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NOLA in September?

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Comments

  • lastar
    lastar Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2012

    I've been lazy about my compression this last week, and I think that the fluid really accumulated quickly.  I am going to put my Dom back on with the washcloths back in my shark bites.  Sigh.

  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 66
    edited September 2012

    Great explanation LAStar. Early there is concern the incision could reopen due to pressure renmmber there is healing under the surface not just what we can "see". Too much fluid delays healing is the other thing! Thanks for sharing all my hip flap friends!

  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 921
    edited September 2012

    I have great news. I should be able to get my new surgery date today. The best news is that SCSH accepted my insurance. Dr. M emailed me amd I just found out about 5 min. ago. It is the same insurance company so I don't get it but I am not complaining.



    As of now I am having a stacked DIEP. (momma and baby flap). DEIP plus gap. We will discuss other options soon.



    I met Amym in northern Michigan last night. What a thrill. It makes a difference to sit and talk to someone who has already been through this. She is a beautiful gal inside and out. I am hoping to meet more of you this fall. I still think we need to have a get together at some point.



    I am on cloud nine today and wanted you to be the first to know!!!

  • lastar
    lastar Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2012

    Cherrie, YAY!

  • amym159
    amym159 Member Posts: 173
    edited September 2012

    Cherrie, I'm doing the happy dance BIG TIME for you right now!!!!! It was so wonderful to meet Cherrie and her very nice hubby Tony last night. I am continually amazed by the powerful connection we all have from our shared experience. Definitely one the of the silver linings in the BC cloud.

  • chellehump
    chellehump Member Posts: 374
    edited September 2012

    K ladies, I am really confused by this one. I don't want to call the center as I know they are busy plus I will be there in 1 1/2 weeks. I am having a "burning" sensation and I say burning as that's the only way I can think to describe it. This just started about 3-4 days ago and it's not constant (but happening every day now), but when it starts it continues for a while and it happens every 2-3 seconds. It's only in my right breast, which I find is also VERY weird. It's painful, enough to stop what your doing and notice, but not excruciating. Any ideas? I thought nerve pain and I have felt what I thought was nerve pain, but this is different. It's actually happening as I type this :( My husband and I talked about it last night and just thought how odd that it would just start now after all this time (well 14 weeks).

    Cherrie I am SO happy for you!! I would be doing the happy dance too!!

  • harmonysun
    harmonysun Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2012

    thanks a lot leigh ann and running.....for the advice bout aspiration....really appreciate it a lot...

    ....messaged dr m last night about it and she said yes i should get it done and has an order for it....so have been trying this morning....and thought it would be fairly easy to make arrangements....but surprised the nurse at my helper doc who is my breast surgeon said they will only do breasts there....and tried to make an appt at radiology at my nearby hospital and they are a couple weeks out with appts.....and everyone wants all info hist and phys and all that...

    ....where did others go for this?....were you able to get in right away?.....not sure what to do at this point.....

  • florafarm
    florafarm Member Posts: 31
    edited September 2012

    Hooray Cherrie! It's such big hurdle to decide on the type of flap surgery and get it on the calendar.

  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 66
    edited September 2012

    Harmonysun



    I arranged with a local plastic surgeon and had an appt before my surgery. It might be slightly tough because many don't like to touch other Drs work so you may have to make a few calls but I think you will eventually find someone. Try your local American Cancer Society maybe they will have a referral if you explain the situation....



    Lesley

  • Sydgrace
    Sydgrace Member Posts: 29
    edited September 2012

    Hi All,

    I am 2 days post op - stage 1 Bilateral Mastectomy & hip flap with Dr D & Dr Stolier. So far so good. I'm amazed at how good my 2 new friends look even at this stage. The nurses here are incredible. I had a bad reaction to one of the pain meds which wore off pretty quickly & needed a blood transfusion as my count was low post op. Otherwise it's been pretty smooth sailing. What an incredible team they have here.



    I believe I overestimated my post op mobility. Getting out of bed yesterday and walking was no picnic. I'm still sore from cutting a piece of chicken yesterday (I can laugh at how silly this sounds now but was in tears yesterday) I understand this all gets easier each & every day. Trying to be patient with myself & remember it's not a race.



    Thank you all so much for sharing your stories - so helpful in the decision making process, as well as hearing what's "normal" in terms of recovery. Hope everyone is doing well!

  • harmonysun
    harmonysun Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2012

    thanks lesley.....i guess i thought i was set up with this with my breast surgeon's office....had been there before surgery to set it up and after for drain removal and so was surprised today when his nurse said they will only image breasts!....so now i have been calling the hospitals in the system i use and each one is asking "have you had imaging, to show there's fluid....lol...uh, hello, yes there's fluid....

