Charleston Bound, part 2

cascader

Hi Panda, Not much around Shem Creek Inn in regards to shopping, but lots of waterfront restaurants/bars and a nice fishing pier to watch sunsets, walk etc. Fun area to watch the shrimp boats come in, recreational boats, paddleboarders, and dolphins. Not far is a nice big outdoor mall called Town Center, also a movie theater complex not too far, but neither are walking distance. Take a look at Google maps and it  might help give you a better idea.

GointoCarolina

Thanks cascader...we had planned to stay at Sandpiper,then my friend who is coming with me thought we should be close to food..!!!So she found Shem Creek Inn.I am thinking we may have to rent a car for a few days,I really want to go to the beach for a walk.Is the beach easy to get to?

cascader

Panda, sending you a PM.

cascader

Hi ladies, just checking in. I am 7 weeks post uni sgap. I am pretty much back to normal, still feel a bit tired, or maybe I am just using this as an excuse for my afternoon naps My MO started me back on Tamoxifen after a 3month break, she also informed me that my hormone levels show that I am now going thru "real" menopause, I guess the first time around was just practice, chemopause. Are'nt I  the lucky one!

Butt and boob seem to be healing nicely. Will definitely be needing a lift on the contra-lateral side at Stage 2 to match my perky new one. I do have a concern and wonder if anyone here can help. I definitely do not have the"soft and squishy" breast feeling like I have read some of you feel soon after surgery. Mine is still quite firm and does not move, feels pretty tight against my chest still.  I don't feel swollen anymore but ?? I know it may still be to early to judge, but wondering....is this normal???

bdavis

Cascader... refrsh my memory... did you have skin replaced or not? If not, then it will take MUCH longer to be soft and squishy. I only realized this after I had a do over on one side that involved adding some ab skin. That area was much softer and squishy than the side that had skin sparing.

bdavis

Cascader... refrsh my memory... did you have skin replaced or not? If not, then it will take MUCH longer to be soft and squishy. I only realized this after I had a do over on one side that involved adding some ab skin. That area was much softer and squishy than the side that had skin sparing.

cascader

Yes, I had skin replaced and have the "football" type flap.  I was radiated so I know that this could be part of my problem. It has softened a little bit but not alot. Is it just too early? Is this the "iron bra" feeling I have read about?

bdavis

The iron bra feeling feels like you have a tight bra on... and you could feel tight and swollen for 6 months, so it is a little early to worry.

PinkHeart

Cascader-did dr Kline give advice to massage?

cascader

No, actually I have been advised NOT to massage. I just need to be patient I guess, it takes time. Easier said then done. Just wanted to see if anyone else experienced this. Want to make sure I am "normal" . Ha!

bdavis

Cascader.. just so you know, the buttock fat takes longer than the ab fat to soften... so be patient.

Catie2013

Cascaded, have you called Dr Kline or Chris to ask if that was normal? They seem to be very ready and eager to answer questions. You could also email if you prefer.



My flap is the oft and squishy, but I don't think I even touched it for 2 months at least, I was too afraid to do so because it was previosly radiated in 1995 and had a scab type thing on it- so I just didn't squish it at all to find out. I do have some hard areas under the area of the scab ( which is noe not a scab and healing more each day). My surgery was 4/24. Hope that helped?

cascader

Thanks gma10, I think Betsy is probably right, it is just too early. I will be checking in w/Dr Klines office at the end of the week,my 2mths is Thursday.I want to schedule my Stage 2 for December, so will talk to them about it then. I do think the radiation has something to do with it. I have a consult next week to see if Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might help prepare me better for Stage 2. Have you scheduled your next stage yet?  

PinkHeart

Cascader~ I'd be interested to hear more about the hyperbaric ox therapy consult you have coming up.  There really isn't much left of my radiated breast and I'm a little confused because I thought flap surgery would replace majority of damaged radiated skin.  I feel like I will need a softball sized flap . . .  but I'm not the doc, so will find out eventually.  I just know that my PT-CLT would not touch/do scar release therapy on it because she said my skin was paper thin.

cascader

Pinkheart, my appt is on aug 7 so will let you know what I learn. The area that we are hoping to target with HBOT is actually under the breast, an area the flap does not replace. It has been red and bruised looking for a long time. I hope to find out if they think it will be helpful or not .

Bogie

I just flew back from Charleston this morning, man was it HOT there. I am in love with Mt. Pleasant shopping outdoor mall! Hit Kiawah Island beaches and Isle of palms both so nice, the Atlantic was like bath water.

PinkHeart

This morning I had my MRI scan, pre-surgery appointment with Dr. Kline, got my markings on my butt and boobs, and then headed to Sullivans Island (see avatar) with an old friend for another good time at the beach before SGAP surgery tomorrow- August 1st! Over the past week my friend has taken me on a marathon tour of Charleston, several islands, her favorite wine bar, so I've been doing my best to live it up before I get beat up by surgery again. 

