Charleston Bound, part 2
Comments
-
Montrial,
Have you had your first consult yet?
Dr Kline is my primary surgeon and I email questions (numbered) to him and copy Kim, PA, and Chris, OR nurse. Sometimes he defers certain numbered questions to them. He loves answering questions and responds quickly when he can. If you have an urgent question, it would be best to call the office.
Does Dr Craigie email?
Of course dont forget all of us for support and resources.
-
jeskachi: Thanks for the quick response. My first consult with Dr. Craigie is August 26th, with Stage 1 DIEP scheduled for Nov. 7. I don't think I have ever been tested for the gene -- do you think it would be beneficial so that should I test positive, I should consider a mastectomy of my remaining breast with bilateral reconstruction? I must ask my Oncologist if I was ever tested. I just don't recall them mentioning it; however, they could have and I was negative and I just dismissed it, dealing with more pressing issues -- like my cancer. That was back in 2008, so I could have forgotten, too. I will contact my doctor's office with questions, as well. Hope all is well with you. Also, thanks for the info on Vinnie. My big hurtle right now is finding pet care for my three dogs while I am away.
-
Montrial, even as they are busy, try emailing Gail the office manager for help with your questions. I emailed, phoned, etc before my surgery and before I found BCO. They are so nice there - they want your questions answered!!!
Hugs
On the Vinnie thing - he has a rep for really nice 3d work and great pigment use in the outer nipple area (couldn't spell the correct word)
. I will most likely get my nipple itself done by Dr K but the other by Vinnie as Cascader is doing.
When I was tested for BRCA they asked me, I had to sign something and it was very much known to me what I was being tested for. Sometimes there is Genetic counseling prior, so it may be that you were NOT tested. It's a matter of personal preference to go bilateral - yours. I think most insurance also covers it for symmetry purposes.
Dr Craigie answered some really good questions on Tuesday night. Email Gail to send you the recording to listen to, you might enjoy it.
Hugs -
montrial,I have had a ton of questions,if whoever needs to answer them is busy,they call me back.Always the same day.And since you are having the consult so far in advance of your surgery,you will be able to ask in person.I am glad you posted about your dog concerns,the only reason my husband can't go with me is because of our elderly dogs and cats..donkeys and goats..chickens and ducks...Not sure where you are but here we have people who will stay in your home with small pets or come in several times a day to care for them.Maybe that would be an option?It is hard to get most insurance to cover testing for BRCA.I originally had a unilateral mastectomy,but my remaining breast was very dense plus large and uncomfortable trying to find a prothesis to match.So I had a prophylactic mastectomy.I am glad I did,I fretted every year when it was time for mammos and all.And since then my cousin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and my aunt with breast cancer.But having a proph mast is a very personal decision.There are several artists who do nipple tattoos for free for breast cancer patients,I do not think Vinnie is one of them.I think if you do a search for nipple tattoos you will find a post on it.Some insurances do not pay for it unless it is done in a doctor's office and some not even then.I am glad you are asking a lot of questions here,its helping me too!!
-
I NEED HELP! My butt incinsion is itching so much I can't stand it. This morning I took 2 percoset and went to sleep just for some relief. Any help would be apppreciated.
-
I NEED HELP! My butt incinsion is itching so much I can't stand it. This morning I took 2 percoset and went to sleep just for some relief. Any help would be apppreciated.
-
Please remember that BRAC is not the only gene affecting BC. Mine (HNPCC) goves me a 50%. If I had known that I would have done a bilateral DIEP in 2008 when I had the first side. You only get one diep SO i HAD AN sgap on the second breast last week when the cancer came back. I am a HUGE advocate of doing both at the same time. Even with surgeons as talented as Craigie and Kline, the results are alomst always better when they make "two from scratch, rather than trying to copy a previous reconstrction." The only downside i see is the loss of feeling in the "good side" But then no more 6 mnths mammos, mris, or biopsies either. The stress of those was wrecking my life to where the dR. reccommended anti-depressants. and I still ended up with a 4 cm tumor and 15 involved nodes and about a 50% chance of living 5 years. All of that would have been prevented if I had done a bilateral diep and I wouldn't be sitting here again with a drain in my butt!
