Charleston Bound, part 2

I don't know what a skin paddle is and my attempt to google it just brought up a bunch of pictures of actual surgeries. Is it the skin on the flap that is football shaped? My mastectomy will be skin-sparing so I won't have football shaped flaps. 

Crs319,

Thanks for your post -- I am so happy that you're so happy with your results! You've been through so much with this dreaded BC and your amazing positive strength and other brave women on this board is helping to pull me through, too.   💗

martyj and cascader thank you for the feedback on the rooms at east cooper medical center. Do they have a cafeteria in the hospital? Is there food within walking distance. My caregiver is planning to stay with me the entire time I'm there. I am hoping we won't need to rent a car because that is just more of an expense I hope to avoid. Thanks for the info!!  Also, does Homewood Suites offer a shuttle to the hospital? Looking for tips on logistics. :-) 

Sorry, but there is not shuttle between Homewood and the hospital.  If your caregiver gets tired of cafeteria food, there is nothing I would recommend walking to.  Just not that urban, though Arby's is about a mile from the new hospital.  Some of the roads are way too busy to walk.  I would suggest that a car would be helpful.  There is an Enterprise rental location not far and they will pick your caregiver up to get the car.  If you rent away from an airport it is less expensive.  There is also a Hertz not too far away.  Following a major surgical procedure it is safer to have a vehicle should you need to return to the hospital or get to the doctor.  We have taxi service, but it can take a bit of time.  The best part about Homewood is that Target (with a pharmacy) is behind it, Harris Teeter (with a pharmacy) is in front and there are several restaurants within a block.

Thanks for the car rental tips. (I was google searching it for hours last night.) the last couple times I called the CFNBR, I felt like the people were rude. This is a VERY tough decision to make and keep (to fly there for reconstruction). So, I gotta say, it's freaking me out. In the past year, I've probably called 4 times. It's not like I'm heckling them... This last time I didn't even identify myself and receivedvery short  responses with a tone that seemed to imply  they wanted the call to end ASAP. Perhaps I am sensitive to this since this is a very scary journey to be moving forward with. Is it too much to ask for courtesy and a tiny bit of compassion? Trying to stay strong.cant share this with my family because I have to constantly tell them how great it is in order to get their support. 

Thanks, Davy, that (the skin paddle along the incision) was exactly what I was asking about. I couldn't figured out where they put it, but it makes sense that it would be there. 

BRCA, I'm sorry to hear that they've been rude to you. I had a similar experience with a different doctor at another hospital when I was looking for a surgeon and it was really upsetting.

brca, I am so sorry that you feel that way but I think Davy's idea of communicating with a specific person is a great idea. I had nothing but positive experiences and I hope that you will continue to as well. So much to think about and figure out when traveling for surgery, it is stressful at times that is for sure. 

I am traveling tomorrow to Baltimore for my areola tatt with Vinnie ! My appt is not until Monday  so I will check in again later next week and let you all know how it goes. Nervous.

One option might be Sandpiper Village.  It is an independent living facility for those over 55, BUT they do rent temporary furnished apartments.  Several of Dr. Kline's patients have stayed there and liked it.  All meals are provided, I believe.  Another option might be Extended Stay.  To reach Sandpiper:  http://www.premierseniorliving.com/sandpiper.html This would be my first recommendation.

I think your biggest challenge is the mid summer date when all our rates go sky high.  You could also look at a condo rental on the Isle of Palms (try Island Realty, Wild Dunes Realty, Wyndham Vacation Properties) - most will have no pet condos.  Least expensive are Sea Cabins or Ocean Inn - try the Island Realty website first.  Though in the middle of the summer this can be expensive.  Another option might be a short term condo rental in Mount Pleasant.

(((lbrewer)))) group hug with you in our middle....sorry you must deal with this on top of everything else.

Mags

We have stayed at the Sandpiper twice. Food is not included but is cheap plus you have a kitchen-ette. They do have a shuttle. Everyone there is very nice. It was no frills, but clean, centrally located, provided a place to walk daily. We got a 2 bedroom and each had a bath (my mama goes with us). The rate is around $70 for a 1 bedroom, $85 for a 2 bedroom. No complaints with staying there except I'd rather be beachfront!

The first night after my surgery, I had a nurse who stayed in the room with me the entire night. Sent my mama home to rest rather than stay. Then she and hubby took turns staying and my son came down on the weekend and he stayed. The 2nd surgery, I was alert and felt pretty decent compared to the first surgery, so I stayed that night alone, checked out the next day. Third surgery, mama stayed as it was a bit more of a surgery, then we went back to the Sandpiper that morning.

The nursing staff at East Cooper was the best I've ever experienced. They were excellent. One thing I noticed about the nursing staff is that the doctors truly appreciate them and expect the best from them. Never before have I had doctors appreciate the nursing staff like Kline/Craigie.

Done!  May all be well with you Lbrewer and may your mil get some peace.

Lbrewer,

My heart goes out to you and you all are in my prayers. 

lbrewer,

Sending blessings to you and your family in the days ahead. 

I did it! After canceling my surgery last summer when my heart told me I had the wrong PS here in Michigan, and after hoping for an opening last summer in SC that never came to fruition, I finally have a firm date and FLIGHT  BOOKED for surgery with Dr. Craigie in July 2014. I am so excited to move forward!  I am going to take the next 3 months to get my body as strong as possible before surgery. Thank you to everyone in this thread for advice and for helping me to get to this point. You are all so strong and brave!!!! 

Way to go brca35!  You found a place to stay, too?