Charleston Bound, part 2

Cascader....I know it is a little unsettling to read some of the possibilities that arise. I remember feeling the same way you are. We all react so differently to these surgeries. They really are HUGE surgeries! But some are allergic to drugs, some to stitches, some to tape,some have radiated skin, some develop keloids and don't scar well....on and on. And the possibility of infection is greater as each incision is made. It ' s hard to say why we are hearing of so many complications, but I expect it is because so many women are having flap surgeries now, and we are able to hear their stories. The great news is that all these Drs do a great job responding to the issues. Try not to get discouraged! You will be in great hands and we will all be here to support you in any way we can. There is almost always someone who can relate to anything you have arise from surgery, so don't hesitate to ask.

As far as preparing beforehand, I can't really think of anything specific. I would suppose that anything you can do to moisturize and treat your skin well would help. I had radiated skin and healed beautifully. The surgeons are all different in their post surgery protocols...like the NOLA docs have you use betadine on areas, and padding around the drains. Dr Massey never had me do either of those. So do what your Dr. recommends and use other "helps" from the rest of us when you can. Hang in there...before long you will have a brand new beautiful breast....and it WILL have been worth it😊

Hugs...Joni

Congratulations, Joni, for being our latest Mermaid featured at www.drmarga.com!!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying spring. Any word about a mermaid gathering in August yet? I may be able to make it if it's the first weekend in August...

What sort of restructuring is going on? Feel free to PM me. I've been out of the loop lately!

Hi!  3 weeks out from stage 2 and still have the hip drains, boo.  (c:  Was hoping for an Easter present.  I am deciding between CHS and NOLA for stage 2b.  CHS would be in early August and I don't want to miss time with my girls (17 & 19).  Any fun areas that they could have lots to do within walking distance and on the beach of course!  Any input appreciated.  Thanks! 

Joni - Just love your Mermaid story too!  That is a really beautiful photo of you and your husband!

 I am all healed from my 1/31 State 2+ surgery.  The re-do on the nipple did not take, so I am pretty much nipple-less on the reconstructed breast.  Was hoping for a tattoo in May but now have to discuss with Dr. Massey if we try for the nipple again or just do a 3-D tattoo.  I was hoping I was all done with surgery but if she thinks we can get a good nipple, I will try again - but would hate it if we could not use the flap skin and had to find skin on another part of my body.  

Will post more later.  Take care all! Liz 

jacee-  Thanks!  Still pondering.  Sounds like the girls could have a great time.  (c:

Hey Liz,  So sorry also to hear about the nipple.  Let us know what Dr. M says about it.  I don't know if that somewhat typical or not.  Hope you are doing well.

Adey  I vote for Charleston!!!  I have been to both NOLA ( just to visit) and Charleston for surgery and sightseeing.  Both cities have a lot of history, but Charleston wins hands down for beauty, restaurants, beaches, shopping and sightseeing. The Historic homes are beautiful.  Roper isn't the Center, but it is a lovely hospital and the nurses and staff are wonderful.  I have also stayed in Mt. Pleasant.  A little farther from the hospital, but nice with it's own amenities.  Let us know what you decide.

I think we stayed at a Best Western on Spring Street. Walking distance to Roper, has a restaurant in it that was pretty good. Walking distance to some good eating places near Roper.

Some folks like the suite-type hotels. You're generally there only for a couple days--we went cheap.

Fight like a girl,  We stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Waterfront twice and Homewood Suites in Mt Pleasant the last time.  Liked both, but the Homewood suites serves complimentary breakfast  7 days a week and light dinner M-T.  You didn't say which Hospital (unless I missed it somewhere), but the Marriott is about a 5 minute drive to Roper and Homewood suites about 10-12 minutes to Roper.  If you are going to East Cooper then Mt. Pleasant would be where you might want to go.    Who is your doctor and when is your surgery?  Even though I went to Roper we didn't mind the distance from Mt. Pleasant.  I felt pretty good after my stage IIB, so Mt. Pleasant was a nice place to stay;  Near the beaches, shopping and restaurants. 

There is also a Hope Lodge in the area close to Roper that you could apply for, but you should have a back up just in case they don't have the space for you. 

Send jeskachi your info for her to list at the top of the page if you want it posted and keep us posted. 

Linda

Hello all,

Well, I got through treatment, chemo and radiation.  Radiation was a nightmare.. burns and infections, much worse than chemo.  My hair is starting to grow back, but I'm still wearing a wig.  Now I'm in the weight loss/fundraising stage to begin my journey back to South Carolina for reconstruction - again!  I've got a fundraising page up:   www.gofundme.com/511c  ...   but it doesn't see very inspiring.  I'm wondering if you'd take a look at it and offer suggestions for improvement?  I have a long way to go!  I posted on Facebook and got no response.  It's a huge blow to my self esteem, but I'm not giving up.  I'm determined to return to South Carolina and finish this thing.  Two cancer diagnosis' were bad enough, but money isn't going to be the end of my journey!  Thanks so much.

I'm sorry.  Try www.gofundme.com/k5llc   Thanks.

?bientot,

Thanks, I am still trying to figure all that out.

Where did you stay? Did you take a cab from airport?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Kathy

Hey everyone long time no visit.  I know and Im sorry.  I had so much happening health wise, school wise, hubby wise and now JOB wise that my brain just needed a break.  Things are good on the health front.  Everything is stable.  I actually am thinking of finally getting some over do revisions done.  Got an in person consult with  Dr Massey next month.  I'm going to try to read and maybe I can stay up to date.

We decided on a phone consult in May.  

Hi,

I finally got my reservations for may 30-June 5 th at courtyard Mariott! I called three times - a charm finally got medical rate. They all tried to up weekend to $269.00 a night! I am nervous for stage Ii. I am not sure what to expect. I had bi-lateral Diep. My tummy is bulging. Is this normal for 6 weeks out? Thanks Kathy