NOLA in September?
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Dragonfly, I am having immediate on the 10th, and the preop stuff is the same - blood word, chest xray, and ekg. Have my intinerary from Katie, set up at Hope Lodge before, hotel reservations after, picking my sister up to go with me..... Just want it to be NOW instead of next week, lol. Tired of waiting! Prayers for Spring, Warrior, and all of us still waiting to go!!!
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Thanks for the info, mine will be delayed at least for a few months due to rads. Hopefully it's as easy as just getting my onc here to order the tests. You're staying at the hope lodge, and a hotel?
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Yea, Hope Lodge the few days I will be there before surgery, but felt I wanted to be as comfortable as possible when I got out of the hospital...so treating myself to Homewood Suites. Actually, being over 55, and most of my days there being during the week....I am getting a pretty good rate. Picture I saw of Hope Lodge on the web are VERY nice, but just wanted more room and comfort for the 5 days I will be there after hospital.....
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Oh - and the Center sent me an order for the tests, I took it to my Primary, and they got the tests done....very easy....
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Ok, I just talked to both Spring and Warrior...
Spring is doing ok but they gave her something that gave her vertigo, so she is a little nauseous today.
Warrior is also doing fine, her surgery was 12 hours (nothing wrong, just drs taking their time to make sure she was "perfect", lol). She just had diep. They should be getting her up later today to walk. She is in a little more pain because they had to put her IV in her neck due to problems with veins in her arms ( but not with veins in stomach for surgery!), and it was uncomfortable, so she had it removed. But both ladies are doing good.... Just wanted to be sure everyone on here knew... (((((((((Hugs))))))))) to them both!!
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Ok, so Gin, your doing bilateral w/ immed recon.......me too....but I was irradiated on the L last year....finished in feb.....anxious to see how Spring's irradiated breast does.....she and I finished Rads about the same time.
Dragonfly....you'll probably have no probs getting your tests done.......where I am there are way too many bldgs, lousy parking ad traffic and too much valet parking and I wanted to do all in the mamo/MRI bldg.......I just had to manipulate things a bit to make life easier for me!
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Thanks! Great news! Poor warrior...neck IV...eeks!
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Yep, Poor Warrior, but she sounded good! Said she will be up walking today, so that is good!
Yea, I had rads the 1st time around in '01, so I am anxious to see how Spring does also. The plastic surgeon here in TN that I talked to wanted to bring back muscle around to protect that side if I had gotten implants so that was ANOTHER reason not to get implants!
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Yep, Poor Warrior, but she sounded good! Said she will be up walking today, so that is good!
Yea, I had rads the 1st time around in '01, so I am anxious to see how Spring does also. The plastic surgeon here in TN that I talked to wanted to bring back muscle around to protect that side if I had gotten implants so that was ANOTHER reason not to get implants!
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plainjane, no, not a "real" local chapter of BCO--just some of us who met through here and got together last month for the first time, and will meet again at the end of this month!
Anne
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I am glad that both ladies are on the mend, despite being stuck in the neck and nauseous!
I had a weird dream about the flight down there last night (my biggest anxiety is the damn flying...LOL). However we did make it there safe and sound despite piloting along a river in Arkansas and taking off under the ocean. WEIRD...LOL!!! Especially since I live in Eastern WA and no where near Arkansas and I dont' fly over the ocean to get to NOLA!
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LOL Trishia! I thought about driving, but was going to be harder to get someone who could fly back with me, so driving 9 hours for me. <sigh> But, I will only drive 2 hours to pick my sister up in Huntsville, so the rest of the trip will be with her. Told her to get all the "making my laugh" out of her system on the way there! lol We're in diff hospitals and hotels, but maybe we can still get together since my surgery is day before yours
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Gin52 - Thank you for the updates on Spring and Warrior - wooooohoooo!!!!!
I had radiation in 05 and had bilateral mastectomies (delayed reconstruction for me after failed implants) and (knock wood) so far, so good! Dr. Sullivan didn't even bat an eye or say a word about the radiated side. Just talked to me about the procedure, the post-op orders and then drew all over me. It made me feel very confident that he didn't go freaking out about the radiated side like some MD's have done! Yes, again, NOLA = the best of the best.
Also, Gin - smart move going to a hotel after the procedure rather than Hope Lodge. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the Hope Lodge very much and am very grateful to have been able to stay there, however, I think it would have been beneficial to be able to have food/drink/snacks in the room right after surgery when I really didn't feel much like going down to the kitchen to eat. Plus, I had so much nausea and the first night someone cooked some nasty smelling fish! UGH. That did not help things at all. Also, I think it is beneficial to be in a more central location so that if you want to get out of the room for a couple of hours and walk around it is not a big ordeal to get somewhere that has interesting things to look at and is an easy jaunt. I kind of felt isolated without a car after surgery at the Hope Lodge and so think staying in a hotel near the french Quarter would have been a little better. Again, I don't want to sound ungrateful for the opportunity to be able to stay at the Lodge - so please don't think I am not!!!
