Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited April 2011

    I think what Journey said is true, esp with lipo... you need compression so the fat cells will heal smooth instead of lumpy.  I don't know what the general rec is for compression after lipo though. I've heard so many different numbers from even just this small group of docs I think "as long as you can stand it" is a good rule :)

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  • Kimberchick
    Kimberchick Member Posts: 26
    edited April 2011

    I am researching reconstruction options.  I do not feel implants are for me.  Recently diagnosed, no surgery scheduled yet.  Need to make decision very soon, tho.  Anyone want to shed some light on this for me?

     I could do a lumpectomy/rads or MAX.  Thinking if I do a MAX I might as well be matching and do both?  Not enough tissue in stomach for flap.  Thinking of GAP procedure?  They don't do that procedure much here in Minneapolis, but my surgeon here wasn't thrilled about me going long distance for recon and then coming home and having problems.

     Can anyone tell me about the GAP procedure and how it may affect your overall body strength and functionality long-term?  (I know with tramflap type procedures they cut muscle and I don't want to weaken my already weak back by cutting abdominal muscle.  

    Second question....is it ok to have the MAX done locally and then travel to Charleston at later date?  What are the negatives to this?

     Thanks ladies! 

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    Hello Kimberchick, so sorry you are now facing these difficult choices. I believe that you can have immediate mastectomy or bilateral and flap recon. Hopefully others will be on later who can tell you more. You may also want to hop on the NOLA thread as it is vey active.

    What I can tell you is that it can happen but very rare to have a complication once you are back home, the couple of times I am aware of this happening the patient was flown back in for surgery. Since you are required to stay locally for several days the chance of complication has passed by the time you are released for travel. I did read that you have other health concerns and I am sure that would be discussed during your consult. The free flap procedures do not involve muscle so your strength is not comprimsed. That said, this is not an easy surgery. And recovery does take awhile. Once healed we are told to go back to our normal workouts, and activities. I would personally chose it again over all other options I had. Hope this helps a little!

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    Anne, I will probably wear compression for my workouts long after I ditch it for everyday. It does feel better to have it on. I'm with you on the night sweats! Still not in meno but closer and closer. I now wear the zip version after work and to bed but when I am dressing for the day I wear one of the non zip merna versions I bought. Just ordered and recd spanx higher power but it is way too hard to pull over my tender hips right now. Maybe in a couple of weeks I can try it again. My clothing budget is now spent on compression!

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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited April 2011

    Okay, super long post just diappeared.  When will I learn to use notepad or word with this site?

    Let's see, I think I was just complaining about how much I hate these spanx, especially with the weather getting warmer and the hot flashes at night.  I'm severely sleep-deprived between these being uncomfortable and having to stay on my back and spending so much time each night trying to get cooled back off.  I've been really pushing to get caught up at work, plus my son is on spring break, and my DH had to travel out of town for part of the week.  Yeah, I'm probably just tired and whiny....

    You know we never have been able to get the dom over my hips and butt?  Maybe she picked that size before we changed from SGAP to DIEP....  ;)

    Susan - Yay for going forward!  I hope your husband takes it well.  Dr. Baron's office is actually near where I work.  We should do lunch!  You're coming in November, right?

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    Kimber, whine away! I can totally understand. You are still healing and the weight of the family and work just wears you out even more. Rest as much as you can when you are able. I'm a couple of weeks ahead of you and it was not until a few days ago that I really started to feel more like myself. Also got serious about my iron and vitamins. Do you need to wear the side zip up to the thigh compression garment? Don't know what size you need but I have some in 2x from stage one that I can't wear. Let me know if you could use that size, and if you don't mind gently used I gladly send them to you.

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited April 2011

    Kimber, Ditto what Journey said.  Healing is hard and you need as much rest as possible.  Also good nutrition with plenty of protein is necessary.  I also have have a Zippered compression in a Large that hasn't been opened if you'd like it and would be more that size.  When I had Stage I (2009) I wassn't put in compression, but stage II I was.  I know the NOLA ladies were put in compression at Stage I, but we Charleston ladies weren't back then.  Brenda (jescachi) you and I had Stage I at the same time, were you put in compression?  Anyway, I have one if you would like it.  I kind of like the binder they put me in the hospital at Stage II.  It isn't nearly as hot to wear in my opinion.  I think they are something you can even purchase at Walgreens or any pharmacy.  I have also seen them on line.

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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited April 2011

    Kimberchick, my understanding is that you can have DIEP reconstruction either immeidately or delayed as I am having one of each.  I did not have any reconstruction have my right mx.  Now I am facing a second mx and hope to have both sides reconstructed directly after that second mx.  Please let us know what you decide to do.

