Charleston Bound, part 2

kimber3006

Will be thinking of you, Susan!  Still hoping we can maybe meet up while your here.

I've been thinking, if I can't use this suture thread again, I wonder if my planned SGAP is stil a good idea?  I've never really even considered anything but a DIEP or SGAP.  At least I won't have the radiated skin issues on that side.

LizR

Kim - You have been through so much - I am very sorry you have to go on that wound vac again!  Dr. Massey will definitely steer you right regarding whether or not the SGAP is still a good idea.  There must be an alternative type of suture that can be used!  

Susan - You are certainly in all of our prayers!!!!  You are in the best of hands (but boy will it be hot in Charleston!!!!).   The three weeks will just fly by and before you know it, you will be checking out of the hospital (the hospital stay seemed to just fly by!).   I know it is hard to really relax when you are probably a bit anxious - but you are going to get great results that you will be super happy with!

I love all of the new photos!!!! Sandy, you do look beautiful - you have such a radiance, you just glow! 

kimber3006

Thanks, Liz.  Actually it's bothering me less this time than last time.  Not sure why, other than I know the routine and was prepared for it.

And, yes, Susan it is really hot here this time of year!  Though it's better to be 100 degrees here than somewhere up north where they are having the same weather and aren't equipped to deal with it!

Sandy's glow does really come thru in that pic! 

LizR

Wow!  Thread has been TOO quiet!  Susan, your surgery is just around the corner - how are you holding up?  What are your travel and lodging plans?  Hope you aren't too nervous - you are going to be in GREAT hands.

Kim, how are you doing? You are right about the weather - I was in Massachusetts last week - and it was even unbearable in the Berkshire Mountains (well into the 90s) - it was crazy hot!  My youngest daughter and I got to hang out at a waterpark - but my middle daughter had to play soccer in that heat (soccer camp at beautiful Williams College).    Are you still planning your second Stage 1 for the fall?

Brenda - I cannot believe it is almost time for your second Stage 1 - how are you doing???  Your surgery seemed so far away - and now it is less than a month away.  You'll be at NOLA, right?  Will this be your first trip there?  

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the summer!  Liz

Del11

Hi Liz-

Good to hear from you. I'm okay.  Lefty is still draining and still shrinking, there's not much left of it. The camoflauge is getting more challenging and I'm going through nursing pads like water. So there's the annoyance of that. Also haven't been exercising much because of it, it's messy and working my pecs seems to make it drain more. So feeling flabby and blah.

Got the calls from NOLA about money this week, stressed about what this is costing me (fees + travel + hotel + lost income, etc.). I never expected to have to pay for another stage 1 surgery, so it's like adding insult to injury.  Well, it isn't "like", it is--literally--adding insult to injury.

I'm a little worried about having another failure, not sure I could handle it.  But trying not to think about that.  As far as I know NOLA still has a 100% success rate on their stacked DIEPs. I've bucked the odds many times over the past few years (in a negative way) but hopefully I'll fall in the majority this time.

So... eh.  I'm not great. Trying to focus on getting ready for surgery. I'm sure once I'm there things will just roll and I'll be glad to be on the other side, again.

What about you, are you still planning another surgery?  Or are you going to stick at this point?

-Brenda

heatherbless

HI GIRLS, HOPE YOU ARE ALL DOING WELL!  I AM SO GLAD AND HAPPY ABOUT THE POSITIVE UPDATES!  I AM MISSING CHARLESTON BUT AM SO GLAD THAT I ALSO ENDED UP IN NOLA.  WHEN I LOOK AT PICTURES NOW THAT PEOPLE TAKE OF ME:  I SAY OMG!  IS THAT REALLY ME AND I LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND REALIZE THAT IT IS ME!  ANYWAY, I LOVE YOU GUYS AND WISH EVERYONE THE BEST!  LOVE, HEATHER

heatherbless

OH FORGOT TO COMMENT AND SAY:  THE PROFILE PICTURE OF ME IS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AFTER MY LAST SURGERY AT NOLA-- ALWAYS DREAMED OF BEING ABLE TO TAKE THIS KINDA PICTURE AND IT CAME TRUE!  GOD BLESS!

heatherbless

BRENDA:  I ALSO WANT TO WISH YOU THE BEST ON YOUR SURGERY IN NOLA:  I THINK IT WILL BE THE BEST THING YOU EVER DO!!  I KNOW FOR ME IT WAS.  I AM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR COMPLICATION SAND KNOW THAT MY HEART IS WITH YOU ALWAYS!  HEATHER

SAMayoFL

Hey ladies, it seems like ages ago that I was on here asking a ton of questions and trying to decide where and what to do.  Tomorrow is my last day of work and we are heading out on Saturday.  The Hope Lodge called yesterday afternoon and we were fortunate enough to stay there from August 1 - 12.  I am so incredibly grateful for that.  We we really stressing about the travel expenses on top of my already mounting medical bills.  Anyway, I have a full day of pre op on Tuesday and surgery is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  A week from right now I will finally be on the other side with two squishy boobs and cleavage.  I am going to bed tonight just dreaming of being symmetrical again.  To be honest, I am stressing more about leaving my home, my pets and my family for two weeks than I am about the surgery. 

