NOLA in September?

Hi Ladies,

I am 2 weeks out from bilateral DIEP and left prophylactic mastectomy,  I am feeling some swelling in the lower side of the left breast.  I think it's fluid because it makes an intention when I push.  I spoke with Laura on Saturday and she said to leave it alone and wear bra.  Any of you experience this?  What did you do?

Thanks and Happy New Years to all of you!!

vw... The breasts will be swollen for a while... like months. And with swelling (edema), you know its swelling because when you push on it it does indeed leave an indentation. Very very normal. As the swelling starts to subside, things will look different, so don't be startled as you move through the process.

debdylan ...I think I have seen you on the DIEP board?  Did you reach out to NOLA.?  You can email directly via their website and they get back VERY quickly.  I had an answer to my costs within a week.  Be prepared to send phtos (can be emailed).  Here is their link.  http://www.breastcenter.com/

Wishing you the best.

Pat

deb - sounds like mostly revisions so you won't be in NOLA as long as if you were having stage one.  You won't be out of work as long either.  You mentioned that you didn't have NSM.  The skin sparing gals usually have the best outcome so be sure you compare to like procedures.  Having had my original MX and recon many years ago, the shape will never be the same as the original girls. Though I look way much better than I did 13 months ago.  

deb, I hate to say it is "only" a $2,000 difference from the $5k you were discussing in your prior post.  It is a large amount of money. (I paid more!)  They do offer payment plans (at least I think they said that).  Call and discuss with Vicki, she is the "money girl".  Also look into the other options Cherrie mentioned.

Also keep in mind they can most likely get you into Hope Lodge (run by American Cancer society) so you won't have to pay for hotels.  And I believe they still offer free transportation to their appointments.

Don't give up hope.  

Pat

Deb... Flights to NOLA re around $220-300.. so not horrible. You have a niece there, so no hotels. Did you tell them you could only pay $5k? They are very willing to work with people. And last, not sure the nipple would need to wait. Usually they do the nipple at stage II, which is what this is. I would

a) Call Vivki and try again

b) Call Massey, Kline/Craigie and PRMA and ask for their price as well.

I know you are unhappy and this is the first step to being complete. Get this part in place and the rest will follow.

Lisa- Welcome to this thread. You must have a lot of questions. Ask away. You are in great hands with Dr. S. He assisted with my surgery. Great guy!!

Hello ladies! As Springtime had noted, my Stage 1 is set for 2/18. I'm not sure what procedure I will have (I think that one of the NOLA people mentioned a hip flap, because I was told by a local surgeon that I don't have enough tummy fat for two breasts). Are you involved in that decision at all or will the doctor make the call? I won't meet Dr. Sullivan until the day before my surgery, but I have full confidence in his work.

In fact, I was just on the phone with the ladies in NOLA yesterday, discussing Stage 2 dates. I have to admit, this surgery is overwhelming, but I'm looking forward to having it behind me. I'm BRCA+, so at this point, the mx is prophylactic as long as my MRI is still clear. 

Without knowing it, you have all helped me immensely, learning about the procedures and what to expect...so thank you. I suspect numerous others have been helped in the same manner. But now that this is all 'a go,' I wanted to come on the board to say hello.

Welcome Lisa!  I also didn't have enough tummy fat, so I had a bilateral DIEP and GAP, but the decision wasn't made until the day before surgery.  They have a good idea by looking at your pictures, but need to see you in person before making the final assessment.  Since your local PS saw you in person, I would suspect you will have both DIEP and GAP flaps.  

Betsy,

I would like to join the Facebook group.  Please let me know how.

Thanks

Stix... there are definitely women who get implants in NOLA... I just think they aren't posting here cause  most get flaps. But I have met a few women who got implants there. People who travel there though are getting flaps most of the time, but local women get implants. And there are women who have had implants added to their flaps as well.

I would like to join the Facebook group, please  

I got everyone who requested the FB group except VW... Try friending me ( I sent you a PM)... My page is visable... not sure what happened when you tried.