    Well ladies, we had our talk over dinner and drink last night.  It didn't go as bad as I thought it would.  He and I are going to talk to a plastic surgeon about implants this week.  I promised to keep my mind open during the consultation.  Then we are going to get my pictures to Dr. Kline and he agreed to do a telephone conference with me and my husband.  I also know two ladies here locally that have gone through DIEP over the past few years and he agreed to talk to both women too.  So, we are at least on the right track to agreeing to a plan.  I understand that, in the end, it is my decision but it sure would be nice for my husband to agree and support the final decision!

    Susan

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2011

    Susan, my husband was a little dubious at first about me having bilateral SGAP surgery. It took me a while to get from him that he didn't want to see me in as much agony as he saw when I had the mastectomies and implants. I had not realized how hard that was on him.

    He still had some trepidation as I was rolled into surgery for the flaps. But he was totally supporting my choice. When he met Marga, he was won over (he really did not like my previous PS, but again, never expressed that to me.) And when I was so mobile after the surgery, he was as thrilled as I was.

    I'm sure if your husband wants to talk to a man, for a spouse's point of view, he could talk with mine.

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    Gosh I could have written Anne's post! Same experience down the line with us as well. My hubby would also be willing to share his experience over the last 2 1/2 years of my reconstruction journey with your husband if he would like to hear it. PM me if you would like his contact info.

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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited April 2011

    Hey ladies, thank you for sharing that with me.  I may very well take you up on that.  I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter!

    Susan

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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited April 2011

    Hey Marxi, I haven't seen anything from you in a while.  How are you doing?

    Susan

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  • brendaclee3
    brendaclee3 Member Posts: 119
    edited April 2011
    Hi Susan,  I just found this email from you.  Thanks for writing.  I misspelled my Doctor's name..it's Klein.  I went up to Charleston and East Cooper in Mt. Pleasant for my initial meeting and just loved the doctors and the office staff at both offices.  I have a fear of bridges, so almost had a nervous breakdown after having to go over that Ravenel bridge.  Anyway, the ladies went above and beyond to accommodate my fears and Dr. Baron even gave me a hug.  I live in Thomasville, Georgia about 30 miles from Tallahassee, Fl.  I'll be leaving Thomasville on May 23rd to head for Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and my surgery is on May 25th.  I wish you were having your surgery around the same time.  We could creep around the halls together. My personal email address is brendaclee3@gmail.com if you want to keep in touch. That goes for anyone else reading this post.  Drs. Kline, Craigie, and Baron are doing my surgeries.~Brenda
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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited April 2011

    Hey Brenda, you and I have traveled a very similar path.  I saw a post of yours when you were looking into Drs. Klein and Lee in Orlando.  Right now I am scheduled for surgery on November 9 but I am trying to get up the nerve to move it to August.  If I do it in August I can have stage 2 done in November or December, which is still this deductible year.  I know exactly where Thomasville is.  My boss's wife is from Thomasville.  I am in Panama City.  My personal email is susancmayo@gmail.com.  Let's do stay in touch!

    Susan

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  • brendaclee3
    brendaclee3 Member Posts: 119
    edited April 2011

    I'm a Bozo...my doctor's name is Kline, not Klein.  I'll definitely stay in touch by personal email when I get home later.  Take care, Brenda

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2011

    I know Heather is going to NOLA this time, but just wanted her to know we're still thinking about her in Charleston!!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited April 2011

    Heather,  All the best to you this Friday (the day of the Royal Wedding).  Hope you check in with us when you feel up to it.

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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited April 2011

    OMG ladies, are you all sitting down?  I have a surgery date.  After all my ups and downs and back and forths I finally have a surgery date.  August 3 at 7:30 a.m.  I am terrified!

    Dr. Kline is lead with Dr. Craigie as assistant at East Cooper Medical Center.

    I wonder if they will call me in a prescription for 3 months worth of valium!

    Uh oh, now how to break the news to my DH.  LOL!!!

    Susan

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  • LizR
    LizR Member Posts: 330
    edited April 2011

    Susan:  That is AWESOME news!  Dr. Kline assisted Dr. Massey on my Stage 1 - I had heard great things about him and did get the chance to meet him during his rounds.  You will be in great hands!   I don't know if AnneW remembers, but though I have a very supportive husband, he had some difficulty being supportive of my SGAP.  I went uni for 5 years and he not only thought I had been through enough, he was fine with the way I was.  Boy, did he change his mind after the surgery!  He was in recovery when I woke up and was so incredibly supportive - he couldn't believe the transformation - and what an artist these surgeons are. 

    Hope all are well! Liz

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2011

    Liz, I remember!! It seems a lifetime ago, doesn't it?

