Topic: Charleston Bound, part 2

Mar 31, 2011 01:01 PM LindaG47 wrote:

Brenda, I  just want to thank you for keeping the ball rolling on this thread!  I can't give you any advise on your upcoming surgery, but want to wish you the best.  I hope the outcome is just what you want it to be.  Linda

Mar 31, 2011 07:29 PM AnneW wrote:

Let's keep this going for all the Charleston gals and Massey's Mermaids out there!

Thanks for taking over the duties, Brenda!

Mar 31, 2011 08:34 PM jeskachi wrote:

I guess I just faced the fact that this side was never going to soften up. Plus the weirdness that's been going on with it since my 12/29 revision is a sign that this side just ain't right. I'm trying to look on the bright side--it would have been harder to have this surgery 3 days after the first one, which almost happened.  At least now I'm back to my normal self so I'll be healthy for the next surgery.

Mar 31, 2011 11:18 PM jeskachi wrote:

Tina: done! Thanks for the good wishes, I'm a little bummed I have to start over again but I'm warming up to the idea.  Good luck with your surgery!  I'm glad insurance finally came through.  Hopefully you'll be there and relaxing before you know it.

Apr 1, 2011 09:37 AM LindaG47 wrote:

Sorry Brenda, Creature of habit.  I now have Part 2 in my favs!

Tina,  best wishes for a wonderful outcome and speedy recovery.  

Linda 

Apr 1, 2011 10:51 AM Journey wrote:

Hi ladies! Thank you Brenda for starting this thread for all of us!
Today marks 8 days since my stage 2, and I can't believe how wonderful my new body looks already!! I am so ready to shed the little bit of swelling I have left and get active again. My hips and boobs are looking great. I can tell there is a little bit of hard necrosis still in my left boob ,but it is so much better than it was.
As for compression I will wear the two zippered things for the next six weeks and then switch to high power spanx for as long as I can stand it. I did order a non zip garment from design Veronique and hope to add that to my current rotation as soon as the last drain comes out.

Tina, I know how frustrating all this is at the last minute! Hang in there and try to be good to your self. Dr. Massey is an angel on earth. We'll be here when you get back!

Apr 2, 2011 12:31 AM Tina337 wrote:

Thinking of Sherry and wishing her strength and the best possible outcome as she deals with this new diagnosis. Lousy, effing cancer!  

Thanks for adding me to the list, Brenda. I really appreciate your kind words, ladies. I'm trying not to stress and just do one thing at a time. From my contact with Ashley and Dr. Massey, I can tell I'm going to be in very good hands. As of today, everything has been received by Dr. Massey except my Helper Doctor forms. His office is closed on Friday, so I'll talk to them on Monday from Charleston. 

Joni, I'm arriving on Apr 3rd and leaving on the 18th. Surgery is on the 5th with one night in hospital. My lymphedema doctor recommended I try and stay long enough to have my drains pulled before I fly home. We'll see. I am packing casual clothes so I am able to take walks and have dinner out if I feel up to it. I'm bringing my regular compression garments, but I'll wear whatever they want me to wear. 

Heather, speaking of compression garments in summer . . .  During the summer of 2009 when my truncal LE really flared and I finally got the proper diagnosis and treatment, I spent four months 24/7 wearing a compression tank and additional nighttime inserts. It wasn't fun, but it was doable. I found that direct sun, high temps and humidity were the worst. A/C was my best friend! I made sure I scheduled myself for indoor tasks during the hottest hours of the day. I was so happy in October when I no longer had to wear the tank. The ladies in the LE forum have talked about how the constant wearing of compression garments can create a kind of sensory deprivation. It really can make you feel nutty, so I don't blame you, Brenda, for wanting to take that darn thing off!

Apr 2, 2011 10:07 AM AnneW wrote:

Tina!!! Wow, you're up already!! I know Marga will do a fabulous job for you, and you'll be happy with your results. I hope your LE stays under control. This is a wonderful time of year for Charleston. Eat some good low-country food for me!

