Charleston Bound, part 2

Oh Maggie. I can't wait to hear what Dr. M is going to do to you. Lol.



My DH and I booked 1 mo. In Vero Beach for next February. We will definitely have to get together. Maybe lbrewer too!! Sending healing thoughts your way. Hydrate and take that Miralax now.

Montrial, call the office again for the referral of someone who has been there done that - they don't mind being reminded. You can tell Gillian, Gail, Kim or Chris or even Erica what you are looking for and they will give it to you.



I was asked to be a reference for someone having a PAP procedure and they asked me first, asked me if they could give either my email or telephone number. So it could be that they are waiting for the other person to give them the heads up - but remind them - we all get busy! Of course there are so many on here that can and will help you as well.



As for what to pack: My must have is a back scratcher (good grief my back NEVER itched except when I couldn't use my arms to reach so far behind my back as right after surgery!!!) and a 'reacher/grabber" to pick things up without bending or reaching. You can buy those anywhere, but I used the back scratcher in the hospital and was glad I had it when I did.



If you are at Homewood Suites, you are so convenient to Target, etc, so no need to worry, you can just pick it up there if you don't have it with you. The pillows that they use for you at the hospital are throw away when you leave, so you may want to bring some pillow slips with you and remember to ask for the pillows, they help you protect the 'girls' - offer a comfort for sitting, for behind your back if SGAP or on your front if DIEP - and the pillow slips makes it more useable in my opinion.



The Drs recommend cotton panties to help absorb any moisture (wick it away) and I pretty much tried to make my pj's, etc all as cotton as possible. I brought face wipes for my face in the hospital to make me feel fresher and wet ones for my hands to wipe them before eating, etc. Your favorite throat lozenge = sometimes your throat feels sore right after surgery from the anesthesia gear and chap stick or lipstick to help your lips feel not so dry.



Garments are pretty much supplied for the hospital stay, it's after you need to plan for. Homewood Suites has a laundry, free of charge, and sell soap in thier little commissary/gift shop. So you dont need a lot if you have someone to put the stuff in and out of the machines for you.



I wore Crocs at the hospital, easy to slip on and off, and helped to walk around on instead of the socks they give you.



Hope this helps!

One thing I forget is I bought the high protein Ensure.  Protein is very important to healing and I really didn't feel like eating much the first week or so.  25 grams of protein and only 5 suGAR.

I'm jumping the gun since Stage 2 is a few weeks away, but at one time, someone mentioned that a woman in Asheville NC did 3D tats for breast cancer patients. I live 1.5 hours from Asheville and would like to check her & her work out. Does anyone remember who she was??

Thanks. Sent her an email! See you in a few weeks, I hope!

I am so sorry you are going through this. It is so disappointing after all the planning. It can be a financial downer too. Been through this. However, don't give up yet on reconstruction. It will happen and you WILL look great in your favorite clothes too!

Geezz!  My right hip started hurting again yesterday and I think it is from the Arimidex.  MO has scheduled a bone scan and x-ray this Thursday.  I am just going to keep my plans the same and go see Dr. Kline so I know where I am with that.  I hate this "roller-coaster" ride I have been on since last year.  I know I shouldn't complain but every time I take the next step, it seems like I take two back.  Just tired of all this.  Okay--vent done!!  Moving forward the best I can!!

Thanks so much Caitie and Cherrie.I know this is for the best,it was just such a shock.And I certainly understand where Dr.Kline is coming from,I am glad for his caution.Lucky for me,they had a date for October 2.Hoping my endoscopy is clear and things can move forward.Any of you with stomach issues,no matter how minor,bring them to the doctors attention so if they want things checked out,it can be done.I never dreamed it would be a problem,I have never had an ulcer just gastritis.Everyone at Dr.Kline's has been great,I know they feel terrible that I had all my plans made.My husband is going to talk to his boss today and see if he can change a week of the vacation.I know it will all work out and we are making plans to do some things in September that we would have missed if I had surgery.And I have more time to get in shape!! Will be interested to hear what you learn from Earleen.I found someone about 40 miles from me who supposedly does the 3D nipples.I am going to stop by and talk with them,it would be great if there was someone talented that close to me.

Just found out I will likely lose what I paid for my flight to SC or I can pay $40 more than the flight was to reschedule.The first rep at US Air said I would need to have Dr.Kline send them a letter and to email customer relations and ask for a medical waiver,which I did.I called back today to see where the letter should be sent ,this rep told me" I only know of one time the $200 fee was waived and that was a case of impending death.You could have bought the insurance to cover this,but you chose not to." So I felt like a fool,because I was going to buy it and then said there was no reason I would be changing the flight down,the return flights were a bigger concern.But when I checked the insurance,it does not cover if you are flying for anything medical...so I am glad I did not waste the extra $17.If you are planning a trip,be sure and check what flight insurance will cover.

Panda,

So sorry you are going thru all this.  My surgery also had to be delayed and I was a mess.  You are so stressed out anyway and then more stuff gets dumped on.  I agree about contacting the airlines.  But also try posting your issue on their Facebook page.  It is actually one of the most effective customer relationship tools around.

I actually got a phone call from the Head of Public Relations from the NFL about my issue with throwing penalty flags for breast cancer!

mags, bet you are looking good!!!         If I can't get this resolved,I will have to cancel for October.I have such a limited budget and I am paying for my friend to fly down to fly home with me.The flight was $160 one way so to pay $200 to reschedule is stupid.I could understand if I was asking for a refund,but I am asking for a different day to fly and willing to pay if it costs more.I will try more calls, the Facebook posting too.I know $160 is drop in the bucket to most people,for me it is almost one month of  what I get for my pension.I knew I should not have cancelled back in June,but there was a woman with active cancer that needed my spot and the dates after didn't work for one reason or another.We have had major unexpected expenses the last couple of months,but I managed to save just enough.I guess all this happens for a reason, will be nice when I find out what the reason is!

out of hospital and back at hotel..its only 7 but I am gonna turn in a soon as I can wrap my arm...so tired! they are so much more even now

Maggie

Hi everyone, I have been terrible at checking in lately.  It has been a busy time at work (beginning of the fall semester on a college campus makes for crazy days for my office)!  I just wanted to let everyone know I am thinking of you.  Panda, so sorry for the delays and extra troubles you are having.  I am one of those people who tells others that everything happens for a reason, and I have had to listen to my own advice a lot this year!  I know it is hard to have to live through the crisis, and figure out what it is you are supposed to learn from the experience.  Hopefully things will work out for you the best that they can at this point.  Maggie, so glad to hear that you are doing well.  Montrial, I sent you a PM.  Good luck to you and aspinner as you begin this process.  Cascader and Catie, Pink,  Cherrie, Ketch, lbrewer, and everyone else I am forgetting - it is good to hear from you guys as well. 

Smiles, Beth

Maggie, so glad you are doing well.  Don't walk too much today though it will give you a good chance to see what happens with the drain.  Enjoy!

YOu will love Charleston if it ever stops raining on the East Coast!