Charleston Bound, part 2

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited June 2014

    Pinkheart...YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here is a question....how soon after surgery can you see that you have breasts? The surgical bras I have had in the past were very tight so even when I had my one breast it was really mashed down by the bra and  the bra came up to my chin.....or seemed like it did....just wondering what I will see when I look down for the first time?

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Panda,

    You will be able to see your new breasts when in hospital. They won't look too pretty yet but still awesome to have them!  

    The nurses helped me take a shower on day two or three. They have you keep surgery bra on during shower. Then when you get out and dry off, they will take off the wet bra and put a dry one on you. This would be a good time to peek in bathroom mirror and nurse there if you want to ask questions.  When Dr Kline comes to your room he of course will be opening up bra to check them out so you can look down to check them out then, too  

    The wet bra gets hand washed and hung up to dry to put on after next shower. You will repeat this for awhile during recovery. I cant remember how many days of wearing surgery bra with camisole that holds drains. At some point you get to ditch the surgery bra for just the soft cami that holds the drains.  

    Did you get reservations at Comfort Suites Isle of Palms yet?

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  • Davy
    Davy Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2014

    HighBeams - thinking of you! I pray your pain is well managed and you are comfortable with zero nausea! 

    Pink - so happy that the finish line is finally within your reach! You are so detailed, I'm thinking you'd make a great breast reconstruction consultant (is there such a person?). Your patient perspective is so valuable! 

    Panda - your time has finally come - woohoo! I think your first look will be a positive one. I was surprised Stage 1 looked that good, albeit flat, but still exceeded my expectations. 

    I read back a few pages and I want to reiterate that I am so very pleased with my aesthetic outcome! Not pleased with the donor site scars, but those too will fade. Breast scars are 70% gone - I had NSM. But the breasts are amazing!!  And the symmetry is just about perfect (I didn't have enough fat to finish off one little spot). 

    Scars - I have recently switched to lemon rubs and castor oil packs for scarring. The lemon juice has worked wonders on a surgery related scar that I had on my cheek (I think from the Stage 1 flip on Feb. 27, 2013). It was slowly fading on its own, but is gone with nightly lemon juice after one month! 

    So now I am moving on to the donor site (SGAP), praying for similar results, although realistically it will take longer than a month. 

    Cheers,

    Davy

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Highbeams,

    Thinking of you post surgery and wishing you a smooth recovery for such a major surgery. Please let us know how you are feeling when you are up to it. 

    💗

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Ashira,

    You mentioned that you are primarily vegan, and I thought of you when I got this feed from Drs. Kline & Craigie blog.  I subscribe to their newsletter to my email, and receive articles on my facebook.

    This is a great article about all the vegan restaurants around Charleston.  I thought you might want to check it out before you are there for your next surgery.

    http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/raw-vegan-foods-in-charleston/

    Enjoy!

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  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited June 2014

    Sounds like I had a different experience with NOLA.  When they found out how much of my out of pocket i had already met they couldn't get me info fast enough.  It was like a used car salesmen!  Even said if my hospital bill posted first which they could make happen my surgery would be FREE!  They didn't even seem to take into account that I had a 5cm tumor and really needed that tended to first.  It was hurry and schedule an appointment.

    Dr. Kline was extremely helpful in telling me what could be done AFTER I finished treatment.  I am so glad I went with him.  My health was his first concern.

    Mom always said if it sounds too good...

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2014

    I know the topic of restaurants has been covered here, but I'm specifically looking for a restaurant suggestion on Isle of the Palms that is on the ocean, not the inlet but rather on the actual ocean/beach.  I want to spend the evening I fly in looking out at the ocean as the next day is full of appointments and surgery the day after that. 

    Thank you :) 

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Brca35,

    I'm with you on ocean front dining -- love it!  Unfortunately, there are not a lot of options for ocean front restaurants. Soooo many restaurants in Charleston from which to choose but not oceanfront IOP. 

    MartyJ can definitely give the best suggestions since she is so lucky to be a local. :)

    There is a nice Italian restaurant by the pier called Coda Del Pesce and is ocean view.  

    The best restaurant for an oceanfront view is Blu on Folly Beach, but food is average. 

    Some restaurants are closed on Sunday. When is your surgery?  

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    Brca- Not a lot of options for oceanfront, but several on the intracoastal waterway (often highlighted by dolphin visits).  Wherever you are, if you sit outside you will get water, the sounds of waves and beauty. Nothing on Sullivan's Island is on the Ocean.  Folly is too far (35 -45 minutes) and there are no good oceanfront restaurants - not worth the drive and traffic.  I am trying to give you some options that are not too much of a drive.  We don't tend to have a large "business" district directly oceanfront in this area.  Make a reservation - gets crowded here in summer.  

    To meet your requirements, you have 2 choices.  Coda del Pece and Coconut Joe's.  Boathouse would be my next choice.  Let me know if you have questions.

