Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited November 2012

    Jeskachi....I didn't have any restrictions from Vinnie after tats. You should be able to wear whatever you want. Just had to put on a very small amount of ointment with a small piece of telfa pad.

    I totally agree with everything you said about NOLA....found it truly oppressive . But, I am a foodie. Wasn't appealing enough to go back just for that purpose. Give me Charleston ANY day!!!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Joni and Brenda, I totally agree about Charleston.  NOLA - Been there, done that and once is enough.  OMG you can certainly be a Foodie in the beautiful city of Charleston.  They have such great offerings from good low country delicious, simple food to more elegant, delicious food, and everything in between. 

    Marty,  Hope you are resting well after a long day of surgery.  I'm sure Dr. M took wonderful care of you.  Write when you can.

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    Absolutely -- IMO NOLA does not even compare to how nice and beautiful Charleston is!  Charleston is much, much more therapeutic for patients - clean, great food and shopping, golf, beautiful beaches/islands, peaceful marshland, kayaking -- could go on and on. 

    It helps that I go early to Charleston before surgeries to enjoy it when I feel good.  But someday I would like to go there on a true vacation!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Pinkheart - AGREED

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Always fun to hear how much y'all love my hometown. My surgery last Friday was at Fairway in Covington with Dr Marga. Great staff and a wonderful surgeon. I had a significant hematoma develop in the right breast which required surgery again on Sunday. I still managed to get discharged on Tuesday. Had my post op today wi Dr Trehan. I seem to be having a lot of overal edema with a particular focus on left leg and right breast so I will start lasix tomorrow. I wasnt able to have any drains removed yet - maybe Tuesday. I may add some prunes to the mix, as well. Went for an 8 block yesterday and took a shower this morning. Tomorrow we go out to breakfast, walking, then see where the day leads. We will depart for Charleston on Sunday and I can't wait to sleep in my own bed!



    Thanks to all for your help and support. You really have made this much easier!

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    MartyJ~ 

    It's great to hear you stayed on track with discharge.  Hopefully, your edema will resolve soon.  Are you still on Lovenox shots?  My DH was going to give me mine but I ended up having a really nice nurse in the hospital who was diabetic show me how to do it so just did it myself.  Still felt a little shakey doing it but did fine.

    Did you schedule Stage 2 surgery at home in Charleston in three months? 

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Hi Pink,

    I am doing the shots myself. Much easier than I anticipated. The lasix was delivered and first taken about 4 hours ago. It is just beginning to work, but I am hopeful that it will be much less of a problem by Sunday am.



    We haven't scheduled stage 2 yet. I will go with Dr Marga's schedule for Charleston. I know she will be in town in December for a few weeks and hope to finalize a date then. Thankfully I am not in a rush because of insurance - our year begins on Oct 1.



    We walked about 6 blocks for breakfast this morning and back. After I did it I realized it the walk was almost 2 miles RT. spending the afternoon resting:)!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Marty, welcome to the other side.  I hope you're enjoying the warmth and softness of your new set of twins; if I may be so blunt.  Sounds like you are doing pretty well except for experiencing the edema which will resolve itself in no time.  I'm pretty impressed with your activity and the walking is good, but don't over do! OK, I'm done harping. Kiss  I did my shots myself too, but dreaded every time I had to get out that Lovanox.  It's over in a few seconds, but I thought they stung some.  10 days is dreadful for me.  Where are you injecting them?  stomach or leg??  A lot of ladies have there stage II  as soon as 3 months after stage I.  I didn't rush mine.  Mine was almost 1 year and like you I try to get some of my insurance deductibles met.  However, it doens't always happen that way, especially if you don't have to go to the dr. much in the year.  I guess that's a good thing though. Lucky for you that you live in and can have surgery in one of the most charming cities in this country with one of the greatest micro surgeons  practically at your doorstep.  I really wanted to have my Stage II B in Charleston, but dates didn't work for me so I am going to Chicago which is only a 2-2-1/2 drive for us.  Chicago is a great city too, if it just wasn't so windy and cold in the winter.  

