 of a mile - plus all the walking around the house and doing a bit much. My husband says I need patience but you know what........................when God was handing out patience...I got impatient and left the line and never got any....so I'm workin' on that.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

So would you mind keepin' those prayers coming....continued good recovery and healing? I know you will and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love to you...

Mary Jo

So glad to hear things are going well and you are home and happy with the girls. Just like two old friends, huh!? I'll be following your experience in case I decide to do the same! Thanks for leading the way.

Hi Mary Jo! I've changed emails and was offline a few days, but the first thing I did today was check for a post from you about your surgery. I did a lot of praying for your on your surgery day and thought of you all day. I am so happy to hear all is well and you are happy with the results. I had silicone replacement 23 years ago and have had a lot of problems since, so I am glad your new procedure is a much better improvement than the old way. Such good news! You are truly an inspiration with your positive, cheerful attitude. I always love to read your posts. Hugs, Tricia

Well Kathy, I know it's too early to tell yet (it's only been 8 days) so far they look perfect. Perfectly symmetrical and contoured. Dr. Hijjawi did an absolutely beautiful job and as I've stated before I couldn't be more pleased. However, time will tell.............but my guess is that stage 2 won't be happening to me. All has went so wonderfully I believe it will just continue.

On a side note.........for those of you midwestern girls that are looking into DIEP reconstruction I would highly recomment Dr. John Hijjawi. His credentials are awesome - he's done about 200 of them now - hey, Prevention Magazine just did a piece on this and talked with him - he must not be a schmuck. LOL LOL! I'm just kidding. Seriously, he is a very intelligent and gifted man - known for his "work" and the results he produces. He has not had a failure. To top that all off, his mother had breast cancer and reconstruction so breast cancer and reconstruction are near and dear to his heart. As we've all said before......having a smart doctor that is on top of new things is the most important thing BUT if they are kind and caring, well, that's the whole package and he definitely is that.

Thanks guys........

Mary Jo

Mary Jo I just found this video of your wonderful doctor and his partner. I like how they said they perform a special cat scan on your abdomen BEFORE they begin surgery in order to find the perforator vessels which gives them more time to sculpt the new breast (the area where my PS seemed to have less skill, as evidenced by my hamburger foob.) I'm going to tell my PS about your doctor's use of the cat scan so that, even if he didn't use it for me, he'll think about using it for his future patients so they can have better Stage 1 outcomes.

http://www.froedtert.com/SpecialtyAr...dWhitfield.htm

hi Marejeo
just wanted to let you know that i to have been through recon..also have had the mid to lower back pain. It really is a pain but does get better over a longer period of time. When you over do it your body will let you know. It takes time...but ice packs work wonders!! I must admit its nice having breast!
Good luck..if you have any questions just write. It will one yr in Sept since my surgery.
Suzanne

Swimangel, how are you doing with the recuperation from your DIEP?

MaryJo, are you noticing any significant improvements in your lower back? I know you are a lot like me and we tend to overdo it. Rest is as important as exercising, so please make sure you get enough. In fact it is during rest, that the body is able to build and heal itself. Your body has been through a lot and there are significant amounts of healing and adjustments needs to take place. Listen to your body.
Maryanne

Thanks Suzanne and Maryanne....

You are right Maryanne...I am like you and pushing myself is what I do best.http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif Haha! But, seriously, I have been MAKING myself rest and know it's what I need to be doing. I even took a nap twice this week and I NEVER take naps. So, I'm being a pretty good patient.

Yesterday my lower/mid back felt better but I listened to my body more and didn't PUSH as hard. The day before (when my lower/mid back really ached me) I took a 1/2 - 3/4 mile slow walk outside plus whatever other things I did inside....so I did NOT take a walk outside yesterday. So, yes, it did feel better. My docs PA did prescripe me a muscle relaxer if I needed to take it but I didn't take it yet.

Suzanne, so the ice really does work huh? My docs office told me that also but haven't tried it yet. Did you just rest with ice periodically throughout the day?

Thanks Ladies....I appreciate your input. Afterall, you're completed with reconstruction I'm first going through it so it's nice to compare notes.

Mary Jo

Welcome home Marejo. I am so glad things went well for you. Praying you have a speedy recovery and can get those drains out. I thought 2 were bad when I had my mastectomy, I can't imagine 6! Take care of yourself. God Bless.

Hi Debbie,

I hear ya on the drains BUT it hasn't been just too bad. On Monday I had 3 more of the 5 remaining drains removed. So only have the 2 abdominal ones in yet. They can be put in my pants pocket - so - not bad. After stripping and draining those 2 this a.m. I may call because I think at least one may be able to be pulled. It will feel so awesome to have them all out. Oh well, I'm not complaining though - it all went so well so drains are just part of the package. I know women who had to have abdominal drains in for 4 or more weeks so I feel fortunate that 9 days later mine are ALMOST finished.

Love to you debbie,

Mary Jo

MaryJo, you can experiment with the ice packs. Ice is generally used to reduce inflammation. Heat is good for increasing circulation and loosening up tight muscles.

Hi Maryanne,

I think inflammation in my back muscles is what the problem is. When I sit or lay down it feels fine - after being active the muscles like to give me a bit of trouble. Not too bad, just a nuisance.

So today I started taking 3 - 200mg. ibuprofans at a time - every 4 hours. This morning I took a 1 mile walk outside....naturally, I took it easy and didn't "push" but walked a nice, slow pace concentrating the whole time on pulling my ribcage up and staying straight. It was fabulous.

My scars are starting to itch and things are just super duper. Feeling great 9 days out. I'm totally back on the "healthy eating train" and that too makes me feel fabulous - not only physically but mentally.

So happy I made the decision that I did. It was a scary decision to make and a hard thing to "walk" into but I'm so glad I did. I kind of feel like I smacked cancer in the face....it's a GREAT feeling.

Love you guys...................

Mary Jo

Hey Brave Lady!

So glad you are feeling like a champ and ready to spar.
Must be a great feeling to have those "curves" back in the right places. I am sure it does give you a feeling of winning another round.

Just in time for tank tops, too.

How ya doing?
 

I was thinking about you today and just wondering how you were doing? I hope all of your drains are out and you are able to slowly get back to you naturally active self!!

Any word on doctors for your friend?

God bless you and everyone on this site!!

Anita