    Our guys are just being protective. They can't control much about cancer and surgeries; they just want us to be okay--whatever that constitutes in their minds.

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited April 2011

    Heather---Wishing you a successful surgery!! We all know you are in great hands! Healing hugs sent your way...Joni

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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited April 2011

    Thanks for the offers of garments - so sweet!  I need to try the one I have again (now that I'm a little less swollen) and see where I am first, though.  I'm trying to take it easy.  I've definitely overdone it.  I went into the office Monday and Wednesday and worked from home Tuesday about 10 hours straight.  Not a good idea.  My last hip drain went from daily totals of around 40-42, up into the 50's this week, to almost 70 yesterday - argh!  Plus I hurt so badly by the time I got home yesterday, I had to dig out the ibuprofin and muscle relaxers again.  Lesson learned - trying to rest as much as I can stand it today.

    Susan - Congrats on getting a date!  How exciting!  Hope your DH takes it well.

    We set a possible date in July for my second stage 1 yesterday, but I've been so upset ever since, that I think I'm going to cancel it.  I need a longer break.  I want to have some fun this year, not spend the whole year getting ready for/in the middle of/recuperating from more surgery.  Lord knows I now have tons of experience smoothing out and evening up body parts until I can get myself psyched up to do this again.

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited April 2011

    Kimber, you certainly don't need to rush into anything.  I waited 10 months for my Stage 1 B and I don't regret it at all.  You work and have a small child, so concentrate on you, your healing and your family.  There isn't anything easy about this surgery  The upside is that it is so very satisfying when it is over.  Your body will tell you when you are ready to continue. 

    Susan, WooHoo!!  Congratulations!!

    Tina, how are you doing?? 

    Linda 

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    I have a question. How many of you still do a " breast" exam? I had a gyno appt this morning for a pap. Since I have moved I tried a new doctor. He sent me home with one of those self exam cards and had his front office person tell me how to keep up with the card and when to do it. Really? I know to look for lumps in my incision and arm pit but a full self breast exam?

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  • Del11
    Del11 Member Posts: 944
    edited April 2011

    re: breast exam... bc can still occur near the skin and chest wall, so those are the areas you have to check.  I don't know how relevant a standard self-exam is after recon. You basically just have to feel for lumps near the skin and as close to the chest wall as you can get.

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited April 2011

    Hi Journey,  I agree with Brenda (jeskachi), but i'm really not sure how you would exam close to the chest wall with all the DIEP OR SGap tissue there.  My Onc ordered an MRI ( or was it was a CT scan?) last year in place of my yearly mamo.

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  • Journey
    Journey Member Posts: 905
    edited April 2011

    I had a pet scan last year and my oncologist palpitates the "breast' at each exam.  Now that I only see him every 4 months or so I guess I need to get more proactive on my self exams.  I think all I can really tell would be changes in my scar area.  And of course underarms and collarbone area.  Now that I am really on my own for the most part (fewer doctor /  surgeon visits) I need to stop being so PollyAnna about things and get proactive.  I just hate that after all we have been thru we still have to watch for the beast. 

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited May 2011

    Journey,  something I do keep a check on the area in my armpit area.  When I found out I had cancer, My lymp nodes that were positive were enlarged and now I know what to feel for!  Even though I have had radiation to that area, the fear of the beast is ALWAYS there!!!  I guess we will have to worry about it until the day we die...LIFE IS SOMETIMES SO UNFAIR!!!!

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  • SAMayoFL
    SAMayoFL Member Posts: 958
    edited May 2011

    Liz, thanks so much for sharing the story about your DH.  I have a quick update to share.  My DH and I made a deal that we would both go talk to a PS who does implants and then we would have a telephone consult with Dr. Kline in Charleston.  So, on Thursday we had the consult with the PS, who my DH picked, and on Friday afternoon we had the consult with Dr. Kline.  Dr. Kline talked for over 45 minutes.  He actually gave us the pros and cons of having both surgeries.  He answered all of my husband's questions and at the end of the consult Greg thanked him for his time and told me to schedule the surgery.  Boy was that a relief since I scheduled it last week!!!  Greg is now totally onboard and even told a couple of our friends about it over the weekend.  I am so excited!!! 

    Thank you all for listening to me and answering so many questions.

    BTW, has anyone heard an update on MsSherry.  I think of her daily and hope she is well.

    Susan

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited May 2011

    Susan,  Hooray!  That's the way to let a DH think he made the decision.  I think scheduling both consults was a fabulous idea.  it gave the two of you knowledge on both options.   Besides, Dr. Kline has probably has done all kinds of breast surgeries and your PS only has had experience with expanders/implants and Trams and Lat flaps  

     Sherry is on FB.  I'll check in with her and have her update us.

    Ciao for now, Linda 

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