My DH will drive down and arrive on Friday. He will stay with me the last two nights in the hospital suite and then we will move to a hotel at Patriots Point until my post-op appointment on August 9. We plan to leave on the 10^th for a long 11 hour drive home, with many stops to walk. Just like last summer, my DH will amaze me again by taking great care of me, getting my meals, helping me shower and wash my hair, stripping and doing the dreaded drains (at least only 4 this time instead of 6), and something NEW -- giving me daily shots of blood thinner to prevent clots. He hasn't seen the syringes yet - I picked them up at CVS, took one look at them and about fainted!  Oh well, we all somehow get through all this right?

Many heartfelt thanks to Cascader, GMA10, Jacee, Shirley, Nordy, Betsy, Kate33, and EVERYONE for sharing your stories and experiences and giving me the direction and courage to go through another try for a better outcome. I wish you all the absolute best with where you are in your reconstruction recoveries and for those of you scheduled for surgery. I'll post again later this week when I can do more than push the PDA button!

cascader

Pinkheart, omg I had no idea you were up tomorrow. I wish you well, good healing, and lots of positive thoughts coming your way tomorrow. Please keep us posted. Hugs

jacee

Pink heart...I ,too had not heard you had found a surgeon, finally!! I am thrilled things worked out. I have heard great things about Dr. kline. And I almost think Charleston just causes healing!! Hope you have enjoyed it so far. You and DH will do fine with the blood thinner. I had the shots for 10 days, and thought the same thing when I saw the needles!! I will call you once you are home and get the scoop! Until then, wishing you a smooth ride, healing days, and FINALLY the results you've longed for! Now...rest and let the docs do the rest. Hugs, Joni

Bogie

I love this site, you gals are so knowledgable and informative and I thank you for posting your own personal experiences. I'm in Chicago and just learned Dr. Massey has an office here now on lake shore drive. I have a strict HMO so will have to begin researching coverage options to get in for a consult. After several failed tissue expanders and truncal/breast Lynphadema from a December bilateral masectomy I have to decide if I have the courage to go for the a Diep procedure. If there is a 3% chance of a complication I seem to fall within that range according to my current physicians, it's the standing joke with me.



Has anyone developed post complications or hernia from the Diep procedure? Univ of Chicago wants me to lose 20 to 30 lbs to bring my risk down further before doing the Diep which is tough being on the anti hormonal drugs. I just flew back from Charleston moving my daughter there. Where do y'all (practicing my southern talk) stay for recovery and where is the surgery done?

Downey30

PinkHeart,  Thinking of you and knowing that you will do great in surgery.  The ladies are so right....Charleston is a great place to heal.  Hugs

Adey

PinkHeart!  You sneaked that surgery in, I didn't know you had decided either.  (c:

Warm healing vibes to you today.  The syringes look big but the needles are itty bitty.

cascader-  I too am interested in the HBOT.

GointoCarolina

cascader,sounds like you are doing great,be sure to keep us updated on your progress.Pinkheart,by the time you read this,your surgery will be over!!Great good wishes for your surgery,we will all be thinking of you.

PinkHeart

Hi all,

I'm In total shock how good I feel and the Doppler is a happy camper too!

Ive been eating tons of protein, multivitamin, walking, squats, tummy cruchies the past month to prepare for surgery. Last summers surgery was such a pain nightmare.

A nice charleston story... I went to charleston market last week and bought a beautiful batik sundress that buttons up front. The booth owner gave me a pretty matching bracelet and a hug and said her mom had breast cancer. Such a kind gesture I had to wipe a few tears.

Dr Kline on way to check on me. My surgery was only supposed to be 8 hours but ended up over 10 cuz he had to repair so much damage, remove old allerderm, etc. he worked with dr craigie. I'm at east cooper hospital.

MsSherryInFL

Guess who's having a stage 2 FINALLY? Me Aug 8 in Charleston w/ DrMassey!! Pumped and not sure exactly what's going to get done.

Adey

Yay for Pink and MsSherry!!!

Del11

congrats Sherry!  That's coming up soon.

jacee

Sherry...Awesome to see you again!! Are you finished with school? Good luck on your Stage 2, and fill us in on all that is new! I know Dr. Massey will do a great job!

cascader

Pinkheart, you sound great! So glad that things are going well. Those squats and crunches really help don't they?! Sleep and heal.

MsSherryInFL

Yeah I am freaking out a lot more then I thought I would.  I am out of school and working full time.  Will post more when I get home.  Missed everyone and think about yall all the time.  I needed the breather though from treatment and surgery for awhile.

Hugs and kisses!