Hello all. So I thought I'd start a thread on my experience and pre op experience with Dr zukowski.
Back in 2014 I had forehead, eyebrow lift and rhinoplasty with Dr. Cardenas . My experience is somewhere on this site, however, in my experience he was not aggressive enough. I had type one forehead surgery and there are still some forehead depressions. It seems as if he did the bare minimum. My rhinoplasty, was the same. Just was not enough. Picture this, having an itch but you can't scratch it. That's how my experience was. I didn't have any complication, however , I barely had any work done seems like lol . I also had forehead reduction, hairline is a mess. But I expected still needing a hair transplant. So I think it did what he could on that . My experience with him, I'll rate a 4/10
Now for Dr zukowski . I have a surgery date set for June 24 the ( seems like all my surgeries are in the summer :( ) I paid my deposit of 1000, so it is official. The reason I chose Dr z is because of his agressive approach. My biggest fear is paying out a lot of money and look the same. That is not why I'm having surgery. I'm having surgery to look different. 10000000 percent passable. I pass now, but i feel this may only be because of my body shape and voice. However, people don't speculate. I do live stealth . But for me, I need this. I feel that there is times where I don't and people may wonder. There is a such thing as passing and getting by and I feel like I'm getting by . Dr zukowsi in my opinion is one of the best. And I wanted to base my next doctor off his results and not because of his price. My consultation with his was great. Some people don't like his bluntness.. but I do . He has a great artistic eye. I did not feel he tried to sell me into anything other than what I thought I needed . Now I will say he isn't for everyone. Some girls want the bare minimum. Me, I want to be able to cut my hair all off and still be able to pass 100 percent.
Here is what I'm getting done,
Secondary rhinoplasty
Secondary forehead contouring
Jaw and Chin with soft tissue reshaping and jaw body contouring
Neck lift with corsetplasty to the neck
Lip lift
Hairline advancement
Fat transfer to the red part of the lips to give a slight pout .
Fat transfer to temples, cheeks and nasial folds,
Andddddd a breast augmentation 565 in one and 600 in the other ( he pointed out I had a breast bigger than the other, and I didn't not realize this until he pointed it out.. and there on me !! ) Lol .. the total cost of surgery will be about 29k . Including air fair, nurses, and hotel as well.
Any questions ? Leave below. Follow me on my journey with Dr zukowski !!
Hope all goes well!
Will certainly keep an eye on this thread for updates.
Surgery will not make you 100000000 percent passable. Scars under your mandible alone will make some people in some situations wondering. Beware of unrealistic expectations! Take care.
Also beware of hairline advancement done multiple times. You may be at risk of skin necrosis.
Quote from: transtastic on March 26, 2017, 05:14:39 AM
Surgery will not make you 100000000 percent passable. Scars under your mandible alone will make some people in some situations wondering. Beware of unrealistic expectations! Take care.
This may not be true for you. But for me the cards have already been dealt with my favor . As I stated above. I get by now. The people I have told are shook . I've been in stealth relationships. No speculation. A scar won't have someone to jump to a conclusion that im a woman of a trans past unless their already speculating it in the first place. I've started hormones at a young age . I'm still in my early 20's. As for the scar from the first surgery, it's completely flat. That was in 2014 when I had that done. I have a hairline transplant appointment set up a month after I have surgery :) ..Which will cost me another 5k .
PS , Dr z will go in thru the mouth for my jaw and jaw body .
Quote from: J2J on March 25, 2017, 02:48:26 PM
Hope all goes well!
Will certainly keep an eye on this thread for updates.
Thanks !
Hi loveless heart,
I feel like I have seen ur profile pic before but under a different profile name that already had ffs with Dr Z? Maybe I am mistaken.
Anyways, best wishes for your upcoming surgery. I went to Dr Deschamps, but really like Dr Z too. I spoke with him over the phone for my round 2 and really like him.I am sure given his skills/approach he will make you a lot more than 1000000 percent passable.
Keep us posted.
Quote from: Ypsf09 on March 26, 2017, 09:34:47 AM
Hi loveless heart,
I feel like I have seen ur profile pic before but under a different profile name that already had ffs with Dr Z? Maybe I am mistaken.
Anyways, best wishes for your upcoming surgery. I went to Dr Deschamps, but really like Dr Z too. I spoke with him over the phone for my round 2 and really like him.I am sure given his skills/approach he will make you a lot more than 1000000 percent passable.
Keep us posted.
Thanks for your wishes . Nope never heard of Dr z before raiden Quinn on YouTube. I was indesive with him and Dr Harrison Lee... Never got the consultation for Harrison , but I'm sure he would have been a wonderful choice as well.
Dr Zukowski changed my life. I am stealth now... I made the mistake of using my real name in the beginning not realizing how easy it was to google and see my old posts.
At the time I suppose I did not even care.
Anyway, he did my FFS and body shaping and I am so happy. I don't even look like I am related to the person I was before. I pass 100 percent.
I even took up singing and am doing a music video this summer that will be posted on You Tube...
I may be outed one day if I become very visible as the new me.. there will be no way around it...
I see him in May for some final body shaping and love him so much. He made me beautiful and you should have seen me before... its amazing.
Anyway you made the right choice... If you PM me I will reveal who I am..
Best regards.
Itsdone
Hi Love got your personal message... I can not respond yet.. probably since I just activated a new acct to be stealth,. I will send Susan a message and see what I can do..
I do have before and after.. it will freak you out...
When I get to where I can message you privately I will...
Quote from: Itsdone on March 31, 2017, 12:22:34 PM
Hi Love got your personal message... I can not respond yet.. probably since I just activated a new acct to be stealth,. I will send Susan a message and see what I can do..
I do have before and after.. it will freak you out...
When I get to where I can message you privately I will...
Ok hun
So not gonna post much here...
However, my surgery date is next month on the 24th of June. I've sent like 85% percent of the surgery cost already. So not it's just a waiting game... Just can't until this is all over. If anyone wants to visit me in Chicago area .. feel free to pm me.
Hi Love,
I wish you a successful surgery. Just make sure you don't end up with a piggy nose and overdone looks. Just tell the doctor you want natural looks
Quote from: reborn on May 21, 2017, 01:49:05 PM
Hi Love,
I wish you a successful surgery. Just make sure you don't end up with a piggy nose and overdone looks. Just tell the doctor you want natural looks
Thanks for your best wishes. no instead I opted to have a sheep nose.
