RECOVERY FROM DIEP FLAP BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY - Post Operative Restrictions & Massage

[@colleenrhodes8875]

Great info!!

[@arnettemurphy302]

Thanks so very much I had my Dflap reconstructive surgery on 3/25/22 and I am home and trying to recover as much as possible but everything you spoke about I needed to hear so it was very informative for me and. My healing journey thanks again

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

So pleased the video was helpful Arnette! It is a huge surgery and recovery. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform including treatment demonstrations. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@wem-c9f]

Hi Arnette, how are you recovering? Mine is coming soon. I am excited and scared at the same time!

[@robincnz]

I wish I’d seen this after I had Diep Flap. I’m one year post surgery and have ongoing issues with my abdomen including lymphatic build up.

[@lh9433]

Thanks for this video, very helpful. Can you please make one dedicated to abdominal tightness after diep flap? It is so true that the abdominal spasm affects greatly your posture, what can be done, in your experience, to address this spasm? Aside from massage.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi and thanks for your comment. I will make a separate video to detail abdominal stretching exercises that can be performed following DIEP Flap Reconstruction. You can follow the abdominal massage guidelines in this video to start improving the tension. Jen x

[@lh9433]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio Thank you so much, I would really appreciate some advice and I’m sure I’m not the only one!

[@stephaniegarcia8814]

Hello… Did you ever make the separate video for the abdomen? I can’t seem to find it. Thanks!

[@niloufareskandary-gomez2867]

I am having my Diep Flap on October 1st! Your video is helpful

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Niloufar! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. I am so pleased this video was helpful for you. I hope everything goes really well for your surgery. I should make another video on gentle abdominal stretching exercises after DIEP Flap reconstruction as this area can be very tight after the operation. Jen

[@MarisaParlato]

Very informative video. I'm prepping for my reconstruction in December. For the medi lymphpads, how do I know what style I need?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, thanks for your question and sorry for my slow reply. Thank you for your lovely feedback! You can pick whichever Medi Lymph Pad style you like. They all work on the same premise - to break up scar tissue. I would suggest trying one style and switching to another if you aren't seeing results. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@JillHollamby]

so very informative - thank you!

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback! Jen

[@wem-c9f]

Such a wonderful video you have made to help us patients going through this huge surgery. What are your thoughts about using stem cell creams or silicon strip for helping heal and fade the scars? Do they really work as they are so expensive to get. Thank you.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Thank you for your positive feedback! Silicone strips / cream seems to help with scar fading. I've launched a new Private Group on Facebook - The Compass Community - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions. I will be able to provide more interaction with everyone on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@dorothyparsons1515]

Can a Physical Therapist help with scars etc?

[@TheSuperhoot]

This would have been very helpful had you actually shown manual breast and abdominal massage techniques. Should I just rotate my fingers in circles in these areas? I understand the multiple disclaimers for not starting until 6 weeks post op for liability purposes, but a demonstration on a mannequin for actual technique would have been really helpful.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, thanks for your comments. I've launched a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free weekly live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. If you would like to join please click on this link: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@robendixon7652]

Thank you for your wisdom. After a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation, I’m having reconstruction July 2021. What should I be doing to prepare for this surgery?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Roben! Thanks for your question. In preparation for breast reconstruction I would just be aiming to improve your strength and fitness and have full range of movement in shoulders / upper body. And when I say strength - I mean resistance training. I am about to film a very important KZbin Video on why it is so important to regain muscle following Breast Cancer to combat the fatigue that can linger after treatment is finished. Jen x

[@robendixon7652]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio I’ll watch for that and keep watching all your other videos, especially ones on DIEP flap reconstruction. I appreciate you very much!

[@debgreen5872]

CAN YOU POST NAME OF PADS TO SOFTEN SCARS I CAN NOT FIND ON THIS PAGE THANK YOU

[@tdobester]

My wife is having a lot (!) of back pain from the hunching. Are there some tips or stretches she could do that would be safe for the abdominal scar?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Tim, I can assist your wife via Telehealth (online appointment). If you're interested in more information please email me [e-mail]

[@wem-c9f]

Does it have to be a physio specialising in massage of the scar or can any physio do it? Never knew about scar massages.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi, preferably a Physiotherapist with experience in Breast Cancer. Jen

[@NativeAmericanEagle]

Liquid vitamin E works great to soften scar tissue

[@crispykmm9646]

You often ask for topics, can i suggest back pain 6mths + post latissimus flap reconstruction . For a friend.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Fantastic topic idea!! You have definitely inspired a KZbin Topic, Thankyou!! I know how to help with this issue. Jen x

[@keldadesir]

Hi I’m 5 months out from Diep Flap surgery and i want to know how long is swelling supposed to last. I’m about to do fat grafting liposuction. Will that help out with the swelling of the belly.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Kelda, sorry for my slow reply. I don't actually see many women who have abdominal swelling. Have you had it confirmed on ultrasound that you've got swelling? I have had a number of women after DIEP Flap Reconstruction have abdominal weakness / collapse that can appear as swelling. I have a Private Facebook Group called 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with weekly live education sessions and Q&A. I will be able to assist you more on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity

[@keldadesir]

@@TheBreastCancerPhysio no it’s not confirmed.

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

@@keldadesir I would get referred for an ultrasound to confirm what is happening in the abdomen first. Jen

[@barbaragarcia7319]

How to take a shower

[@adreroos4125]

May i use Bio oil... from south africa.. just had a diep flap wrt cancer

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Adre, yes you're welcome to use Bio Oil as long as you don't have any skin reaction to it, so do a patch test first to check if you haven't used it before. Jen x

[@adreroos4125]

I am constantly wearing a belly band to keep al intestines into place...

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Adre, I am hearing you. More women seem to have issues with their abdomen rather than their new breasts following this surgery. Have you got a bulging abdomen since the surgery?? Jen

[@inharmony09]

Sorry too much talk would be more useful to see demonstrations on how to massage the abdomen and breast area not everyone knows how to do this.

[@dorothyparsons1515]

Can a Physical Therapist help with scars etc?

[@TheBreastCancerPhysio]

Hi Dorothy, as long as they are trained to do so then yes. I'm about to launch my Online Breast Cancer Health Professionals Course to the US in January. I have a Private Group on Facebook 'The Compass Community' - a global online Breast Cancer Education & Support Network with free live education sessions and Q&A. There is much more interaction on this platform. Here is the link if you would like to join: facebook.com/groups/breastcancercompasscommunity