-
I think NOT scratching the itch until you check with the Dr or his nurse would be the best advice - I read somewhere that even if it itches to do your best to not scratch - but I could be wrong so best to make sure!
Sorry you are itching - I had that as well, chalked it up to healing but literally a pain in the a$$!!!!
Heal well! -
Chris just phoned in a prescription for a steroid cream. I sent a picture and she said looks like more allergic reactions. I can not tell everyone how fantastic it is to get the response we get from their office. Unfortunately on this foruim we are only preaching to the choir.
-
Glad you got that steroid cream, if you can take it, benadryl also can help.
-
What did Chris say about scratching the itch? I'm curious?
Glad you got the cream!!!!
Hopes for a non itchy night! -
Montrial, last year we boarded my dog for a week, then husband was back & forth from Charleston (we're 4 hours away) & my son was home with him at night. This time, my friend who is on disability, is babysitting my dog for half a day each day. We've laughed about me hiring him a sitter, but the dog is not used to being home alone. MY son is going to stay at my house while we are gone, but he has school labs 4 nights a week until 10. So we are going to try this rather than boarding him. My dog likes my friend and she likes him, so this ought to work.
I've been feeling down and out lately....this weather and rain really bothers me and the lymphedema. Plus, the large fat necrosis that I have will shift into my good tissue and it hurts. I'll be glad to get that out in a few weeks. I hate taking pills & am trying not to take the pain pills. I wish the weather would change...so very tired of all this rain.
-
Lbrewer,
Hope your itching clears up soon!
I had crazy itching on SGAP incision, and at pre op appt for next surgery, they diagnosed mine as a fungal infection and prescribed a cream called Nystatin. -
Ketch,
I hear ya on the $&@# rain in SC!
Looking forward to sunny days ahead for all! -
Bailey -
You will be surprised. I was able to eat out at a restaurant the night I got out of the hospital and to for for a short walk each day. But I was very tired and week. Until about 4 weeks after part 1 I could only do 1 outing a day for a relatively short time. I sometimes walked a couple of blocks to a lunch place. A few times I ate at a club with some friends... By 4 weeks I was a bit stronger and took longer walks. But I didn't go back to work or drive for 8 weeks. In addition to pain meds, driving is a bad idea because it is hard to move your arms enough to move the steering wheel well.
Hope that helps - you'll do great. -
For those of you that are new, there is a helpful thread called "Surgery - before, during and after" with a sub-part on shopping and packing in preparation. It was really helpful to me.
-
Hi all,
I'm trying to book a hotel for my surgery and wonder if anyone has stayed at Roadway Inn (formerly Comfort Inn)? It's on the list Ericka sent from Dr Craigies office. Seems to be the cheapest and I am looking for cheap, but don't want a roach motel either. I called Homewood Suites and they quoted $119 per night. Trying to keep my cost down. Any suggestions? -
Holiday Inn was $89 with the medical rate and was just fine. But Homewood has breakfast and supper so it sort of evens out.
-
Have you checked Air BnB? They sometimes have houses for rent at a good price.Don't forget to check Sandpiper,that is a whole private cottage for a good price.I think they list on VRBO.Today is the day I am booking my incoming flight......so guess this is finally going to really happen!I vacillate between being excited and then I am terrified...
-
Courtyard by Marriott downtown at the marina is $89 - 843-722-7229
Comfort Inn Riverview downtown is $89 with free breakfast - 843-577-2224
I do suggest Homewood though. With a full breakfast and a dinner that really saves. It is a nice place and Target is right behind for filling prescriptions. The Piggly Wiggly grocery is a block away. There are several good and reasonable restuarants nearby. Good motivation to walk for lunch.
The Roadway can have a bunch of truckers.
-
I haven't been to Charleston yet. However, I am booked at Homewood Suites for my consultation in a couple weeks and for my surgery in Nov. Med rate is $119, but, as others have said, this includes breakfast 7 days a week and dinner Mon-Thur. I have been told that Homewood is very convenient to both the doctors' office and the hospital (which is nice if spouse wants to run back to the room for a shower or a meal). Also, supposed to be close to shopping and restaurants. Costs do add up though when you need to stay about 10 nights. Good luck with your surgery. When is it scheduled? Are you Dr. Kline or Craigie? I'm experiencing the same feelings of excitement mixed with apprehension. This too shall pass!!! We will get through it -- just keep focused on the RESULTS! For that, I can't wait.
