NOLA in September?

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  • danny5280
    danny5280 Member Posts: 9
    edited August 2009

    Hi,

     I just found your posts & am so happy to connect with others having surgery at the same time.  I'm having bilateral delayed posterior hip flaps in NOLA with Dr. Sullivan on Sept. 4th.  Due to the type of insurance I have, my surgery is scheduled at the Southern Surgical Hospital.

    I'm BRCA2+ and had my mast. & hyst. back in Oct of '02 with reconst.  Since then I have had my implants changed out twice due to a rupture and contractures.  I was just about to have them done for the 3rd time and realized it was never going to end.  I was fortunate enough  to get a last minute consult when I was in New Orleans in March with one of my daughters.  (She has cerebral palsy and is on a special needs cheerleading team.)  I am now counting the days to have this surgery and truly be on my way to being done with the implants and problems!

     I appreciate all of your tips - I'll be coming in from Littleton, CO - a suburb of Denver.  I hope to get the chance to meet you while we are all there.

     Danette

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited August 2009

    Melanie, my "butt of woes" sister. I swear it took me months and months to get over it!! Hang in there. OH!! TIP!!! A good probiotic really really helped me. (PM me if you want to know the one I use).

    About the insurance -  the day I went to OMEGA for a consult wiht the oncology surgeon (the mastectomy part) they brought me into an office at the hospital and all the "finances" were discussed then. I guess I just thought that since the Doctors were in network, the hospital would be too (so didn't do stuff ahead). But not to worry, it all worked out - I think I mentioned above they agreed to take whatever the "out of network" was by my insurance. Free for us. (We had reached our out of pocket max at that point - the year of the diagnosis. Tons of freakin bills!!! blech).

    Denette, WELCOME!!! You will be in NOLA at the same time as Warrior and me!!! I have surgery Sept 3, and you and Warrior Sept 4! We are both staying at the Hilton Homewood after surgery. Where will you stay? We'll swap cell phone #'s as the time gets closer so we can compare notes!!! :)  

    Jennifer Jane, Have a fun wkend in NOLA!! And REPORT BACK!! We are all waiting to hear how your consult goes!! What Melanie said!

    Karm, Welcome to you !! We are all NOLA ladies here, but glad to have you with us!  DIEP Mayo in Pheonix. Sept 8, got it, I'll post you and Danette's info above. 

    I am a month and 2 days away now, and I can feel the anxiety building a little. I am remaining calm. I looked online at SPANX and have no idea what type or size to get... I thought they may even be helpful after the Doctor binders come off in 2 weeks. Don't know though...

    Spring...

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Everyone here is really NICE.  I'm more relaxed after getting away and looking forward to tommorrow- the reason I really came!  Have been walking and doing and seeing and eating good food but mostly enjoying change of scenery and the much needed break!  Also reflecting on this whole issue! Check the what to pack site for more.....It's all good................ 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited August 2009

    Jennifer, waiting to hear about your consult!

    I emailed Katie at the center, and she said I could order the "Back Max" and have it delivered to the center "Attn: Katie". I am going to order today and have it sent there. 

    My surgery is only 1 month from today!!!! aaaaahhhhhhckkkk!!!!

    Spring.

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Spring,sounds GREAT!  Wow 1 month away!  Excellent!  Whether you use backmax now or later you'll like it!

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited August 2009

    Ladies,

    Does anybody have a clue on this one? Where does one buy HIBICLENS soap?? (It says in our packets to wash with this or Dial) the morning prior to surgery....

    I ordered that "BackMax" thing and had it shipped to the center, attn: Katie. I don't think I'll need it while in hospital, those beds are fab they way they adjust. I'll need it at hotel. I had a hard time "propping up" last time, I kept laying flat. Hopefully mr. Back MAX  will help...!!!!!!

