My Heart Decided

Dr. James Craigie

Dr. Paul Baron

Last night as I was lying in my bed waiting for my body to fall asleep my thoughts turned to my surgeons in Charleston.  I started to think through the first time I met them.

I drove from Athens, GA to Charleston, SC with the Mister so that we could visit the city and see if these were the right doctors for me.  Some friends of mine who used to live in Charleston recommended a wonderful place to stay and we spent a whole day enjoying the city.  The next day we drove to the Charleston Breast Center and first met with Dr. Craigie, plastic surgeon and his PA (whom I had already had over an hour conversation with over the phone…she was amazing and answered all my questions in depth).  I already felt so comfortable since I had been in contact with them over the phone.  In fact when I had emailed I had gotten a reply from Dr. Craigie himself.  They were so amazing.  The Mister had so many questions and Dr. Craigie fielded them all.  They gave us so much attention and put me at ease.  It really was feeling like the right choice.  Then I was able to meet with Dr. Baron, the breast surgeon and his PA.  Dr. Baron was very attentive to my questions and then at the end of our meeting he leaned over and gave me a hug and said “You’re going to be ok.  We’re going to take good care of you.”  It was right then that my heart decided.  These were the right men for the job.  Not only are they amazing surgeons but they were compassionate and caring.  I felt as though I had two fathers who were going to care for me like a daughter.  We scheduled my surgery for February 1, 2012.  I would not see them again until the day before surgery.

They did not disappoint when it came to be surgery time.  I met with Dr. Craigie the day before to be marked for surgery.  This was the first time my mom had met him and he immediately greeted her with a hug.  I felt so grateful for the PA Christina…seeing her was instant comfort.  All of my pre-op and post-op meetings with them have been wonderful.

Last night I began to cry.  My tears were not sad tears even though I’m still so uncomfortable and unable to sleep on my side.  My tears were of gratitude for the healing hands of Charleston.  I missed them.  It seems so strange for them to be far away and not be able to see them.  I am not sure if I will need to go back for a checkup before stage 2 of my surgery.  I am grateful that I decided to go to Charleston.  I will be eternally grateful for Dr. Craigie, Christina and Dr. Baron.  They went above and beyond and took care of the whole person.

Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard Kline, The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, Charleston, SC – on facebook 

Dr. Paul Baron, Charleston Breast Center, Charleston, SC – on facebook