NOLA in September?
Comments
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April 21 huh? Can someone send me the Web site for Dr. Marga's talk? I have family right around Princeton...
DFW, Yep! Thanks for stopping by! Good to know you're please almost 5 years later!
Eva, it will be okay. But it is a loss and it is sad. You are human. We love you!!! when you wake up, things will look amazingly the "same". Hopefully this will help.... xoxoxoxoxo
Feb 8 - CaitlinB - Stage 1, Dr. S., NOLA.
Feb 8 - Eva M - Stage 1, Dr. Stollier and Dr. D., NOLA.
F
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I know it will LOOK fine in the end, but I'm grieving for the feeling. It's never been a small part of the deal for me. It's like losing half of everything that feels good. I don't know what sex will be like without it... if I'll even be interested.
It's been hours since the appointments and I'm feeling calmer. We went out and walked around the French Quarter which was very pleasant. My husband is not feeling well. I hope he's not coming down with something now. He had a huge sciatica attack the day I got home from my hysterectomy and I ended up having to take care of him instead of the other way around. I'm not sure I can deal with it this time.
Nothing like stress to make you feel alive!
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Spring- Dr. Massey's website. www.drmarga.com Symposium info on the home page.
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Yes... come to NYC with us!!!
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LizR - thank you! And congrats to you too!
Spring - you should totally meet up with them and go on April 21! Fun for all! -
Eva--the nurses will take FABULOUS care of you, don't worry, and I've a feeling that if your hub is coming down with something they will help him too. I went for my DIEP without anyone there and after surgery I was alone for four days. The nurses are excellent, caring and kind.
I had a portrait done when I was pregnant with my first girl--partial nude, showing my breasts and my belly. Now I do look at that portrait every day and think of what was. It IS sad, I DO have a loss. I am changed, physically, emotionally, etc. As a result, all the extraneous crap in my life has fallen away, I only address what is dear and important to me, and ignore the rest. I have had a loss. But I am also somewhat restored now with NOLA. And the experience, the journey, has been awesome--with some extremely caring people who have shown me humbleness, kindness, dignity and love. Good luck Eva! We are all with you-
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VictoriaB, I am tentatively scheduled for April in NOLA w/ Dr. Massey for my bilateral DIEP. We have 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 2 horses to think about anytime we travel. I have discussed w/ the DH that he should let me go on down by myself to NOLA for pre-op stuff and surgery-that I will be well taken care of. I'm not sure he's going to buy that one but I can't imagine him sitting around for the 2 weeks it's required for us to be there!!!! I will be more worried about him than anything! I know he will come down once I dc'd but this would take about 6 days off of the time the pups would be in the kennel. So, thank you for posting this! By the way, how often do the check your new "girls" etc once you are in your room? Thanks for the info!! katiejane
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Victoria,
I am relieved to hear somebody else went to NOLA "alone". My mom and many friends are dismayed that I will be by myself until the day before I am discharged. My wonderful husband is staying home with our five children then will fly out to a conference in New Orleans, so we will meet up then. I will stay at his hotel and he will check on me A LOT! I feel comfortable with this plan but begin to have doubts when friends express concern. I wonder if I am going to be scared after I get there but I really do not know how I am going to feel. I have heard so many encouraging things about the care and nurses at NOLA that I know I will be fine post-op.
I feel blessed to have found NOLA through you ladies and the ladies at FORCE. You have been so helpful! Peace, Tamara (Feb 28)
I just read: "Bravery and strength do not cancel out fear, they just allow us to be able to move forward and avoid being immobilized by the fear." - Margaret
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It is nice to have a family member there with you; in my first surgery, my hub and I were away from our 3 young kids for 10 days, and we had a carousel of people helping out and taking care of them. When my right flap failed, and I had to do another surgery, my hub could not take off, and I couldn't bear to have both of us gone from our children for another 10 days (and they couldn't bear it either). So yes, everyone was concerned, but really, what would they do if something happened? Would your hub fly into the OR and save you. No. So they can reach the SOs by cell and that's what they did. My kids were happy, my hub was ok, but yes nervous, and it worked out. When he came down to release me from hospital he brought our oldest and they toured around, leaving me to convalesce in the hotel, which was great for me.
Immediately after surgery they check your girls often--once an hour, I think. They "listen" to the arteries and veins with sonar!
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I also was alone for my DIEP... For my first surgery, I flew down alone and met up with a friend who was with me until post op.. then my husband flew in for 3 day and flew me back home... For my DIEP (a month later) I lfew in alone, had a wound surgery , then 5 days later had the DIEP surgery and a week later a friend flew in to escort me home... So I was in the hospital for 2 weeks alone. The nurses were fabulous!!
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Jane123 - where are you? We live in the same state. PM if that is more comfortable. I went alone, had a friend for the surgery and days after. Then another friend to fly me home. I needed help with my girdle so could not have done it alone. My husband stayed at home with our girls which let them have continuity and it worked. He was not tired when I got home so was able to spoil me with TLC

