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Re: DIEP recovery?
I had bilateral mastectomy and DIEP procedure this past August, with PRMA in San Antonio. I left the hospital in early September, and I'm now bike riding, doing yoga, and walking. My doctor doesn't want me running yet...probably not until December. The recovery was most difficult for my left side, because I had radiation on that side 4 years ago as well as a partial mastectomy, so i am very stiff on that side. I'm in physical therapy now working on stretching the muscles and skin to be more flexible. My abdomen nevr hurt too much...just feels tight, and its a bit difficult to close heavy windows...puts too much pressure on my abdomen.
I'd agree with the person who said the abdominal binder was one of the "hardest" parts of recovery...just very uncomfortable. All in all, it's really not too bad of a recovery. Although the drains are a pain in the neck too, but they come out soon enough! I'm glad I had the procedure.
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6/2007-stereotactic biopsy: stage 0 carcinoma L breast
6/2007-partial mastectomy, L breast: stage 1 invasive carcinoma, estrogen +
7/2007- Removed sentinal lymph nodes....all negative. 33 radiation treatments, followed by tamoxifen
5/2011-stereotactic biopsy: stage 0 carcinoma L. breast again, estrogen/progesterone negative. Nobody used the words Her2+ yet.
8/18/2011-travelled to Texas (I live in NJ) for bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with DIEP flap. 3 days later, left breast turned blue...had emergency surgery to unclog vessel and try to save the flap. 24 hours after that, had another emergency surgery... took a vein from my left arm and re-routed it to the breast. Saved the breast flap but went into congestive heart failure because of all the IV fluids. Spent 10 days in ICU...8 days on a ventilator. Traumatic experience!!! Then was told it was actually Stage 2, Her2+, and I would need chemo.
Now back in NJ.
10/11/11-port was placed
chemo starting in about 2 weeks
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