    ....so did manage to set up an appt for weds....is that too long...is it ok to wait?....i can live with a lil discomfort....we are women, we are tough...lol...but the part that is disconcerting is just concern if it can cause problems?.....thanks....~peace n' smiles~  brenda...:)

  • chellehump
    chellehump Member Posts: 374
    edited September 2012

    Sydgrace

    I am so glad to hear from you. I sent you an e-mail yesterday I think. They are an amazing team and you are in the best of hands!! I know what you about "cutting the chicken" :) It gets easier & yes be patient with yourself!! So glad you are happy with your new girls so far!!

    You have my number if you need or want to talk.

    Take it easy

    Gentle Hugs!!

    Michelle

  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 204
    edited September 2012

    HarmonySun, I thought that I had abdominal fluid and looked on line for an "interventional radiologist" in my area and was able to get an appt. within a few days.  Stacy from Dr. S's office actually called them and then faxed in an order.  The interventional radiologist did a complete ultrasound of my abdominal area and would have done the aspiration there if necessary.

    I took this route because my BS and I "broke up" over me choosing to go to NOLA, so I really didn't have a surgeon I could call upon.  Maybe your oncologist or your primary care provide could give you a referral to a plastic or regular surgeon?  I would think a plastic surgeon who does tummy tucks would be familiar with this... Then again, I'm clearly no expert and Wednesday will be here before you know it.  Best, Jenifer 

  • lastar
    lastar Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2012

    Harmonysun, you should be fine especially if it's not uncomfortable to you.  That stinks that your BS wouldn't do it.  I asked my local BS to back me before my Stage 1 in NOLA and he has been willing to help me, even though I know that this is not his usual work!  It usually takes at least a week to get me in to see him, and I just try to be gentle on my hips during those last days.

    Sydgrace, welcome to the other side!  That was exactly the procdure and team that I had 11 weeks ago. Mobility is tough for a while, especially getting out of bed!  It's hard to get started but I found that walking really helped me feel better.  You are in great hands!

    Michelle, I haven't experienced anything like that.  If a 5-minute call to the Center will resolve all your worries, then bug them!  

  • chellehump
    chellehump Member Posts: 374
    edited September 2012

    LAStar, you are still getting aspirated? I need it (I think) and my butt is painful to run or sit for long times. It's not really on my hips, but at the bottom of the incision line...lol
    I thought about calling, but feel I will probably get the answer of nerve pain, but it's stopped now, so that's good :) I will see them soon.

    I haven't decided about the mini tummy tuck (is there such thing) or is it just a tummy tuck? Any other hip ladies that had this done at stage 2 not for flaps just to have.  I think Eva did, but I am not sure. My doctor left me with a horrible looing area and a pouch that will never go away, so this seems like my chance to get it fixed...maybe? Any thoughts?

    Thanks ladies!!!

  • lastar
    lastar Member Posts: 553
    edited September 2012

    Yes, I am still getting aspirated.  The fluid builds below my incision and then slowly fills out the shark bite.  I'm glad your pain stopped!  

    A woman I know locally had a tummy tuck when she had Stage 2 for hip flaps.  She said that she was not prepared to wake up with an incision line that went nearly all around her body!  If you have issues to correct, it seems like a great opportunity.  Another woman I know locally had a tummy tuck with her DIEP.  Both ladies look great!!!

  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 66
    edited September 2012

    Chellehump



    I asked about the mini tummy tuck at stage 2 and Janine said it would be no problem because my tummy does look weird now. I think the hip " tightening" accentuated the tummy "bagging". : ). I want this as well. You go in before me so you can tell me all about it ; )



    Les

  • jenlee
    jenlee Member Posts: 204
    edited September 2012

    I'm preparing for my stage 2 and other than not feeling mentally ready (would rather take more time and also do it in the winter, when the compression garments won't be so hot & sweaty).  Am also just starting to work out again and hate to have that set back.

    A big concern about the lipo...  I'd love to have my little love handles and "saddle bags" on outer thighs, plus a little on my inner thighs done.  My weight is coming down since chemo, but those are still problem areas.  However, I'm concerned about gaining more upper body fat.  The second one indicates that you can prevent it from happening if you work out intensely, which is good for breast cancer survivors, and really anyone... There have been several links posted to articles, and I'll post them again because they're freaking me out and I'd love to know what everyone thinks! In reading these and a variety of articles, it seems that you must be careful to keep your weight stable after lipo, as many doctors do seem to feel that the weight may return to other areas.  Bad news for me because I'm a yo-yo dieter with a 20 pound range depending on my stress.