WHen I go back for stage 2 I think he will come. My MIL will come to take care of my girls since it is a shorter time. I will probably fly in again myself and have him come in later.
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Eva and Catlin- Warm healing vibes for tomorrow. And sleep with peaceful dreams for tonight! (c:
Signed up for Marga's Symposium in Chicago (April 28). Anybody else?
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Adey- I went to the one in November in Chicago. I would feel bad taking up a seat at another one, but I'm going to try to get some friends from my rowing team to go, it's really great information. Maybe there could be a mermaid meetup after...?
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Thinking about you Eva & Caitlin!!! You both are in my thoughts and prayers!! A bunch of positive vibes heading your way

Hugs!!! -
With my bottom it is certain that
Reconstruction will not leave me flat
It's a finicky task
And I just have to ask
Does this ass make my boobies look fat?13 hrs to go. tick tick tick...
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Hi Eva - Thank you for the best laugh I have had all day! All the best to you tomorrow.
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I have an insurance question-----do any of you ladies have Cigna insurance??? If so, how were they to work with for your reconstruction, especially if you went to NOLA?
Eva and Caitlyn, will be thinking about you both w/ good vibes and hugs comin' your way!!
Katiejane
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Had a wonderful time at Dr. M.'s symposium this past Saturday in SLC. This was the second time I've attended and I gathered more info than the first time! Best part was meeting Nordy, Glousta Girl, and Anniese!! Had my consult on this past Monday and will definitely be doing the DIEP in NOLA! I believe the date will be in April but won't know the exact date until next week. I'm so excited!!
Katiejane
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Sounds like quite a few of you attended Dr. Mʻs symposium and learned a lot. Perhaps one day I can attend one.
Eva and Caitlin: You are in excellent hands!
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jeskachi- I'm in!
eva and caitlin- What surfagrl said!
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Karen, I live in Boise. I would be thrilled to contact you, but I am technically challenged, so maybe e-mail? tdonovans at gmail.com. Thanks, Tamara
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Jane123 - sent you an email.
Has anyone heard how Eva & Caitlin are doing?
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Katiejane - You are lucky with Cigna because I believe they are the only insurance company for which the NOLA docs are in-network. That should really help keep the cost down.
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@ Karen, I have been thinking about Eva and Karen all day. Hoping everything went well for them

I used to have Cigna and I wish we still did as I believe that is the only insurance company that is "In Network" for NOLA.
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Look on the back of your insurance card--if it says "multiplan" they consider that in network for NOLA.
I too am wondering. Wish someone would post an update about E and K-
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I have Aetna and my particular plan was considered in-network (sort of).
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Just realized I typed Karen. Eva and Caitlin. Anyone heard anything?
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Running - I had Cigna south and it was considered in network.
Eva's husband posted in Eva's FB group and she's fine, sounds like she's sleeping it off.
I will check out Dr. Marga's site. I have an event her on 4/21. hmmm. decisions decisions.
Has anybody heard from CaitlinB??
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Her last FB post was yesterday commenting on "Jazz on Bourbon Street"... I hope she made it to the surgery.. LOL.. Bourbon street can be distracting.
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Ladies, You are right! Dr. Massey and the other NOLA Docs. are in network on Cigna!! I can't believe it!!! I looked for the NOLA hospital but can't seem to find any info. Anyone know anything about that? I will probably just give them a call tomorrow!! Thanks!! katiejane
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