Have you had surgery with Dr z?
Quote from: lovelessheart on March 25, 2017, 11:55:25 AM
Andddddd a breast augmentation 565 in one and 600 in the other ( he pointed out I had a breast bigger than the other, and I didn't not realize this until he pointed it out.. and there on me !! ) Lol .. the total cost of surgery will be about 29k . Including air fair, nurses, and hotel as well.
This is one of the reasons I went with Dr. Z. When I went for my consultation, he looked at me carefully and said, "Your right orbital rim is lightly higher than your left. When did you break your nose?"
"What?", I said, somewhat surprised, "I have never broken my nose."
"Yes, you have. Probably as a child. I can tell you have a deviation of your sinus. Do you have problems breathing out of one of your nostrils?"
"As a matter of fact, yes, I do!"
I was astounded. He saw all of that in the first 60 seconds. I went to two other FFS surgeons prior to seeing Dr. Z, one of which was Dr. Harrison Lee. Neither one mentioned those things. He has a great eye for aesthetics.
I have had great results with him, Lovelessheart, and I think you will, too.
Wishing you all the best,
Terri
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on May 21, 2017, 06:26:57 PM
When did you break your nose?"
"What?", I said, somewhat surprised, "I have never broken my nose."
"Yes, you have. Probably as a child.
Terri
too funny! He asked me when I broke my nose and I told him I didn't, as well. Yes you did, he stated. Nope, I said, someone broke it for me. I could have used a rim shot from a Drummer at that point......, he just paused and stared at me. I broke the silence and told him, as a child, I was indiscreet with what I chose to say sometimes. Deadpan he looks at me and says, Obviously....l.o.l. :D
He's a pretty driven, serious guy. Doesn't seem to have a lot of time for nonsense!
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 21, 2017, 06:09:41 PM
Thanks for your best wishes. no instead I opted to have a sheep nose.
Have you had surgery with Dr z?
If I were you I would opt for a human looks. I have never had surgery with Dr Z
Quote from: reborn on May 22, 2017, 09:00:17 AM
If I were you I would opt for a human looks. I have never had surgery with Dr Z
But sometimes humans sucks. Some of them usually give reviews without actually having services. So I'd rather be an animal. A whale... Yes... A whale sounds great .
Now I'm sure I'll have one of the best results there is with one of the best ffs surgeons out there . I'm hoping your face looks of that of a human.
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on May 21, 2017, 06:26:57 PM
This is one of the reasons I went with Dr. Z. When I went for my consultation, he looked at me carefully and said, "Your right orbital rim is lightly higher than your left. When did you break your nose?"
"What?", I said, somewhat surprised, "I have never broken my nose."
"Yes, you have. Probably as a child. I can tell you have a deviation of your sinus. Do you have problems breathing out of one of your nostrils?"
"As a matter of fact, yes, I do!"
I was astounded. He saw all of that in the first 60 seconds. I went to two other FFS surgeons prior to seeing Dr. Z, one of which was Dr. Harrison Lee. Neither one mentioned those things. He has a great eye for aesthetics.
I have had great results with him, Lovelessheart, and I think you will, too.
Wishing you all the best,
Terri
Yes ! And this won me over right away. That has never happened to me when speaking to other ffs surgeons.
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 22, 2017, 04:38:04 PM
But sometimes humans sucks. Some of them usually give reviews without actually having services. So I'd rather be an animal. A whale... Yes... A whale sounds great .
Now I'm sure I'll have one of the best results there is with one of the best ffs surgeons out there . I'm hoping your face looks of that of a human.
Hey honey,
I didn't say anything about your prospective results. As a person who has underwent FFS and who has researched most of the FFS doctors work I have researched Dr Z results. I believe that he is an amazing doctor especially for boobs. I have noticed that some of his patients get the plastic overdone looks and some get a piggy nose. In cases when patients have requested natural looks Dr Z does an amazing job. I would never like to look like a plastic surgery doll or to end up with an unnatural looking nose. If that is what you like go for it.
Quote from: reborn on May 23, 2017, 08:53:39 AM
Hey honey,
I didn't say anything about your prospective results. As a person who has underwent FFS and who has researched most of the FFS doctors work I have researched Dr Z results. I believe that he is an amazing doctor especially for boobs. I have noticed that some of his patients get the plastic overdone looks and some get a piggy nose. In cases when patients have requested natural looks Dr Z does an amazing job. I would never like to look like a plastic surgery doll or to end up with an unnatural looking nose. If that is what you like go for it.
Of course I wouldn't want to look plastic lol . I expressed this to him . But I do want him to be agreesive with pretty much everything. I told him my nose, be delicate. Because I like my nose, just need it tweaked a little more.
Dr Z is known for aggressive work. I am sure you will get amazing results. I wish you a successful surgery. I will be following your profress
Quote from: lovelessheart on March 25, 2017, 11:55:25 AM
Hello all. So I thought I'd start a thread on my experience and pre op experience with Dr zukowski.
Back in 2014 I had forehead, eyebrow lift and rhinoplasty with Dr. Cardenas . My experience is somewhere on this site, however, in my experience he was not aggressive enough. I had type one forehead surgery and there are still some forehead depressions. It seems as if he did the bare minimum. My rhinoplasty, was the same. Just was not enough. Picture this, having an itch but you can't scratch it. That's how my experience was. I didn't have any complication, however , I barely had any work done seems like lol . I also had forehead reduction, hairline is a mess. But I expected still needing a hair transplant. So I think it did what he could on that . My experience with him, I'll rate a 4/10
Now for Dr zukowski . I have a surgery date set for June 24 the ( seems like all my surgeries are in the summer :( ) I paid my deposit of 1000, so it is official. The reason I chose Dr z is because of his agressive approach. My biggest fear is paying out a lot of money and look the same. That is not why I'm having surgery. I'm having surgery to look different. 10000000 percent passable. I pass now, but i feel this may only be because of my body shape and voice. However, people don't speculate. I do live stealth . But for me, I need this. I feel that there is times where I don't and people may wonder. There is a such thing as passing and getting by and I feel like I'm getting by . Dr zukowsi in my opinion is one of the best. And I wanted to base my next doctor off his results and not because of his price. My consultation with his was great. Some people don't like his bluntness.. but I do . He has a great artistic eye. I did not feel he tried to sell me into anything other than what I thought I needed . Now I will say he isn't for everyone. Some girls want the bare minimum. Me, I want to be able to cut my hair all off and still be able to pass 100 percent.