-
Panda- good idea! I'll check VRBO. Hadn't thought about that. Right there with ya vacillating! I'm a mixed bag of emotions too!
MartyJ- is the dinner at Homewood pretty good? Order off menu or is is buffet style?
Montrial-my surgery is sept 12 with Baron for bilat mx and Craigie for gap. If these next few weeks don't hurry by, I'm gonna explode! -
Itching is much better. No more pain pills, just ibuprofrn. I still get so depressed tho. Will I ever be able to wear a bathing suit again? We have a boat that I haven't been out in a year.
Its intereseting how the med rate keeps changing. I told them I was told 89 at Homewood and they said fine!
-
lbrewer: Did you just complete Stage 1 or 2?? Can you not wear a bathing suit because you just had surgery or because the results are not good? I imagine there will be lots of scars for me, because I currently have a large scar from my mastectomy -- they took me down to the rib bones -- and followed with radiation. Not a pretty sight. I'm hoping for improvement in appearance but, at least, looking forward to abandoning my prosthesis. Maybe they can take skin as well as fat, etc. to create a new breast. I was surprised Homewood accepted the 89 for med rate rather than the stated 119. That's great!!!! I think I will try that and see if it will work for me, too. I'm glad to hear the itching problem is better. That had to be tough!
-
Dinner at Homewood is buffet. I stayed at one in NOLA after my surgery. The one you are booking into is one I passby daily. Newer and in a great location.
With all of the flap procedures they can use the skin covering the flap or remove it depending on ones needs. -
Montiral,
i just finished stage one SGAP. Its the second time around fro me..I had a DIEP on the other side a few years ago. It seems like a never ending process! Its just a downer day...my butt hurts!
-
lbrewer: Second time around? Did you have a reoccurance of BC or was this just a PS? I gather you can only have one DIEP procedure, hence the SGap for your return visit? In your opinion, which procedure has the more difficult recovery (since you have been through both)? I've been debating whether I should consider having my other breast removed and reconstruction of both or just reconstruct the one. I guess there is always the fear of BC returning in my natural breast if I leave it alone. My husband hates to see me go through reconstruction but is very supportive. He is against me having the mastectomy and bilateral reconstruction. I guess I need to discuss this with my oncologist. Ugh!! More things to worry about.
-
Yes you will wear a bathing suit again!! I had my first initial Sgap surgery last June and have now completed all 3 stages. I have been in a bathing suit all summer, even a bikini, and really feeling great. I could have NEVER imagined that even six months ago. You will get there, but it is a process that at times seems all consuming. Hang in there.
I stayed at 2 bdrm Sandpiper for stage one( booked via VRBO) and while I would not hesitate to stay there again, Homewood really can save you money because of the included meals. Beer and wine too, nice for the caregiver. Both breakfast and dinner are buffet style but really very good. Changes nightly and the gals that work in the kitchen are so friendly and accommodating . -
I have a question for the ladies who have had mastectomies and going thru or done with recon: why do you still have a relationship with a breast surgeon? I have not seen mine since my mastectomy follow up 4 1/2 years ago. Curious .
-
Cascader,
I had same question about breast surgeons because I never saw mine again either after surgery and post op.
However, Dr Kline referred me to Dr Baron versus an oncologist because he said Dr B knows just as much about oncology as the oncologists. Suits me fine because I met Dr Baron in pre op for his assistance in my lymph node transfer surgery. I like that he quite obviously "gets" natural breast recon too.
The last oncologist I saw up north following stage 2 surgery, was seriously clueless about microsurgical natural breast recon, and wouldn't even speak when I explained what my 3 drains were for and that I also had a lymph node transfer as part of my Stage 2 SGAP. He had no clue what SGAP was and had zero interest to even ask. I refused to go back to him.
BTW, it has been 2 years and 3 months since my BC Dx. Has anyone had an MRI since recon since we dont need a mammogram anymore? (if bilateral Mx and recon)
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team