I will keep you all posted!

Susan

heatherbless

Susan, you will do great and the Hope Lodge there is the bomb!  Prayers are with you--  all the best, love- heather

Del11

Thanks for the good wishes. I just want to clarify:  I'm only going to NOLA because that's where Dr. Massey wanted to do the surgery.  She was and is my primary surgeon, nothing's changed there.

heatherbless

ok gotcha!  Best to you!  I stayed at the Hope Lodge in Charleston twice and it was very nice.  I really mainly ended up at NOLA because of my original complications--  I wish you the very best!

LindaG47

Best of luck to all you girls, Brenda and Susan coming up.  I wish only the best and a very speedy recovery.

Heather, you look great.  So happy you had a good outcome and recovery.

Blessing to all. 

LizR

Susan (SAMayoFL) - How are you doing????  I see you are up for Wednesday - are you in Charleston now?  We are keeping you in our thoughts for a very very successful surgery! Liz

thesuiteshoppe

Hello to all,

Went awol trying to get ready for the trip, but I'm finally here in Charleston at the Hope Lodge scheduled for surgery with Dr. Kline on Tues., August 2nd.  For my birthday on the 5th I'm hoping for a nice hot shower and a refreshing, cooler room.  Charleston is a fabulous town. I wish I had more time to play the tourist.  Thoughts and prayers to Sherry and all who are struggling right now.

Miya

brendaclee3

Hi Miya, I wish you all the best with your surgery.  Susan Mayo will also be at Hope Lodge soon.  Her surgery is with Dr. Kline and Craigie on August 3rd.  I am about 2months post op for Stage I and am very happy.  I'll be even happier after Stage II when I can add symmetry.  Don't forget to check in with us to let us know how you are.~Brenda

thesuiteshoppe

Brenda,

Thanks for the note.  I sent Susan a PM and hope to hear back to her.  Got some awful news today.  After the doctor had me marked up for surgery and ready to go, he noticed a small lump on my chest where my left breast used to be.  He immediately biopsied it and the cancer has returned.  Surgery has been cancelled and now I get to do chemo and radiation and all of the stuff I thought I'd dodged.  Unbelievable.  I'm more than discouraged, as this is the umpteenth time that this surgery has been delayed due to strange situations like this.  Here we go again...  Susan, if I don't get to meet you, good luck with your surgery on Wed.!  Dr. Kline is wonderful, you're in great hands.  Best of luck.

LindaG47

Miya,  I can't believe this......you must be so disappointed.  I am so sorry that you have to go though treatment again and putting this off one more time.  Maybe you can still take a few days in Charleston to re-group and try to enjoy yourself before going home for treatment. Sending  hugs and prayers your way.

 Susan-  Best of luck to you and wishing you a great outcome and easy recovery.  We'll all be thinking  of you.

Linda 

bennetts1

Miya...this is unbelievable!  Bless your heart my dear!  You have been through so much!  I will keep you in my prayers!

Susan...your day is almost here!  Sending you positive vibes!  We will be waiting to hear from you when you are on the other side!

 Brenda...I know you are ready for your surgery!  I hope everything goes great!  You are in the BEST hands!  Dr. Massey will take good care of you!  I am glad you are going to get your drainage and shrinkage resolved.  Is NOLA working with your insurance as well as Charleston?  I knew I had to go to Charleston, because NOLA was so much more expensive.  Dr. Massey really enjoys working with the NOLA doctors.  They are extremely skilled!

 Thanks for all the positive comments about my photo.  That was taken the day after my last surgery in Charleston...I was an extremely happy women...thanks to Dr. M!!!!

AnneW

Oh, Miya, no!! I'm so sad to hear this. You've been living a nightmare this past year!

Brenda, I can understand your concern. It's hard enough to have one failure, but to wrap your head around the fact that it could happen again?? Shivers. You've got a great team working on you. Deep breath and take the plunge. we're here for you.

thesuiteshoppe

Thanks for the encouragement ladies... I'm hanging in!  Good luck to you Susan.

Adey

I am new to this thread, I think!  Hah, can't remember if I've posted before but don't think so.  Brain overload.  I have just finished reading all of Charleston one and two, whew.  (c:  I am trying to decide on Charleston or NOLA (recommended by Dr M.)  I am worried, of course, about the expense but want to find a way to make it work.  Thank you all for the great information and experiences you have shared.  Sandy, thanks for the response!  I think I'm calling Ashley today for a surgery date...  yikes.  Talked for a couple hours with Dr M on Sunday night.  Nervous.

(((((thesuiteshoppe)))))

Del11

Adey--I'm in Chicago too. I live on the north side.  Let me know if you ever want to chat in person.

