Charleston Bound, part 2

Panda,

Are you getting excited for your August 12 surgery?  You've been through so much and had to cancel a few times so I'm glad to see you are Charleston Bound!  

just passed the finish line!  Got my tattoos from Vinnie this afternoon and beyond pleased!

Panda,lots of great places close by in Charleston proper, but I couldn't tell you, I'm sure Marty can recommend the perfect place.

Hugs

Catie

Panda, during one visit I stayed at the Meeting Street Inn. Older place, big antique 4 poster beds, cute outdoor veranda area with fountain where wine and apps served free,  and simple breakfast included. Met some great people, and walking distance to restaurants. 

I didn't think of that, Pink!  Cascader did you send him final pics?  I talked to him a storm about Dr K.  But not a bad idea!

Such a good feeling!  Still taking peeks at the new nips!  They look 3d to even me when I open the top of my Tshirt to glance at them.  Such a food feeling.  Going home tomorrow so DH will see them but DD said they look real when I emailed her a pic!

I knew Marty would be the go to person for your query Panda!

Hugs

Catie

Ashira - are you home?  The drive went well I hope.  Here is a bit of video from the Dragon Boat Festival.  It was such fun!

http://lizoakley.com/

Catie - sure must be wonderful to be finished.  I am hoping for a year end completion!

Oh wow,Caitie...that is wonderful..and they even look real looking down on them!Very happy for you! My friends have all ready planned a girls weekend for when I get mine..that is way down the road.Thanks,Marty,this will be an early dinner or maybe even a very late lunch.We will be coming from my cousin's who is about an hour from Charleston.I will see Dr.Kline for my post op,we will go to the hotel and rest,then back out to eat.Surgery usually does tire me right out,so one reason I want to stay someplace nice the night before leaving..hoping it might be a little quieter than some of the motels might be.Cascader,I checked out the Meeting Street Inn,it looks perfect,exactly what I was hoping for.....and not a lot more than they were going to charge me at Homewood even with the medical rate.They have some restaurants listed on their site,so we will pick one close by...Ashira,the thought of losing a flap is scary...and I can't advise you..except I think losing a flap weeks out from surgery is very rare,I think as long as it feels warm it is OK??? Thinking of you.....

Ashira, I had something similar with the bruising, I took lots of photos and sent them to Dr K.  My experience is that he will let you know if he is concerned.  You wen t through a lot to get where you are today, so worrying is normal, but letting him know with photos etc is the best thing to do and he will let you know.  I even had a hard spot, but it softened up.

I use something like you would put your knees in when you sleep ( a wedge only really good for putting between your knees when you side sleep - to help align your back) as a seat belt protecter.  It didn't work great to align my back but sure works great keeping the seat belt away from my breast and still would do what's necessary to let the seat belt protect me.  I still use it when I remember to do so

Yes it feels so good to be done, and especially looking in the mirror.  DH was very happy and said "now I know why you wanted to go to Vinny to have it done!" When I showed him last night.

Hugs

Catie

there were times I truly doubted ever being DONE!  So that is part of my thrill, that it eventually does get to this point.

Speedy healing!

Hugs

Catie

Survivor, congratulations to you for making it close to your goal weight. That's wonderful news!

I too, stressed over the protein requirements pre surgery once I read that book.  When I spoke to dr. Kline about it, he told me that more important than pre surgery protein levels, are post surgery levels. Mostly a vegetarian prior to this whole thing, I did two things.  The first was  to make a decision to eat meat as necessary through surgery and rehab. (Which turned out to be important) The second was to look for a low calorie, alternative protein source, which I found in hemp.  If you have a local whole foods store, you may want to consider it. Hemp seeds are high in protein, low in calories, and can be sprinkled on anything. The only downside for me is that they are a bit expensive. Also , they sell a chocolate hemp protein powder that can be mixed with any milk of your choice (I prefer unsweetened almond) and a bit of ice or frozen fruit for a delicious low cal, high protein smoothie. 

Dr. Kline continues to urge me to lose weight in preparation for stage two, so your message is a good reminder to me!

Survivor - as Ashira said, it's really important after stage 1 to keep the protein up - I think it's partly to help you to heal and also to get your body in shape to deal with stage 2.  I was able to lose weight while adding more protein - so hopefully you can do the same.  

If WW is the points system still, maybe make sure the points are used for protein rather than other stuff? I'm not as WW savvy as can be, but think that's a possibility?  Kudos for doing so well!

Ashira, that hemp shake sounds good, may have to check into it.  I've got so many allergies I have to make sure I can have it, but sounds great.  I really like the Almond milk - especially since I can't have dairy.

Hugs

Catie

Thanks, Marty!!!

Catie - so glad you pointed that out.  I can never keep up with name changes.  Hi there Highbeams!

Chest X-ray yesterday. Hate the stress of waiting. Don't know one ever gets over it 

fat grafting next week. Hopefully it's the last surgery before nips. Really considering 3d.  So tired of being a patient and feeling crappy.  Arimidex sucks!

lbrewer, sending positive thoughts your way, and wishing you well. 

Hi brca,  I've had three done there :-).  I'm not claustrophobic, so I can't relate to what that feels like.  But I can tell you that the machine they use is not totally enclosed. You lay down and they slide you along until the metal band surrounds what they are scanning.  I don't remember the band being too terribly close to your face.  If you having a DIEP, you will lay on your back.  They give you a headset and pipe in your favorite music, that is also they way they give you instructions.  I would close my eyes before they move you, and keep them closed the entire time if you can.  (That way you can pretend to be somewhere relaxing while listening to some good music.)  The staff there are really nice, and do a good job of making sure you are comfortable before they start..  I'm sure if you told them your concerns they would do everything they could to help.  The most annoying thing I found about the process is the loud noise (which is another reason for the headphones).  If I recall the whole scan process does not take more than about 15-20 minutes.  Hopefully it will be helpful to you to know what to expect!  Beth