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/after-liposuction-fat-just-relocates/

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/13/after-liposuction-exercise-keeps-the-fat-off/ 

    http://www.realself.com/question/liposuction-stomach-waist-gain-upper-body-fat 

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-j-wurtman-phd/liposuction-fat-comes-back_b_856829.html 

    http://www.plasticsurgery.org/News-and-Resources/Fat-Cells-Don’t-Return-to-Treated-or-Untreated-Areas-After-Liposuction-ASPS-Study-Finds.html 

    OK, then there's the underarm fat issue.  Those of you who notice it on yourselves, is it obvious when you're naked, or just in certain bras or tops.  Sometimes it seems like it's more "breast meat" or "side boob" being pushed up by the bra or top.  Even about ten years ago, when I was at my athletic peak and had 12% body fat, there was some "goosh" under my arms.  A well-known PS worked out at my gym and I asked him about it and he told me that I was being ridiculous and that he wouldn't do anything about it!  From what I've read, it's mostly axillary breast tissue up there. Google underarm fat and you get tons of articles.  This one is good because lots of plastic surgeons weigh in on the subject and of course give different recommendations:  http://www.realself.com/question/fatty-loose-skin-under-arms

    For what it's worth, my eight yr old daughter, who under the tenth percentile for both height and weight for her age, is a dancer.  No fat, NO sign of breast development, just lean and muscled.  When she's wearing her ballet leotard, there's a little flesh under her arm.  Definitely skin being squeezed up by the leotard.

    Sorry for the long post! 

  • chellehump
    chellehump Member Posts: 374
    edited September 2012

    My incision line is started to hurt more and more and I am thinking it's fluid build-up, but I am not sure.  There is definitely fluid under there...

    But is there such thing as a mini tummy tuck as compared to a full tummy tuck? The cut across is my issue too. I will already have the hip scars that after stage will be up around my waist area, so this will be a lot for me. I just don't know if there is such thing as a mini?

    Les, I think you are right about the bagging :) I will tell you all about it if I go through with it.

    Thanks ladies!!

  • cascader
    cascader Member Posts: 152
    edited September 2012

    Chelle, my butt is hurting also especially sitting in the car. It is not fluid but hurts below my incision as well. It started about 2 wks ago, thinking just scar tissue , healing, nerves?

  • chellehump
    chellehump Member Posts: 374
    edited September 2012

    Cascader, I am not sure. It doesn't look like fluid around my incision line, but at the bottom end of it there is. The pain started about 3 weeks ago. I was jogging across my neighbors yard and OUCH!! No butt jiggling for me...lol  Maybe it is scar tissue build up or nerve pain that is causing the incision line (above and below) to hurt. I'm sure Dr. D will take care of everything :)

  • Katarina
    Katarina Member Posts: 99
    edited September 2012

    Where does one stay post surgery if traveling from cross country to have DIEP at NOLA?  

    Hugs,

    Katarina

  • Lesleyanne67
    Lesleyanne67 Member Posts: 66
    edited September 2012

    Katarina



    Just send Spring who started the thread a private msg and she will add you. Welcome!

  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 219
    edited September 2012

    Katarina, most ladies stay in a hotel after they are released from the hospital, until their post op appt. The Hope Lodge is an option as well, and is no charge. Some rent vacation houses.

  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2012

    About having a tummy tuck after Hip flaps... I had a DIEP flap after hip flaps and as far as scarring goes, at this point most of my scars are invisable... almost. When your scars are fresh, you imagine a scar like that 340 degrees around your body, and you think no way... but time really does heal those wounds. So ask yourselves if a year from now when your butt scars are basically gone and you didn't have the tummy tuck when you had the opportunity, will you kick yourselves? I am glad I had both. And Jenifer, as for lipo on love handles and thighs, I had it and it was great.

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited September 2012

    Cherire, YAY!!! Congratulations! So nice that you and Amy could meet up. I met Amy too!!! In NOLA. She is a sweetie!!! Nice kids and nice hubby too!

    Chelle, my bet is your nerves are trying to regenerate. I had a burning sensatinon too and it did finally go away. I think it is part of the healing process. (My guess).

    Katarina, if you go to the website (www.breastcenter.com) you can navigate to a page that has a slew of hotels and the Center has negotiated special rates with them. 

    SydGrace, so good to hear from you!!! Welcome to the other side! It will get better every day. It's a big surgery, but you will recover! We all did !!! 

  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 921
    edited September 2012

    Well I have a date to be added on Spring. November 14, Stage 1, DIEP/Stacked DIEP, Dr. M at SCSH



    Of course I would like to have been sooner since this is 3 mo. past my canceled surgery. However, I am thrilled to have a date and to be going to St. Charles. I will try hard to not think about this everyday like I did over the summer. I will walk more and enjoy the fall. Bring it on baby!!!!!



    Katarina- many people here have told me that they have stayed at the Homewood Suites (breakfast each day and a light dinner during the week). They have had many patients from the center.



    Sydgrace- it was nice to hear from you so soon. You will do great.

  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2012

    Cherrie.. I believe that was my stage II date last year. Great time of year in NOLA!!!

  • Cherrie
    Cherrie Member Posts: 921
    edited September 2012

    Betsy, it has to beat the 96 in the beginning of August. It should be perfect for this mid-western girl. Did you see that my insurance was accepted at the center? Not that there is anything wrong with Fairway. However, we had to rent a car to go there and they only give your caregiver food in the morning. we will also have transportation to hotels and appointments. That added up too!!

  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 3,192
    edited September 2012

    Yes, I saw that. And nothing is different? They just decided to cover it?? How fortunate for you.

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