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Nordy, I totally agree. The Hope Lodge is awesome! and I feel very grateful to be staying there, but , that was my feelings on after the surgery. There is just so much more room at the hotel, and I feel like I will need some extra comfort for a few days. But the hope lodge does serve a great purpose!
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Hey Nordy, I felt the same way.....VERy grateful to stay there.....I hate that I'm spending when didn' have to BUT.....the first 2 nights......I want to walk and play, etc....the rest of the trip, I don't want my friend stuck, and I want to be able to walk someplace even if it's only a block.
Fish.....that's like when people bring it to work in their luch and reheat......Oh man!..that is a sin!
Melanie,your husband and your car are the hook up for hope lodge, If I was paying green fees, had a husband and had kids in college I'd do it. When will you all take off from VA?
Gin, you flying into Houston and then drivng? Or road warrior all the way?
Anne, that is cool you have several locals. I am supposed to meet another lady (from another thread who lives close) sometime in oct. when Im home for 6 weeks!
Macksix....did you say someplace back your surgery date was changed?
ok chicas-off to mass will say some prayers for us all!
xoxo,
jennifer
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Gin52, DIEP after rads is common in NOLA, so have no fear! Much less chance of complications than with implants. You'll do fine! Homewood is spacious and there's a little kitchen area. We had food delivered there---pizza, salads, etc.on the weekends. During the week they offer a light evening meal, and of course, breakfast every day. My aunt went downstairs in the morning and brought me up a yummy hot breakfast---very convenient! They also have a wheelchair and you can borrow it for walks. The sidewalks are a bit uneven in that area, and if you become exhausted while walking, someone can push you back to the hotel. I know of a couple of women who were helped greatly by that amenity!
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Hi Girls!! Spring and I are moving right along. She had her surgery successfully on Thursday. I had mine on Friday. I had the opportunity to meet her before and after the surgery. She is beautiful!
So, here it the low down on my surgery..some changes occured. I came in Thursday for the Pre-op and they couldn't find a vein in my arm...7 pokes later, they decided to have a central line that stuck out of my neck(very akaward). We completed the test finally after 2 1/2 hrs! (It should of taken 30 min) Don't worry, they said this situation is very rare! Well, I then had my consult w/Dr. Massey. She is FABOULOUS! I just love her. After examining me in person for the first time, we decided to stick w/a DIEP and go a bit smaller on top so I wouldn't have to cut the buttocks by doing a Stacked. Our brave soldier, Spring, did the Stacked. I visited Spring in her room this morning, she looked good.
My surgery was nearly 12 hours long..yikes. I asked why so long as Dr. Massey said "They were having fun and just wanted to make sure everything was perfect" I had Dr. Dellacroce, too. I am double blessed!! Today is Sunday. I showered for the first time. You have to keep your back to the shower head but it felt sooo good. The staff at St Charles are second to none! Everyone here is so kind and so pretty! LOL
So, in a nutshell, Friday was surgery, slept a lot that evening. Yesterday was able to get out of bed and walk a bit. I am hunched over but the nurse said not to look down when you walk otherwise you tend to hunch over. Getting in and out of bed is quite a challenge but that will get better w/time!
As for the new boobies...wow...it so worth it..I look like a knife attack but still LOVE what I see! These drs are HUMAN ARTISTS!! You will never regret this trip. I am so blessed.
For all the girls coming in behind us....our prayers are with you~
PS They let your partner/spouse stay in your designated room if they want during surgery..nice touch! Dr. Massey doesn't go w/the thick binders, just soft cotton bras and panties..ahhhh
Any questions, let me know!!! Keep prayers coming for us Sept girls! xoxox
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Wow! You are a WARRIOR posting two days out! My surgeries were in August--also with the fabulous team of Massey and DellaCroce. Hope things continue to go great--say hello to Dr. M from Sara, Dan and Jessica! Keeping you and your September buddies in my prayers...
Sara
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Warrior - I am SO PROUD OF YOU! You have done wonderful and SO SO BRAVE! Ick with the central line! I get queasy thinking of it. I can not believe you have this behind you! I am so so glad that you and Spring have each other. That is such a blessing. I will miss Spring by ONE day! But I will get the pleasure to meet you and Plainjane. I know you all are the most beautiful ladies ever.......precious. Thanks for the update, I am remembering you all in prayer daily.
Gin52 - maybe we can meet or call, we overlap too.
