Charleston Bound, part 2

Good morning Kathy!  Can't help with the tummy thing but congrats on the hotel.  You are very charming.  (c:

Hi, Thought I would post  a place I found on vrbo.com for those of you looking for a place to stay in Mt. Pleasant. I wanted somthing other than a hotel room because I am staying for an extended stay(month). This is a two bdrm but they have one bdrms as well, is just 5minutes from East Cooper, and all all units have handicapped bathrooms.  It is an senior assisted living community so you have to be ok with that. I thought it was perfect and I would fit right in after surgery! I spoke with Beth there and she has been great, gave me a good monthly rate, even trying to get me a recliner for the apt. They have a restaurant on site and Gail from Dr Klines says it is good, so that is a plus. If you are travelling alone I believe you can arrange for transportation and nursing services thru them also. Anyways, thought I would share. Will let you know how it is, you never know when booking on the internet. I leave one month from today, excited and very nervous.Here's the link:

www.vrbo.com/402114

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping someone may have had some experience with this in Charleston with Dr. Massey.

I had lymph node transfer for lymphedema about 7 weeks ago and am running into some issues.  I did not have my surgery with Dr. Massey but am hoping that someone has had this very same surgery and might be able to answer some of my questions about swelling and such.  I would be ever so grateful if someone would share their knowledge if they have had this procedure.

Thanks so much.  Please pm me if you may.

I am thinking of moving to Charleston from Chicago and was looking into if they had good medical for breast cancer and could not believe I stumbled across my breast cancer.org site having its own thred for Charleston! It makes me that more motivated to get there and make it my permanent place. We are going down in the end of July or by August 1st to relocate my daughter who just accepted a teaching position. She went down to interview and fell in love with the people, the beaches and historic downtown calling it paradise!



I'm excited to keep reading and learning all this city has to offer medically and otherwise. I plan on looking at Mount Pleasant area.



Karen (my lab's name is Bogie)

Bilateral MX Dec 2011 with reconstruction/ capsular contracture/LE breast

Karen:  You will fall in love with Charleston - it is a most beautiful town!  (I am also thinking about relocating there some day from NJ).  Charleston is well known for its world class breast reconstruction surgeons but is also hosts one of the few National Cancer Institute (NCI-NIH) cancer facilities in the SE.  It is a very medically oriented town with an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge & Ronald McDonald house across the street from the medical facilities (including Medical College).  You will be in very good hands there!

Hope all of the Charleston Bound women are well and enjoying the long holiday weekend!  I just scheduled yet another Stage 2 with Dr. Massey for Thursday, Oct 11 in Charleston - trying again for a nipple! Take care! Liz

I fly out a week from tomorrow for my June 7 surgery date. Cannot believe after all the planning that it is finally here. I think I am ready but still scared, what after all of this,it doesnt turn out? I think that is my biggest fear, not the pain or recovery...been there done that. Afraid of another failure. Have been doing the meditation tapes and visualizing successful results and that has helped . I will be spending  4 weeks in Mt Pleasant, looking forward to escaping work for awhile altho we are small business owners and not sure how that is going to play out, but it will still be there when I return and they are just going to have to figure it  out without me. It is sure to be a crazy and stressful week preparing to leave town so I will be distracted from my obsessing over all of this. I know I have a very long road yet to travel, but I do hope that some day soon this will all be over. All of you have been so helpful to me in making this decision to try again. Any last words of wisdom?

Kathy...for nice dinners, we love Poogan's Porch, S.N.O.B. (Slightly North of Broad)' and across the bridge to Mt Pleasant...The Water's Edge. The Hominy Grill in downtown is famous and we have just had lunch there. Hyman's Seafood is touristy, but just good ole seafood platters. Usually a wait,, but we went late so didn't have a problem.

We love going to Kaminsky's for late night coffee,dessert,wine. It is down by the Market. These are just a few....also there is a great restaurant next to Poogan's Porch that we didn't get reservations for...can't think of the name,but came highly recommended.

You will wish you had more time there just to try more restaurants!! Good luck on your Stage 2!

Restaurants: Fleet Landing, Magnolias, Poogan's Porch, Husk, SNOB... just don't get the pork at Magnolias.. order shrimp and grits. Poogan's Porch is great for brunch too.

Cascader....The Water's Edge is on the water in Mt Pleasant. The area is called Shem Creek...several restaurants there. Nice to sit outside and watch the shrimp boats come in in the evening. Also, a nice shopping mall in Mt Pleasant. Can't remember the name though.

We actually flew into Charlotte, NC, rented a car and drove to Charleston for my Stage 1. It was that much cheaper, and we had the time. Next time, for Stage 2, it was cheaper to fly into Charleston. I have a friend who has flown into Myrtle Beach cheaper, so be sure and check surrounding airports. I just did ALOT of searching on Hotwire, Expedia, Travelocity, etc. A flight/rental car package will save you a bunch.

I believe many of the hotels give a "hospital rate", so be sure and ask.

Wow! I wish I was staying longer just to go to all the great restaurants! I always seem to be in a hurry. Thanks for all the great recommendations! I love this board!

Cascader: sounds like you are doing it the right way! Enjoy and hope your surgery/recovery is great so you can enjoy yourself.

Jacee: thanks any must do's?

I am not at all ready to go....so much to do!

Thanks everyone!

Kathy

Safe travels Kathy!

A sunset cruise sounds just like what I need! That sounds like fun. I will definitely check it out, am so excited and crazy nervous all in one. Thank you for all ideas and support.

Charlston bound. Kathy

Fran, the flap surgeries are done at Roper Hospital with Dr. Massey, and at East Cooper Hospital for Drs. Kline and Craigie. Private rooms at both I believe.

My experience was at Roper and I couldn't have asked for a more caring Dr. and Nursing staff.

FLAG-  My thoughts are with you today.  Healing vibes and prayers.