Please tell Marga that her mermaids of the forums send our love. And that I in particular want a report of how much rest she's getting!! I find myself wanting to be her big sister and take care of her. She's so precious to me--to all of us, really!

Heather, I've been thinking of you, too, and hope all goes well for you. I know you've been through a really tough time, and you so deserve to get a better quality outcome than you've had. And life in general has been sucky, which makes it all seem worse. Keep your head up and pointed forward, girl.

Liz, I think srtaegic placement of your college-aged kids is ideal. Good planning there!!

Journey, I know you're thrilled with your results. And they'll just keep getting better over the course of the coming year. Do you post pics on TimTam's site? I need to get a few of my own revision photos over there. I've been too lazy or ADD or something!!

Hugs to all,

Anne

Apr 3, 2011 11:31 AM bennetts1 wrote:

Thanks Brenda for taking over!  All my Charleston girls sure did help me through this process!  Yes, I do have friends in my hometown, but they do not know what you are going through.  The support from this thread has been wonderful! 

Tina...Hope your surgery goes well.  So you will not be having any additional reconstruction at this time, just the de-construction?  We will be praying everything goes great.  Dr. Massey will take great care of you, and we will be waiting to hear from you after surgery.  Hopefully you will be able to enjoy Charleston during your extended stay.  I hear it is beautiful during April...I think Liz had her first surgery last April and she spoke of how beautiful it was!  Where are you staying?  I need to start thinking about our stay in June, I usually stay at the Marriott for $79, but they do not have that rate this year...any suggestions?????

Brenda...I am a stacked girl!  I think it ended up being over 900 grams!

Apr 3, 2011 05:06 PM Tina337 wrote:

We're stuck at the Philadelphia airport, as our flight's been delayed a couple hours. Almost took Southwest, so it could be worse! Still, it's hot as hell with this compression tank, inserts, sleeve and glove. Bennetts, yes, just the decon. I think Dr. Massey will do a great job and watch out for my LE as well. Charleston should be lovely this time of year, and I'm hoping to enjoy walking in the historic area. I visited 12 yrs ago and loved it. We're staying at the Marriott Residence Inn on Ripley Pt Dr, and we got a suite at hospital rate for $119. As a gift, a friend gave us a bunch of her points, which is the only way we could afford. There is a big tennis event happening while I'm there and several places were booked, so we were lucky to get what we got.

Apr 3, 2011 09:21 PM LizR wrote:

Kim:  Wow!  You are up tomorrow!  Sandy had the stacked DIEP with Dr. Massey and ended up with the most fabulous results.  Sounds like you have a great plan!  We are all thinking of you - best wishes for your surgery tomorrow!

Tina:  Will this be your first time meeting Dr. M in person?  If so, you will just LOVE her (I met her in person just before my stage 1).  Hopefully you are now safely on your way to Charleston and have some time to relax before your big day on Tuesday.  She will take very good care of your LE - last time she spent so much time personally wrapping my arm before surgery (and I don't even have LE!).  Talk about caring!

Apr 4, 2011 04:17 AM kimber3006 wrote:

Tina - I think I'll be in the hospital 4 nights?  I'm not sure where I got that number, but that's what's stuck in my head.  I actually live in the Charleston area.  I feel so blessed to have Dr. Massey right here.  I wouldn't be able to do this with travel in the mix.  I'm so nervous this morning....and thirsty.....and missing my little boy already.  Hope everything goes well for you tomorrow.

Apr 4, 2011 03:08 PM SAMayoFL wrote:

Tina and Kimber, my thoughts are prayers are with you both.  I can't wait to hear from you!

Susan

Apr 5, 2011 02:18 AM heatherbless wrote:

Love you all--  wishing the best for sherry!  I will call her and check in!

For everyone who asked about my progress:  this is at stage 2 revision for symmetry in the breasts.  I do not have any any issues with lymph nodes.    Keep you posted --love

Apr 5, 2011 05:49 PM jeskachi wrote:

this is the Marena I wore:

marenagroup.com/garmentstore/p...

It has light seams on front and back, and inner thigh. Nothing noticeable though. I have sensitive skin too and I don't remember the seams being an issue.