Diagnosed with DCIS in situ.How can I prepare myself gor a DIEP flat immediate reconstruction

Hi Pugdoll

I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  While I don't have the experience you are looking for I noticed that you haven't had any replies yet and your post has moved down to the second page as this is a very busy forum so I thought I'd reply to you to move you up to the top of the discussion.  Hopefully someone will be along shortly with an answer for you.  It might be a good idea to contact your breast care nurse and put those questions to them.

Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi, I’m currently in hospital Day 3 after my surgery mastectomy and immediate DIEP Flap reconstruction following high grade DCIS diagnosis.

Whilst in hospital, they’ll give you everything you need. I’m hiring a recline and lift chair for my return home just in case I have trouble getting into my bed and it’ll help me rest during the day. I can let you know how that goes. I also ordered a wedge pillow and v shaped pillow to help when I do end up in my bed. It’s obviously early days for me but I’ll happily fill you in more when I’ve got home and know what works best.

In terms of preparing for surgery.  I was told to eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Don’t drink much alcohol ( I pretty much gave it up altogether) and keep fit. I kept up my Pilates classes and made sure I had a good 30 minute walk everyday. A little bit of relaxation, yoga, meditation or whatever suits you to try and keep you calm. I got myself some face/eye masks, lay on my bed with a few scented candles and soothing music (home made spa experience) the few days before my surgery and that definitely helped calm my nerves. 

Hope this helps you. Good luck. Feel free to message me if you’ve any more questions. 

xx

Hi Julia 

thank you so  much ..Hope the next few weeks go well for you and that’s for sharing what you can do far x

Hi, can I ask which v pillow you bought and whether it was any good?  I’ve looked at loads in preparation for my mastectomy but they all potentially look a bit rubbish and most don’t have a pillowcase.   Was it worth hiring the recliner/riser chair?  I realised today that you could hire them which was great, but would be good to know if it’s worth the expense. 

Hope all is going well with you

x

Hi, the v pillow was bought for me and recommended by a nurse, it doesn’t have a cover. I’ll try and get a link for you. To be honest, I didn’t really use it much. I used the recliner a lot during day and managed in my bed at night with a wedge pillow under my upper body and a couple of pillows under my knees. I found this comfiest.

It wasn’t cheap to hire the recliner but you’ll only need it for a short time and I do think it was worth it. If you can, try the chair before you hire it to make sure it’s right for you. 

I’m 13 weeks post op now and doing well thank you. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone! 

Wishing you all the best