January 2013 surgery

AMy I went today and my PT said yes for sure I have cording. She did some massage and told me to do the same at home. Im sure I wont be able to reach around and do what she is doing but I am going to try. She also showed me some stretches. She measured my ROM and it is not as good on that side. I will have to address her on the pain I am having on my sides too. Maybe she can do some massaging there. I go again Thursday but then Chemo Fri so then I will be out of commission for a week or so. Amy are you done with fills?

As for the nips I am totally going for the tattoo only. I just live way too far to go to vinnie so I have to find someone in the midwest. My hubby said he would drive me to see vinnie if thats what I want, but really it is VERY far from Iowa and who is going to see them but the hubby and me anyway right? Of course I want them to look good, but that is a long long drive

I got the call tonight that my genetic testing has been started!  The initial test is called the Multi Site 3 BRCA test and that usually assesses gene mutation in ashkinazi jews...this test takes 7-14 days.  If that one is negative, they move on to the Comprehensive BRCA sequencing.  This test assesses gene mutation for 92% of gene mutations, and also takes 7-14 days. The final test if the others prove negative is the newer BART test.  This tests for large rearrangement for the additional 8% of gene mutations.

My insurance company approved for the first 2 tests, but not the BART which they still consider experimental.  After the first 2 tests are complete, then I will meet with the genetic counselor for the results...she already told me that we meet no matter if it's positive or negitive.  At that point I can get her opinion whether I should pay to have the BART test done.  It is $700 and they offer some assistance with the cost if I go ahead.  I am leaning toward testing all possibilities, but will decide if/when necessary.

Just wanted to share the news, and that I should have some answers within 3-4 weeks!

I had my tats done at Vinnie's in Maryland since I live only about an hour away from his business.  A trip to New Orleans woud have been fun, he wasn't at NOLA yet back when I did them.

BWI in Baltimore is a Southwest Airlines hub so you can usually grab a good fare if you farewatch.  You could also fly into Dulles (IAD) or Nationals (DCA) near DC.  They're a little further from Vinnie's, but doable, and would work if you plan to catch some DC touring while you're here.  A quick hint to check flight at all airports in the DC-Baltimore area - when you're searching, use the code "WAS" for the airport.  It's a shorthand code that looks for flights at all 3 airports - most travel search engines recognize it.

If you've never been out this way and want to make a trip out of it, you can easily hit DC, Baltimore, Philly and NY.  Amtrak is great along that corridor. 

I did not submit the charge to insurance as I was told that it would not be covered because he wasn't working as part of a medical practice.  Maybe I could have appealed that, but at that point I was tired of fighting with insurance and just let it go. It may be covered if you have it done at NOLA as they are a medical office, but I don't know that for sure - it's just something I've picked up from other postings here.  He charged me $350 for bilat tats but that was 3-4 years ago.  I believe he's had to increase his fee since then.  I'd contact Vinnie directly - he's very good about getting back to people via email or phone.  http://vinniemyers.com

We have family in New Orleans, so planning on going sometime in November or December. Will go a few days ahead and play then get the tats the day before we head home. It's a six and half hour drive, so not too terribly bad! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Thanks for the great info Mary!  We fly SW all the time since my daughter lives in St. Louis...if fact I think I may have a free flight!  That could make a difference!

Tangles~  I think he charges $450 now, and I read on here that if you have them done in NOLA that they bill your insurance company.  In Baltimore, you are given a receipt with the medical coding on it, but have to submit yourself.

Susan~  87 degrees sure sounds better than snow, but I can tell you that the longer daylight has sure been obvious around here the past week or so, and it feels great! I do think MX would be easier without reconstruction.  How long/often will your radiation be? 

It has been really good for me being back at work...I've got 5 weeks and then surgery again.  Just found out today that the PS wants me to take 6 weeks off this time because of all the pocket work she is going to need to do.  She even mentioned that she may decide to go with smaller implants and fat grafting because she feels it would be better for me based on my weak tissue.  I am bummed about the time off again, but am getting used to the idea much faster this time around.  I guess it's just the way it is.

A get away next year and meeting some of you sounds really good.  Maybe it will all work out.

I understand you wanting to work a few days before starting back on treatments, but also see the problem with booking clients and having to cancel...I went through that as well.  Have you been in to the salon at all?  Maybe just a trip or two in to see some of your favorite clients and co-workers would help?

Vinnie's are strictly 3D - nothing under the skin.  Like trompe l'oeil in art - the illusion of depth.  They look like they have the depth of real nips, but the skin is smooth.

Thank you Tamiami and NatsFan for the info about Vinnie.....I am not ready for the nips or "tatnips" as I have 3 weeks to go until my exchange to silicon gummies...so happy to say goodbye to these hard expanders that are FULL++ right now....no more fills!

Then one or two more reconstructive surgeries yet to go.

Di

I can't wait either! They drive me crazy! May 28th is my date of exchange. My PS said I would have to wait at least four months for the tattoos. I guess you need to wait until the new foobs are settled in. This seems like a never ending process!

Hi, KarenJB,



Welcome. Sorry you had to be here, but glad you found us. You will find some amazing support and advice from the ladies on these boards. These ladies have been incredibly valuable to me in my decision making processes! Boy, have you had a rough go of it! Glad to hear you have a great support system in place. Sisters are wonderful to have around (even though they bossed you around during adloescence! at least mine did!) Hope you continue to heal and that you are tolerating your chemo with minimal side effects.

Hi Karen~  Sounds like you went through a lot with your surgery...hope someone can chime in about the healing after something like that!

Thanks Laurie!  You sound like you are doing well too!  Nodes are gonna be a-ok...sending positive vibes your way!

Hi Karen...glad you joined us! So sorry you had a rough time after surgery. It will take awhile for you to heal but you will get there.



Laurie..Glad to hear you are doing better!