Charleston Bound, part 2

Wow, didn't know it was called that, Brenda?  I did have lipo to the pubic area, just to get rid of some of the puffiness after Stage 1. Just had a small little incision right above the hairline on each side. I had no pain in that area though, and had no problem wearing jeans right away. I just asked Dr. M to get rid of my "ken" mound, as in barbie doll.....and she did!!!

I'm back from UK/Ireland and leaving for NOLA on Sunday, yikes.  Where is the picture mentioned above?  I'd like to see it!  Nervous, nervous, nervous, and excited.  (c:

Laura, Linda, Brenda, Dr.M & Sandy.......what a beautiful bunch of ladies!!!!

Adey....you are coming up quick!!! I know you are so excited, nervous, etc.....you are going to have your socks knocked off with the care you get from Dr. Massey!!! Try not to worry. Every thing she told me after surgery happened just like she said it would. Anything you  need, just tell her. I have had more fun with her in my pre-op marking sessions than anything.   Something about standing naked in front of a wall with your butt facing her, just breaks down all barriers )   She makes you feel soooo very comfortable!!  I wish she was my own personal Dr. for every issue I ever have. And she loves working with Dr. S......so relax and trust that you've made the best decision possible. We will all be here for you on the other side of surgery. 

Count down to Marga time! Surgery Friday at Fairway. I'm planning on this being the LAST one!! (We'll see if marga plans otherwise!)

Joni, I don't really know what all she's going to do! I need some fat grafting into an area where she took out a huge hunk of fibrosis/necrosis last time. So lipo again for sure. I asked for nipples, but didn't see that on the authorization from the insurance. I have a very thick, ropy scar on my non-radiated breast that she might decide to revise. So, there may be too much for nipples this time--I don't know.

But here's where I stand on that: if she can get nips done, great. If not, then I'll just go with 3D tats later. I am mentally done with surgery. I've got no time in the coming year for another surgery, because I'm going to be working toward my Pilates teaching certificate, and that's a huge commitment of time and body!

I'd better encourage her to lipo the hell out of me, because it's the last time I'll do it (knock on wood!)

Just happened to see this thread when "Charleston" popped up on the "most active" threads list at the top of the page. I'm not exactly sure what this thread is about yet. Are you all ladies who have had DIEP or something like that?

I'm being treated at Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston and also love my doctors there, but, so far, I've just had a lumpectomy and I find out today if I have to have chemo.

So I haven't had the extensive surgeries and reconstructions you have, but the cancer notebook they gave me after my diagnosis showed all the amazing options available for reconstruction. I was astounded at what the surgeons here can do.

Good luck to all of you! 

Anne, You may be surprised what all she can do, and still do nipples. She wouldn't do it at my 2A, where I actually had less done, but did it at 2B. I had more fat grafting added to a divot I had where necrosis had been removed at 2A. Lots of lipo, some scar revision, 9 moles removed, some "cording" type stuff from axillary area was worked on that limited my movement. She added quite a bit of fat to one breast, and was still able to make a nipple on that side. I thought my nips were HUGE and they are now perfect, though maybe a little flat now...but I'm so pleased. Talking to Vinnie about tats. Probably in the spring somewhere. Hope you are able to have all you want done!! I know this has been a long journey for you.

Liz, why was I thinking you were through?? January will be here before you know it!! Yes, get all the lipo you can stand since it's your last chance!!

Adey...thinking of you today!! You will do GREAT! Tell Marga I said Hello!!! Anxious to hear from you!!

WW....LOVE Charleston!!!

OK. Just found this page and have not read all of it yet. But, I live in Upstate SC. Is this the premier place in SC? Hard to get an appointment? And, what is the link to the site? I read part of this last night, but got my info wrong I think and talked to the Natural Breast Reconstruction Group in Charles ton today. Please give me a link for appt. where I can call tomorrow and check them out. Thanks!

Anne- Thinking of you today!! Hoping you get everything done this time with great results. Let us hear from you soon!

Well, I am the proud owner of a nice new pair of nipples! After debating about getting them at all for the apst two years, I am so glad I did. They're a sight to see right now, but I can tell they'll be fine. Truly the finishing touch (except for tats at some point down the road.)

Marga wanted to do a small tummy flap to fill in some defects I have where the SGAP just didn't work well (a normal phenomenon) but I couldn't get my head around a tummy scar and drains again, even though the thought of a mini-tuck down low is very enticing!!! We didn't do lipo this time because there just wasn't enough fat to harvest to fill those spots. It would have to be a small flap.

She was amazed that I turned her down--she was all ready to do the surgery later this week. But really, if it took me two years to decide on nips, it's going to take me more than a couple of days to decide on another flap! Life is just too busy for me right now. And even though DH says it's up to me, I know he's against more, and I respect that. But he doesn't get the last word on this, mind you!

I love Marga for her concern and her honesty and her friendship. And for her skill, her willingness to learn new tricks, etc.

So, I'm done for now. I'm hoping to make it for a Charleston gathering this summer, depending on my work and Pilates training schedules. Any ideas about dates yet?

Hi all - I don't post much, but read comments daily. 

Anne - glad you got the nips.  I know how unsure you were for a long time about getting those done.  It does make a huge difference in how you see your new breasts.  I'm sure you remember my issues with how big my nips were, but they never did go down!  Guess I just heal too well.  Now I have to find out how to get back to see Marga to get them SHAVED down!!  Can you believe it?

Hello to everyone else! :-)  Would also love to know what the dates for the reunion are!

I have silicone shields over the base of the nipples. Then she put the base of what looks to be a 10 cc syringe (cut off at about one inch above the base) taped on top of the shield. This allows air to get in, keeps anything from compressing the nipples. In a week I can take that off and use a small nipple guard like nursing moms use. She gave me a pair, and I can trim off the tip of the guard to fit.

She gave me a little duffle bag full of pads, betadine swabs, micropore tape, and a floder full of instructions. Pretty cool.

jeskachi, what are Simplisse shells, and where can I find them?? I'm going to need the camoflauge or else wear baggy sweatshirts to work later this week!