Dr. Marga Massey at Roper Hospital in Charleston

LAstar

I'm considering having my next flap surgery with Dr. Marga Massey at Roper Hospital in Charleston, SC.  Can anyone tell me how it went to travel there?  How are the facilities at Roper Hospital?  Do you have any recommendations on places to stay?  Any tips, thoughts, or considerations are appreciated!  

jacee

I had all three of my DIEP surgeries at Roper, with Dr. Marga. I love her and the hospital. It is an older hospital , but she has a crew there that she has worked with and trained, and they are very devoted to her!!  My only complaint at Roper would be the food. But I still loved my stays there.

We stayed at the Homewood Suites in Mt Pleasant prior to and after my Stage 1. They gave us a hospital rate of $89, but that was back in 2010. For Stage 2 and 2B we stayed at the Holiday Inn and Suites on the Left after you cross the bridge to Mt Pleasant. It was great as well and only about 8 mins to Roper. 

For Stage 1, we actually flew in to Charlotte, NC and rented a car and drive to Charleston. At the time it was soooo much cheaper. The other two times we flew in to Charleston. It is a very easy airport and city to navigate. I hope you will have time to see the city. The history is amazing. It is a foodie's dream.

If there is anything specific I can help with, please let me know!! We love Charleston and have since been back on vacation there!!  Hugs, Joni

LAstar

Thank you -- this is so helpful!  

jacee

Did Dr. M do your  GAP surgery in 2012?  Just wondering if this was a Stage 2 now or a redo?

LAstar

She did not do my initial surgery.  It's a redo because of necrosis, or what Dr. Stolier called a failed flap that took its time.  

jacee

Oh, so sorry you have to do it over. Will she do a DIEP this time, or something else?  If you haven't met her yet, you are going to love her!!

LAstar

DIEP this time, just for Lefty so hopefully it will be much easier this time around.  I have heard such wonderful things about her and love how much time she gives her patients.  I am looking forward to seeing her results photos.

MartyJ

LA - I am here in Charleston - live on the Isle of Palms.  I have had Stage 2 a, b & c here and will go for D in August with Dr. M.  Will she do DIEP here?  I know that she does it occasionally, but thought she was reserving the flap procedures for NOLA.  

There is an Extended Stay in Mount Pleasant where you can get a free place to stay through ACS.  This is a great option as the Hope Lodge here gets pretty full.  Otherwise, as Jacee recommended, the Homewood Suites on the Isle of Palms Connector is very good and convenient - about 8 miles from the hospital.  I have also heard of folks getting good medical rates at the Hampton Inn on the IoP Connector.  Usually both are less expensive than the Homewood in NOLA. 

What time of year would you do the surgery.  Rates get better after school begins in late August.  This is a big tourist town and it can be a bit crazy.  It is a slice of heaven and a foodie mecca.  I can make lots of suggestions.  

LAstar

Thanks, Marty!  I am tentatively scheduled for Jan 20.  Dr. Marga is going to look at photos and my MRI to determine if she will do the Stage 1 DIEP in Charleston. Otherwise, I'll see her in NOLA in March.  I love NOLA but I've never visited Charleston and it would be fun to see something new.  I'll be looking forward to your food recommendations when my plans solidify!