Charleston Bound, part 2

brca35 I am interested in hearing experiences also about the MRA as I am doing it the end of June.  I am not too claustrophobic, but interested in any coping experiences other ladies might be willing to share.   With MRI's I play silent games--thinking of names that begin with each letter of the alphabet, try to recite words to things in my head--anything to make the time pass more quickly and to distract myself from discomfort.  Maybe this time I will try to think of words to Beatles songs.  Does anybody else have coping suggestions of mind games to play?

Thanks--Highbeams

Brca and High Beams, I too had the MRA there not too long ago. It is difficult for me to relate to your fear of enclosed spaces, but I will tell you that I was terrified after having received a breast MRI at a different institution not too long before that. My experience of the MRI was awful -- horribly loud noises and terribly abrupt shaking on the table. That was done in one of the premier facilities on my home town. My experience of MRA in Charleston was no deal at all compared to the first. The staff was kind and very knowledgeable. They explained the procedure every step of the way. The machine was clearly state of the art, as there was no comparison to the noise level or tumult I had come to expect. In short, it was easy for me. I agree that it's best to be clear headed for your pre-op appointment, so if you need the meds, you may want to consider a very small dose. Hopefully hearing about a few good experiences helps. 

Lbrewer,

Thinking of you and hope you are feeling better soon!  Let us know if you decide on 3D and who you go to. 

I just read Dr Craigie's blog on nipple tattoos and a picture of PA Kim doing tattoo. Does anyone know if she does 3D?

I doubt they would key a iPad near you because of the magnetic material in it.   They have awesome earplugs too!  They gave me a few extra sets and I love them to help with my DH snoring,

lbrewer, Great news all around!  

lbrewer, Hoping that this is the last for you also.Good luck and just know we all are thinking of you and sending good healing thoughts your way. I am really missing CHS, hope you have a chance to enjoy it a bit while there. Let us know how it goes.

discharged this morning.  Everything went great but having gas pains. Or maybe This compression girdle is too tight!  Anyway. Dr K says it's time for nipples. Really like the 3d for me because of two flaps and rads. Says constructing them would slight compromise the placement of the nipple because do where the scar tissue is,  looks like Bonnie is next on my to so list!

lbrewer - That's fabulous!  What a relief you must be feeling to be so close ....

I've heard from others that it hurts too. Did he give you pain meds and if so what kind?  How do you feel about the way you look?

I didn't realize that there is so much swelling with lipo. or that you needed to be on such strong pain meds for later stages. Wishing you speedy healing and ever so lovely results. 

Since I have returned home from stage 1, I've re-entered my community after essentially hibernating since fall through dx, chemo and surgery. I have had more than my share of compliments already, with many commenting that I must be spending lots of time at the gym. My standard reply is "I do my best". If they only knew what I looked like without clothes!

Thinking that we deserve a bit of joy around this after all we go through :-)

Ashira,

That's great to hear the positive feedback you are getting when you go out. Is your daughter curious about your surgery?  

not sure what you mean about Bonnie. Maybe vinnie?   

Sorry.  Meant Vinnie.  Autocorrect keeps changing it!

I told him I was thinking of it and he said he thinks the 3d ones look great.  I think Catie sent him pictures but of course he couldn't say exactly who had sent him what.  But he said the 3d ones were a good option for me.  He does not do skate flaps and uses part of the breast tissue to make the nipples.  He said mine because of the ay my flaps are, it would distort them somewhat.  I do not know why he has an aversion to skate flaps; thats what I had done on my previous reconstruction and it was fine.  But the nipple had to go when he did the lift to match the side of the SGAP.

On reading my insurance ( United) it should be a covered expense.  I think the artificial nipples should be as well.  Figuring it out is on my to do list.

Ashira , so sorry about your daughters attitude re your cancer.  I had the same problem with my daughter when I was going through my first round of BC.  She just couldn't face it I think and could only cope in a world that had her mother whole and healthy.  I was a single mom at the time, so think that's a big thing at that stage.  Now, fast forward 17 plus years and she reacted with compassion much more but still couldn't take more than a week being a caregiver without reverting and somewhat shutting off.  She managed to help me out though for stage 2 and stage 2c.  Just to let you know you are not alone.

Lbrewer, Yes, I did send Dr K pictures of the 3d nipples and he remarked back that they looked "awesome".  He also said I must want to stand naked in front of a mirror!  (Which I've done quite a lot lately! LOL).  And autocorrect is a bummer sometimes - Vinnie is the artist who put the frosting on these cupcakes.

I think the skate key for nipples can be looked up on a google search, I know I looked up many possibilities before deciding on 3D and foregoing any further surgery.  I'm more than happy I chose this route and went to the Maryland location for Vinnie with no problem.  

My insurance might have covered it, they give you a very concise form to send to your insurance carriers but my deductible is $2500.00 per year and I am delighted to tell you I've not even come close to that amount this year.  So I will gladly pay out of pocket for it.  First time since 2011 that I've not more than exceeded that amount!