Susan's Place Transgender Resources

My time has nearly arrived for my surgery, only a few quick days left until a new beginning for me. Words are not adequate to describe how good it feels to be so close after a lifetime to reach this day.

I arrived at the clinic's convalescence residence on Thursday evening and have spent the last few days getting settled and connecting with everyone. I am now very comfortable here with no anxieties, actually excited and at peace. The staff is wonderful and the residence perfect for the recovery work ahead. I am very happy with my decision to be here.

I had my consultation with Dr. Brassard on Friday. After examining me, he discussed what I could expect for my result. We also discussed breast augmentation and I will be having that done as well. It is going to be some additional pain, but I will be happier with my body once it is done.

Sarah's posts of her surgery experience were so detailed and helpful, I do not know if I will post much myself about my own experience, other to say I am okay and briefly how it went ...unless I get inspired and feel up to it.

The dilator's were waiting for me in my room. I agree, Sarah, they were bigger than I thought they would be too. Thinking about them inside me gave me a small feeling of awe.

My girl friend is picking me up for lunch tomorrow, my last time out for a while. I am a little nervous about leaving the residence actually. Will ask her to find something close.

Yay Valerie!  As part of the welcoming committee for Canada  :D , "Welcome to Canada!, Please enjoy your stay here!".   And I have a feeling you will!!!   Happy to see that you have beat back the anxiety bug.

Best wishes for a fast recovery.   What you said about the dilators is so funny, I can remember my eyeballs popping at the site of them.. "those are going where?"... ehhe.

*huggs*, Look forward to seeing your first post-op post!

Melan

I'm in Montreal too. :D Maybe I can send you some flowers (or... chocolates?) while you're recovering!

Anyway, good luck and best wishes!

Hi Valeriedances

Best wishes for the future and for a speedy recovery.  You are right SarahR gave very good detailed description of what to expect.  So go back and read those comments.

Anyway by the sounds of it you are very happy and in the next couple of days you will be at peace with yourself.  Take care and I also look forwarded to hearing your journey if you are well enough to do so.

Kind regards
Sarah B

Good luck girl.

It'll be over before you know it.

Hi Valerie, here's hoping for a successful outcome and a quick and easy recovery! :)

Good Luck!
Kristyn

Good luck Valerie!  But, you won't need it, you are in good hands.  Enjoy the vacation, should be perfect recuperating weather.

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 18, 2010, 12:14:41 AMI had my consultation with Dr. Brassard on Friday. After examining me, he discussed what I could expect for my result. We also discussed breast augmentation and I will be having that done as well.

Will you be going with cohesive gel or saline implants?  I did the cohesive gels and I can't tell the difference between them and the real thing.

Wishing you a quick recovery and many happy years in your new life.

The time is almost here.  And I know you won't back out now.

V-A-L-E-R-I-E.  Ok your name is now on my list.  ;D

I will be interested in how your BA goes.  May be putting it on my to-have-done list

I hand the reigns to you now, Valerie. Relax as much as you can. Go out and see some of the city before your surgery since you may not be up for much after the surgery. It already seems like forever ago since I was right where you are right now. They'll take very good care of you. They have created an environment perfectly suited to the rough healing process.

Just remember, this time is temporary, but the relief afterward is forever. Keep that in your mind if you get some rough times over the next days and weeks. Less than three weeks out for me and things are way better. The body is quick with healing and in no time you'll be enjoying your new life.

By the way, what room # are you in?

~Sarah

Best wishes and loads of love Valerie

I know your girlfriend is with you... But remember we are all there with you also

{{{HUGS}}}

- Virginia

best of luck on the last stretch of your journey Valerie!

I'll be thinking of you in the best way. I hope you heal well and with little pain.

I'm so glad to see that your time has come! I send my best wishes to Montreal.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Valerie!! I'm so very excited for you! I can't wait to read all about your adventures in the post-op section!! :D

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 18, 2010, 08:50:15 PMI am in room 205, which I love. It is very large giving me alot of privacy.

Is that the one to the left of the bathroom from the stairs?  The one I stayed in had a twin bed and the windows faced the park and the patio.

