Charleston Bound, part 2

Oh, I still have pain.  Expecially through the middle lower back - from the lipo for the fat grafting.  Because I bruise very, very well I am still quite black and blue.  I think I hate taking the narcotics more than I do putting up with the pain.

Catie... That is scary about the dog... and I am surprised the host laughed... Didn't they know how delicate you are? I have  German Shephard and she gets jumpy when people come to the house. I know this about her and plan ahead especially if I am expecting company.

Hello my Charleston sisters!

I just wanted to share an update, it has been a while since I have posted.  It has been 6 weeks since I lost my left stacked DIEP flap, and 4 weeks since I was able to ditch the wound vac.  In the beginning, HBOT was suggested to help with my skin graft healing, but both the wound care clinic at home and Dr. Craige agreed it was not needed, and the request was denied by my insurance.  I've been visiting the wound clinic weekly, and have had two rounds of antibiotics (minocycline and Cipro).  The minocycline did not fight the particular strain of bacteria I had, so after getting culture results, they switched me to Cipro.  I have to say I am not liking the Cipro, and will be glad when that bottle is empty (2 more days)!  Everyone is pleased with my wound healing progress so far.  I have had the opportunity to show off my right SGAP breast to many doctors and nurses here at home.  All are in awe of the SGAP on the right and both of my donor sites; and are equally impressed with how my left skin graft was done.  Dr. Craige spent two different nights in January and March (starting at about midnight each night until about 7 am the next morning) trying to save my flaps and in March getting rid of radiation damage and creating my new chest wall.  For that I am eternally grateful, and blessed to have such a caring and capable doctor on my "team". 

I have a follow up with Dr. Craige on Monday afternoon, so I will be making the day trip to Charleston.  (If any of you that are in town are up for lunch, or need ANYTHING on Monday, let me know!)

I think someone asked a few pages back when my next surgery will be.  I do not know when or what is next for me.  That has been hard for me so far as I am a planner.  But I am going to rely on Dr. Craige and Dr. Kline to figure out what the next best step will be for me and when to try again.  During my last visit, Dr. Craige mentioned a PAP flap, a TDAP, and the BRAVA fat grafting system.  I know that they have not given up, and I have not either. 

I post this not to scare anyone, but to reassure any newcomers that even under the worst circumstances you are under the best care that you could ask for.

Take care everyone,

Beth

Sewannee - did you have to do a shot for your trip to France? I'm asking because I may have to make a quick trip to Florida - my dad has been hospitalized for a brain bleed and they found 2 metastasized areas (or what looked like such) on his brain. He has had 5 melanomas and most recently on his cheek near his ear and on the crown of his head. I may have to make a quick trip down there. Wondering what the instructions might be for a 7 hour trip. I would be a passenger.

Hope all are well!   

Bethcw- I'm so glad to hear that your healing process is going well!

Cascader- Best of luck with your upcoming procedure!  

I'm trying to catch up with all the Charleston ladies.  It's been busy since I last visited.   Wishing you all good things in the days ahead-lots of healing going on and many surgeries scheduled.    Reading your posts for what to expect during my stage 2 in June.  I will be asking you questions as it gets closer.   

Take care.

Sandi

Just a few days past 2 weeks out so probably do the shot on the way home too?



Not sure when I'm going but trying to handle stuff from this end medical wise. Just sitting on the car for that long and then at the hospital will be the challenge. I tried not taking the Loratab today and it wasn't even 3:00 pm before my side and back stitched areas were screaming for one. So will have to try again another day.



Thanks much

Catie- you can't be in pain or healing will be difficult. If you want to cut back, put more hours in between next dose. Your body will let you know. You can also ask your doctor about non-opiate drugs. Some people do extra strength Tylenol for one dose then their pain pill. Nope your side and back feel better soon.

Hi, sorry have not been up to date, craziness here. My ankle is much better , swelling down and rash has disappeared. Hobbled around a bit Boone Plantation and Charleston market with a brace and a cane I bought at CVS. My cane is camo, very stylish. Will see orthopedist tomorrow at Dr Klines request, then pre op after. Not sure I have really processed all this, but here I am. Will do my best to keep u updated. Surgery Fri 7 am.

I hope you are all doing well. Goodnight.

Ankle is fine, no hairline fracture, just torn ligaments and ruptured tendon. It is so much better thank goodness. All marked up and ready to have nipple recon, a small fix to dog ear, fill in crease from SNB, and some lipo to muffin top area to put into breast for more projection. Big copay this time around as I have not met deductible or out of pocket. Will check in from the other side.

Pink, yes does not seem like 6 months ago.

Cathie, how are you feeling. I have not been keeping up here but so sorry about your dad. How is your energy level? It took me a long time to bounce back from stage 2 . Hang in there.

Sewanee see you soon!

Oh Catie I am so sorry. Hugs to you

Woo hoo! Cascader so happy for you!

Thank you slh



Cascader when you feel better or awake more tell us how it went??? What he did?? Hoping all goes well

Catie- so sorry to hear about your dad! Life certainly isn't always easy. (((Hugs)))



Cascader- glad to hear you are back with us. I go in one week.

Thank you all for the good wishes. Besides having nipple recon, I think he closed up my flap a bit to try and get more projecton. Was marked up for a lot of lipo but only able to do sme due to scar tissue. Not sure.Had more fat injected into breast to gain some fullness and also some put fat into my donor site with small dog ear revision. I brought my last two anest reports along with another from when I had surgery in Calif with no nausea and asked if they would come up with a similar plan. Whatever they did it worked. Woke up hungry and thirsty:)

Not sure about the Tupperware but thinking 6 weeks? Will ask at discharge tomorrow, will get all the details. Sewamee is staying at Homewood so we will make it a point to meet No drains , no compression, no pain. A bit of discomfort on my flap but that is it. Will see what tomorrow may bring.

Nite all.

Great news Cascader!