Hi everyone. I'm new here and was hoping someone could clarify something. I spoke to Suzanne at Dr Brassards office on March 10, 2014 and was offered May 21 for my surgery date. I accepted by email the next day and Suzanne replied with "Do you confirm this date? I will send confirmation letter and info this week".  Due to the short time frame; less than (10) weeks; I'm wanting to start getting everything rolling on my end. How long does it normally take to receive the confirmation letter, and does it come by email or regular mail? I'm hesitate to make any concrete plans or schedule my blood test, vacation, dog boarding etc, till I know I really have this date. Also the exchange rate for American to Canadian is favorable right now, so I'd like to go ahead and transfer money and get the bank draft as soon as possible. I guess I just want to make sure everything goes smooth. Also does she address things to bring, preferred travel clothes after surgery, or things to have at home for my return. I'm by myself, so can't depend on someone helping a lot after my return. Sorry to ramble and thanks for any insight anyone can provide.

All the conformation letter will say that you have X date. It will also give you information that is needed for your surgery. They will also have your RX for your blood work, etc.

It will come in the mail. If suzanne said you have that date, you have that date. If anything i would do the exchange of your money. I could save you almost 2 grand the last i checked on the exchange rate.

I live here in Montreal and if there is anything you need when here or before give me a shout.

Hope this helps some
Isabell

Regular mail, and I think it was 3-4 days since they sent it before I received it (but I'm in the US, and that's a pretty normal timeframe for a letter from Montreal). However, as Isabell says, once they say you have that date, you DO have the date locked in. The confirmation letter is mostly to start the ball rolling on the payment schedule. I'll also second her recommendation to get the bank draft now - if you are willing to pay the whole lump sum at once, might as well do that while rates are favorable.

The usual payment schedule starts with a deposit 3 months before the date, which obviously is already something they've waived in your case, so I think the whole confirmation letter routine is mostly aimed at people who are picking dates farther off than that. Congrats on getting a date so soon, and good luck!

Thank you so much isabell and Jenna. I guess I'll go ahead and get the draft, and schedule for the required lab tests. They pretty much supply everything so I assume the only things I need to bring are a  few days worth of clothes, and personal items.

Oh, they said to arrive two days before and the total stay should be 12 days. How firm are those arrival / departure estimates? I'd like to plan on arriving Sunday evening and depart on a Saturday if that wouldn't cause a problem.

I must admit this all seems a little surreal at the moment; with everything finally coming together. I guess I'm just worried something will happen.

Thanks again for your help.

Kristin

The arrival date is flexible, as long as you're there before the day of surgery (there was one woman whose flight was delayed and she showed up too late for her scheduled slot, so they swapped people around so that she could still get in that day, but I wouldn't recommend doing that!). The departure date is usually the day they release you from they residence, so I strongly recommend adhering to that.

They will provide EVERYTHING you need for personal care after the operation, except maybe shampoo, but you should definitely bring lots of entertainment that you can enjoy while lying in bed. Also loose skirts or nightgowns and bathrobes; you're not going to want to wear "real" pants for a while. Don't worry about packing sanitary pads; they say to bring them, but those are supplied too.

Incidentally, now is also the time to buy tons of baby wipes and KY and reusable ice packs for when you get home. You'll thank yourself later.

Thank you again Jenna.  You're awesome. I kinda thought the pants /jeans was probably not a good idea for awhile. Admittedly, I was kinda thinking about some loose fitting pants, so i'm glad you cleared that up.   

I hadn't considered stocking up on the baby wipes or the reusable ice packs, thanks for the suggestion. I've started a list so I'll get that added.

I know 9 weeks is awhile off, but I have a feeling it's going to be here before I know it.

Kristin

Glad to help. Loose-fitting pants are workable, but not ideal; I brought loose sweatpants and ended up doing fine but wishing for something more slip-on that didn't require so much balance to get on.

Yeah, 9 weeks will fly by!

Update: Suzanne sent an email today saying she sent the confirmation letter on Friday. Yea....., They're going to put me up in a bed and breakfast on Monday and Tuesday then do GRS on Wednesday.

Sweet - good luck!!

Thanks, right now I'm pretty excited. As the weeks tick by I have a feeling I'll start freaking just a bit. LOL, I just have to keep telling myself everything is going to be ok, and I have a good doctor.