Here is what I'm getting done,
Secondary rhinoplasty
Secondary forehead contouring
Jaw and Chin with soft tissue reshaping and jaw body contouring
Neck lift with corsetplasty to the neck
Lip lift
Hairline advancement
Fat transfer to the red part of the lips to give a slight pout .
Fat transfer to temples, cheeks and nasial folds,
Andddddd a breast augmentation 565 in one and 600 in the other ( he pointed out I had a breast bigger than the other, and I didn't not realize this until he pointed it out.. and there on me !! ) Lol .. the total cost of surgery will be about 29k . Including air fair, nurses, and hotel as well.
Any questions ? Leave below. Follow me on my journey with Dr zukowski !!
Good luck, loveless. Hope they get it right for you this time. I have every belief that he is the best in the Business. I'm on his operating table 6 AM Saturday for the whole host of procedures. So he can get some practice on me before he gets to you! :D
Wish me luck. I'm more than just a little bit nervous!
Quote from: Ypsf09 on March 26, 2017, 09:34:47 AM
Hi loveless heart,
I feel like I have seen ur profile pic before but under a different profile name that already had ffs with Dr Z? Maybe I am mistaken...
It's Shakira. Go to Profile/Modify profile/Select avatar from gallery/Musicians/Shakira and you can use the avatar too.
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: jentay1367 on May 23, 2017, 10:26:19 AM
Good luck, loveless. Hope they get it right for you this time. I have every belief that he is the best in the Business. I'm on his operating table 6 AM Saturday for the whole host of procedures. So he can get some practice on me before he gets to you! :D
Wish me luck. I'm more than just a little bit nervous!
Aw that's exciting ! You'll probably be long gone by the time I get there next month. What are you getting ?
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 23, 2017, 02:02:16 PM
Aw that's exciting ! You'll probably be long gone by the time I get there next month. What are you getting ?
Yeah... I'll be long gone by then, or....something went terribly wrong :o
Let's see......
Brow lift
Type 1 Brow bossing removal
Lower blephastromy w/ 35% chemical peel
Medpor cheek implants
Chin reduction contouring
Rhinoplasty
Lip lift
Mid face lift
Lower face lift
Trach. Shave
Fat transfer to upper lift
Fat transfer to nasal folds
Fat transfer to temples
Botox to forehead and outside corners of eyes
BA in 6 months. Wanted it now but he said it was too much surgery at once. So I guess I'll let the boobie fairy give me a XMAS present!
I leave Thursaday....can't tell if I'm more scared than excited or excited than scared. But I'm definitely both!
Quote from: jentay1367 on May 23, 2017, 02:27:48 PM
Yeah... I'll be long gone by then, or....something went terribly wrong :o
Let's see......
Brow lift
Type 1 Brow bossing removal
Lower blephastromy w/ 35% chemical peel
Medpor cheek implants
Chin reduction contouring
Rhinoplasty
Lip lift
Mid face lift
Lower face lift
Trach. Shave
Fat transfer to upper lift
Fat transfer to nasal folds
Fat transfer to temples
Botox to forehead and outside corners of eyes
BA in 6 months. Wanted it now but he said it was too much surgery at once. So I guess I'll let the boobie fairy give me a XMAS present!
I leave Thursaday....can't tell if I'm more scared than excited or excited than scared. But I'm definitely both!
Awwww I bet you are going to look so stunning ! I can understand that . I'm just ready for it all to be over !!!
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 23, 2017, 03:07:08 PM
Awwww I bet you are going to look so stunning ! I can understand that . I'm just ready for it all to be over !!!
Yes..thank you. As you can see from my Avatar, I need all the help he can offer....lol
Y'all are selling me on Zukowski, Loveless and JenTay! I'm excited for both of you! Will you be posting pics or would you mind sharing them privately ? I may go to him for a consult. I need a facelift. Thanks!
Quote from: Jujubee on May 23, 2017, 03:15:46 PM
Y'all are selling me on Zukowski, Loveless and JenTay! I'm excited for both of you! Will you be posting pics or would you mind sharing them privately ? I may go to him for a consult. I need a facelift. Thanks!
I won't be posting pics on here. However if anyone if going g to be in Chicago area..you can meet me or come visit . I also wouldn't mind doing video chatting after everything is healed.
Quote from: jentay1367 on May 23, 2017, 03:11:45 PM
Yes..thank you. As you can see from my Avatar, I need all the help he can offer....lol
Lol same here. Did you opt for staybridge ?
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 23, 2017, 04:15:14 PM
Lol same here. Did you opt for staybridge ?
Yes! And I have stayed there for my Electrolysis at his facility. You will not be sorry. Such a lovely facility. It's first rate and there's a Costco across the street....Life is goood! Lol
Check this place out by sending your person in while you recover....it too...is just down the street!
http://www.zoup.com/menu.html?location=ZOU00169
Yay...for us! I so want this over!
Quote from: jentay1367 on May 23, 2017, 04:39:24 PM
Yes! And I have stayed there for my Electrolysis at his facility. You will not be sorry. Such a lovely facility. It's first rate and there's a Costco across the street....Life is goood! Lol
Check this place out by sending your person in while you recover....it too...is just down the street!
http://www.zoup.com/menu.html?location=ZOU00169
Yay...for us! I so want this over!
Yayyyyyy . I know we are Cinderellas in the making. I opted to stay there too !! I can't wait. I'm so tired of this face and the masculinities .
Quote from: lovelessheart on May 23, 2017, 05:42:57 PM
Yayyyyyy . I know we are Cinderellas in the making. I opted to stay there too !! I can't wait. I'm so tired of this face and the masculinities .
Bring on my G.D. glass slipper!!...this freaking girl has waited long enough. Hahaha!
Quote from: jentay1367 on May 23, 2017, 06:01:13 PM
Bring on my G.D. glass slipper!!...this freaking girl has waited long enough. Hahaha!
I knowwwwww me too !!!
