NOLA in September?

I live in the NOLA area and count myself so very lucky. I had my BMX with DIEP on 2/17, with Dr Trahan being my surgeon. I am amazed at how well I have healed and even more amazed at how great my breasts look. Yes, there are still scabs and such but Iam so happy that I was able to wake up with Breasts that look and feel real.

Chellehump,  I wasnt sure what a leacho pillow was, so googled it. Which one are you thinking about getting? I am just a few days behind you, June 7 in Charleston with Dr Kline, unilateral SGAP. I am getting nervous and also starting to gather some items. Next on the list, colorful boy shorts ! 

Caitlin, I will join your Irish Brigade!  I don't have green underwear yet...  Yes, quite a day.  It was not so long ago that I was there.  In fact, I'm 6 months post chemo and I haven't looked like a cancer patient for a good two months.  I did not shave my head until the morning of my second treatment.  I did buzz it to a mohawk several days before, though!  I made some friends in the chemo room with two other young women.  I posted a lot on the A/C Groupies Unite! thread on the chemo board.  The thread is dead now, but there is good info there.  I started with a general chemo thread for the month I started, but AC/T every 2 weeks is a bit different, and I felt more connected with those going through the same treatment plan.  

When do you get your port?  I think I was more nervous about that surgery than in NOLA; probably because of the bedside manner.  It was good, but not great like in NOLA.  It probably took about 6 weeks for me not to hate my port; by the last 2 months I loved my port!  I thought I'd want it out immediately after chemo.  By that time (4 months later), I didn't mind it at all the 3 months waiting for Stage 2.  

You will be OK through chemo.  Take each day as it comes.  I made the mistake of comparing myself to those who seemed to be doing better than me with fatigue and side effects.  I kept trying to do and be what I thought I *should* be doing.  Welllllll, I fared better mentally once I let that part go.  I kept telling myself it is only temporary.   

Happy Birthday Michelle

CaitlinB,  so sorry you are having a rough time.  I did the same thing as you....took the bull by the horns and I controlled when my hair came out.  The day I got home from having it shaved my husband got in the car and had his shaved.  He grew a goatee and looked like a badass. I hope that the chemo goes easy for you.  Mine did. I even gained weight during.  No nausea.  Just very tired.  Listen to your body.  Keep your eye on the prize.  Before you know it you'll be through with stage II. Healing hugs are being sent your way. I'll be happy to be part of the Irish Brigade!

 Hello Adey,  hope you are all settled in at home and feeling better each day. Jamie 

Had my pre op with Dr. M. I was hoping she would tell me that it was going to be a stage two even though I knew better. I will be having a baby flap. So I now will join you diep girls too. So I will have a scar all around too. Boo hoo.



Caitlin, I will be finding some green panties in honor of you!

Hi Cascader

Many women have mentioned the Leacho pillow and that it was a great help to them to be able to sleep in a recliner and they continued to use it when they transferred to their bed. I am thinking of buying the Leacho Snoogle Total Body Pillow, I am hoping some other women would chime in and let me know if this is the best one to get or the or if the Snoogle Loop is better.  I plan to ask ladies on FORCE too. I'll let you know though.

Sending prayers to Michelle today!!

@ Caitlin, I am praying for you and I will find some green panties to wear

Green underwear it is, Caitlin! Hang in there ...

Hey Need2New - we're going to be in NOLA at the same time. Your stage 2 is on the 9th and mine is on the 11th. I'll be flying in on the 9th solo. I hope we can at least say hi while we're there.

How soon after stage 1 did you all start itching where it's numb? I know it's a good sign so I'm trying not to be annoyed.  

Michelle i hope all is gping well today

Thanks for all the love!

Ksue... I advise not to buy too much stuff beforehand... especially sizing things unless its the panty size.... Is this the panty question??? I am usually a size 6 and bought the next size up and a style a little higher than what I normally buy... After surgery, I wore the panties over the girdle, so I knew they needed to be bigger...but for example buying girdles like the marena girdle, there is no way to know what size you'll be til you need it.. and they ship in like 2 days... This would be true for bras and camisoles as well... I think the only things I bought ahead of time were lounge pants/shorts and granny panties... I didn't buy any special shirts and didn't need them...

Caitlin... I will think of you on your chemo days... you will get through. The hair loss was the hardest part for me too, but I now have a lot of hair at 10 months PFC...just had another trim the other day.

Michelle... thinking of you!!

Ksue- I didn't actually buy the camis, I got them in Charleston where I had my SGAP. But they weren't oversized, more like a tank top. I ended up wearing the Large more than the XL because it fit better under my clothes and it felt like it gave me a little extra support.

Speaking of expensive... I got out of the hospital and loved the Homewood Suites... but when I went home, I realized I really needed a new mattress... it was just too firm. So I bought a new king bed and had it delivered like 3 days after I got home...

Cherrie... I just wouldn't buy a bunch of stuff... the doctors will send you home with a lot of stuff... and as you need it, you can get it, like camisoles etc... you may find you don't need stuff... The only thing you really need are pants or shorts that will fit without putting pressure on your waist.. so lounge pants or yoga pants, something really loose and soft. Other than that I would hold off... I never bought fancy pillows or camisoles, and didn't feel the need. If someone can loan you something, that is great... and I already owned a wedge pillow (from an old ankle surgery for my husband...) and I did find that helpful, but if I hadn't already owned it, I would have just used pillows. I only needed it for a week or two.

Hey all, was doing good but now bleeding very bad from donor site. Dr. M is taking back in surgery too find