Felicia, I'm just going to echo what Nanci West said with great gratitude. Going through all of this is one thing. Bravely and unabashedly sharing it with people who need comfort and reassurance is quite another. God has truly made beauty from ashes, eh? I love the God we serve. My DIEP is 1 week from today, and you gave me tips I'm not even sure you know you gave. The airline pillow - when I saw you sitting up with that around your neck, I immediately added that to my list. Much love from the Midwest! ❣
That truly blessed me. As I’ve said before, I prayed and asked God to help me help others. So thank you for sharing that. I’ll be praying for you and your surgery. You’ll do great!
Felicia, thank you for sharing your story. I had breast cancer in 2007 with implant reconstruction. In 2008 I had a revision and new implants due to capsular contracture. Again, cc. Now 14 years later I am scheduled for diep flap surgery in August. Your testimony has given me a lot of insight on what to expect. I know I will get through this journey. God bless you and your family.
Thanks for sharing your story. This is well needed for people who are going through this. Kudos to your husband for being supportive and staying by your side
Your beautiful spirit, calm demeanor and positivity are so inspiring! I am looking at a flap surgery - possibly PAP flap, and wish there were more videos about that, but regardless - your video is helpful!! Thank you!! ❤ Hope you and your family are doing well.
Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed with breast cancer this October and was just told that I would be a good candidate for Diep flat reconstruction. Funny enough, reconstruction terrifies me more than the cancer itself. But this video helps a lot
Thank you for sharing, I start my journey tomorrow morning at 5am. You look great, congratulations and God bless you for allowing us to see the process
I followed your whole journey and would like to thank you. I've had a left mastectomy and will need the right die to the BCRA mutation. I am super scared, confused, etc. You made it real and hopeful. I pray your continual success and solicit your prays for me. Thank you guys, again.
Thank you for sharing your journey! I am preparing to go through this surgery now. It's encouraging to hear stories, like yours, of others who've gone down this path and are thankful they did. 🙏
Hey! I’m starting week 5 of recovery from Diep Flap. My abdomen is not healing well. I still have 1 drain in my hip that’s putting out 100+ ml a day 😳 Thanks for sharing your story. I haven’t had anyone to talk to who has had this surgery so it was really helpful to watch your vids. You look fabulous!
Thank you for watching! I’m so sorry your abdomen isn’t healing well! What’s your surgeon saying about it? I hope it heals and you can get that drain out soon. Sheesh. I hate those dang drains.
@@felicia6608 thanks for responding😊 He’s taking the drain out tomorrow and he said I need really decrease my activity for several days so I won’t continue to make a lot of fluid and be at risk for infection. I’m hoping things will get much better soon. Take good care!
Thank you so much for sharing. I had a double mastectomy Jan of 2021. I see the plastic surgeon for my reconstruct consultation next month. This is definitely my preference. You're awesome and thanks again for sharing your journey. Was very informative and helpful.
I have enjoyed your video, was helpful and you have such a pleasant voice. I’m scheduled for end of January for the same type of surgery. It’s so important to have support. I’m nervous, but ready to be done, first surgery was April.
Thank you for sharing your journey! You’re so inspirational. I was just tested and I have the brca gene mutation. It’s being recommended for me to have this surgery and I’m so glad you shared your experience. I’m calling the center you went to in the morning to hopefully set up a consultation. Stay strong 💙
I just found out I need a double mastectomy bc of a breast cancer gene. I’m hoping the diep flap route for reconstruction. Your videos are so perfect! Thank you for sharing. Of course I’m way overwhelmed and scared. But your experience is helpful. Happy to connect with you girl! 🤟🏼❤️
Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you know you were going to have a phase 2? Not sure if I have to have this process twice. I am about to have mine February 7, 2024, not sure on the time yet, just nervous…
Thanks for sharing, I'm having my flap surgery Monday and this really gives me some perspective on what to expect. Still debating on the second revision it seems Soo painful but we will see. Your sharing is much appreciated!
