My hope is this blog will help other women who are anxious about DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Phase2. I had my surgery at PRMA in San Antonio, Texas and traveled for it. No matter where your surgery is performed I hope the information helps in your planning and the questions you might have going into this part of your breast reconstruction.
DIEP Flap Patient Stories
Surgical groups across the U.S. often share patient stories. This helps other women connect to a real experience. At PRMA they provide patient stories on their website. When other women can see and hear first-hand the successes of patients it is a direct reflection of the commitment that this Plastic Surgery group has for women as they rebuild their lives after cancer.
I have to chuckle a bit looking back at this photo of me the day of my phase 2 breast reconstruction.
You will likely be turned a bit on the surgical table that day because of where the surgeon may harvest the fat, in my case, from my thighs. I jokingly told him I’d be turned like a rotisserie chicken. I remember a very strong looking surgical tech named Nelson before I was put to sleep. He’s the one to the far right in this picture! That was the best team ever!! I just wanted to look at him, knowing he might be the muscles in the group that day and say, “Turn me gently, Nelson, turn me gently!”
Returning Home after DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Phase 2
Phase 2 is so much easier than phase 1. It is the icing on the cake. I flew in to San Antonio on a Wednesday, had surgery on Friday morning and returned the following Tuesday. I flew back home by myself. My sister flew in and was there for this surgery but she had to travel back to her own home town. It is very possible to fly out a couple of days after your surgery. I personally don’t recommend flying home the day after surgery. Check with your plastic surgeon’s office and discuss this with them if you are driving or flying.
The only discomfort I experienced was from the bruising due to the liposuction from my thighs. I was told this would be the case. I describe it more as soreness rather than pain. It was completely manageable and walking and moving helped with the soreness. You will have a weight limitation post-surgery of ten pounds for a week after surgery, as is the case with most surgeries. I was out taking walks again after being home just one week.
You cannot sleep on your stomach or side for 4 weeks so get those pillows ready for when you arrive home. I was driving again a week after surgery, but please note that you must be off pain medication when you return to driving. In fact, I did the grocery shopping by myself. Just ask the clerks to “lighten your bags” for you. Take them in one at a time after you get home. Other than the usual post-surgical fatigue and wearing a compression garment for three weeks it was a relatively seamless procedure for me.
Other Details and Reminders after Phase 2
I showered the day after surgery. You will have some swelling in your legs as the fluid and bruising gravitate downward and your body works to absorb the extra fluid from surgery and healing. Wear compression stockings home on the plane or in the car if you are traveling to reduce the possibility of blood clots.
You will likely feel so much stronger after phase 2 than you did coming home from phase 1 but a word of caution…. DON’T OVER-DO IT!! Guilty as charged on that one. I had a bit of a set back at week two and just had to tell myself that I had just been through surgery again. I slowed down week two. Continue to take walks, drink lots of water, and eat healthy meals. Allow yourself to take daily naps to let your body rest and heal. Take it easy, ladies and take my advice and don’t go back at it too fast.