I think I got the same implants as you except 400CC.  The only problem I had was some intense burning at the incision on one side.  It only happened occasionally but sometimes felt like a red hot knife was piercing the skin.  As far as pain, I only needed Tylenol (I had BA separate from GRS).  Since the chest muscle is separated from the chest wall, it feels very weird when you do things involving the pectorals.  It's been almost two years and I still feel some of that but it's nothing like it used to be.

We'll be thinking of you tomorrow!

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 18, 2010, 12:14:41 AM


The dilator's were waiting for me in my room. I agree, Sarah, they were bigger than I thought they would be too. Thinking about them inside me gave me a small feeling of awe.

I think the dilators gave me a sense of, "ow!"  :laugh:
Good luck Valerie. You'll do great.

Looks like you've chosen the same route as me, in terms of BA plus GRS. You're also getting the same implants as me.

A comment that I would have would be in terms of the sizing of the implant. I chose a 400cc implant because I had wanted a 'C' cup. I was naturally between an A & B cup. I was 5"11 and 165 lbs. Dr. B suggested 400 cc's.

In retrospect, I wish that I had chosen at least 500cc's, as I would now have preferred closer to a D cup, given my heigth and shoulder width. In most cases, due to our bone structure, you should expect about one cup less in appearance to that of a GG.. When 400 cc's would give a GG a C cup, it would appear more like a B cup on us. This is also dependent upon your weight. If you are light, you won't have the natural fat in this area that a gg would. Also, if you are in your late 40's or into your 50's, then you may not have the additional breast growth post-op from hormones.

Again, this is just my humble opinion. I think that 450's are a good choice, but for me, I would have gone into the 500's.

Julie and I will be thinking of you tomorrow! Take care and get a lot of rest. All of us here on Susan's will be thinking of you! Please write afterwards and let us know how you are doing, thanks.

omg Valerie I'm so excited for you! The only thing keeping me from being totally jealous is knowing I'm not far behind you (well okay, maybe still a teensy bit jealous lol) I wish you all the very best wishes for a smooth operation and a quick recovery, and I can't wait to read about your experience too!

**Lots of Hugs** from Chloe

Congrats I cannot wait to be in your position!! Please take some pictures :)

I may not be there but I will in spirit.  ;D  Rest and heal well, Valerie.  Try to sleep, if you can.

Love and hugs,
Janet

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 19, 2010, 09:49:09 PM


Goodnight. I am so excited I hope I can sleep.

Good night Valerie.  Sleep well.  Our thoughts are with you :)

rawr for surgery tomorrow, just stay frosty, enjoy your benzos for breakfast, and it will be over before you know it.

Good luck on your surgery, Val!! :icon_hug:

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 19, 2010, 09:49:09 PM
P.S. I'm so sorry Sara. It is far too intimate and personal for pictures. It is really a sacred time.

:( I meant, of the place not yourself :)

I will send positive vibes your way val, may you heal and recover well.

Quote from: Valeriedances on April 20, 2010, 07:12:50 AM
you are a sweetheart.

Awww thanks, I am sure when the tables are turned you will do the same :)

It must be over now!! I'm so excited for you, Valarie!! I can't wait to hear about it!! Hope you're doing okay! :D

Hi Valeriedances

Hope your surgery has gone well for you, wishing you a speedy recovery and I hope you are finally at peace with yourself.

Kind regards
Sarah B

our thoughts are with you dear, can't wait to hear all about it! *hugs*

Valerie, if I have the times right, you'll be going to the residence tomorrow.  I hope all went well.  Now is the time we become one with the donut.  :eusa_whistle:  Fond memories!

The day I went back to the residence was a really beautiful day.  I just had to get out.  Julie and I went outside, near the patio, when Brassard walked up and said, "Didn't I just perform major surgery on you the other day?"  We both laughed.

Like I said, a lot of fond memories.

I'm new here but would like to ad my congrats Val. I will be there in Oct. Thanks to all those who have gone before us!!

It was nice to meet you in Montreal Valerie.  Thanks for visiting before you left.  Hope you're doing well back home, keep in touch.

Amy