Double Diep in a week

Hi Louise I am 5 weeks in from having a bilateral masectomy with reconstruction using the diep flap. I think I'm traveling okay, tightness gone from stomach area, breasts slowly softening and dropping. I'm still not driving yet but that's due to a little area on my stomach not fully healed and I'm having it restitched tomorrow. I took before and after photos for myself to show me how my body was before cancer and after cancer. I'm glad I did. My family and in particular my husband has helped me all the way along. My girls are the reason I get every morning and push myself a little bit further each day. I want to be back to normal for them as they are missing their mum doing lots of fun things with them. I still do tire quite easily but a little rest helps. My husband has truly been there for me 100% of the way. He visited me in hospital, bathed me twice in hospital, helped me in the shower when I got home, does everything around the house, he also cleans and redresses my wounds. I wouldn't have been able to do this without all his help. I asked him what he thinks about my new body, he seems fine with it. His happy I'm still here. Before the operation I often would be found crying over my situation scared of what was yet to come. Since the operation my headspace has cleared and I'm moving on. My next battle is chemotherapy and herceptin with tamoxifen. I think your doing well, seem to have things organized which is very helpful. I wish you all the best with this operation and hope you like your new results. Take care.

Thanks Daina, I'll report back and let you know how it goes. Only 4 more sleeps! L:)

Hi Louie,

Sending you my best wishes for a successful recon and a quick recovery. I hope others within the online network can offer you some quick tips on getting through.

Shout if you need anything.

Good Luck - Daina

Thanx Tonya, I'm working till Wed and out every night so won't have a spare minute to have an idle mind. Wow, your friend driving after just 2 weeks.....I hope my recovery is as fast. Louise

That 3 months will fly by. I'm going to Westmead Public Hospital in Sydney, Drs Elizabeth elder breast surgeon and Thomas lam plastic surgeon. A coobie bra I have recently come across, I found the arh bra great after my recent other surgeries, these are like that but with thin straps, bit prettier. Ill let you know how they go. The underwear is no seams and high waist to cover the scar area. I read it's good to have some kind of compression wear until the scars heal. Again i'll let you know how they go. I haven't had any advice from the surgeons or nurses about what to wear after the op. Don't know about you, but I have found it really difficult to get good reconstruction info, so I'm very happy to share my experience if it helps others make their plans. L:)

Hi Louise,

I am having mastectomy one side then double diep or tram reconstruction in about 3 months so I am interested in some things you said. Where are you having it done?

I dont know anything about what a coobie bra is nor anything about special undies, so would appreciate knowing what you have already been told.

All the best for your operation and recovery.

Julia

 

 

I feel your anxiety,I would be the same.It's BIG surgery but it sounds like you are very well prepared.I haven't had it(too chicken)but my friend has.She had a double diep after living with a double mastectomy scar for almost 2 years.I don't think she took any before photos cos she hated her gnarled chest.She was so happy to have boobs again and was wearing low necklines with confidence.She said the first 3 days post op were awful but then she recovered quite quickly.She was driving her car after about 2 weeks.She is going back this month to have nipples made. All you can do is keep busy until the op - you will have the cleanest house! We will all be thinking of you so let us know how you are going.                                                

                                        Best wishes and hugs,Tonya xx