Topic: Tampa FL PS

((skippyrcis)

Kristin, thanks for responding to my questions.  I have one smaller breast than the other after teh exchange but the PS said that is normal.  My exchange was last friday and I feel fine.  The only problem is that I feel like I'm a little smaller than I wanted to be originally.  Don't know if I was used to the HUGE tissue expanders or what but they just seem small in clothes.  I'm going to see him tomorrow (Ghurani) so I'm going to ask him about that and one of my nipples is erect - the other flat.  He originally told me that he could "build it up during surgery."  Then, the day of surgery, he said that there is nothing that he can do about it.  I'm going to ask about it again tomorrow.  He did mention that he was going to have to "tweak" some things - maybe he can fix my issues.  I hope you are doing well and you are having success with your PS.

 Leisha

MHO - I wanted Dr. Cox to do my breast surgery.  And I'm a graduate student at USF so I hve a lot of faith in the people at Morsani.  I spoke with several people, whom Dr. Cox recommended, that had had a bilateral mx and stayed overnight.  So, my decision making process was fairly comprehensive and systematic.  I had also considered traveling to NOLA to have the procedure done there mainly because I didn't know a lot about Dr. Ghurani.  But, it came down to the fact that I felt comfortable with my surgeon and the team at Morsani.  I chose to go with inplants as opposed to the DIEP because I wanted to have nipple/skin sparing surgery.  With this and incision is made underneath the breast and the tissue is removed from there.  The breast skin and nipple remain intact.  This is what I wanted.  It's all a very personal decision.

I stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn, just down the street from Morsani.  I found it to be very clean and comfortable and loved having comfy pillows and a wide screen tv after surgery.  A home health nurse came in to check on me the evening of my surgery.  The only hard part was getting to and from the hotel since I would have preferred to stay in bed.  But, now I'm happy with what I did.

Hope I've answered your questions.  I highly recommend the surgery.  I'm 3 weeks out and, so far, am very happy with how I'm healing, how I look and feel.

Have you seen Dr. Paul Smith at Moffitt?  He is my PS and (so far) I really like him.  He is an artist ( does marble sculpture) and so am I, so I appreciate that. In addition to being a very experienced surgeon.

skippycris - Dr. Ghurani is in practice with Dr. Paul Smith and Dr. David Smith.  I would definitely call for an appointment.  Abby is their assistant and she's very nice.  calliemom posted on this thread that Dr. Ghurani performed a DIEP on her so she may be able to advise you also.

 MHO - it's my understanding that you cannot have DIEP with nipple/skin sparing because they make the incision under the breast and lift up the entire flap of breast skin.  I believe with a DIEP they cut around the nipple and insert fat and tissue from the abdomen in the newly made cavity.  But, I'm no expert.  Call a PS to discuss or maybe someone who's had the surgery can advise better.  Hope this helps!

((Sailorgirl))  I did see Ghurani last Thursday.  He thinks that he will be able to correct the flat nipple.  He explained to me that Cox has to scrape so closely this this is a possible side effect.  He won't be attempting this for 3 months (october.)

Also, mentioned the different shapes.  He told me to wait for a while until they settle to decide.  Fat grafting will probably happen in order to make them "even."  It's not that noticeable - but is to me.  My bf loves the teardrop shape.  Ghurani likes the rounder one.  Figures.  The original right side was always a little smaller.

((skippycris)  I would recommend seeing Ghurani for a second opinion.  He seems to be honest about the possibilities and the things that cannot be fixed.  at least you would have an honest second opinion.

I thought Ghurani could be very funny and had a good sense of humor.  He's just very direct.  He wants his patients to be happy "in the end" so he said that there may be things that I have to live with for a few months until he can complete them and I will be happy.  That's his goal. 

 I go back in October for the "tweaks."

 Good luck Skippyrcis and Sailorgirl and all that has their exchange surgery this week.  My prayers are with you all and you are all in my heart.

Hey Sailorgirl,  Sorry it took so long to post.  Fantastic news that you are cancer free!!!  I found out on 7/14 that I am as well.  Such a relief to have that part over with.  I saw Ghurani on 7/9 and he just checked to make sure healing is going well. I go back to him on 8/13 @ 2:30 for first expansion.  I do have the tissue expanders.  I have the same nerve pain more on left than right.  I have to put silvadine on my incisions 3 times a day to promote healing and see Dr. Cox on 7/30.  I guess all is healing like its suppose to.  I go back to work a week from today and I am not sure how that will go emtionally since I am a mammographer.  Would like to meet up.  Maybe one of our appointment times will be close so we can meet at Ghurani's.

Hey Ladies,

Can someone pm me Dr Ghurani's phone number.  I was not able to find it during a quick internet and phonebook search today.  I am looking for a second opinion.  Also does anyone know if he has privileges at University Community Hospital.  Thanks!!  Kristin 

Thank you!

The attached link is to an article about Dr. Charles Cox and nipple and skin sparing surgery. Some of you may have seen this article already but if not, it's very interesting.  Please pass it on to anyone who might be interested!

http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/article1024431.ece

The 2 surgeons at MD Anderson in Orlando do more DIEPS than anyone in the SE US except the center at NOLA.  They used to be at Moffit but moved to Orlando.  Dr Lee and Klein are their names.

Swampy,

 Darn,  I just saw your post now and drafted a response then realized you're going in for surgery tomorrow.  You may already be up in Tampa. I went in the night before.  I went through a bi-lat with Dr. Cox on 6/23.  I had surgery at Morsani also. 

Best of luck with your surgery.  You're in great hands and Dr. Cox, the anesthesiologist and the nurses will take exceptional care of you.

Yes, I know Caryn Silver.  She is a well-liked and well-respected oncologist.  The group she is in, Florida Cancer Specialists, is the best in the area.  I went to another doctor in the same group.  I know many women who have gone to her and are very pleased.   You made a good choice.

Marcia, one of my offices is in Lakewood Ranch If you want to get together.  JUDY  

BTW, except for being HER2-  we had the same diagnosis!

What do we all do?  Are we Free for breakfast or lunch?  I'm free on Mondays after Oct.5th.  oralmost any day for breakfast..Then there is after work for coffee..or whatever..  JUDY

I have had a double mastectomy and DIEP done at Moffitt.  i have been thrilled with my results.  I just recently had my nipples and aerolas done.  The unveiling is tomorrow.  Everyone at Moffitt has been VERY professional and I highly recommend them.  I am a retired RN and have been more than pleased with everything thing concerning my care.  There is a good reason they are a National Institute of Cancer