NOLA in September?

Journey

Stage 1 is the actual free flap surgery.  Tissue is removed from the donor site and a breast mound is made.  Stage 2 is typically when your donor site is made more shapely and any issues are addressed with the breast.  There can be more than one stage 2 but that varies greatly I think on how much you want or need done. Then nippless and or tattoos.  More who have been on the other side of this can share their stages.

mobay1020

Thanks again!  I guess I'm on stage 2 because I've already had the tissue removed and expanders put into place.  In case I can't get into NOLA OR Charleston do you have any PS recommendations in the Atlanta area.  I promise that I won't blame you if it doesn't work out.  LOL

Journey

Hi Michele - what exactly did you have done?  If you had a mastectomy and implants then you still need stage 1 as they will remove the implants and take tissue from your donor site and build from there.  That is what I am having done next week.  You can send me a PM if you wish.

mobay1020

Hi Journey,

I had a bilateral mastectomy in 5/08, then I did chemo and radiation.  I started the reconstruction in 8/09 but never had the implants put in.  Thank you to Linda for helping me remember the name of what was done!  Latissimus Dorsi Flap.....  They took the tissue from my back to create the flap and put in the expanders.  That was it.  Before I had my first fill, one of the expanders caused an infection which put me in the hospital, a couple of weeks later another infection, another stay in the hospital and the expander was taken out.  I still have an expander on one side.  After the last time in the hospital I was so beaten down that I wasn't sure I was ever going to complete the surgery.  Coming back on here has renewed my faith and is making me excited again!!!  I have lots of research to do.

Trishia

I have been avoiding all the traveling posts because I am SO SO SO freaking mad at myself for not buying tickets this spring before hubby's pay cut.  UGH.  Shoulda woulda coulda.  Sometimes I am TOO practical.  So I am sending TONS of loves and hugs and good energy to all my NOLA sisters who will be there this weekend.  xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Springtime

PJ, are you picking up a car at the airport? I wondered if you were already there, if you wanted to ride in the limo to the Center, and then take it from there? Not sure it would work out, but if you were there, you would be welcome to ride with us, of course!

Trisha, I wish you were coming too! We will miss you... I will for sure, you were there the last time I was in NOLA!!

Mobay, I suggest you start on the www.breastcenter.com web site and look at the "before" and "after" pictures, and read up on what DIEP and GAP reconstruction involves. Find out if you think this is right for you. The end result of this kind of reconstruction is very natural and most breasts look better than they did to start with. This kind of surgery is very involved and only specialist micro-surgeons can do it, and the surgery is more complicated than "implant" reconstruction. If you decide you would like to do this type of surgery, the docs in NOLA are experts, and there are others in Charleston, one in NY. You can find out who is "in network" for you. I can tell you that I have CIGA (south US) and this has always been in network at NOLA, but I think it may be the only one that is. Take your time and do what is right for you! Welcome to our thread.

SandyinSoCal

Trishia, I'm so sorry that I won't get to meet you this time!  Start saving up for next October, because I'm sure we'll be doing a fundraiser for Breastoration and it would be a great time to also have the 2nd annual NOLA reunion!

kcshreve

Dragonfly- my size did not officially change till after Stage 2.  I was smaller overall after Stage 1, but kind of funky, so I never bought new clothes.  About 4 weeks after Stage 2 I was able to get a few new things which were in a smaller size, given the DIEP, lipo, and breast reduction 

kcshreve

I see some have used bromelain different ways.  To review - I'll take arnica starting a couple days before surgery, then bromelain after surgery at 3x/day?  With food or without food? Arnica cream used over lipo area, anywhere else? 

Dragonfly1976

Thanks so much Kcshreve! I notice my hips are a little smaller or something is up because my lounge pants keep falling down. Suspenders anyone? LOL

SandyinSoCal

New shirt!

Soccermom4force

TOOOO cute Sandy!

To everyone (WAHHHHHHHHH) that will be in NOLA this week,be it for surgery or other fun ...I love you all and want to hear back from each and every one how they are...and how theyplaced in the 1/2 Marathon (no, not surgery.. marathon for the newbies)

PLEASE give my love to Katie,Liz, Celeste and especially Dr S!

 Wahhhhhh!!! I wanna go!!!!!

Marcia

Oddball1

Hi I met with Dr. Sullivan today and I am getting excited to see my results.  I am doing a hip flap procedure in the morning bright and early.  Please pray for me tomorrow when you read this.

I feel very much at peace and can't wait to get it done and be on the other side.

Oddball1 

Oddball1

How do I order this T-shirt???  SOOO CUTE!!

Oddball1

k9Kim-Would love to see/meet you....if you are around, try to find me or call my hubby at 281-686-6115 to see how things are going for me.  Sending you my best.

Oddball1 

Dragonfly1976

Oddball, can't wait to hear how the surgery went, you're going to do awesome. Dr S is amazing!!

I want one of those shirts, do tell how we get them

SandyinSoCal

The shirt is available to order here.    $15 from each one will be donated to Breastoration!

kcshreve

Dragonfly - one of the reasons your pants may be coming down is that after a DIEP, we don't have a very good waistline until Stage 2.  They pull down that front abdominal flap, creating a new belly button, which makes our waists odd, and our pants fall down.  It's better after Stage 2, provided they get after that waist lipo.

Dragonfly1976

That totally makes sense, it's crazy cause i'm not anywhere near being able to button my jeans but my lounge pants fall down!! lol Can't wait for stage 2!!

laughlines

Good luck Oddball and K9Kim!

Have fun in NOLA this week all you party animals. I'll be thinking of you!

Del11

kcshreve-- this site sells pre- and post-op vitamins including bromelain and arnica. I'm not suggesting you buy them, but they have instructions for how to use the arnica and bromelain.

Basically... bromelain before & after, arnica after. Bromelain works better on an empty stomach, between meals.

Dejaboo

Good Luck this Morning Oddball!  You are probably getting started right now.

Sandy- I Love the New Tank!  Oooh & the Fleur De Lis on the Shoulder!

Mauicarol

Praying for you Oddball!

 Ditto on Marcia's remark "WAHHHHHH"!  I wish I could be there to meet all of you!  Have a glass of wine for me!

Dragonfly1976

I did hear about the arnica to try, I think I take it a couple days before and 10 after is what I read?

Springtime

Thinking of you Oddball - hope to hear back soon. Pray all goes well! 

Added a new person to the top of the list!

12/14 - Lciscarroll - Stage 1 PBMX, Dr. S & Dr. Lagarde, 12/2 - 22. NOLA 

Springtime

Sandy LOVE THAT TOP!!!! What a great buy! even has a flour de lis!!!  (spelling??)

Soccermom4force

Thinking good thoughts for K9Kim and Oddball! Hoping to hear that you are soon on the other side and resting comfortably!

Marcia

BreastCancerDiva

I just wanted to stop by and wish all my NOLA sisters who are there this week the very best.   I know you'll have an awesome time at Zea's and am certain you'll all have the great results our dear docs are known for.    Keep us posted and for those of you on Facebook -- post pictures!!!!

I'm hopng for a spring trip to NOLA for my tweaks.    I think Easter in New Orleans would be great fun!

Love to all.

Robyn

Jaimieh

Marcia- I know you missed it but I am heading your way at the end of Nov and would love to meet up for lunch or coffee. I will be in Sarasota near University parkway.

Springtime

Robin! Thank you for stopping by! We will miss you.... Thinking good thoughts... hope you are doing well in your treatment.