Update
Hi all. Surgery date is fastly approaching. I leave out on 22nd, surgery is 24th . I paid like 90 percent of my surgery already. The rest I'm going to take and pay at final consultation . Dr z sends out a big ass book filled with a lot of information, including DVD and prescriotions. The DVD is just explaining healing and a demonstration on an actual patient with her ffs. I will take a picture of the book later and apply as I do with everything. NOW, I will always give my honest opinion . I had a consultation with Dr z today and found that I wont be seeing him Friday during my consultation but will see him Saturday before surgery. To some this may not be a big deal, but I was originally told I would see him Friday . He says he has to speak at Harvard. Well, this is really important that I get the result I want and i want to make sure we go over everything . So in this case I'll spend however long making sure he knows what I want the day of surgery refardless of the time he is suppose to perform .
Will be updating soon ..
Quote from: Jujubee on May 23, 2017, 03:15:46 PM
Y'all are selling me on Zukowski, Loveless and JenTay! I'm excited for both of you! Will you be posting pics or would you mind sharing them privately ? I may go to him for a consult. I need a facelift. Thanks!
I am a Z-girl. I had FFS in September of last year. I posted about my experience, including before-and-after pics:https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,215448.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,215448.0.html).
~Terri
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on June 07, 2017, 07:00:53 PM
I am a Z-girl. I had FFS in September of last year. I posted about my experience, including before-and-after pics:https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,215448.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,215448.0.html).
~Terri
Hi Terri
You look amazing.
So you have more pics of forehead and side view ?
Yes. Dr. Z requires his post-op patients to send a set of photos every few weeks/months along with a phone consultation, so I have dozens of pics.
I would prefer to share those by PM. I put my recovery pictures on this forum, raw and real, as a service to other transgirls considering FFS, but I really don't want to put more images of myself out there on the internet. They are hard for me to look at, much less share with the world. I am vain, and I have a hard time even leaving the house without makeup on, lol.
With kindness,
Terri
As someone who is a former patient of Zukowski, I can say that I was very disappointed in his work.
Topic locked for review
Update : can't believe my surgery is next week !! Omg.. I have another consultation with the Dr this week. If anyone is in the Chicago area, pm maybe we can meet up . I'm starting to have dreams now that it's getting closer. Dreams about my surgery . Kinda scary to think about it lol .
Anyway I'll updating more often as time winds down.
Good luck Sweetie. You're in good hands. Really good hands..I'm resting up now from my procedures two weeks ago. Do me a favor and tell Z and the awesome staff that Lisa says, "Hello and thank you"! You are going to be amazed!!
Quote from: jentay1367 on June 11, 2017, 12:31:02 PM
Good luck Sweetie. You're in good hands. Really good hands..I'm resting up now from my procedures two weeks ago. Do me a favor and tell Z and the awesome staff that Lisa says, "Hello and thank you"! You are going to be amazed!!
Omggggg I'm so ready !! I just can't wait until it's over ! How is your healing coming along ?? And I sure will!
Quote from: lovelessheart on June 11, 2017, 01:12:25 PM
Omggggg I'm so ready !! I just can't wait until it's over ! How is your healing coming along ?? And I sure will!
L.O.L......... I know, it will be here before you know it. Healing as scheduled. They stay with you and follow up, follow up, follow up... they're a well oiled machine and so professional. I'd wish you luck, but with them you don't need it. It'll be over before you know it and I'm sure you'll be pleased.
Quote from: jentay1367 on June 11, 2017, 01:59:24 PM
L.O.L......... I know, it will be here before you know it. Healing as scheduled. They stay with you and follow up, follow up, follow up... they're a well oiled machine and so professional. I'd wish you luck, but with them you don't need it. It'll be over before you know it and I'm sure you'll be pleased.
One thing g I'm worried about is the massages.. is it THAT bad ???
If you're really into pain, no.
I hated doing it, so I slacked off. Dr. Zukowski could tell, too. That guy has such an eagle eye. The pics I sent you by PM were from all the follow-up sets you have to send him (L/R profile, L/R 45-degree profile, and frontal). I dreaded the phone conferences because I knew I was going to get another lecture.
~Terri
LOL....Terri to the rescue. She kept me sane while I prepared and while I went through my odyssey. She's a blessing to know and have around. Consider yourself blessed she's here, Loveless! She's my age but she's my fairy trans mother...lol.
And yes, they hurt......and yes, they're a pain in the ass. And yes you will want to blow it off. The only thing I like about em' is it's an excuse to take off the dreaded contraption I refer to as the face diaper. You will have a nervous breakdown trying to figure out how to put it on. But you'll get it. All these things will pass and you'll be a "Z-Girl". Look at Terri, a sense of calm should come over you. Hang on tight....the ride is about to begin!
Update :
For the past few nights I have been feeling down. Surgery is no fun. A lot of outsiders think that surgery should be exciting... saving up/ going into debt is no fun . I'm so tired of having surgeries . It's more of a need for me. It breaks my heart to know that I have to go through this. Yes, it's exciting to know there is peace waiting for me on the otherside..but it's the fact I have to go through hell to get there. I've been up all night making sure my money is good to go . All this money. I'd rather out towards a business... School...house...but I'm putting it towards being me and this disphoria. I had my first surgery at 20 or 21... And I travel out of the country both times, alone. I will be going alone again . . If only there was a pill to invest into to make everything right . There's a lot of misconceptions about ffs and srs. ITS not a playground . It's not like picking your favorite candy in a candy store. It's really stressful, time consuming, and sometimes even depressing. My time is ticking down . Next week is the week..and all I want to do is to skip 3 months from now.
PS... If anyone is in the Chicago area..I'd love to have your company as I'm going alone....like every surgery.
I know exactly how you feel, sweetie. I did my FFS alone, although I did have someone there for me for part of the recovery. SRS will be another solo trip, but a three-hour drive, not an international flight! Afterward, my best friend will fly up from Florida and help me through recovery. I wish I could be there to help you.
No, these procedures are not fun. People ask, "Aren't you excited?" when I tell them, but "excited" definitely isn't the right word. I dread the post-op recovery, weeks of pain, and trying to schedule life around recovery. I just want this damn thing over with, and to be looking back on the whole thing.
Blessings to you,
Terri
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on June 14, 2017, 05:32:35 AM
I know exactly how you feel, sweetie. I did my FFS alone, although I did have someone there for me for part of the recovery. SRS will be another solo trip, but a three-hour drive, not an international flight! Afterward, my best friend will fly up from Florida and help me through recovery. I wish I could be there to help you.
