Diep

Hi

I've sent you a friendship request so I can give you further info 'off line'! I had a DIEP last Dec and things do take a bit to settle as you may have swelling.  Also sometimes things need revising in later operations - my 'phase 2' op will be later this year to even up the God given boob and create a nipple on the frankenboob (which is becoming less Franken day by day)....sometimes lipo is needed to even up the new boob.

Good news all is going well, hopefully the emotional side will improve soon for you.

Sam

Hi Sam

Thanks so much for replying , I look forward to talking more .

Mel x

Hi Tinx,

I was just about to post a similar question and saw yours. 
It’s almost 5 months since my DIEP and I’m also wondering  when my breast will feel softer and more comfortable. I recall reading it will never feel the same due to the internal tissue. I’m hoping at least the tenderness and nerve pain will subside. It feels incredibly firm in comparison to the other  breast for which I’ll have some adjustments made eventually. 
My emotions are all over the place, I suspect the tamoxifen isn’t helping but hopefully once I feel better physically my emotions will follow. 

Another thing I’ve noticed is that my right arm feels swollen at times. I had a SLN biopsy prior to surgery which went smoothly. However the arm feels swollen from time to time. 

If anyone can shed any light it would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Hi there

I'll private message you, as I did with Tina as have a source of info that will be really helpful to you.

Sam 

But from my point of  view the new boob will never be the same as the god-given one, I mean it used to be my stomach (still amazed about the fact that they can do this!), I've been kneading the new boob like you would dough which is improving the sensation there but there's still very little ( now 11 weeks post op). It does feel firmer but then the other one has been impacted by gravity and many years of living as well as a lumpectomy! Poor boob!

And yep, I think the most discomfort & annoyance emanates from the armpit area as had ANC, it did reduce somewhat before DIEP and DIEP seems to have heightened feelings there but they are getting better, massage helps.  Mine definitely isn't swollen, are you sure you don't have lymphodema?  Mine started with my hand being swollen (and has now 'settled' in 2 sausage fingers) following exercise and now wear glove & sleeve.  Might be worth getting checked?

Sam

Hi Sam,

Thanks for your reply and totally agree new breast will be different. I guess I just need to be patient for the discomfort to subside. My arm doesn’t appear swollen, it’s more of a feeling I get off and on, under the arm pit too. Thanks for the friend request

Hi I am  10 days post surgery any advice, information or guidance would be great if your still on here. 

Hi,

How are you doing? I hope everything is healing well? It’s very early days so just rest as much as you can and do the exercise you’ve been advised to do. 

 Hi Littlesedum, thanks for the reply. There’s definitely not much else to do at this stage. I’m doing the exercises although my arms feel fine, just sore everywhere else. Did your take a long time to heal ? And how long were you on pain killers? If you don’t mind me asking? Thank you

Hi, 

• I had my surgery in September 2020 so my memory is a little blurry about the painkillers but I recall taking the strong ones only at nighttime after a couple of weeks as the pain seemed to build up by the end of the day. They also helped me to sleep a little easier. During the day I took ibuprofen etc as required.  In terms of healing, I healed very well but I really suffered with muscular pain in my back, most probably due to feeling so hunched forward from the abdominal discomfort. The abdomen was the worst thing for me! But it did obviously get better. I just tried to set myself little goals however  the first 6-8 weeks were tough then I started radiotherapy which tired me out again. Are you managing to do much walking at home?