Charleston Bound, part 2

Scarey......I'm not computer smart enough to know.  I'm glad though.

Marty, 2 hamburger buns EXACTLY describes my stage 1 after the SGAP, the PAP looks more like soft serve ice cream, but 3 weeks post surgery is getting more hamburger bun shape! Wow, though, never heard it said as hamburger buns. Its a great description.



One thing, wish there was something that would explain that hamburger buns was the look that was good before the stage 2, that the tubing could be taped, all these great tips and info would make the journey a little easier to know so we would know what to expect.



I know, my daughter has her best for me, however you are right that it's me I have to please and hubby as my daughter is not privvy to seeing me in the buff anymore than necessary (not much).



Hugs



Catie

Very observant Marty!  I tell Downey not to worry about it and didn't even realize her post was fine.    Joni, we'd love to have you join our Mermaid weekend.  Anyone else too.  Marty and Downey you are Mermaids.  FYI: Craigie/Kline flap patients;  Dr. M calls us her Mermaids.  Don't really know why, but she does.  Even non- Mermaids are invited.  Just three of us now, but we do have fun. We've done Chicago and Nashville for starters. Sandy, thanks for filling us in on your tatts.  Always such good information shared here.  

Downey, you're post are perfect now.  

Have any of you ever seen this cartoon?  I hope it copies over OK. I think it is funny.

Jamie. We're planning on Asheville where at least Sandy is going to get her tatts redone and I'm going to watch. Wanna come? Not sure on dates , but I think it will be after Sandy is out of school Our Breast friend, Laura, also goes. Any other takers ? It is just a weekend. Jamie, how far are youi from Asheville?

Jamie,  I sure will, just as soon as I hear the details.  

Joni, it would be fun.  We'll give you enough time to figure it out?  Would love to have you.  

You're on the list Marty.  It would be fun just to see Joni and I together.  She is 5'10 and I'm 4'10!

Diedre - Sounds great!  Glad you will get out today.  Weather will be perfect.  BTW - I had to have 2 units of blood, too.  

Diedre, so glad you on on the way to IOP. Looking forward to a possible face to face chat with Marty and you, but will let you settle in and see how you are doing first.



This has to be the best place in the world to recoup from surgery. So soothing to hear the ocean. I crack open the slider just an inch or so and the room fills with the ocean!

Sewaneegirl-

So glad your flap surgery was a success and you are on your way to healing and relaxing on Isle of Palms.



At another institution I had a long difficult 7 hr Mx followed immediately by 2-3 hr direct implant recon. I ended up with a 10 hour surgery instead of planned 4-5. Ended up with 2 blood transfusions and 6 days later a massive hematoma in breast that had to be surgical removed. This all wiped me out and put me a step back in recovery



When i had my bilateral SGAP with Dr . Kline it ended up being 12 hours too due to extensive chest wall scarring and radiation damage they had to repair before going into SGAP part of surgery.



Despite the long surgery, i had no need for blood trans and no hematoma (but did have barf probs). So hopefully too your next surgery will be uneventful like my future surgeries were.



Blessings to you and keep us posted when you can.

Thanks! Yeah! Finally at the condo and hanging out. Managed the Arixtra myself ( far far less painful than the thinner shot at the hospital ...) . Ended up with 4 units if blood and one of albumen ... Calls or visits welcome.



Deidre

Woo hoo, Diedre! Not happy you had the ALH (what is that??) show up which I assume was pre cancer or something like that, but very much a confirmation that you did the right thing.



The weather has turned a little windy/rainy but should be clear and cool the next few days.



I will see if Marty is able to visit for a bit and hopefully we will have a nice chat in person.



But, so happy you are on the island and able to do the arixtra on your own. I felt it was easier on myself to do it myself than to freak someone else out, and much less painful as well.



Take care and see you soon



Catie

A question to throw ought there: how long do you need to stay in Charleston for stage 2 and do you need a caregiver? Trying to make an April appt to get the next stage but not sure what I will need from a patients experience. I will ask the Dr when I see him again on Friday but you have gone through this and need to know what your experiences were. Driving? Carrying luggage, etc, and coping - need someone or not? And how long?



Thanks much

I flew home on day 4 after stage 2. My flights were delayed/ cancelled so took about 17 hours to get to another hotel before my long drive home.Exhausting. I also used wheelchair assistance at the airport, thank goodness. I did not have any drains, but very sore from the lipo. I would not have wanted to drive, pain meds wete my friend,and definitely you do not want to carry luggage. Depending what you have done you should be able to do most things yourself. Very impressive you are already thinking about your next surgery!