I had surgery on 16th of December unfortunately one my breast lost blood supply due to having Lupus as well it’s been a journey I have a lot of bloating still and left with one implant and a reconstructed breast I was very saddened 2 weeks in ICU but definitely happy with my current state looking forward for phase 2 Houston has very good doctors it was my body that just wouldn’t act accordingly I found your channel while reaching for some type of hope alone due to COVID I’m great full today to see this I just kept replaying your videos 😂 and meditation I’m on no pain meds and back home doing light duties thank you again
LOL Well done typing all that on meds! 😂 As you probably saw in previous videos, I’m not very good at that. I’m so glad to hear you’re at home and can rest out of the hospital. You’ve been through a lot but hopefully you can relax, breathe and enjoy where you’re at not. It gets better every day. ♥️
Hi Felicia… I hope you are doing well. I am not sure if you still check comments here but I’m having reconstruction surgery tomorrow morning and wondered if you had any last minute words of wisdom! I had looked for you on Facebook but haven’t yet found you. Continued blessings and thank you for your videos!
To Felicia and Tonya…I just saw both your messages and this is February so my response may not be relevant. So here’s my update. My July DIEP flap reconstruction started off well but long story much shorter, I was in a rare exception group and my left flap died. It had to be removed. That was traumatic but after several months of healing, my surgeon did a different reconstruction where he took tissue from my back and “built” a breast. Now I’m doing very well. This summer I’ll have the shaping and liposuction procedure to make them look normal. I have many moments of gratitude! Two months after the flap died, I walked the 10k portion of the San Francisco Marathon to celebrate being cancer free! Just before this summer’s procedure, I’ll walk this years 10k and even if it’s only by one second I will better my time. My encouragement to you or anyone who might read this is to NOT lose heart. If something goes awry remember it’s just a hiccup on the journey…stay strong, have faith, and LIVE! 💖🙏🤩
I have wanted to know someone for 5 years who had diep flap surgery. My surgery has to be from my back, not my stomach. I have to have the Diep Flap, expanders & 3 more surgeries after all that. I am now flat, sad, looking like a monster. So nice to see your surgery went so well. I am just scared....
I totally understand being scared. I was too. You’ll do great! It’s a big process. I have had a total of 4 surgeries so I get it. You definitely don’t look like a monster. ♥️ I was flat for almost a year. I hated it too. I’m so happy with everything now. Hopefully you will too. 🤗
Keep your head up Amy. I had my surgery in Nov and feel great now. Planning phase two! It is a challenging road but so worth the struggle. To me, you do not look like a monster, you look like a strong woman and a cancer survivor. You can get through this!!!!! Right Felicia???!!!!!
I have a question. How do they add more fat when they went in the second time? Did they knock you out completely for the second revision surgery? Was it out patient?
They did lipo from my legs and abdomen. They will how you go under for sure as they go back into the same areas as before to make everything look as nice and complete as possible. I was in the hospital for a couple days and then was able to go to my hotel. So more like 48hrs total.
Thank you for documenting and sharing. Would you mind sharing the name of the FB group where you connected with other women going to the Center for Reconstructive Breast on NOLA?
Thank you so much - you are a beautiful woman. I love your honesty! Would you feel comfortable telling us about pain management? Maybe you have already done they - I just saw this video today. I want to explant as well with DIEP but Dr. say I don't have enough stomach tissue - so I"m just weighing my options. I'm trying to learn if fat graphting is an option. It sounds like you may have done that?
I’m doing great! So far healing has been amazing. I’m still really happy I had the procedure done. 🤗 Thanks for checking in. I need to make another update video soon.
Hi Felicia would you mind letting me know where you had your surgery done. I am 7 months post op phase 1 and have not had phase 2. Having a lot of complications and looking for a second opinion and would love for New Orleans to be an option for me. I appreciate any help that you can offer.