    Take it easy; have a safe drive home and enjoy your own bed.  Linda

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Linda - one of my twins is soft and warm and the other is hard and hot.  It is okay, though, just leftover problems from the hematoma they had to surgically remove on Sunday.  Dr. T said there was a lot of scar tissue in that side from the silicone and leaks.  I think all will be different once my drains come out (fingers crossed for Tuesday).  I am injecting the Lovenox in the stomach and, yes, the med does sting.  Have fun in Chicago next week!  All will be wonderful! 

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Marty,  Tomorrow is Tuesday.  To drain or not to drain, that is the question.  Good Luck.  Are you back in Charleston now?  Home sweet home.!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Yes Linda, home in Charleston on my little sea island.  2 Drains out this morning.  The bra is already more comfy and I am sending DH out to pick up Genie bra at Target after his PT this afternoon.  Hope to get in a walk, but the weather is so grey, damp and chilly it makes you want to stay in bed.  Hmmm, that might just be a plan.

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    MartyJ~

    What an awesome DH you have -- going to Target to pick up your Genie bra!  :)

    I love my Genie bra, and getting ready to buy another box because it's going to be a long time before I can wear a normal bra.  Will never be able to wear a wire bra again because of radiation damage in IMF (fold) area. 

    Last week I used my Victoria Secret gift card I got last year for Bday from DH (just before my deconstruction/reconstruction happened) and bought comfy FLANNEL pajamas so I have button front top after Stage 2 SGAP and LN transfer in winter time.  

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited November 2012

    Love the Genie bras, all I can wear and evens me out until stage 2, which is in a cpl of weeks. And Marty, I love your little sea island.

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Cuddling up in bed on a gloomy day is perfect.  Rest is your friend.  Can't imagine Charleston being gloomy though.  I haven't tried the Geni bra, but I wear one everyday called the Sassybax bralette.  I love it and have it in back and nude.  Only thing is it is quite a bit ($) more than the Geni.  I had these before I heard of Geni.  Let me know how you like it.  I think the Sassybax is sturdier, probably why the cost difference.   I agree with Cascader, that it helps even you out.  I wore a customary bra the other day and I felt lopsided as my left breast is a tad bigger.  I don't notice it in the Sassybax.

    Keep resting and healing Marty.  

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY BREAST FRIENDS!  We have much to be thankful for.Kiss

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited November 2012

    My stage 2 is just in a few weeks and I am wondering if anyone got a larger breast from after stage 2 and fat grafting? I hear it is easier to go smaller at stage 2, makes sense, but Has anyone had success going a little bigger? I am a uni and looking for symmetry .

    Also, Dr K&C girls, did you wear compression if you had lipo?

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  • ketch
    ketch Member Posts: 157
    edited November 2012

    I have a date with Dr. Kline on Feb 21st! Excited and dreading it at the same time...dread due to the unknown. I am ready to get all this over with and on with my life! Going to check out the retirement rentals in Charleston. We plan to stay for 3 weeks just to make sure. I live about 4 hours away. I am thinking I will do stage 2 in June, then the final in November if everything works out. That way it will all be in the calendar year with the insurance. Any advice????

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    Ketch ~

    Congratulations on making your decision to have natural breast reconstruction, and with choosing Dr. Kline as your surgeon.  Excited about and dreading surgery is so right.  :)

    I had Stage 1 bilateral SGAP by Dr. Kline on August 1st.  Stage 2 is coming up on December 14th.  Now that I'm feeling good again, it's time to go through pain and recovery all over again -- but definitely worth it in the end.

    That's great you are able to stay so long.  I think it will make it much less stressful than flying in and out in short time. 

    I go a week early to have fun with friends and unwind before surgery.  I love Charleston like the rest of us.   

    What surgery are you having?  You already know you picked a great surgeon, too.  How did you find out about Dr. Kline?  Please PM me if you have more questions. 

    Warm wishes!

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited November 2012

    Ketch, sounds like you are doing a great job of planning and it will all happen before you know it . I think we may have PM'd, but I was so happy with my decision to stay a month at Sandpiper. After my first experience and failure I wanted to be close by just in case. Gave me the reassurance I needed. All is well and I have stage 2 in 2 weeks.

    Love dr Kline !

