Charleston Bound, part 2

Options
1…139140142144145…149

Comments

  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2014

    Stage 2 tomorrow at 8 am. Excited and nervous!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    Brca,

    Wishing you great outcomes and recovery. Let us know how you are doing when you can.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HighBeams-14
    HighBeams-14 Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2014

    I have a question for SGAP girls. How long was your recovery for Stage 2? I am scheduled for Stage 2 the end of January and wonder how long I will be on the mend. Also is there anything I need to buy or do to prepare?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    Highbeams,

    Have you been sending pictures and questions to Dr. Kline and Chris? It all depends on what revisions you will need. Are you having revisions to both donor site and breasts? Fat grafting?

    At Stage 2 I had major revisions to both breasts (flap rotation), and a LNT-lymph node transfer. This involved a seven hour surgery and three drains. I was in hospital for two nights. I flew home alone with wheelchair service four days after surgery.

    You will receive two compression garments (if fat grafting) and more surgery bras.

    Just realized my Stage Two was exactly two years ago!

    Hope you only have one or two more surgeries to celebrate finish line. :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    Brca35,

    Hope you are resting and recovering well!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited December 2014

    High Beams 14, I was back to work about 2 weeks after my sgap stage 2. I don't think you need to do anything special to prepare. It's an easier recovery than stage 1, just surprising when you sit on a toilet after lipo (ouch! I jumped up and looked for the sharp stick I knew I'd just sat on).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bethcw
    bethcw Member Posts: 98
    edited December 2014

    Hi ladies,

    Brca, hope your surgery went well and you are on the mend.  GTC, it sounds like you finally have someone to listen to you, and I am thankful for that.  Highbeams, Stage 2 surgeries are so much easier than stage 1's.  You'll need similar supplies as you did for stage 1, but about 2 weeks is a good recovery time. 

    I had my 3rd stage 2 surgery last Thursday.  I've had a lot to work on since I had so many donor sites and issues from last year (two failed flaps, missing skin with a wound vac, etc.).  This time we mainly did lipo, as all my donor site work had been done in the previous two surgeries.  I wanted to tell you ladies about my experience.  The Anesthesiologist gave me something new called On-Q.  He didn't really explain it that much, just said it was something new they had started.  I didn't question it a lot as it was right before they were wheeling me back, the mind doesn't really work that well at that time.  Here is a link to the website: http://myon-q.com/

    It is basically nerve block medicine that is continuously infused to your surgical sites.

    I am over the moon at what a difference having the On-Q has made so far in my recovery.  I have taken NO narcotic pain pills of any type!!!  I felt good almost from the time I woke up in recovery.  When Dr. Craigie made rounds Friday morning, he said I didn't look like a patient.  It is just amazing tom me the difference this has made. 

    My medicine is almost gone, so I am thinking the catheters will come out probably tonight.  I'm going to make my husband pull them.  I'm not sure what I will feel like after it comes out, I guess I will find out soon - lol.  The most inconvenient thing is you are basically carrying around two drain like contraptions for a few days, and you know how much we all hate the drains.  However that inconvenience is so worth it to feel so good after surgery!  I also use Arnica gel on the bruising from lipo.  That seems to speed up the bruise healing process.

    I just wanted to let you guys know about my experience and to let you know if they suggest this for you, don't be afraid to give it a try.

    Take care,

    Beth

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HighBeams-14
    HighBeams-14 Member Posts: 53
    edited December 2014

    Thanks for the information, everybody. Now, if I can just make it through Christmas and a new grand baby. Haven't thought too much about Stage 2 until now, because I had a hysterectomy to recover from first. All went well with that. So on to Stage 2, the end of January!!! I know I will make it to the finish line.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goodrhue
    goodrhue Member Posts: 60
    edited December 2014

    Looking forward to my Stage 1 DIEP, unilateral, with Dr. Craigie on January 15, 2015! I will browse this forum more closely over the next few weeks. I had a phone consult in May/June, then went for an in-person visit Dec. 18th, and scheduled this for the first available date. You can see my history below - long story short I tried BRAVA+AFT and my radiated skin was too damaged for it to work in a reasonable number of procedures so I'm giving up on that.

    Any words of advice about the best place to stay? My sister is coming with me and my husband will come for the end of the week to bring me home. They said there is an extra bed in the hospital room, but I wouldn't think that would be very restful for her.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2014

    One week and a day post stage 2. Doing pretty well. I needed to stay in hospital for an extra day for pain management. Day 2 was a rough day for me. I felt much better the following day.

