Charleston Bound, part 2

Sherry:  We all know how agonizing the wait for test results can be - and we are all pulling for you for the best possible outcome.  We hope that you finally get the answers you are looking for and can move forward.  Sending many many positive thoughts your way!  Liz

Sherry, your in my thoughts and prayers.  Hang in there and think positive.  

Sherry, I've thought about you, too. Hoping for the best results so your mind can be at ease. It is so difficult waiting for these things!!

Wanted to check in and let you gals know I am feeling pretty, uh, GREAT!!! Still working on getting that lymphedema back in check. It's a bitch. However, the positive is that without the implants in the way, it's easier to wear a compression tank. I've started some light stretching, which feels very good. I need to get out and do more walking and work on my lower body. Have about two more weeks with the 5lb weight restriction, and then I will be more confident with exercising. 

I feel so much more like myself without the implants. They were heavy and weighed me down - literally. Even without complications, they really were so wrong on me, the size, shape, everything. I just have to admit that my husband told me the other night he thinks I look much better without the implants! He said I look more like the old me. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband!! 

You gals with the natural tissue recon have made what I think is the best choice!! You go girls! Thank you, Sherry, for starting this thread and for everyone here who has contributed and helped make me aware of Dr. Massey, her excellent skills as a surgeon, her proactive stance on lymphedema care, and her warm and caring personality. I forget who posted on the Lymphedema forum about Dr. Massey, but, thank you, thank you!!!

I will be stopping back, but for a little bit I'm going to try actually LIVING without thinking too much about BC and my recon gone bad. I feel like I've been released from prison, that my mind has space to think about different things now that it's not focused on pain. I'm going to let go of the physical and mental heaviness and enjoy the world around me for a change. 

Tina, I can't remember how much I have posted on which forums but my husband and I made a deal:  We would both go see a PS who does implants locally and then we would talk to a PS who does DIEP reconstruction.  Anyway, we went to see the implant PS last week and when I picked up the TE and the implant my first thought was, "Holy cow, these suckers are HEAVY!!!!"  I seriously can't imagine toting those around.

I am glad you are doing well and feeling more like your usual self.  I hope your LE continues to improve.

Susan

Susan and Tina:  So happy for the both of you!  Susan, it sounds like you have made your decision and your husband is totally on board!!!  That is so great!  I agonized for 5 years about whether or not to do reconstruction (really didn't think implants after radiation were a good idea) but once I spoke to Dr. Massey, I was also sold!  Dr. Kline worked on 1/2 of me during my Stage 1 (have no idea which side, they are remarkably the same!) - so I know you are going to be in amazing hands.

Tina:  Your happiness comes through in your post!  We are all so thrilled for you - especially that you are now pain free.  Liz

WOOHOO for Susan!  So happy for you!!!!  I knew your husband would finally come around.  It feels great when your husband is behind you 100%!

Tina...great to hear you are doing so wonderful.  This is the best group of women to give support EVER!!!  You do sound so HAPPY!  Continue to heal!!!!

One year ago today, I had my unilateral DIEP reconstruction in Charleston by Dr. Massey!  I cannot believe it has been one year.  Time has gone by so fast.  In six weeks, I will be completely finished with everything! 

Just checking in.  Tina, your post made me smile and smile!  I'm so happy for you!

I'm still plugging along here.  I've finally stopped obsessing over the drain totals and resolved that I may just have this tube sticking out of me forever.    I saw Dr. M this week.  It was the first time I've ever seen her in street clothes - she looked very happy and well.  I think she's really enjoying her new home.  Anyway, she said everything looks great, and that apparently I'm just one of those really "juicy" people - ha!  I'm feeling better - still some pelvic and hip pain that's bad enough to keep me awake at night, but hopefully that will clear up soon, too.  It's getting better, just a whole more slowly than I ever dreamed it would be!

Okay, I've read and read and searched and searched and can't find any mention of this weird pain I'm still having on any of the threads.  Did any of you that had DIEP, or do any of you remember anyone else on another thread, having horrible pain in the lower area right where your thigh meets the lower front pubic area?  It was bad enough yesterday that I cried out aloud and was digging out those muscle relaxers from the hospital.  Then mostly just uncomfortable today until I reached for the soap dispenser which gave a little stretch in that area, and bam, stopped me in my tracks again.  I'm almost 5 weeks out now and my left side feels nearly good as new, but this place on the right has me hobbling around like it's still week 2!  It's not new, it's just that all of the other pains have either lessened greatly or disappeared altogether and this one is still raw and tender to the touch.  Yet, as far as I can tell, that area shouldn't have even been affected with a stage 1 DIEP?  I don't know if I should be concerned or just try to be patient a little longer.  I'll definitely mention it to Ashley Monday.  Mercy, but I am tired of feeling so "delicate"!

Nowords, woohoo your date is coming up fast.  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and will be anxiously awaiting a report on how you are doing. 

Kimber, obviously I don't have any advice for you since I haven't been through it yet but I wanted you to know I am thinking about you and hope your pain goes away soon!

I have read back through most of this thread but I can't find what I am looking for.  Someone stayed in Charleston for around $80 per day and the place served dinner Monday - Thursday or something along those lines.  Does anyone know where this place was or who posted it?  Thanks!

Susan

Thanks, Anne!  I'll call my GP Monday morning.  My hip is one of the other last other places I've been having pain, but I can tell it's definitely coming from the extra stretching I've been doing trying to get back full range of motion in my right arm.  The muscle relaxer really helped yesterday, too, so this psoas muscle (yeah, I had to google it - don't remember that one from biology class!) sounds like a likely culprit.

Susan...the $89 rate was a medical rate, so be sure and ask for it. We stayed 10 days.

Susan,  I also stayed at the Hilton that Joni spoke about.  It is a great place and not only serves dinner Mon-Thurs. but includes cocktails and hot complimentary breakfast every morning (well, not the cocktails for breakfast)!!  The suites also have a kitchenette, with frig, dishwasher and small cook top.  It is quite a value at the medical rate.  It is also within walking distance to a Piggly Wiggly, restaurants, and shopping. Not to far to the beach either but you have to drive.

Good luck, Linda 

Thanks so much, Jacee.  I had booked a place for 5 days for the end of this month, but the rate was about $120.00 a day and THAT was the medical rate.  I just called the Hilton Homewood Suites.  The lady will call me back.  Wish my insurance would pay for my hotel.

Can anyone tell me how long it took after DIEP to walk around straight?  I have to make a plane reservation back to Florida (traveling alone)  I'm planning to stay in an extended care facility for four or five days after I leave the hospital, then fly home. The fee to change the ticket is more than the actual ticket, so I want to try to get it right the first time.  What was it like a week after your surgery? How did you feel after two weeks? Any info would be greatly appreciated. ~Brenda