No, these procedures are not fun. People ask, "Aren't you excited?" when I tell them, but "excited" definitely isn't the right word. I dread the post-op recovery, weeks of pain, and trying to schedule life around recovery. I just want this damn thing over with, and to be looking back on the whole thing.
Blessings to you,
Terri
Exactly !!! None of this has ever been fun for me. People always say "I couldn't save up as much money as you, I would have been spent it ". I tell then it's a matter of life or death . They wouldn't understand. I'm happy you have people that are going to be there with you at some point during your recovery. When I went for srs, I did meet a wonderful lady there who was having her surgery, she pretty much helped comfort me. I'm hear someone is going to be there getting their surgery done as well a few days after me. I'm always going first !! I hope that isn't a a badluck kind of thing. Seems like that maybe why they all failed. *Sighs*... i HAVE NEVER been this frantic about surgery. Maybe it's because I'm getting so much done . It may be the most important one yet. Srs, I wish I had of waited and did full ffs first. I realized after, you don't go around having sex with everybody , but you go around the world and people see you.
Anyway.everything will be fine... I'm waiting on Dr. To call me as I type this. Xoxo
Quote from: lovelessheart on June 14, 2017, 09:07:56 AM
Exactly !!! None of this has ever been fun for me. People always say "I couldn't save up as much money as you, I would have been spent it ". I tell then it's a matter of life or death . They wouldn't understand. I'm happy you have people that are going to be there with you at some point during your recovery. When I went for srs, I did meet a wonderful lady there who was having her surgery, she pretty much helped comfort me. I'm hear someone is going to be there getting their surgery done as well a few days after me. I'm always going first !! I hope that isn't a a badluck kind of thing. Seems like that maybe why they all failed. *Sighs*... i HAVE NEVER been this frantic about surgery. Maybe it's because I'm getting so much done . It may be the most important one yet. Srs, I wish I had of waited and did full ffs first. I realized after, you don't go around having sex with everybody , but you go around the world and people see you.
Anyway.everything will be fine... I'm waiting on Dr. To call me as I type this. Xoxo
The Dr. does what he's doing to you 3-4 times a week. Practice makes perfect. You're not going first...more like 3567th...lol Someone before you was 3566th. Follow Cole's instructions and do whatthe Dr. says and it will be okay.
Quote from: Maybebaby56 on June 11, 2017, 07:42:32 PM
If you're really into pain, no.
I hated doing it, so I slacked off. Dr. Zukowski could tell, too. That guy has such an eagle eye. The pics I sent you by PM were from all the follow-up sets you have to send him (L/R profile, L/R 45-degree profile, and frontal). I dreaded the phone conferences because I knew I was going to get another lecture.
~Terri
In every phone conversation I had with him, he would try to act superior, but I would have to constantly shut him down. For example, he tried to tell me that my voice would go back to normal
but it never did.
Quote from: Angieisalone on June 17, 2017, 07:52:54 PM
In every phone conversation I had with him, he would try to act superior, but I would have to constantly shut him down. For example, he tried to tell me that my voice would go back to normal
but it never did.
Hi there. Maybe you should make a separate thread , as this is mine so I can document MY, experience
Best wishes.
Hi all!!!
Today is the day I take off to Chicago. I've got my things packed ..medications filled.. and all the extra over the counter meds as well . I think I spent about 100 on all medicines ..if not more. This has got to be the most emotional surgery I've had... I can't explain it... But I cried when I hugged my mom as she left for work. I cried yesterday to my sister ! Soooooemotional .not to say I'm not happy.. but I'm having a lot done. I'm going alone...plussssss ill be under for about 9 to 10 hours. It's so sad :(. I know as I get dropped off the airport im gonna cry again . *Sighs*
I'm going to try update with pictures or videos like I did for srs . I will update when I arrive with more details .
Update:::
I made it to Chicago safety yesterday.
Its always stressful going through airports . I guess I have some form of social anxiety with being around so many people. I'm a small town girl, so I guess that's what to expect. On the flight to Chicago, while checking my bags in, I had to unexpectedly pay 25 dollars for baggage check ?? I'm not quite sure if I ever had to pay for that before. I already speculated that it was gonna be a hell of a day . I waited about 15 minutes and boarded the flight to Chicago. I had a window seat . I was so uncomfortable .. I felt like I was being squished . Thank God it was only an hour flight . Once landed in Chicago, I go to claims and pick up my bags. I call Nadia, Dr zukowski taxi recommendation. Nadia has a very blunt personality. For me , she was easy to talk to once I figured out her personality traits. Now, some people may be put off if they don't know how to retrieve such personality..but trust me, she means well. She actually informed me she had a facelift with Dr z a few months. She looked good too. Now , as she dropped me off.. from the airport to my hotel , she told me the cost was 40!!!!!! I mean... To me... That's so freaking much. Maybe because I'm not a true city girl, I don't know. But I could have sworn I was told the cab fair will only range up to 25. As you see, this can get really pricey . Uhh can I walk to surgery ?? Lol jk . Anywho, I check in fine. No issues. However, they don't tell you their WiFi doesn't work for phones. And I'm actually pissed off by this because if this wasn't the case, I would have gotten a hotel somewhere else. Such an inconvience. I will call the manager later today .if anyone knows a way to get connected please let me know. Also I have pictures I'll upload of the hotel later on . Surgery is tomorrow!!
Well.......You're there! That's something. Are you at the Staybridge?
Quote from: jentay1367 on June 23, 2017, 11:02:05 AM
Well.......You're there! That's something. Are you at the Staybridge?
Yes I am! Lol .
Go to bed!!! Lol
5 AM rolls around fast!!!
Update :::
So this morning I went and ate breakfast which is included in your cost at staybridge.. it was actually pretty good . I did speak to the front desk person about the wifi.. apparently the person didn't know what he was talking about. He tried to feed me some BS about wifi only working for labtops and tablets and that their WiFi doesn't work on phones. Silly wabbit . I did ask another representative a few hours later and just reset the wifi and Wala! It worked. I'm connected . I went and met Cole today for my consult. Paid my final balance and well as signed a bunch of papers. He took photos of me..it was the funniest thing! I kept laughing when he told me to try to stay still, my nerves heard him and then it became harder for me to stay still . Cole is very nice...actually everyone is very nice and I felt very welcome. The lobby is very beautiful !! Now if you do come, use Uber for your travels all over the place, it's way cheaper than Nadia. I'll only use her again when it's time for me to leave. I paid like 16 dollars for round trip to Dr z center as opposed to 45.