    I initially refused the new "Block" they are offering, but I requested it in post op for pain management. It really does help for pain management in the breast area. However, the insertion area was so sore in my back by the second day that I had it removed.

    My fat grafting was in the love handle area and back of the arms. They are sore and my stitches at this point just itch and burn when pain meds wear off.

    To be honest, I was surprised how much pain I was in the first couple of days. Unlike stage 1,however, the pain began subsiding much faster from day 3 forward. The flight home was much easier for stage 2 as well.

    GoodRHue, my sister came with me for stage 1 as well. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mt. Pleasant. It's only about a mile from the hotel and it new and beautiful. They have rooms with French doors that lead out to a balcony which is very nice to have and use as a second room. The medical rate is $114 nightly and they will usually upgrade you to a balcony room if they are not at full capacity. My sister stated on the pull out chair with me the entire time I was in the hospital. It saved on hotel costs and I really loved having her there.

    :-)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    Goodrhue!

    I am so happy you found your way to Charleston and Dr Craigie and Kline!

    I messaged with you on the Brava thread a while back. Brava didn't like me either.

    I've since relocated here and live in Mt. Pleasant. Very close to the beach and the hospital.

    Most patients tend to stay at Homewood Suites-Isle of Palms-Mt. Pleasant. Five minutes to hospital and the beach, and walking distance to everything in a really nice area. PM me if you like.
    The hotel BRCA stayed is very nice, too.

    Take care!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    Brca35,

    Glad to hear you are on your way to less painnow. I ended up staying an extra day for almost all my surgeries. I heard about the new pain pump. I have one last surgery coming up, but don't know if I will opt for it. I had a pain pump at Mayo Clinic four years ago for my BMX and first go at recon. I was in severe pain and vomiting for three days in ICU. I held that thing in my hand and pushed with my thumb.

    Is this the same as what you had at East Cooper hospital?

    Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Happy Holidays!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bethcw
    bethcw Member Posts: 98
    edited December 2014

    Pinkheart, the pain pump they are using now provides continuous medicine that is a nerve block. You don't have to do anything. I posted a link to information about it a few posts ago. I was very pleased, it was a good choice for me.

    Recently I have been staying at the hampton inn on the corner of hwy 17 & the IOP connector. The medical rate is around $100/night so it is cheaper than Homewood but they only serve breakfast, no dinner. The Homewood is a good choice if you need room to spread out (living room & full kitchen) & plan to take advantage of free dinner monday thru thursday and daily breakfast.

    Goodrhue, you are in good hands with Dr. Craigie and Kim. I love them both! I also met with Dr. Khouri last year when I was having trouble with flap failure. Please let me know if I can answer any questions or help in any way. I am not too far away from you as I work in Chapel Hill.

    Take care everyone!

    Beth

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2014

    Pinkheart,

    I had a pain pump with fentanyl as I am allergic to the standard pain meds like morphiene and dilaudid. That was the PCA with the button you can push to dose yourself. It is administered through your iv.

    I also had a pain block, which is like an epidural. They are offering this now to help with pain in the breast area in stage 2 and beyond. It works like an epidural and blocks pain in the upper torso. Unlike an epidural, there are two sites where the tiny tube is inserted, one on each side of the spine (about an inch or two away from the spine,) I found the block helped with pain in the breast area. However, I was allergic to something and broke out in hives on my back having to have the block removed.

    :-)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited December 2014

    goodrhue

    I never heard of that city until my siste in law moved there years ago! Good luck with your journey. Remember it's a journey...lots of steps but you will get there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited December 2014
    I'm 3.5 months out from Stage 6 SGAP surgery during which my donor site was fixed. So happy and relieved to report I rode bike 12 miles on St Simons Island yesterday ... and my butt never complained! Onward! :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brca35
    brca35 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2014

    Happy New year to some of the strongest and most courageous women I've had the privilege to communicate with! May you all find peace and comfort in 2015!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited January 2015
    Brca35,

    Amen!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited January 2015
    So what is this update notice from BC.org about diagnosis for Stage II a or b?

    I was Dx at Mayo Clinic and they don't do "A" or "B"

    So I am still a Stage II forever and always. And the Sh$t better never come back.