Adey

Love to!  I'll PM my number.  Thanks.

brendaclee3

Oh, Miya, crapola!!  I'm so sorry to hear about this new development.  I can't imagine how frustrating it has been, and frightening, too.  You sound like such a strong lady; I know they will get that nasty old cancer out and then down the road when you are strong again, you will have that DIEP and will be overjoyed.  I will send positive and prayers to you.  Please keep us all posted.  We do care and are here for you. ~Brenda

kimber3006

Hello ladies!  Sorry I've been awol for a while.  I've been crazy slammed at work and still dealing with the wound care stuff and then I slipped a long weekend in to drive up north to visit my family.  We haven't seen them since Thanksgiving and his grandma's farm is my son's favorite place to visit.

Miya - I don't have the words for how sorry I am that you have to do the chemo/radiation thing rather than your reconstruction.  Of all the lousy things to happen.  Hang in there!

Susan - In all my craziness, your surgery just sneaked right past me.  I hope you're doing well.  Too bad you weren't having it done at Roper.  We could visit since I'm posting from my hospital bed.

Yep, I'm back in the hospital AGAIN!  I came home from my trip and emailed Dr. M about a lot of swelling and redness at my donor site again.  So I was back in the OR again yesterday getting it all opened up and cleaned out. She wanted to get every last bit of that braided suture thread out of there (in case that's what I'm reacting to) and once again get lots of samples and call in an infectious disease doc to check too.  I'm officially a unicorn.  No one can figure out why a beautifully (formerly!) healed incision is doing this months out from surgery and especially when all of my cultures have previously never grown anything!  This is the first time, though, that I had no
antibiotics of any kind in my system prior to the procedure, so we'll see.  Maybe third times the charm!  I now have 2 wound vacs and some pretty hardcore antibiotics coming in the IV and am hoping the ID doc will just prescribe an oral so I can get out of here today. Dr. M opened up a much longer incision in my abdomen this time and sewed part of it back shut with a different suture thread, one we're pretty sure I won't react to.  We have to figure out what's going on before we can even think of going ahead with the SGAP on the other side in October.  Wish me luck!

Liz - Sorry you're trip to the mountains wasn't cooler.  My son starts back to soccer in a few weeks,and I am so hoping it cools down before then! It's so hard to keep him hydrated with the way he sweats in the heat!

Brenda - Good luck!  I think psyching ourselves for this stuff is half the battle.  I totally feel your pain on an unexpected second stage 1.  I'm having a hard time getting my mind (and my wallet) there, too, especially now.

LizR

Kim:  Oh my gosh - I am so sorry to hear what you are going through - I really thought you were well on your way to healing.  It is so fortunate that you are in Charleston - thank goodness Dr. Massey is there to take care of you.   I have my fingers crossed that this last surgery will heal up perfectly!  Please keep us posted - hopefully there is no serious infection and the docs are able to quickly get you healed.  You have been through so much - but you are really in the best of hands and you will get through all of this - even though it may seem so overwelming at times.  I really am sorry and have you in my thoughts!  Liz

bennetts1

Kim,  So Sorry!!!  You looked so great when I saw you!  I AM hoping this time they figure everything out!  It is like Liz said, you are in the best of hands and you are so lucky to be in Charleston.  I just feel for you with two wound vacs!!!!  Have you got your stage 2 scheduled yet?  I will be in for a one day visit on Oct.17...office touch-ups on my tatts.  We will fly out the next morning, but I thought we might could meet up again. 

Susan...anxious to hear from you!!!!

Oh...by the way...my new news...I am going to be a grandmother!  My oldest son and his wife are expecting their first baby next March!  We are really excited!!!!

kimber3006

Liz & Sandy - Thanks for the well wishes.  I am still in the hospital.  They want to keep me in the hospital so I can stay on the IV antibiotics until Monday morning so they can arrange for me to get them at home.  I've got a PIC line in my arm to get them.  The weird thing is they can't find an infection to fight.  It looks infected and swells and gets all angry red and tender, but it doesn't make me feel bad at all - no fever, cultures don't grow anything, etc.....very weird.  It's been incredibly stressful and frustrating to be stuck in a hospital bed when I feel fine and everyone keeps saying they can't find anything wrong!  Plus it started out to be outpatient, then I might have to stay one night, then they wanted me to stay 2 nights but I was going home for sure this morning.  Then this morning they changed the game on me again and I'm stuck here another night. My blood pressure was through the roof this afternoon - lol!  I know they are just trying to get to the bottom of things, and I know we need to.  I just wasn't prepared to be here and away from home so long.  That's hard on a slightly-OCD-planner type like myself - ha!  My sweet boy talked to me on the phone for a long time tonight, though, and that made me feel so much better.

Speaking of, CONGRATULATIONS Sandy!!!! I am so excited for you!

I actually have my second stage one scheduled for 10/14/11 but I'm feeling very strongly right now that I won't go through with it.  I'm terrified I'm going to get cancer on the remaining side before I can get the mastectomy/recon done, but I am just so so sooooooo sick of hospitals and doctors and medicine.  Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for them, I truly am, but I want to just enjoy my life for a little while rather than jumping right into recovery again.  So I may well be totally up for a visit on 10/17!

kimber3006

Susan - How are you?  Can't wait to hear how everything went!