I am booked for my diep surgery on the 18th May but didn't realise there was a phase 2 surgery. Is this the case with all diep surgeries? My surgeon gave me the impression that it is only some people that need to back for revision surgery.
It depends I believe on where you go. It’s a long procedure so it’s nice to break it up and get the important stuff done first and then go back in to make it all pretty. 🤗
Felicia, I'm just going to echo what Nanci West said with great gratitude. Going through all of this is one thing. Bravely and unabashedly sharing it with people who need comfort and reassurance is quite another. God has truly made beauty from ashes, eh? I love the God we serve. My DIEP is 1 week from today, and you gave me tips I'm not even sure you know you gave. The airline pillow - when I saw you sitting up with that around your neck, I immediately added that to my list. Much love from the Midwest! ❣
That truly blessed me. As I’ve said before, I prayed and asked God to help me help others. So thank you for sharing that. I’ll be praying for you and your surgery. You’ll do great!
Felicia, thank you for sharing your story. I had breast cancer in 2007 with implant reconstruction. In 2008 I had a revision and new implants due to capsular contracture. Again, cc. Now 14 years later I am scheduled for diep flap surgery in August. Your testimony has given me a lot of insight on what to expect. I know I will get through this journey. God bless you and your family.
That’s so great! Thanks for sharing! Praying all goes well for you!
Thanks for sharing your story. This is well needed for people who are going through this. Kudos to your husband for being supportive and staying by your side
Your beautiful spirit, calm demeanor and positivity are so inspiring! I am looking at a flap surgery - possibly PAP flap, and wish there were more videos about that, but regardless - your video is helpful!! Thank you!! ❤ Hope you and your family are doing well.
Thank you for sharing! I was diagnosed with breast cancer this October and was just told that I would be a good candidate for Diep flat reconstruction. Funny enough, reconstruction terrifies me more than the cancer itself. But this video helps a lot
Thank you for sharing, I start my journey tomorrow morning at 5am. You look great, congratulations and God bless you for allowing us to see the process
Praying for a successful surgery and recovery!!!
Thanks for update... getting ready for surgery next month.
I followed your whole journey and would like to thank you. I've had a left mastectomy and will need the right die to the BCRA mutation. I am super scared, confused, etc. You made it real and hopeful. I pray your continual success and solicit your prays for me. Thank you guys, again.
Thank you for sharing that!! I’m glad I could help in any way! I will be praying for you!!
Thank you for sharing your journey! I am preparing to go through this surgery now. It's encouraging to hear stories, like yours, of others who've gone down this path and are thankful they did. 🙏
Hey! I’m starting week 5 of recovery from Diep Flap. My abdomen is not healing well. I still have 1 drain in my hip that’s putting out 100+ ml a day 😳 Thanks for sharing your story. I haven’t had anyone to talk to who has had this surgery so it was really helpful to watch your vids. You look fabulous!
Thank you for watching! I’m so sorry your abdomen isn’t healing well! What’s your surgeon saying about it? I hope it heals and you can get that drain out soon. Sheesh. I hate those dang drains.
@@felicia6608 thanks for responding😊
He’s taking the drain out tomorrow and he said I need really decrease my activity for several days so I won’t continue to make a lot of fluid and be at risk for infection. I’m hoping things will get much better soon. Take good care!
Thank you so much for sharing. I had a double mastectomy Jan of 2021. I see the plastic surgeon for my reconstruct consultation next month. This is definitely my preference. You're awesome and thanks again for sharing your journey. Was very informative and helpful.
Thanks Felicia for sharing your story. It has helped me as I'm going through chemo and will go through Diep soon.
Sending you love and prayers. You’ll do great! Stay strong! ♥️
I have enjoyed your video, was helpful and you have such a pleasant voice. I’m scheduled for end of January for the same type of surgery. It’s so important to have support. I’m nervous, but ready to be done, first surgery was April.
