Charleston Bound, part 2

Thanks cascader...we had planned to stay at Sandpiper,then my friend who is coming with me thought we should be close to food..!!!So she found Shem Creek Inn.I am thinking we may have to rent a car for a few days,I really want to go to the beach for a walk.Is the beach easy to get to?

Hi ladies, just checking in. I am 7 weeks post uni sgap. I am pretty much back to normal, still feel a bit tired, or maybe I am just using this as an excuse for my afternoon naps My MO started me back on Tamoxifen after a 3month break, she also informed me that my hormone levels show that I am now going thru "real" menopause, I guess the first time around was just practice, chemopause. Are'nt I  the lucky one!

Butt and boob seem to be healing nicely. Will definitely be needing a lift on the contra-lateral side at Stage 2 to match my perky new one. I do have a concern and wonder if anyone here can help. I definitely do not have the"soft and squishy" breast feeling like I have read some of you feel soon after surgery. Mine is still quite firm and does not move, feels pretty tight against my chest still.  I don't feel swollen anymore but ?? I know it may still be to early to judge, but wondering....is this normal???

Cascader... refrsh my memory... did you have skin replaced or not? If not, then it will take MUCH longer to be soft and squishy. I only realized this after I had a do over on one side that involved adding some ab skin. That area was much softer and squishy than the side that had skin sparing.

The iron bra feeling feels like you have a tight bra on... and you could feel tight and swollen for 6 months, so it is a little early to worry.

No, actually I have been advised NOT to massage. I just need to be patient I guess, it takes time. Easier said then done. Just wanted to see if anyone else experienced this. Want to make sure I am "normal" . Ha!

Cascaded, have you called Dr Kline or Chris to ask if that was normal? They seem to be very ready and eager to answer questions. You could also email if you prefer.



My flap is the oft and squishy, but I don't think I even touched it for 2 months at least, I was too afraid to do so because it was previosly radiated in 1995 and had a scab type thing on it- so I just didn't squish it at all to find out. I do have some hard areas under the area of the scab ( which is noe not a scab and healing more each day). My surgery was 4/24. Hope that helped?

Cascader~ I'd be interested to hear more about the hyperbaric ox therapy consult you have coming up.  There really isn't much left of my radiated breast and I'm a little confused because I thought flap surgery would replace majority of damaged radiated skin.  I feel like I will need a softball sized flap . . .  but I'm not the doc, so will find out eventually.  I just know that my PT-CLT would not touch/do scar release therapy on it because she said my skin was paper thin.

I just flew back from Charleston this morning, man was it HOT there. I am in love with Mt. Pleasant shopping outdoor mall! Hit Kiawah Island beaches and Isle of palms both so nice, the Atlantic was like bath water.

Pinkheart, omg I had no idea you were up tomorrow. I wish you well, good healing, and lots of positive thoughts coming your way tomorrow. Please keep us posted. Hugs

I love this site, you gals are so knowledgable and informative and I thank you for posting your own personal experiences. I'm in Chicago and just learned Dr. Massey has an office here now on lake shore drive. I have a strict HMO so will have to begin researching coverage options to get in for a consult. After several failed tissue expanders and truncal/breast Lynphadema from a December bilateral masectomy I have to decide if I have the courage to go for the a Diep procedure. If there is a 3% chance of a complication I seem to fall within that range according to my current physicians, it's the standing joke with me.



Has anyone developed post complications or hernia from the Diep procedure? Univ of Chicago wants me to lose 20 to 30 lbs to bring my risk down further before doing the Diep which is tough being on the anti hormonal drugs. I just flew back from Charleston moving my daughter there. Where do y'all (practicing my southern talk) stay for recovery and where is the surgery done?

PinkHeart!  You sneaked that surgery in, I didn't know you had decided either.  (c:

Warm healing vibes to you today.  The syringes look big but the needles are itty bitty.

cascader-  I too am interested in the HBOT.

Hi all,

I'm In total shock how good I feel and the Doppler is a happy camper too!

Ive been eating tons of protein, multivitamin, walking, squats, tummy cruchies the past month to prepare for surgery. Last summers surgery was such a pain nightmare.

A nice charleston story... I went to charleston market last week and bought a beautiful batik sundress that buttons up front. The booth owner gave me a pretty matching bracelet and a hug and said her mom had breast cancer. Such a kind gesture I had to wipe a few tears.

Dr Kline on way to check on me. My surgery was only supposed to be 8 hours but ended up over 10 cuz he had to repair so much damage, remove old allerderm, etc. he worked with dr craigie. I'm at east cooper hospital.

Yay for Pink and MsSherry!!!

Sherry...Awesome to see you again!! Are you finished with school? Good luck on your Stage 2, and fill us in on all that is new! I know Dr. Massey will do a great job!

Yeah I am freaking out a lot more then I thought I would.  I am out of school and working full time.  Will post more when I get home.  Missed everyone and think about yall all the time.  I needed the breather though from treatment and surgery for awhile.

Hugs and kisses!