Charleston Bound, part 2

My laptop crashed...do not have address to the picture forum since it was in my favorites on my other computer, but I am sure you look great!  Do you know what all you are having done in Chicago?

Thanks Brenda...YOU LOOK GREAT!!!  Left you a message on the forum. 

So cute!  I have to ask:  why mermaids?  I've been aware of 'mermaids' for months, but how did Dr M's patients get the name of mermaids?

Has anyone had a reaction to the stitches that dissolve? I know I have had them many times, but for some reason, on my nipple recon on both sides. the skin has turned really red around the stitches. I've pulled out and cut as many as I could. It's been 4 weeks. I'm on antibiotics already for my other infection, but just curious. Trying to "air out" and actually walk around the house with nothing on my top wihen noone is home :0)   I just took the stitches out last night. I hate having to cover them with the plastic/silicone nipple shields. Seems that would just agravate it. I had hoped we'd have some cooler weather, but it's in the 70's today. Was going to go braless and layer. But...kinda hard in warm weather, so I'm wearing the shields. Ashley  told me definitely not to put any ointment or anything on them last week, when I just had a slight redness. I was told nipple guards for 3 months...ugh!!!

Jacee... I usually post on the NOLA site. Had DIEP last May and stage 2 a month ago, so I am nipple obsessed at the moment. I'm wondering if you are familiar with the "brown nipple guards". Made by a company called Asteame ( can see them online), and used by Dr.S. They are covered in a papery material and seem more breathable, less occlusive. Also sit a little away from your breast, so not so "airtight". They are very expensive, but they give us a small supply. I like them a lot more than the silicone. They also have less projection and barely show under clothes. BTW, 3 MONTHS ??? Is that the standard recommendation from Dr M for everyone? Yikes... We are wearing protectors for 2 weeks! . Similarly, we are told compression garments for 2 weeks as well, and you are 6 months???

Sooooo confusing!

Joni,

I din NOT have to wear those guards for 3 months!  Send Dr. Massey an e-mail and tell her what is going on, or call her cell phone and talk to her personally.   I would have to go back and look to see how long I wore them, but she would probably want to know what is going on.  You know she does not mind you sending an e-mail or even calling her cell phone...that is why she give us her number!!!!

My nipple healing was very easy, but the shield came off within a month.  I will try to look back...Contact her!!!!

Ashley told me last week not to put any kind of ointment on them when I mentioned the redness starting. Because there is no open skin, other than just some really small holes where I pulled/cut sutures, I did put some Calendula gel on them last night before bed. I got it when I was going through rads. Amazingly it looks better today. If it doesn't continue to improve I will send Dr. M a picture. She, Kaye & Ashley all have told me 3 months with the protectors. Once again, I'm sure this is for optimal results. I can't imagine lasting that long. It's been a month already. I will let you know what she says, if I need to contact her in the next few days.

Just curious, do all of us Charleston girls get the same type of nipples?? I need to get my surgery report out....can't remember what she called mine. How is the projection after everything heals, or down the road even?  Do they all eventually flatten out?  And  how long do I need to wait to go for tattoos??  You would think I would have asked all this.

Thank you all. I never thought about the glue causing the redness?? I'm sure it would be good to know for future surgeries.

Cider,  I agree with Brenda re: the mermaid thing.  I thought the same thing; swimming and transformation.  

Brenda I like your shirt and I think your camera did a good job.   When do you plan on wearing it?  To the Symposium or out to dinner with us other mermaids???? 

Brenda, yes Frankenstein looking is a good description. I know most of it will be covered once I get tats....just so different than all the other scars from these surgeries.

God, I hope I don't have to portct my nips for 3 months!! One month, max, please!! I will be starting a Pilates certification program, and need to have my nips free!! That may be what pushes me over the edge to 3D tats...I'm scheduled for surgery on Dec 9, in NOLA Fairway, to recontour the area of fat necrosis and do nips. My last surgery, I hope. I'l be back in NOLA for a conference in Jan, when I thought I'd do the aereola tats, 3D regardless--a little nip can help with the tat. And I only want LITTLE nips...

I am truly ready to be done.

Adey- They don't require anything upfront at Roper in Charleston, or for Dr Massey there. So, many of us Charleston girls didn't experience the "sticker shock". However, the NOLA girls will tell you the Center is very willing to work with you, and somehow, it seems they all eventually get it worked out. Don't get discouraged. You ARE worth every penny.

That is why I chose to go to Charleston for my Stage 1. I don't know if it's a possibility anymore with Dr M to have Stage 1 there. I saw you posted on the NOLA thread and will get some feedback there. Most of us just didn't have to pay anything upfront.

Just curious, has anyone heard from Sherry?? I sent her a PM about 2 weeks ago, and haven't heard from her. She brought us all together on the original thread, and I'm so thankful she did that!!

Brenda- I did look at your pics, but will go back again and compare our scars. Thanks btw for posting them. I keep thinking I will someday post. I'm so pleased and would love others to see what the possibilities are with Dr. M. Just have to find the time.

Happy Autumn weekend to all!

Got my black t-shirt with blond mermaid the other day!

Another Ill gal posted this event and I thought I'd put it here as it is on the weekend of 11/18.

SAIC Holiday Art Public Sales