    Happy New Year and God bless!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amoc1973
    Amoc1973 Member Posts: 158
    edited January 2015
    Hi everyone. I know you have prob posted 1000x but what recommendations do you all have for places to stay. My surgery is with Dr Massey next week. I need to book a place. Hope everyone is well
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited January 2015

    I am in Charleston for surgery with Dr. Massey on 1/21. For part of the time, I am staying at the Extended Stay America Suites for $12/night. There is a little kitchen, and I appreciate the savings on this expensive trip. Dr. Massey's care coordinator (Dani or Aimee) can give you the number at the American Cancer Society to call and set it up. We are spending a few days in a condo in Mount Pleasant that I set up through VRBO.com. While I am in the hospital, my husband is staying at the Marriott nearby at a medical rate (Dani or Aimee can help with this too).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tamiami
    Tamiami Member Posts: 396
    edited January 2015

    Hi everyone! I'm 16 days away from my GAP/PAP surgery with Dr. Kline, and I remember reading about some high protein diet for the weeks before surgery, but for the life of me, I can't find it on here. The PA only told me to increase protein and Vitamin C, but by how much? Anyone remember?

    Thanks, Tami

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amoc1973
    Amoc1973 Member Posts: 158
    edited January 2015
    Thanks LAstar. I was looking at airbnb for places. I just got an email w the info about the rate you got. I'm going to make some calls. Thanks!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MartyJ
    MartyJ Member Posts: 1,859
    edited January 2015

    Amoc - I am also one of Dr. M's mermaids. I live in Charleston so PM me if you have any questions - restaurants, groceries, hotels, etc. The Extended Stay is the best deal going. I am so glad that the Am Cancer Soc worked out this arrangement with them. We have a beautiful Hope Lodge, but it is always full with active cancer patients.

    Tamiami - my understanding was that protein should be between 90 and 105 grams a day both before and after surgery. According to my cardiologist/integrative med doc, C and Zinc help with skin healing, but I am not sure if Dr. K will allow before surgery. Some docs remove supplements til after (Dr. M did).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 1,193
    edited January 2015
    Tamiami,

    Happy New Year! Hopefully this freak cold will be gone when you arrive in beautiful Charleston.

    I had bilateral SGAP with Dr Kline traveling from Indianapolis. I ended up relocating here so will be so nice to be home from hospital in ten minutes after my last surgery in March. It will be my 7th with Dr K, but 12th overall starting at Mayo Clinic, then Johns Hopkins, and so glad to find Dr K to expertly and compassionately help my ugly and painful complications. And lymph node transfer.

    Wow, you may have a PAP? I thought that was reserved for last resort. I don't know much about it and not many surgeons have the training for it like our doc, but I like the donor site better from standpoint of less visible scaring. I could not have DIEP because of little fat on my tummy.

    Please know that you can email Dr Kline, Kim, Chris, Gail with questions anytime. Dr K seriously loves answering questions. I just got a very nice lengthy email response from Gail tonight on an insurance question.

    I have all their email addresses if you would like me to PM them.

    I would email both Chris and Kim for specific protein recommendation. Love them both!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tamiami
    Tamiami Member Posts: 396
    edited January 2015

    Thanks Marty! That's what I was looking for! They took a list of all of my supplements and I only had to discontinue the Fish oil. Chris told me to up my protein and vitamin C. I'm taking 3000mg of vitamin C...hopefully that's enough. Do you know? I'll look into zinc for afterward.

    Pink Heart ~ Chris was who told me to up the protein and vitamin C, but when I asked her how much, she just said to eat healthy. I also have their email addresses and they have all been amazing about keeping in contact and answering any questions that I have had. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amoc1973
    Amoc1973 Member Posts: 158
    edited January 2015
    Thanks Marty. I've booked an airbnb place a block from roper for $140...2 bedroom apartment. I waited last min & offered them 1/2 price & they said ok. So....it's not super cheap but good deal. I thought no way they would accept but they did. I will PM & let u know adress & ask about stuff to do as my dad will b w me for 2 week. Think everybody!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Amoc1973
    Amoc1973 Member Posts: 158
    edited January 2015
    Supposed to say thanks everybody! But thinking is good too.....uh durrrrr
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited January 2015

    Amoc1973, that sounds great! Convenient and roomy and half-price -- way to go! It's nice when those details start getting checked off the list. I have two more details to deal with then it's just packing. Nice to stay busy. Best wishes on getting it all done!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited January 2015

    Amoc--are you a Stage I?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories