@A MyBCTeam Member Best to you on Surgery day. It's a blur that first few days and a bit scary I agree with the limited mobility and pain and monitor wires but as you are home and healing (esp after week 3) I can agree I'm not sorry I did this and the cosmetic results and the feel of soft fat (that really feels normal) is a good feeling and it is nice to have it be ME in my chest after the cancer breast tissue was taken away. I'm 7 weeks out now. so if you have any questions of us post DIEP ladies just ask. Sending you healing love for this week for surgery day and post op.

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A MyBCTea...

My surgery was 8 hrs. Did both sides and was out of OR about 6pm so very sleepy and remember it wasn't till 6am that the let me even have water after that. Was a long 12 hrs waiting to just have a sip. Hydrate well before you are NPO. I know I had an IV for fluids and IV pain meds but the not having a sip and only being allowed to use a sponge to wipe my teeth those first 12 hrs was SOOOOOOO annoying. forgot about that till you asked about those first few days. The shampoo shower cap was a nice option but that first shower (and it must have been Day 3 of hospital stay or 2nd day post op) was really a blessing.

I was glad to have done the BMX and DIEP flap on the same day. I have just two lollipop scars on my chest and while I avoided the linear across the chest scars because my Breast and PS both worked together (I ended up having 3-4 surgeons at one time) was a long 8 hrs procedure and probably not much shorter just for the DIEP flap alone as it is involved. I was glad my PS warned me about the belly discomfort was most notable first and made me most guarded for the first 2 weeks as it felt like a road rash burn across the lower abd. Rx Pain meds were necessary for 3 weeks at least but it was tolerable. I was expecting more chest discomfort which finally was notable more from week 2-3. I'm 6.5 weeks out now. It was worlds better by week 4 and I was still really exhausted at times those first 3 weeks. Surprised me how long I would be so tired. I'd be good for a day and then worn out. I think it is partly the anesthesia that is so slow out of the liver while it is detoxifying you that you are worn out for such a long time. I'm surprised too how driving is my most painful move at times as you can't predict or avoid all compression jostling. Even the elliptical isn't as jarring as driving. I still take Motrin after a long ride now even w a sports bra on 24/7. I'm not sorry I did this as it really is cool to have your own fat on your chest and have it feel real (because it is) and know I could re-purpose fat that I didn't' really want elsewhere.

My post op DIEP course was much like Carolines, out of it day one, very hot and sweaty because they put a warming blanket on you to increase blood flow through new artery anastomosis. Cause was a big problem because of an 8 hour long surgery ( all those anesthesia drugs) and then all then pain meds. I had a morphine pump and made them discontinue to on day one and switch me to oral Norco 2 tabs every 4 hours. So pain meds, anti nausea meds and and a little ativan helped me. I showered day 3. The shower cap shampoo really helps before you are able to shower. Washing my hair on day 3 was incredibly awesome!!

@A MyBCTeam Member I think 9 weeks is plenty of recovery time to take a cruise as you won't be swimming but are allowed in shower. I wasn't pool ready till about 6 weeks -8 weeks out. Longer after first surgery. Shorter after the repair job on 4/1/15. I read some comments on belly tightness. Yes I notice it still about 5.5 mos out now but not limiting my motion due to the tightness. I stand strait but my back hurts now due to being more weak and in PT now, just to improve my core that prob got weak not doing my regular active stuff. Annoying that I can't reach the floor well as my hamstrings are now too tight and then back too sore to hold me up when I now lean forward. I'm also about 10-15# more wt on me than I wanted. Wonder why you can't have lost wt when they take #s off you in this job. I had both breasts removed and however my wt was the same pre and post op. Go figure. Being more sedentary after doesn't help. As soon as you can move and get active, I rec. getting out there and moving. It wasn't really feasable till close to week 4 but then it got better much quicker. The exhaustion however was what surprised me so much at times after. I would be OK for a few days then just too tired and need to nap and felt little energy to get moving. Regret that I didn't push through some of it better now.