In preparation for surgery, I had to wash my body and my hair with antibacteria soap . Now it's a waiting game. I have to be at the center at 5:20 a.m for surgery. Wish me luck !!!
See ya on the other side !!! 💗💗💗
Good luck honey,
I wish you a successful surgery. I will be following your progress
xxxx
Update:
Wow.💗
More coming soon .
Yay!! She's back!!
Update: the day of surgery I was driven there by my Uber. There awaited a few of Dr z staff. They are all so nice! Seriously. Dr z came in greeted me and we talked briefly..maybe 30 minutes later I was on the operating table..and then boom..I woke up. Now for as the pain... I don't remember.. I just remember my throat hurting...like I had throat surgery lol . My boobs I didn't really get that "elephant sitting on the chest tight" feeling..I actually asked one of the nurses did he forget to do my boob job lol .. she said no and that I was wrapped up tightly.. so I layed in the recovery room for a few hours. I may have been 6pm when the nurse took me back to the hotel room . I don't remember much of this to be honest.. however I was completely aware at the same time.. strange. I actually started eating the first day of post surgery..and I was walking a little bit. My pain levels were in my neck area the most. My chest felt tight... But nothing unbarable. Now I won't go in severe details on my daily activity unless you ask me about it I'll answer it . I will say the hotel is a 10 our of 10. Dr z caregiving staff is are so amazing..HOWEVER I will be honest and say melanie (I think I spelt her name correctly) rubbed me the wrong way a few times as she liked about quite a few things. She would say she was going to be at the hotel soon or no more than 15 minutes..but 5 hours would go by.. seriously it happened more than once. She stated that she was going to be attentive I've I text her ..nope. she said that she would bring me some nasal spray.. I'm still waiting on that since two days ago .. lol! And I'm leaving today ! I haven't heard from her or tried reaching out because I got tired of the lies honestly. That's my only complaint about the whole thing. I would not get her personally if I got caregiver service again . I'd request Julia..she is soooooo sweet.. and she got up Everytime I got up. Melania ..stayed sleep while I got up ..I honestly couldn't have done it alone if push came to shove...
Dr. ZSnatched my soul when he pulled the drain out of my neck or where it came from .. I didn't really care I just wanted it out.
I'm still very swollen..however I will say DR z as of now, is absolutely amazing..he is amazing amazing and the best Dr in the whole wide world... I can tell I'm gonna look absolutely amazing...my Jay and Chin is so different! Very soft even with swelling very feminine. Forehead... Very round and smooth..I hope it stays like this.. I don't think I have much swelling there, but you never know. Lips are still very swollen ..
Nose: I thought id touch on this alone.
Now because there were speculate that Dr z give pig noses...i can give my honest input AT THIS TIMe which I quite early. I had rhinoplasty before and I didn't like my nose or bridge.. it was dented on the sides... Dr z gave me a brand new nose.. is absolutely beautiful.. the softness..and the transition it has to my forehead.
IT does look piggish right now. But this will change as time does on it won't look pigish. I'm swollen. My.last rhinoplasties were like that as well .
Now if you have more questions I'll answer them..I'm tired of typing loll ..
I'll update in a few days about my results.
Okay.... did you get your adorable playing cards from the lovely, Julia? She's so attentive and sweet.....It felt like having a Mom there.
Quote from: jentay1367 on July 02, 2017, 01:59:52 PM
Okay.... did you get your adorable playing cards from the lovely, Julia? She's so attentive and sweet.....It felt like having a Mom there.
No I didn't get playing cards at all but she is so sweet..I wanted to take her with me !!
Oh well.....do your massages and put on your face diaper....lol
Hi Loveless,
I am glad you survived, and that you are pleased with your results so far! I liked Milena, but she was only there the first night.
Yes - the drain removal. I am so glad I didn't know it was about to happen. Dr. Z just put his hand on top if my head, grabbed the tube with the other - and pulled. Yowza. I was so shocked that it took a second for the pain to hit. But he was right. It's like taking off a bandaid. Better to rip it off and get it over with.
Lisa, your new Avatar looks great!
Blessings to all,
Terri
Thanks Terri,
Still really swollen and numb.....but I thought what the heck! Yeah....between the cath and the brain drain, I was done...lol
Update :
Recovery is...ROUGH
And you would think I'd know this after my previous surgeries.. but I feel this was the biggest surgery overall...bigger than srs
I'm still very swollen but swelling has reduced tremendously. Not enough to go out without thinking someone beat me up, but still . I still have specs of blood on my eyes . The most irritating thing at this point is my nose and boobs.
My nose feels stuffed, full of scabs.. even after putting ointment on it .. it still feels of scabs. My lip lift incision itches as well as my nose .
My boobs hurt only when I wake up in the morning..as if the skin is being stretch because of the position I sleep in .which it's accurate and normal.
I'm still wearing my head garment and doing my massages . Which Dr recommends me do them.HARDER . If I didn't think I was already doing it hard enough lol .
I'm only looking better and better.
Dr z truly has magic in his touch. I still have a long way to go with healing..and by all means this isn't my final review, however the way he changed my face is amazing to me. I went under the knife with wish pics (that I never got the chance to show him) but I wasn't expecting the wish pics anyway just wanted to give him a general idea. I didn't know really how I wanted things to turn out as I was already quite feminine . ( The nurses there thought I was cis and was going to give me a pregnancy test lol! ) He did an amazing job. I'll be forever grateful as I can see the difference in everything he touched which was my main goal .
Ps.. for those that have been through this.. I still have a hard time really opening my mouth ..how long did this go on for you ??? Also..the desolvable stitches are annoying..and I feel like there trying to make there way out... How did u handle this? Thanks ? Ohh and any suggestion on the nose would be helpful too
Fortunately. Dr zukowski blessed me with my first botched free surgery. I'm so grateful for what he has done for me and the changes. I went in the operating with an open mind and REALISTIC expectations and I feel like got more than what I wanted. Dr z really cares about his patients in my experience. He is an artist .. even tho I feel like he's magic. He's not . I'm still early on in my healing, so I'll leave a final review in a few months . But things only are getting better.
