Charleston Bound, part 2

Brenda.....what a way to bring in the New Year. Being finally "whole" again and no more surgeries!!! Thinking of you this morning, hoping all goes well.

Gosh, Anne...hearing you say that really makes me wonder how much we talk after we think we are out!!!

Good luck today B!

Fingers crossed, indeed. I'm hoping MINE shrink down to a nubbin!!!

Christine- I don't know answers to alot of your questions but you will find them here. I do know that there is a big difference between Tram and Diep. Tram takes core muscle and you mentioned exercising. Also, a possible conversion from Diep to Tram during surgery?? See what the other ladies say on that  You want someone who has the skill to give you exactly what you want.

It should not be they will go for a Diep but you agree to Tram if they can't do it. These are big surgeries so it is good to do research.

Don't do that tummy tuck till you're certain you won't have  DIEP. You could still have SGAP or hip flaps, but that might not be your best option.

I had implants first. The skin paddle on one breast was removed on a subsequent surgery. The other breast had radiation, and the skin just didn't stretch enough. But with the nipple (and when I get the aereola tattoo) it's hard to tell. That said, the docs are getting better and better about having a tiny skin island, as long as your own skin is healthy.

I hated how the implants jumped when I worked out!! I had mine removed due to scar build up and nerve pain. I wish I'd gone the SGAP route first, but we can't rewind. It's been a learning experience, for sure.

By the way, Drs. Craigie and Kline are fabulous surgeons.

Thanks for all you your thoughtful responses!  I am about 5 hrs from Charleston, SC.  I do like the idea of using a surgeon who has a "permanent office", as I am alittle neurotic at times.  My current PS is at large acedemic center, but has spent alot of time with me.  I like him and look very good, but just not sure in the long run I will be happy.  I exercised yesterday for about 1 hr with my trainer and today I have a slight burning sensation in the pec area.  I just don't think he does free flaps often enough or fast enough, he is very young.  I do not have much abdominal fat (I carry more weight in hips/butt), but some loose skin ( thanks to my dear babies).  I never thought about traveling for surgery when I received my diagnosis, I was in a hurry to get the cancer out, have chemo, and get better.  I have great insurance and out of network benifits are excellent, so probably no issues there.  I may just wait until the weather is nice this spring and make a road trip for a consultation, combined with some great food and shopping.  Guess I will hold out on my tummy tuck incase I need that tissue later.  (my PS was amused at my thinking about tummy tuck as he and his department do many total body reconstructions for post bariatic surgery patients,and said he could do a "mini tuck").  I feel sure I have enough "junk in my trunck" for a couple of c cup boobs.

Saw Marga yesterday.  Butt boobs doing great.  Still have hip drains.  Can't wait for march!

A Very Happy New Year to All!

Adey, that's wonderful to hear !! Happy New Rear, (I mean Year)

Jessicav, I went to a local general surgeon for my follow-up stuff. He does not do flap reconstructions, or any reconstruction, for that matter -- so there were no turf issues. It would have been very uncomfortable to go to any local PS's. I asked ahead of time, and he was very gracious. I had no problems, but knew that I did not want to be pulling my own drains or snipping my own sutures. I saw him once after Stage 1 and once after Stage 2.

Jessicav:  I just went to my local primary care doctor (my breast surgeon was too busy to see me) - and that went just fine.  Good to have someone who can see you quickly in case you develop a fever or are ready to get your drains pulled.   When is your surgery?  I have another Stage 2 with Dr. Massey on Tuesday, 1/31 and just booked my flights (will be coming in on the 28th and leaving on the 2nd).  I'll be at Roper - I can drop in and see you if you will be there during that time!   I had my SGAP in 2010 and still getting little tweaks.

 Brenda:  Congrats on finally being done!   You have been down a long road and it must feel so great to be at the end!  That is so interesting about your new nipple - really sounds like you got the works!   My nipple from a year ago is quite flat - will be interesting to see if there is anything that Dr. M can do to "prop" it up.

I am traveling to Charleston alone this time around - actually meeting up with my best friend from college and another friend from these threads for a girls weekend before the surgery.  My 18 year old son has graciously agreed to fly down at the end of the trip to accompany me home (his first time flying alone - hope he doesn't get lost!).  He just found out he got into the College of Charleston - though not his top choice, he did fall in love with Charleston last spring and is looking forward to the ribs and corn bread he had last time!  (I would not be surprised if College of Charleston climbs back to the top of the list after this trip - who wouldn't love to go to college in Charleston???).

Hope everyone is well, recovered from the holidays and enjoying the New Year!  Liz

Kasey- welcome!! This thread is for anyone doing any stage at Charleston. I had my DIEP with Dr. Massey with Dr. Craigie assisting. I had previously had a mx on my cancer side, then had a Genereal Surgeon do a prophylactic mx in Charleston during my DIEP. So I don't know how long he worked on me before Dr. Massey & Craigie took over. And I had 4 flaps removed, but only 2 were used. My surgery was 11 hrs. I think most are closer to 6-8 hrs.

We really like the Holiday Inn & Suites on the Mt Pleasant side of the bridge, and have stayed there twice. But for my Stage 1 DIEP, we stayed at the Hilton Homewood Suites in Mt. Pleasant. They gave us a $70 medical rate,had a living area, kitchen and it includes breakfast & and evening meal on Mon-Thurs nights. We were there 9 nights.

The Hope Lodge is very close to Roper Hospital where I was, but I'm assuming you will be at East Cooper??. Best wishes as you make plans....such an exciting time. You will be so pleased. 

Kaseymomto2-  There are quite a few hotels in Charleston.  Have you asked Dr. Craigie's office for a listing?  I think the hospital has one, as well.  I would certainly try to negotiate them down!  And yes-- pillows pillows pillows!  I have heard people mention full body pillows as being very helpful.  I think I slept with about 10 pillows.  It would be ideal if your hotel had a recliner. I suggest you also request a handicap room because they usually how showers that are larger and seats.  You'll be pretty tired for a few days.   I live in Mt. Pleasant and had my procedures with Drs. Klina and Craigie more than a year ago.  If you need any help while you're here, just let me know.  Oh, and Mount Pleasant has a lot of fabulous restaurants!

Kaseymom-- sent you a PM. 

Check it out, sisters! I'm the featured Mermaid this month!

http://drmarga.com/our-mermaids/2012/01/anne.html