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  • bbmom
    bbmom Member Posts: 391
    edited August 2009

    Springtime,

    You should be able to find hibiclens at Wal Mart or any drug store. It's a liquid like physoderm (if you know what that is) and can probably be found near where the bandaid and things like that are. I never bought it. My sister-in-law had told me it really dried out her skin. I always used Dial soap and never had a problem.

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  • Trishia
    Trishia Member Posts: 572
    edited August 2009

    Okay...my surgery is changed again due to my insurance companies over the top requirements!  Same day, but I am now at the Southern Surgical Hosptial in Slidell.  And I have to be a 11 am instead of first thing in the morning.  UGH!  And it doesn'tlook like they have private rooms.  DOUBLE UGH! 

     Oh well, I am just grateful that I am getting to have Dr. Sullivan finish his fantastic work!

    Hibiclens...I bought mine at Rite Aid! 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited August 2009

    Check on the Hibiclens. Thanks BBMom....

    Trisha, I updated your "stuff" in the opening above. I have a friend who has her Stage 1 GAP also at Southern Surgical in Slidell, with Dr. S. Her date is 8/14. I will report back what she says. She told me they to "bariatric" surgery there, and she thinks it's small, like 22 beds or something. (Small is good if you ask me!!!)

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Beverly-

    You are so funny, I just read your schedule updates! LOL ! 

    I'm sticking w/ Dial antibacterial soap.  I think I've used it for years esp working in a hospital, I'm a bit fanatic.  But there are many good smelling Dial antibacterial bars that don't dry you out.

    Ok, goodnight all! 

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  • Minnesota
    Minnesota Member Posts: 923
    edited August 2009

    Soccermom, Spring, et al.,

    I can beat your bikini, Soccer mom! I set the pole even higher. I went topless on a beach in the Dominican Republic this past January. Thank you NOLA!

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2009

    Beverly - You can add me on for stage 2 on Dec. 3 - w/Dr. S... that is if I can figure the whole hyst/bso thing out in between or if they get a surgeon to agree to do them at St. Charles - otherwise I might be into next year (which I really don't want!).

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  • Trishia
    Trishia Member Posts: 572
    edited August 2009

    Okay...all is finalized!  I got a killer deal on flights and called Stephanie at The Hotel Monteleone directly and got an even better rate than the Center has contracted right now!  Hotels are really feeling the crunch, so they usually have deals...call and ask!

    My sister is coming with me.  We are flying in on Wednesday, Sept 9th and will stay at the Hope Lodge Wed & Thursday.  My surgery is Friday.  Released Saturday and staying at the Hotel Monteleone Saturday-Monday and flying home Tuesday Sept 15th. 

    So it looks like I will overlap with several of you girls!  I hope it works out that we can meet up.  I will probably have to come to you since you will be healing from your surgeries and I will be before mine.  C

    Can't wait!

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  • anniese
    anniese Member Posts: 218
    edited August 2009

    Hi guys - I'm not a September (I'm an August, the 18th -right before Nordy) but I have my Stage II scheduled for December 8th.  Can I join your Stage II December list?

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2009
    I am here to boohoo... LOL. I had gotten a letter from my insurance saying that Dr. Sullivan was in-network - but when I called to talk to the Center, they said, indeed he is NOT in-network. I spoke with the company that does our pre-auth and she said that I told her that he was in-network! The last time I spoke to them was in April - before I ever even contacted the Center, so I am not sure where they got that from. Anyway, now I am back to square one - they need a new letter stating pre-authorization due to medical necessity and back to the original out of pocket expense. Also, the lady from the company that does pre-auth said that I need to get the amount that I will owe NOLA in writing. Anyone have any experience/input on this? My husband is going to be so sad... he thought he was getting off cheap... Oh well - what can you do - I am still going there!
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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Nordy,

    I would say unbelieveable but...sheesh! Did you save that letter? I don't get the you having to get an amount you will owe.  Ridiculous.  I'm glad you're still going.

    Anniese you are a couple days before my stage 2.  I think I have to be there on the 8th. 

