Charleston Bound, part 2

All is well and time will tell.



Thank goodness though for oxycodone and morphine.



My surgery was 7 hours. I have 3 drains Dr K did extensive work on left breast by totally lifting and repositioning the flap. Tweaked my SGAP butt a little Not much fat grafting because saving it for stage 2b in June.



Lymph node transfer gave them some excitement in the OR. My vessels were the tiniest they have ever worked on to achieve anastomosis. They took a small flap with lymph nodes in it from my left groin area and attached it in my right axilla. So it was successful from blood flow standpoint but it will be several months to even begin change/improvement in LE. The nurses said they did a lymph node transfer on patient last week too. Kinda wish i could talk to her since not too many patients in U.S. have had this surgery. I discharge tomorrow.



It really was nice to meet cascader and sln-tn! I was telling Dr Kline about how patients network on these boards and PM or do phone calls or even meet other patients in person and how much the support between patients have helped us dealing with breast cancer.





Had fun the week before and had 3 beautiful days to walk all the beaches. Walked Folly Beach then caught a sunset then went to Festival of Lights. So nice to walk through the park in warm weather!



Also shopped around Summerville square and sat in cozy coffee shop yaking away with old friends on rainy day was fun too.

Pink,  You had a big day in OR.  Glad everything went well.  I really hope the transfer helps your Lympademia.  Keep us posted on that.  How nice that you had time to play before the big day.  Rest well.

Yes, Marty,  I had to buy Kotex and it is a good sub for the ABD pads.  I talked with Dr. M today and had to send more pictures.  Blood color has changed a bit, so we need to keep an eye on that.  It is such a pain.  almost as bad as having go milk the drains!

Downey, you are up tomorrow.....Sunday, really.  Sending good vibes your way.  Hope all goes well

Flora, My best to you too.  Hope everything is in place for you.  

Thanks so very much LindaG47 and Cherrie. I feel like I should be use to this surgery thing but still a little anxious and nervous. In the car and on our way to Charleston now.

Hi Florafarm, I'm also staying at the Hampton Mt Pleasant. Checking in tonight. Please look me up. I'm scheduled early tomorrow am. I'll pm you.

Thanks Pinkheart, if you should happen to find yourself out in the next few days I would love to meet you although I suspect you will be recooperatig. Speedy healing. Hugs, Jamie

Hi, just had a wonderful dinner with Marty and her DH.  She's certainly the one to ask if you need a restaurant recommendation.  Also, we are at the Hampton Inn Mt. Pleasant and it's quite nice.

Marty, you are the welcoming wagon, Charleston Ambassador, and concierge all rolled into one! What more could a "breast" friend ask for?  

Downey and Flora, you'll do great.  Hugs to you both.  Linda

Cascader- Glad to hear you made it home at last. You've had a crazy time getting to and from Charleston. I'm sure the results of your surgery will make up for that.



To all the Charleston Bound ladies- Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a new year full of happiness and joy. Thank you again for you support!

At airport in CHarleston on way home. Big thunderstorms so may be a bumpy flight. Good thing the docs prescribe valium n oxycodone which i will dose again before getting on plane.



TSA were very nice. Did private pat down and were understanding that i cannot lift arms more than 45 degrees. Still have two drains. They just had me touch drains and tested my hands for explosive stuff.



I have to sleep on back for two months!



Met Dr craigie yesterday in hospital and he is also so friendly and nice. Had a nice post op with Dr Kline and nurse Chris this morning.



Then had plenty of time before rain started to go to sullivans island and eat outside at Poe's and just walked the beach access path for one last look at ocean and then to airport.



I will be back in charleston in june for stage 2b.

Safe travels pinkheart!

Linda, I have been meaning to ask( unless I missed the answer somewhere), how is the small opening on your breast incision doing? Has it healed? I too have a small spot that has opened, looks like where a suture knot is. I put some ointment on it and covered it with gauze . Will send a pic to doc if it's gets worse.

Hi Ladies,  surgery went fine.  I am very sore.  For some odd reason my body won't pee.  They put the catheter back in last night.  We are going to remove it at midnight and hope I can empty it.  I'm going to try and see Florafarm if I can.  Thanks for all of your well wishes and support.  Time for some pain meds. Jamie

Jamie, hope you pee soon. Our bodies go through so much with the surgery and meds. It will be nice to pee soon (and you will) , get out of there, and go home. Enjoy the holidays.

Flora - so good to hear that all went well, even if you didn't get everything you want.  At least no drains is a blessing.  Say hi to Jamie if you see her this morning!

HI ladies,  slept in my own bed tonight!  I am having a problem with one drain. It's the right breast and its draining where it enters my body instead of into the ball.  I left a voicemail for Dr.M but haven't heard anything as of now.  Very sore from abdominal plication.  Also had fat graphting to breasts, scar revisions for the dog ear areas, breast revisions.  Three drains that I don't think I'll have very long.......maybe wishful thinking. Hugs to All

Flora it was really nice to meet you and your DD too.  Hope you are healing well.