    Isle of Palms -

    • Coda del Pece - oceanfront, fish, $$$ expensive
    • Coconut Joe's - oceanfront, $ expensive, beach dive, food so-so, fills the tourist masses though can be fun (not peaceful)
    • The Boathouse - at Breach Inlet (where ocean moves through to intracoastal), great food, ask to sit outside on the water, dolphins, excellent food, $$ expensive, beautiful sunsets
    • Morgan Creek Grill - on the Intracoastal, food is good, $$ expensive, sit on the top floor you will feel outside (it is semi enclosed), dolphins, beautiful sunsets, beautiful boats

    Charleston - Fleet Landing is a great place that is in the harbor - at the mouth.  Casual, ask to sit outside or by a window.  $$ expensive.  When I say in the harbor, it is on a pier that extends out.  You won't see rolling waves, but will be sitting above salt water.  Fun.

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Thanks MartyJ. Been to all except Coda del Pesce.  Birds were annoying at Coconut Joe's. 

    I love oceanfront dining, too, but I love more how well preserved the Charleston  island coastlines are without high rise condos, hotels, endless tshirt shops, etc

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  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited June 2014

    wasnt thrilled with coda del Pesce  VERY EXPENSIVE  They plan a 4 course meal with each course billed separately.  Not traditional italian.  Virtually all fish (hence the name!)  stuck with the salad course and went home hungry.

    Chair was hard too!  Not good after an sgap

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    I haven't even been to coda as I think it is overpriced for our slice of paradise and we have some pricey joints.  Loved The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan's.  Yum!   

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2014

    Thanks Marty J and Pinkheart! This was very helpful! The restaurants you listed are those that I found in my google research and it's nice to have some background information on them! 

    I am flying in on a Monday - will have my dinner on the water that night. All dr apts Tuesday and surgery Wednesday. No plans for after surgery / want to get this in before. It's nice to have something to look forward to. :-) 

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    great plan.  Don't forget you have to eat on Tuesday night too.  Takes your mind off Wednesday.

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  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 753
    edited June 2014

    Great info on restaurants!My flights are booked..no turning back now! Still have to do the hotel,my friend(not the one coming with me) is in a tizzy as she wants me to stay at Homewood.Told her even with medical rate it was expensive,so she is looking into having me use some kind of points she has...Pinkheart,can I tell I have breasts before taking off the bra? And Davy what do you mean looked good,albeit flat....no projection? I want to have myself as prepared as possible for what to expect....I keep having dreams that they are lovely at first glance..no scars..no bruising...complete with nipples...cleavage....this is the first time in years I have had any dreams about breasts....I KNOW they are not going to look like that but at night I lose control of my thoughts!

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    Panda, we can all only speak for our experience as we are all different in so many ways including our experience of what we 'see' when we first look at our new 'girls'.  As for me, I saw larger than usual but not as big as I expected - somehow coming from a small B I thought a D meant more like Dolly Parton (I don't have the waist but still expected the large almost tip me over boobs for my first look).  Reality is that a D (and now actually a DD) look quite a bit different on me than they would on Dolly!!!! ;)  But with the surgical bra on I did notice larger than I have ever had and a lot of swelling.  I also had flap stitches, and unfortunately an area about the size of a quarter that was scabbing over on the perimeter of the flap incision where the radiated tissue needed extra help to heal.  I've not heard of that happening to anyone else, but Dr. K instructed me on what to do to heal it and it healed in a bit of time.  The breast flaps were swollen though for sure and I saw shape due mostly to that.  After they calmed down, the best way to describe the GAP flap was like a hamburger bun, the PAP was more conical in shape quicker.  However that is normal, the second stage is where they shape them into the more boob like look.  Or at least in my case.

    Hope that helps - but remember your case might be easier or different - )

    Homewood is a bit more expensive but you have to remember there are complimentary breakfasts (hot) every day and dinners on Mon-Thurs - enough while you are recouping.  Plus beverages and they do also have kitchens with all needed items.  The price with all that seemed worth it to me.  Summer time it might be booked though as everything there is pretty busy now!

    Booking the flights makes it all so real!!!!!

    Hoping all goes smoothly for you!

    Hugs

    Catie

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  • HighBeams-14
    HighBeams-14 Member Posts: 53
    edited June 2014

    Hey, Pink!!!

    Finally getting around to checking in.   Surgery went fine.  Was an average time surgery between 8 and 9 hours.  Loving the wonderful bed at East Cooper provided for GAP patients.  The nurses have been so sweet and supportive.  I am getting a little stronger every day, but opted to stay one extra day, because I love the bed so much.  Dr. Kline and the nurses have been loving my numbers on the monitor.  One is usually in the low 90's and one is usually in the high eighties, so I am tracking well so far.  Having to be very careful with guarding my arm movement.  According to the nurses everything looks and sounds strong.

    I am due to be discharged tomorrow and move to the Residence Inn with my memory foam mattress pad.  Hoping all goes well then.

    Thanks for all of your support and suggestions.