    I know it's a ways away but I continue to be amazed at how time has flown.  This year has sort of been a blur w/ rads, starting anti hormone therapy, f/u and deciding to do all this mastect/recon then all the planning/appts, etc, etc.  I REALLY hope/pray to be done after stage 2 and end the year back at work.  Actually need to start thinking about life after all this because it WILL be over, and probably before 2010...woo hoo!

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  • Trishia
    Trishia Member Posts: 572
    edited August 2009

    Nordy honey I am SO sorry!  You know I feel your pain.  xoxoxo

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Bump!

    Girls-I'm doing some more shopping and planning and starting to think I might go w/ DIEP vs GAP today...but I still have time to change my mind a few more times?  what are you all up to?

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  • anniese
    anniese Member Posts: 218
    edited August 2009

    Nordy - have you called Lanita and talked to her about this?  I would think they can get on this right away and get the information to you that you need - especially since your surgery is just under two weeks from now.  I've been a real pest regarding insurance cause I keep getting different information - just have to stay so on top of this stuff.  It sucks that it has to be this difficult!

    Plainjane - time is finally flying by.  Up to now it seemed to crawl.  Now that I'm 11 days out I'm trying real hard not to think about it too much - don't want to stress myself out.  Going out this weekend to get a couple of capri style pj bottoms and some large mens t-shirts.  Trying to think of what I'll need to pack and then reminding myself to cut it in half because I won't need much.  Pretty sure my Stage II in December will be in Chicago and not New Orleans, but we'll see.

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2009
    Yes, I spoke to Lanita... it is not good. In fact, I may end up paying MORE than what my husband and I felt we could pay because our financial statement does not show that I am completely destitute. And I refuse to pad it up in an attempt to do just that. I believe in being honest when dealing with people and I guess if that means that I have to pay more because of it, then I guess I have to pay more. My first thought this morning when I found this out was that I just would not have surgery. I called and spoke to Lanita and I think I feel a little better, but I still won't know the full amount until insurance comes through... I am a bit scared, but Lanita tells me not to sweat it. My husband has been pretty supportive through all of this, even when I am starting to feel so defeated, and when it affects him too! Now I just need to pay some bills and get finances together so that nothing bounces when I get there! I just wish my insurance would have made an in-network exception. Other than that, it seems they have already sent out a new pre-authorization letter, so all should be a go with that. Somebody make the cancer after-math come to an end! Stop the ride, I want to get off!!!   Yell
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  • Rachel_BC
    Rachel_BC Member Posts: 1,386
    edited August 2009

    Just popped in to say how COOL it is that  you all  got together and made this thread.  Rock on Ladies.

    All the best. 

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  • Warrior517
    Warrior517 Member Posts: 355
    edited August 2009

    I am on the books for Stage 2 in Chi Town for December, too!  Ok...4 weeks from today is my big day! Is it going to be pretty hot in NOLA? short sleeve only? or long sleeve for the evening? LOL..listen to me, I am acting like I will have this busy social life...ha ha ha

    I do have a serious question for those that have journeyed ahead of us.....is the recovery same, harder or easier than a mastectomy?

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2009

    Looks like the insurance company sent another pre-certification letter, so that part is taken care of. It is just hard re-setting my mind and wrapping it around the fact that what I thought would be in-network truly isn't. Ugh... I can't wait until surgery, then stage 2, then tatts, then be DONE!!! How nice will that be? 12 days and counting...

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Warrior, according to my book the avge temp is 80(sept)..but more like 85-90 for august....I'd say go w/ the short sleeves and bring a jacket, rain jacket and umbrella...as those late summer storms pop up...maybe a local can chime in here...plus humidity....I'd dress for summer not fall-we rarely have that, until sometimes November. We'll still be in shorts in N TX. I think just be ready for rain and humidity and heat.  Where has the summer gone?  Thank goodness an end site!  Sorry never been a fan of TX summers! 