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Marty, how is the Geni?

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Hi Linda - I think it is good. Of course, since I haven't worn a bra in a while - sort of like a beginner again.  It was a relief from the hook front post-surgical bra that Dr. M had me in as the hook are kept bothering me no matter how I padded it.  I think it would be worth the $$ - only $20 for 2 bras.  Just use their measurement chart to select your size. Hope you had a good thanksgiving!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Ketch, you might check out VRBO- look for a place on Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms (where I live). Very convenient to your docs and lovely. The first week out of the hospital is sort of low activity. I can suggest some great restaurants. If you look at Wild Dunes, there are lots of lovely walks and several restaurants. Very healing at the beach. Active opportunities for your husband - golf and tennis. I am 15 days out and came home at 10 days. It is wonderful to walk and watch the wildlife. February should be a good time to get a place on the islands.

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    Drains out! Freedom! It only took one dilaudid and 3 mg of ativan. I am so thankful for my husband. He is my hero. I did 2 mastectomies and 2 years of reconstruction as a single gal. I am very blessed to have him walking with me on this phase of the journey.



    The actual drain removal didn't hurt, just getting the stitches clipped and pulled. I guess a long nap is going to be required before I am functional again, then a shower and fresh new merena girdle as my Veronique is feeling a bit big. Hoping to schedule my next stage for Charleston or Chicago.

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  • slh_tn
    slh_tn Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2012

    MartyJ,

    Congratulations on the drain removal.   So do I understand that you pulled the drains out at home?   Not sure if I am that brave.   I hope the rest of your recovery is going well.  

    I'll be arriving in Charleston/Mt. Pleasant on December 10th with my SGAP surgery with Dr. Kline scheduled on December 12th.    What can I expect weather wise (rain, temperature)?  It's about 40 degrees here in Tennessee.   Warmer would be nice.  

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  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2012

    Hi MartyJ, congrats on the drain removal.....makes you feel like a new person.  So happy to hear that you are progressing well. I have three weeks until I'm back in the OR again. 

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  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 599
    edited November 2012

    Hi slh_tn, I am having my stage 2 sgag surgery on Dec 7 with Dr . Kline. Where are you staying? I stayed at Sandpiper Village last time, but have a reservation at Homewood Suites. I liked the idea of breakfast and light dinner and convienient location to shops, restaurants and Isle of Palms. You will be there when Pinkheart is also. It is going to be here before you know it !

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    slh_tn~

    I still have my local weather and Charleston weather on my iPhone from August.  The last 2-3 weeks it has been 60-65.  But it can dip to the 40s at night.  Better than Indiana though - it might get to 60 but it drops to high 20s-30 here. 

    I am going to be walking around at night for Christmas light festivals and other activities so I'm still bringing my winter coat because I get cold easily.  Still hope to have some good days to walk the beach.  Will do it even if I have to wear coat and gloves!

    I will be in Charleston Dec. 7 - 17.  I'm staying at a friend's home in Summerville, but the night before surgery we will be staying at Hampton Inn-Patriots Point-Mt. Pleasant.  The medical rate is $89 per night.  It's only 5 minutes away from hospital which is great since you know how awfully early we have to be there. 

    The rates are dirt cheap for a few oceanfront hotels on Isle of Palms.  They aren't the fanciest hotels, but if you want to recouperate ON THE BEACH I would go for it.  They are only 10 minute drive to hospital/Dr. Kline's office.  Trip Advisor has reviews on the two hotels on Isle of Palms, and if you want nicer you could check out Wild Dunes Resort as MartyJ suggested.  There's something for everyone's budget. 

    After surgery, I didn't want to go out for dinner because didn't have much of an appetite.  DH would get carry out meals from restaurants.  Did go out for lunch with friends dockside at Waters Edge at Shem Creek one day after surgery.  They opened car doors for me, pulled chair up for me and I brought a throw away hospital pillow to sit on.  :) 

    My surgery is Fri, Dec 14 @ 8:00 am, and expected to last ~ 6 hours.  I'll put a sign on my door with my bc.org name, so if you want to stop in on Saturday while you are doing your walks down the hall, please feel free to stop and say hi.  I won't be lookin my best, but we are all in the same boat.  :)


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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited November 2012

    sih_tn, it should be warmer here on the island.  December is usually highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 40s.  Very pleasant - the gulf stream moderates the temperature.  Wish I could forecast rain, but my powers are lacking.  Bring a slicker or all weather coat - that will guarantee you won't need one.  Where are you staying?

