Posts Tagged ‘Surgery’

  1. Free Webinar on Natural Breast Reconstruction

    March 29, 2012 by Julie Moon

    The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction will be having a free webinar on Thursday, April 12, 2012 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT

    Sign up here for the free webinar: http://breastreconstructionnetwork.com/rightforme/

    From their website:

    When you join us on April 12, you’ll discover…

    • Exactly what natural breast reconstruction is and whether you’re a good match for the procedures we offer.
    • What all the acronyms mean…DIEP, GAP, TUG, SIEA.
    • What you can expect in terms of hospital stays, recovery time, and scarring.
    • Answers to insurance questions relating to breast reconstruction. Our insurance specialist will be on hand during our Q&A.
    One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.

    Take Control of Your Life!

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  2. Stage 2 on the books

    March 28, 2012 by Julie Moon

    Today I called and scheduled my stage 2 of surgery.  It will be on May 22nd in Charleston, SC.  Same docs, same hospital, same beautiful city…this time I’m really excited.  This surgery will be outpatient but I do have to be there a day on either side…possibly two days post surgery in town.   In stage one they left an oval shaped piece of skin from my donor site (yes my booty) attached to the fat tissue they used to create my breasts…so I have that skin on my breasts now.  Obviously none of you have seen it but it’s something I see every day.  In stage 2 they will remove that skin and I will be left with one short scar out to the side of my breast.  They will also make sure all the fat tissue has survived and remove any that hasn’t.  They will recreate my left nipple which didn’t survive the surgery (out of that skin flap…fascinating right?).  They will also do some contouring to make sure the breasts are the size and shape that looks best.  I do not think I will have any drains.   Hopefully this will be a piece of cake compared to stage 1.  If all heals well my breasts will be finished…done! I am so excited!

    It’s amazing how much I have become accustom to my new breasts.  At first it really felt like they were foreign objects on my chest.  I had such a hard time breathing and being able to stay calm.  Now even though I don’t really think I have regained any sensation in the breasts that I didn’t have when I first had surgery they do feel more normal.  What a blessing that is.  It’s not a concept that I can even accurately describe in words…if you’ve been there…you understand.  I’m growing and changing just like everything in life….grateful for these plants that were sent to me that remind me of just that.

    Did I mention I’m so excited?!!!!!

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  3. Bra Shopping

    March 5, 2012 by Julie Moon

    Let’s face it ladies…it’s never fun.  You find the one or two styles and brands that you love and fit you the way you want.  Then you just keep them stocked in your drawer.  But then they go and discontinue that bra and you’re back at square one.  So imagine my fun…I have an empty bra drawer.  I spent a couple hours at target today…and a good friend has a few she’s going to bring over tomorrow for me to try out.  And then…get this…I get to start from scratch AGAIN after my May surgery.  I keep repeating to myself….I am thankful I have healthy breasts that need a bra.

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  4. Stir Crazy

    February 17, 2012 by Julie Moon

    I’m going a little stir crazy I think. I’m turning into a grump. I’m not used to being at home and not being able to do much of anything while I’m here. All my friends know how I love to have a project and I have none. I keep walking around the house thinking about how much I need to repaint the walls in the hall and how I want my bedroom to be repainted. I wish I could be working. I sit in my recliner and stare at my backyard which is quite a nice place but in the winter it’s just not that pretty…needs mulch and a mow. I have several things I want to get framed and hang on the wall. I want to rearrange the computer on my desk. I want to fix my broken desk chair. I’m home non stop so I’m noticing every imperfection in my flooring and cabinets. I want to tidy the kids rooms and find the stopper to a piggy bank that is missing somewhere in her room. I want to do. I need to heal. This is hard.

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  5. My Heart Decided

    February 17, 2012 by Julie Moon

    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

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  6. Day 3

    February 4, 2012 by Julie Moon

    I’m feeling extra sappy tonight. I am so happy I did this. Even when it hurts. I couldn’t have done this without my village. Thank you everyone. I finally have a pain med that is working. Yesterday was SO HARD. Friday was a much better day. Though mom keeps saying she doesn’t know where we’d put more flowers I am so encouraged. They sit at the foot of my bed and remind me that I’m being thought of. I can’t wait to see my family and friends again. I worry about the Mister. He doesn’t always recognize what he is feeling.  We watched Grey’s Anatomy tonight and that made me feel normal.  I have eaten some of my yummy snacks.  Tomorrow is shower day and I’m nervous about that.  Here’s me giving all my friends and family big hugs and kisses.

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  7. Day 1

    February 2, 2012 by Julie Moon

    Wow! This is the most surreal feeling I can imagine right now. I actually did it. The doctors said it went great. I’m sleeping well despite my awesome nurse checking in on me. The hospital is beautiful and my room is large. I do miss my babies and the Mister.  I called my big girl around 8:30and had my best friend wake her up.  It was good for both of us.  I am so grateful my mom is here.  I am so grateful I am so healthy that this makes it such an easier procedure.  I have gotten sooooo many compliments on my beautiful quilt my friends made me.  Life is good.  My heart is full.

    My surgery took 12 hours. Can you believe that? I am sore. Morphine And Valium to the rescue.

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