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  • OG56
    OG56 Member Posts: 897
    edited August 2009

    Question for those of you who have already had DIEP. Did the tummy tuck part of the surgery change the size of pants that you wear?  My sister is asking for my pants LOL and I told her I wasn't at all sure that my pant size would decrease.

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  • Nordy
    Nordy Member Posts: 2,106
    edited August 2009

    Sooooo... I have a wedding to attend this weekend and was trying on a dress - I changed my bra and threw my prosthetics on the floor, put on a different bra and the dress. Then I realized that the reason the dress looked so funny is that I forgot to put my boobs back in the bra! I think my mind is about 2 weeks ahead of my body! Soooooo looking forward to surgery and having a "normal" life!

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    OMG Nordy soon you'll be able to box those up for good!  You guys  I can't believe we're into double digit august!  Time ticks!

    The mornings have been so nice here, almost a tease of my favorite season when we have it-Fall!

    I am more than halfway thru "prepare for surgery Heal Faster"  Don't have the audio yet but I think I'm getting the jist(relaxing) and this will be helpful in the rest of life for me as I tend to be fairly high strung.  Also, Iove how she is profound in sort of using this healing experience to heal other areas of your life.  Listening to others, Parts of it sounded ? But the way she connects the studies-mind body connection-and the whole spiritual or inspirational portion make it very much a feel good read for me.

     I figured out I have enough AA mileage for all my flights plus my friends and can use my points! Still haven't booked yet but probably will this week.  Also, just noticed yesterday the Mariott rate is 95/night w/ our discount.  I think I have a couple free nights thru their rewards card too and will earn another- so may go that route. 

    Love to redeem these rewards esp as I head out the door for new tires and to pay tuition/books for a class! 

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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited August 2009

    I just got done registering my cards for reward miles on AA and Delta in preparation fof my October trip--nothing like those rewards to make life easier!

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  • plainjane64
    plainjane64 Member Posts: 735
    edited August 2009

    Hi again

    Thought I should let you all know I opened another piece of mail from Marriott rewards today:  visit MarriottRewards.com/welcomeBack - I signed up for this program at least 5 yrs ago and stay at  marriott when I get  deal...usually only for conferences, etc. So  I've collected  a few...BUT, apparently they now have NO black out periods AND if you stay 4 nights the 5th is free..  My letter says a second stay in a certain period; 8/15-11/30 earns a free night sooooo...I'm thinking for me one stay is sunday monday b/'4 surgery and the other is the 5 nights following dc= 1 or 2 free nights even tho we're already discounted thru the center......you just have to enroll as a rewards member.  No kickback here BUT  I believe-Generally you can't go wrong w/ Marriott and it's just been redone in NO.  Actually my entire last wkend was quite the value....they're VERY happy to have visitors/ us in NO was the general vibe....Make sure you check out their local magazine w/ the center's CEO featured as well as a full page ad for Dr's S and D and the center.  NO is very(rightfully so!) proud of them.  Anyhoo! wanted to share the hotel deal info! 

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  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 5,355
    edited August 2009

    Hi All!!

    I was out of town at a Yoga Retreat at the Beach for BC survivors. It was HEAVENLY!!

    I will go through later and update all the Stage 2 stuff, it seems many of us will be overlapping stage 2!!

    Nordy. I have a friend (who was at this retreat with me) and she is doing Stage 1 GAP at NOLA 8/14. You will "overlap" with her. She will be at Southern Surgical in Slidell though, not at St. Charles Surgical. She's not staying locally in NOLA, but at a time share near by. I wonder if you two would like to hook up though at least via call phones? Let me know. PM me if you want me to giver her your number. She flys out tomorrow at like 6AM!!! 

    All the rest of you, I just read really fast and will go back and make sure I know what's up with each of you later!! Being away for 4 days, then work yesterday, and trying to finish up everything before being out of work for Sept and Oct, I am going a bit kooky!!!! ahhhhhck!!!

    Love love love,

    Spring. (Beverly)

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