Thank you for sharing your journey! You’re so inspirational. I was just tested and I have the brca gene mutation. It’s being recommended for me to have this surgery and I’m so glad you shared your experience. I’m calling the center you went to in the morning to hopefully set up a consultation. Stay strong 💙
Thank you for watching and sharing a little bit of your journey. Sending love and support your way!
I just found out I need a double mastectomy bc of a breast cancer gene. I’m hoping the diep flap route for reconstruction. Your videos are so perfect! Thank you for sharing. Of course I’m way overwhelmed and scared. But your experience is helpful. Happy to connect with you girl! 🤟🏼❤️
I’m just seeing this! I hope all went well! ♥️
Yes Fifield, looking good mama. My surgery is next Thursday January 21st wish me luck.
Good luck! You’ll do fantastic!!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Did you know you were going to have a phase 2? Not sure if I have to have this process twice. I am about to have mine February 7, 2024, not sure on the time yet, just nervous…
Again Thank you for sharing your journey 🙏❤️
Thanks so much. This video is very comforting. I am scheduked for 5/19.. One day after Rhi (below)
Awesome! You’ll do great! I’ll be thinking of you.
So glad you're doing well! Milo is certainly a cutie 😊🐶
Thanks for sharing, I'm having my flap surgery Monday and this really gives me some perspective on what to expect. Still debating on the second revision it seems Soo painful but we will see. Your sharing is much appreciated!
I had surgery on 16th of December unfortunately one my breast lost blood supply due to having Lupus as well it’s been a journey I have a lot of bloating still and left with one implant and a reconstructed breast I was very saddened 2 weeks in ICU but definitely happy with my current state looking forward for phase 2 Houston has very good doctors it was my body that just wouldn’t act accordingly I found your channel while reaching for some type of hope alone due to COVID I’m great full today to see this I just kept replaying your videos 😂 and meditation I’m on no pain meds and back home doing light duties thank you again
LOL Well done typing all that on meds! 😂 As you probably saw in previous videos, I’m not very good at that. I’m so glad to hear you’re at home and can rest out of the hospital. You’ve been through a lot but hopefully you can relax, breathe and enjoy where you’re at not. It gets better every day. ♥️
You looking amazing!!! 🔥🔥 May God continue to bless you 🙏🏼
Thank you!!
Hi Felicia… I hope you are doing well. I am not sure if you still check comments here but I’m having reconstruction surgery tomorrow morning and wondered if you had any last minute words of wisdom! I had looked for you on Facebook but haven’t yet found you. Continued blessings and thank you for your videos!
Hi Roben. How did it go and how are you feeling? I have mine tomorrow morning. Hope you are doing well and happy with your outcome.
Robin, I am so sorry I didn’t see your comment until now. I hope all went well and you healed up nicely!!
To Felicia and Tonya…I just saw both your messages and this is February so my response may not be relevant. So here’s my update. My July DIEP flap reconstruction started off well but long story much shorter, I was in a rare exception group and my left flap died. It had to be removed. That was traumatic but after several months of healing, my surgeon did a different reconstruction where he took tissue from my back and “built” a breast. Now I’m doing very well. This summer I’ll have the shaping and liposuction procedure to make them look normal.
I have many moments of gratitude! Two months after the flap died, I walked the 10k portion of the San Francisco Marathon to celebrate being cancer free! Just before this summer’s procedure, I’ll walk this years 10k and even if it’s only by one second I will better my time. My encouragement to you or anyone who might read this is to NOT lose heart. If something goes awry remember it’s just a hiccup on the journey…stay strong, have faith, and LIVE! 💖🙏🤩
You look gorgeous!!!
I have wanted to know someone for 5 years who had diep flap surgery. My surgery has to be from my back, not my stomach. I have to have the Diep Flap, expanders & 3 more surgeries after all that. I am now flat, sad, looking like a monster. So nice to see your surgery went so well. I am just scared....