Quote from: lovelessheart on July 11, 2017, 08:10:02 AM
Update :
Recovery is...ROUGH
And you would think I'd know this after my previous surgeries.. but I feel this was the biggest surgery overall...bigger than srs
I'm still very swollen but swelling has reduced tremendously. Not enough to go out without thinking someone beat me up, but still . I still have specs of blood on my eyes . The most irritating thing at this point is my nose and boobs.
My nose feels stuffed, full of scabs.. even after putting ointment on it .. it still feels of scabs. My lip lift incision itches as well as my nose .
My boobs hurt only when I wake up in the morning..as if the skin is being stretch because of the position I sleep in .which it's accurate and normal.
I'm still wearing my head garment and doing my massages . Which Dr recommends me do them.HARDER . If I didn't think I was already doing it hard enough lol .
I'm only looking better and better.
Dr z truly has magic in his touch. I still have a long way to go with healing..and by all means this isn't my final review, however the way he changed my face is amazing to me. I went under the knife with wish pics (that I never got the chance to show him) but I wasn't expecting the wish pics anyway just wanted to give him a general idea. I didn't know really how I wanted things to turn out as I was already quite feminine . ( The nurses there thought I was cis and was going to give me a pregnancy test lol! ) He did an amazing job. I'll be forever grateful as I can see the difference in everything he touched which was my main goal .
Ps.. for those that have been through this.. I still have a hard time really opening my mouth ..how long did this go on for you ??? Also..the desolvable stitches are annoying..and I feel like there trying to make there way out... How did u handle this? Thanks ? Ohh and any suggestion on the nose would be helpful too
Hey Hon....you know how far I am ahead of you on the surgery and I will tell you I experienced all you did. It took 6 weeks to be able to open my mouth completely. It all takes time but just gets better and better. You got hit by a truck :o It takes time to heal. Get a Neti pot and use it on your nose. What feels like scabs are actually sutures...don't pull on them! My nose is just starting to feel better. Patience is going to be a virtue here.
Locked for clean up.
I have removed several argumentative posts and responses to them. Two people are also now serving bans for either surgeon bashing or for vexatious behaviour. I will not tolerate either.
Cindy
Quote from: jentay1367 on July 11, 2017, 06:12:00 PM
Hey Hon....you know how far I am ahead of you on the surgery and I will tell you I experienced all you did. It took 6 weeks to be able to open my mouth completely. It all takes time but just gets better and better. You got hit by a truck :o It takes time to heal. Get a Neti pot and use it on your nose. What feels like scabs are actually sutures...don't pull on them! My nose is just starting to feel better. Patience is going to be a virtue here.
Omg thank you so much... That's so comforting to know.. I'm like omg my nose is so horrible inside and uncomfortable. It's pretty! But pretty uncomfortable also lol . I was like noooo my mouth I will never be able to eat chicken haha . I'm trying to patiently wait and keep reminding myself i won't heal overnight
Quote from: Cindy on July 12, 2017, 03:05:35 AM
Locked for clean up.
I have removed several argumentative posts and responses to them. Two people are also now serving bans for either surgeon bashing or for vexatious behaviour. I will not tolerate either.
Cindy
Thanks for making this my review again !!! 💗
How is your recovery/ results?
hugs
Hey, hope you're doing well! My date with Zukowski is set in September!
How is your recovery going?
Hi all!
Decided to give an update. I am about 1 month and 2 weeks post op .
Ill start from top to bottom
forehead- Dr Z shaved and rid the muscle lines that were in my forehead making it completely smooth. (he did tell me that he didnt know if he could make it smooth UPFRONT as some cis women have slight shadowing as well and thats normal) but he did. He RID it. my forehead is completely smoothed out and rounded.
Hair advancement- He brought this down quite a bit. Ill still need hair transplants to feel 100 percent confident about it, but he did do what he could and im forever pleased..BECAUSE it looks better than what it did.
Forehead scar and forehead sensation - my forehead scar is fading. i can cover it up with makeup with no problem . I i cant feel the top of my head yet, but its coming back slowly i can tell. ( ive been through this twice now) it feels like something is on your head, and often if youll check, its like layers coming off that "something"
Nose- Despite what ive read from other about his "piggish nose", i can confirm, at least on my behalf.. that my nose did turn out piggish immediately after surgery. TODAY, it is absolutely flawless. OMG im SOOOOO happy with it. I actually was contemplating on even getting it since ive had it done twice and i didnt want to look weird. IM so hppy i did. he took some ridges down and made it softer as well. I had some nose dents on the side of each nostril that he took away. IM SO PLEASED with this .
nose breathing- I still feel stuffy and my nose still drains, but thats expected . im still early.
upper lip lift- GET IT. if you need it GET IT . it makes a big difference in your appearance and it doesnt make you look long faced. the scar is kinda ugly, honestly, but its getting better and better by the day. I CAN cover it up with makeup however. I expect it to be slightly there in a couple of months.
Mouth- i cant open it wide at all! im sure theres progress of some sort as i can talk better, but i still cant open my mouth wide at this time. which according to the nurse, is normal and will take time .
Chin- may i fall out now???? i...love it... he took my chin implant out. in old pictures you can see my chin kind of protruding out. he brought it in seems and made it smaller. giving me a nice soft v shape. it stills feels numb there.
jaw+jaw body- this looks great too.. i think my jaw wasnt that bad before- so i think the work on the jaw body and the muscles actually is the big difference in my case.
neck tightening+ neck corset- this has gots to be one of the most painful procedures out of everything honestly. My left side is the one that gives me problems.At times it still feels tight and it just hurts. IT looks great though, but it does hurt. Im glad i got it done, and i think every person pursing ffs needs to consider this as it makes your neck look feminine and flows with everything.
fat grafting- i adore my cheeks, to me their perfect. my lips i loveeeeeeeee omg. this was dramatic. a few weeks ago i was worried that they were going to be to big, but they do go down ladies . the other fat grating areas just kind of blend into the look. i cant really tell much of a difference, but im sure there is .
Breast- i went from a 38 B to a 38 D- perfect size on me. i feel sexay . NOW they do feel heavy for the first few weeks. My biggest request was i did not want them to look stuck on like two balls . He listened and gave me, again what i asked for. They are beautiful . Now they have softened up a lot since ive got them . they hurt when i get up off the bed. i can sleep on my stomach and side,but not to long. i have to alternate between or they start hurting. when i up off the bed, i automatically hold them as it feels like they are about to fall off of me lol.