    Bev

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    Restaurant Update - Completely forgot that some of you stay at Homewood Suites on the Isle of Palms Connector.  While this can be a bit more costly, they do provide a good breakfast daily and dinner Monday thru Thursday.  It is in an area called Seaside Farms.  There are several wonderful restaurants within walking distance (1 long block) - Crave, Opal and Basil Thai.  All are really good.  Then there is Gilligans for seafood.  Calders is a pub with a decent burger.  AND, just opened is Savuer du Mond - a real little French bakery and bistro.  Only open from 7 am til 5 - so a perfect walk and lunch - very doable from Homewood.  The pastries are relish and the lunches are really, really lovely.  I highly recommend it!  Yum.

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  • philomene
    philomene Member Posts: 45
    edited June 2014

    The hamburger bun look, ugh. I'm afraid that they'll look like that permanently.

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    NO" not permanent - remember they have to take tissue from somewhere else and make sure it thrives, then go back and do the artistry part.  These surgeries are very complicated, new blood supplies established and then the fine tuning.  Eons different than what was offered 20 years ago, and that is why our Drs. Kline and Craigie have expertise in microsurgery - they work in tandom for long hours to establish the flap, then the next stage(s) are the making the 'hamburger bun' look more normal and realistic!  I only said hamburger bun for my SGAP side at the beginning, the PAP side looks more normal shape from the get go, but I've had the stage where a nip and tuck here and there on the SGAP has made it look remarkable!

    Didn't mean to scare you, when I heard the term 'hamburger bun' from MartyJ it was the closest thing to what my then SGAP looked like.  But future stages made it fine.

    Hugs

    Catie

    Edited because my autocorrect made the word tandom read random!  Definitely not RANDOM!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    Okay, my fault.  But they did look like hamburger buns plopped on my chest after Dr. Massey finished Stage 1.  They get better and better though mine are never going to be the shape they were with the original manufacturer's equipment.  I had implant reconstruction for 27 years and lots of scar tissue.  There is only so much a brilliant microsurgeon can do.  From what I understand, the very best outcome is yielded when you have skin and nipple sparing.  Second best is skin sparing.  

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  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited June 2014

    I have a post op/ recovery question. I've heard some women suggest that after stage one and even stage 2, they have major abdominal swelling. My sister had this; where the tummy would get majorly distended throughout the day. By the end if the night her tummy was very hard and tight and looked like a 7 month pregnancy. Has anyone had this experience with the Baron/Craigie/Kline team?  (She had no lymph nodes removed either. Her surgery was not performed in Charleston) 

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  • Catie2013
    Catie2013 Member Posts: 1,023
    edited June 2014

    BRCA - not me - but I had SGAP and PAP, maybe DIEP?

    Marty - I thought your description was right on with how my flap looked at the time too.  I think realistic expectations are needed though in all cases, certainly not as good as the manufacturers original ever, but much better than expected considering the circumstances in our situations!!!!  Especially with a bra on!

    Hugs

    Catie

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    MartyJ,

    "manufacturer's original equipment". 

    Thanks for laugh. 😊

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited June 2014

    Highbeams,

    Welcome to the other side!  So good to hear from you and that you are doing well in beginning steps of recovery. The docs and nurses take such good care of us!

    When is your post-op appointment?  

    Is all your family still there with you?  

    Huge hugs for you and take it easy!

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    brca - the ab swelling is consistent with DIEP.  It is something that is present for the first few months and tends to be much more noticeable late in the day.  the more activity, the more swelly belly.  It is definitely not "surgeon-related". It comes from the major abdominal surgery and the body establishing new pathways to move fluids.  It does resolve significantly with time, though i still have it to some degree at the end of the day.  I do wonder if it is something that occurs naturally to some extent and we never noticed it because we were not hyper focused on that area.

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited June 2014

    Marty.....off topic. My 25 yr old son and former college roommate are doing a 30 day around the nation trip. They have just come through the Smokies and Asheville. Just called and said they decided to head to Charleston today. They are just doing hammock camping at night, then want to pack up and spend the days exploring Charleston. I think they want to stay 2 nights. Of course, they don't want to spend any money if possible...lol.  Any ideas on where they could hang a hammock at night?? Apparently they've had great luck doing this through the Smokies! Any recommendations appreciated:) ohhh to be young again!!,

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  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited June 2014

    Charleston gals - if you haven't had the opportunity to visit our beautiful paradise yet, I encourage you to watch Reckless on CBS.  The videography is wonderful and Charleston really takes on a role in this series.  Okay, there are some challenges that locals catch in the story lines or locations, but overall it is a great intro to our fair city.  

    Big hugs to Ashira who has her stage 2 tomorrow!

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  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited July 2014

    Ashira,

    Im sorry your stage two slipped by me!  It seems like yesterday i talked to you on phone before stage one. 

    Wishing you another great recovery and great results. So glad you went to CHS to our very fine docs. 

    Take care!

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  • Davy
    Davy Member Posts: 114
    edited July 2014

    Ashira, 

    Sending one up for you! Easy, breezy surgery and recovery. This should be a lot easier than stage 1. 

    HighBeams - I hope you're still doing well. Remember that protein to speed the recovery along :). 

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