Plainjane - this is the week! Fours days of work and then we are outta here. We are heading out after work on Friday 9/11, driving 5-6 hours and grabbing a hotel for a few hours sleep, then up early and into NOLA before 5 on Saturday. Golf on Sunday and Monday, preop on Tues, Surgery 11 AM on Wednesday. I will call you Tuesday evening after I have had my preop and let you know how it goes. Dont forget to PRAY for me please.
xxoo
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Melanie- NO worries....I have been extra holy today....or at least covering the spiritual bases!...mass and I did my first assignment for a bible study class that starts this week. Got my phone call from the priest sorted out and Get this....my priest is going to annoint me the day I leave. I'm also calling up the troops....that final mamo/MRI is wednesday for me...I am more nervous about those than almost anything else.
Sandy---thanks for bringing up the rads expertise....GREaT reminder
Warrior you sound GREAT! Keep up the good work! and give spring a big kiss!
xoxo,and a few our fathers and hail maries,
jennifer
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Warrior! Sorry about the central line!!! I am a hard stick too, so every surgery I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will find a vein! I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well. Yes, a shower was one of my favorite things... aaaaahhhhh and to have someone scrub your back. It feels SO good! Please tell Spring that I am so glad that she made it through her surgery so well also! Hurray for new tata's!!!
Is Danny on this thread too? If anyone hears from her, please let us know.
Okay, another week down!!! Woooohoooo ladies - I am so excited for you all! Warrior and Spring, and Danny - keep us updated. Feel good! If either of you has Nicole for a night nurse, tell her "hi" from me... she is the best.
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Congratulations WARRIOR ,Springtime and Danny!!
BIKINIS for everyone!!! WOOO HHOOO!
gentle hugs,Marcia
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YIPPEEE for warm, soft boobies all the way around! I can't wait to meet some of you in person this next week! I can't believe time is almost here again!
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Good morning ladies!
I got another e-mail last pm from Beverly(springtime's) friend. She's doing well,due to go home (discharge to homewood suites) today. She and Richard are eating well..apparently Richard's shirts are getting tight. In good spirits, 'sounded good', still sore, but up and has been walking around. I bet she'll be updating us herself soon! Esp after she sees Marcia's post!!!!!!
Karmi
Gin
Trishia
This is your week!
Having a third day off is slice of heaven!
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YES HEAVEN IN DEED! Off to play one of the last remaining rounds of golf I will have in me for quite a while! Makes me quite sad now that the weather has become delightful for golf. Oh, well, this too shall pass. Enjoy the day girls! xxoo Mel
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Melanie that sounds like so much fun. While you can't play you'll have to scoop up a bunch of cute new golf clothes........you'll need a new size top anyways and just think.....theyll be on sale!
Yes, I'm thinking my next 'manfriend' needs to play golf..............and have a british accent....
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OMG Warrior you sound great!!! So glad to hear that you and Spring are doing well. One day at a time, each day will get better.
Good info on the Hope Lodge. I was concerned about not being able to eat in the room if you are not feeling up to going to the kitchen. As it turns out there are no rooms available until I am released from the hospital so I made arrangements at Homewood. Did everyone sleep in the beds at Hope or did you use the recliner? I don't think they have any recliners at Homewood so that may be a plus for the Hope L.
Yes my surgery was delayed for one day to Sept 24th. So now I have a free day without Dr's appointments to roam around the city and relax.
Hope to meet you Melanie and Jennifer during my stay.
Stephanie
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Warrior, WOW!! You are making me feel so good about being there next week! I left Nashville yesterday, hit major traffic delays and detours, so we stopped in small town in Livington, AL, so will be at Hope Lodge this evening, and i have consults tomorrow. Bless you ladies that are already there, and see some of you soon! Prayers still with you for quick recovery (which sounds like they are working! lol
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Hi Girls!
Slept like a baby last night. Don't be afraid to ask for a sleeping pill. Stop at a Walgreens and Pick up shoelaces for the drains during your shower . ( We used tape, which came undone..yikes)
I really have no pain in the chest. The belly is so tight that it is hard to walk w/out being hunched over. Just concentrate on putting her head straight ahead instead of looking down. One of the nurses was nice enough to bring a dvd player from her home for us and others brought dvds in for us...sooooo nice here!
You may have pain after surgery in the first few days for being pinned down in one position for 12 hours, ask for Flexerol, which helps w/the aches and pains.
Saw Spring again last night. She appears to be doing well! I believe she will be discharged today or tomorrow, then we are both off to Homewood Suites....
For all you girls coming....my prayers are with you! YOU WILL NOT REGRET THIS DECISION!! We are in the BEST HANDS EVER! xox
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hi all you beauties....trying a post from a phone. TOTALLY what Warrior said about the super tight tummy...last night back was hurting, I thinnk from "hunching"! Did anybody mention yet that you are fed constantly here? I think I am getting fatter sitting around here eating! Oh the butt area is so mmuch less sore/bothersome than the belly area. :owever, I think it will be worth it in the end to have.....A BIKINI LIKE MARCIA! Dr D said he thought feasible after phase 2....LOL
All you girlies coming up....prayers, and you can totally do this.....:)0