    Jamie - where are y'all staying this time?  A Wild Dunes VRBO?  Let me know if you need any help.  Can't wait to see you.

    Cascader, the Homewood Suites on the Isle of Palms Connector will be a perfect location.  Great places to walk.  Convenient target for rx refills, a grocery store (try the Blemheims Ginger Ale at the Pig, it is the real deal).  Calder's pub is always simple good food.  Basil is excellent trendhy thai.  Love Crave and Opal has a wonderful reputation.  Let me know if you need more options that require a little drive.

    Looking forward to seeing y'all in a few weeks.  By then the effects of the ativan and dilauded for drain removal will have disappeared.  Simply hoping this post makes sense.  If not, I know y'all understand!  Thanks. M

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  • Downey30
    Downey30 Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2012

    MartyJ,  I look forward to seeing you too.  We are staying at the Hampton Inn.  We'll check in on Sunday Dec. 16th.  I'm not sure if I'll see Dr. M on Sunday night or Monday before surgery.  I'm not sure how long we will stay but I would love to get together.

    Pinkeart, I think that I may miss you depending on how long they will keep you in the hospital.  Are you at Roper?

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited November 2012

    Hi Downey,

    I'm at East Cooper in Mt. Pleasant.  Dr. Kline does 90% of his surgeries there.  Having surgery on Friday, Dec. 14.  Supposed to discharge late afternoon on 15th, but he said insurance approved to stay longer if needed since I am having two surgeries at one time.  Hope to get discharged as planned.  Post-op is in afternoon on Mon. Dec. 17. 

    Staying in Summerville with old friend for most of stay (Dec 7-17), except for Hampton Inn the night before surgery with another old friend.  Are you staying at Hampton Inn-Mt. Pleasant?

    I have two friends taking care of me in Charleston, but I am flying alone.  I didn't want my DH to have to take more time off work since it's my 6th surgery in 18 months. 

    Turns out that he had to have quadruple bypass surgery two weeks ago!  He is doing great because although his arteries had 7 serious blockages, he didn't present with a heart attack and he's otherwise very fit and healthy.  Very scary how close he was to an MI especially considering the lenghthy honey-do list I'd given him since I haven't been able to do as much from surgeries!  My son had a long Thanksgiving break from college and has been helping do the heavy stuff. 

    So I am taking care of DH right now, driving him to cardiac rehab while I go across to hall to my physical and lymphedema therapy.  Good thing/bad thing I'm still unemployed.  Broke, but since not working I'm able to better deal with DH surgery in between my surgeries.  The day I leave for SC, he will be able to drive again and two weeks later return to work or sooner if surgeon approves.  Then I come home and it's my turn to be in slow-mo again for a while.

    We both need a real vacation one of these days!

    Have fun while in Charleston before surgery and Happy Holidays to all!

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  • LindaG47
    LindaG47 Member Posts: 400
    edited November 2012

    Hooray, Marty.  So good to be Draaaaain Free!  Lucky you.  So many have them in a lot longer.  

    I am getting ready to leave early Monday morning for the drive into Chicago to see our wonderful Dr. M.  Surgery has been changed from 3:30 to noon now.  I talked to OR scheduling on Friday and they told me my surgery was still at the specified time and wasn't anything earlier, so I canceled my hotel reservation.  Not more than 10 minutes after I did that, I got a call that my surgery was moved up to noon.  No problem.  It is less than a 3 hour drive and Chicago is an hour behind Michigan.  I have to check in about 10.00 so we'll be fine.  At least I don't have to go all that time with anything to eat.  I'm a bit nervous, but I know I am in good hands. I haven't done my Christmas shopping or decorating.  Shopping will probalby be via the Internet and decorating might be put off for a while. 

    To the rest of you ladies that are up next month; wishing you all the best and a easy and quick recovery.  Linda

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