People reaction that knew my face before - they dont even recognize me (in a good way) i told dr i wanted him to be aggressive and i didn't want to look the same . ( why spend all this money just to look the same?) Ive been called very pretty plenty of times. I went to lunch with a friend who knows me from my past life. I didnt tell her i went for ffs. She noticed my boobs as well as she noticed how different i look. she says that i look amazing and different. Im getting more and more looks from guys. which ive been getting them, but now its like all the time ! i dont know if its my boobs or what!!! lol .
***in conclusion*** . I can only tell you that i am absolutely happy!!!! Im SO happy about my decision to go to dr Z. I have no complaints what so ever about the work that he did to my face . I look passable from all angles. I looked at pictures before and WOW .. im kinda like a new person. I didnt see how much things changed until looking back ...seriously made me say, "and i thought i was cute" lol! Dr Z is truely amazing. I cant thank him enough . He has restored my confidence . I will always love and adore him for that. :-*
my questions to post op ffs ladies- how long did it take for your mouth to go back to normal?
forgot to mention . If you are interested in seeing pictures PM. Im sure i can work something out to where im comfortable enough to not have floating around the net.
Quote from: lovelessheart on August 09, 2017, 02:51:43 PM
forgot to mention . If you are interested in seeing pictures PM. Im sure i can work something out to where im comfortable enough to not have floating around the net.
Hey Sweetie! I'd love to see some pics! Oh...and I'm just beginning to get the full range of motion back to my jaw and I was done 5/27.
Quote from: lovelessheart on August 09, 2017, 02:51:43 PM
forgot to mention . If you are interested in seeing pictures PM. Im sure i can work something out to where im comfortable enough to not have floating around the net.
I would say it would take about 3-5 months for your mouth to fully gain function
But that is all genetics. Anyways, I'd like to see how it went. Hope it went well for you.
Quote from: Jessica Lynne on August 09, 2017, 03:01:42 PM
Hey Sweetie! I'd love to see some pics! Oh...and I'm just beginning to get the full range of motion back to my jaw and I was done 5/27.
Hi hunny!!
sure pm we can discuss ways ill show you
My surgery with Dr. Z is set for exactly one month from now! I'm glad yours went well and you're happy with the results.
As far as recovery, how long did it take for bruising to go away? How about swelling to "presentable" levels? Right now I'm planning to have 17 days off work and returning on the 18th day, would that have been enough time for you?
Oh gosh its different for everyone... My recovery was not too bad but its like you got beat up with a baseball bat. However after a few weeks you look ok and just improve from there.. all the way out for a year... I love Dr. Z he changed my life.. If you say a girl said he changed her life and tell him she said to say she loves him he will know who I am.. LOL
We talked before, but I would as well love to see the post op results.. i can show you mine too 7 months after cardenas if you so wish.
Quote from: Doreen on September 01, 2017, 09:00:07 PM
We talked before, but I would as well love to see the post op results.. i can show you mine too 7 months after cardenas if you so wish.
Doreen if you talking to me pm me your email and I will shoot you over my post op pic
Hey! My surgery date with Dr Z is under 3 weeks away, Sept 21! I would love to see some of your results but I don't have pm abilities.. (mods?). I have pictures of myself up in an old post about brow bossing that I'm worried about if anyone would be so inclined to look.
I'm obviously anxious and excited, and would love to talk to you about it! Thanks
Nelle
Quote from: maybeventually on September 03, 2017, 11:24:50 AM
Hey! My surgery date with Dr Z is under 3 weeks away, Sept 21! I would love to see some of your results but I don't have pm abilities.. (mods?). I have pictures of myself up in an old post about brow bossing that I'm worried about if anyone would be so inclined to look.
I'm obviously anxious and excited, and would love to talk to you about it! Thanks
Nelle
You want to see what the good Dr. Z can do? look at member Maybebaby56. She has an entire thread chronicling her experience. Absolutely astounding. Z's a genius with a scalpel and she is the proof. He took a nice looking fifty something year old transwoman with a nice looking mans face and made her an absolutely gorgeous forty something year old woman...the guy is incredible.. visit her post. It's astounding.
I have seen her thread it is certainly incredible! Everything about her surgery was awesome and the facelift really helped also! But I am 23 so I would love to see examples closer to my age.
If I am not mistaken I think I met you (Jessica Lynn) out in Chicago when I was visiting with the doctor! I took your number but I forgot to text you. Are the the woman with homes in FL and IL? If so I can text you right now so we have each others information.
Nelle
Quote from: maybeventually on September 03, 2017, 11:43:02 AM
I have seen her thread it is certainly incredible! Everything about her surgery was awesome and the facelift really helped also! But I am 23 so I would love to see examples closer to my age.
If I am not mistaken I think I met you (Jessica Lynn) out in Chicago when I was visiting with the doctor! I took your number but I forgot to text you. Are the the woman with homes in FL and IL? If so I can text you right now so we have each others information.
Nelle
Nope...that's Bella. She's a friend of mine as well.
Quote from: Jessica Lynne on September 03, 2017, 01:08:18 PM
Nope...that's Bella. She's a friend of mine as well.
My mistake. Well thank you for the reply!
Quote from: maybeventually on September 03, 2017, 11:43:02 AM
I have seen her thread it is certainly incredible! Everything about her surgery was awesome and the facelift really helped also! But I am 23 so I would love to see examples closer to my age.
Michelle Hendley was around your age when she had her FFS with Dr Z. You may know her as the lead actress in the film "Boy Meets Girl" about a transgender girl. I think you can still view her old videos on YouTube where she talks about her surgery experience. She's obviously extremely beautiful and although some of it was due to genetics, Dr Z certainly had a role in it as well.
Quote from: lovelessheart on August 09, 2017, 02:51:43 PM
forgot to mention . If you are interested in seeing pictures PM. Im sure i can work something out to where im comfortable enough to not have floating around the net.
I do not have enough posts to pm yet. However am really hoping to read about a 3 month update if care to share on this forum?
Am digging through some old boxes now (along with reading this). Had a consult with Dr Z maybe 10/11 years ago. Doubting he will hold the price from then ;) but am finally getting in a place to maybe afford it. Too long of a story. Anyway, will be looking for to any updates you care share & much appreciate all that others have shared throughout this thread as well. Cheers.