I totally understand being scared. I was too. You’ll do great! It’s a big process. I have had a total of 4 surgeries so I get it. You definitely don’t look like a monster. ♥️ I was flat for almost a year. I hated it too. I’m so happy with everything now. Hopefully you will too. 🤗
Keep your head up Amy. I had my surgery in Nov and feel great now. Planning phase two! It is a challenging road but so worth the struggle. To me, you do not look like a monster, you look like a strong woman and a cancer survivor. You can get through this!!!!! Right Felicia???!!!!!
@@shayetanner6431 Absolutely!! You can get through this Amy! It’s so worth it!
I have a question. How do they add more fat when they went in the second time? Did they knock you out completely for the second revision surgery? Was it out patient?
They did lipo from my legs and abdomen. They will how you go under for sure as they go back into the same areas as before to make everything look as nice and complete as possible. I was in the hospital for a couple days and then was able to go to my hotel. So more like 48hrs total.
Thank you for documenting and sharing. Would you mind sharing the name of the FB group where you connected with other women going to the Center for Reconstructive Breast on NOLA?
Yes! It’s called Breast Cancer Nola/Charleston
Thank you so much - you are a beautiful woman. I love your honesty! Would you feel comfortable telling us about pain management?
Maybe you have already done they - I just saw this video today. I want to explant as well with DIEP but Dr. say I don't have enough stomach tissue - so I"m just weighing my options. I'm trying to learn if fat graphting is an option. It sounds like you may have done that?
To be honest I don’t remember if I added that in my previous videos. I’ll have to check! And thank you for the compliment!
Excellent job, you look great
Thank you!!
Hello,
I was thinking about you. I looked at your videos b4 I had my surgery. They helped me a lot. How are you doing?
I’m doing great! So far healing has been amazing. I’m still really happy I had the procedure done. 🤗 Thanks for checking in. I need to make another update video soon.
You look amazing!!!!
Thank you!!
Hi Felicia would you mind letting me know where you had your surgery done. I am 7 months post op phase 1 and have not had phase 2. Having a lot of complications and looking for a second opinion and would love for New Orleans to be an option for me. I appreciate any help that you can offer.
Of course! I went to the Breast Center in New Orleans. My doctor was Dr. Henderson. She’s amazing. I absolutely love her.
Wow your belly button looks SOOO natural!!! Amazing. Do u have a lot of numbness? Nerve pain?? Any regrets? Thank you:)))
Thank you! No regrets! I do have some numbness but not a lot. Mostly just on the incision or right above it.
I am booked for my diep surgery on the 18th May but didn't realise there was a phase 2 surgery. Is this the case with all diep surgeries? My surgeon gave me the impression that it is only some people that need to back for revision surgery.
It depends I believe on where you go. It’s a long procedure so it’s nice to break it up and get the important stuff done first and then go back in to make it all pretty. 🤗
you look so glarmorous and your new home's great! ...we're going to need more Milo. Definitely more Milo~!
Hahahaa He’s really the star. We all need more Milo.
I will start my journey in February and I don't see a lot of people like us with this type of surgery in there is not really people for me to talk to
Would you do it all over again, knowing all you know now. I am considering the same steps you took...
I would. Absolutely. However I would have stuck with my doctor and waited for her to do my phase 2. But I’m still so happy with the results.
@@felicia6608 Thank you so much for responding! I appreciate it.
You haven't made a video for a while. Hope everything is ok.
I’ll be making a video very soon! ♥️
So how do you look now ?
Doing great! I will add an update video soon
Are you still doing well?
Yes! I have some soreness now that I’m back to work but I’m doing great. 🤗
6 months recovery for me they said.
😍
What are your scars like?
Oh, in the first five mins of this video you can see my scars. They aren’t back at all. Healed up really nice.
I have never connected with anyone.