26 Years Old, Cancer SURVIVOR, Mom of 2 Heading to Almonte 4/29/2015!!!!

Hey RS Sistas! I've gone to RS for tips, reviews and answers for a couple of years now so finally decided to join. All I can say is why didn't I do this sooner???? There is so much support in this community, you guys are awesome! So my story: I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year in the first trimester of my pregnancy. I decided to continue on with my pregnancy and undergo treatment beginning in the second trimester. I lost 40 pounds while pregnant because of the medicine and developed loose sagging skin under my arms. After I completed chemo and delivered my daughter I underwent a bilateral mastectomy(breast removal) and total hysterectomy. The hysterectomy sent me into menopause and I have now gained 30 pounds. Between the sagging arms, stretched tummy from pregnancy and rolls from this new weight gain I very unhappy with my body :'(

I can not afford traditional plastic surgery in the US because having cancer left me with temporarily poor finances and bad credit. Sooooo I posted a question about pro bono work on RS. A wonderful surgeon responded and I meet with him next month! He said he would do his best so I pray I can afford his best. If all else fails a client of mine got me hip to plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic. I've been stalking Almonte with no response but received a great quote from Baez. I've also heard back from Yily and Robles and sent over a request to Diaz. How do we contact Duran?

Anywho I'm completing breast reconstruction by January so hope to schedule my makeover for April.
I am so looking forward to this. Ladies that have been to the DR how much cash did you carry with you and was it enough? Any recommendations from your own experience. Who NOT to go to? Where NOT to stay? How many massages did you require and did it actually help? How long did you stay? How long were you in severe pain from the tt and lipo? I have so many questions. Thanks dolls!

My impatience has had the best of me! After tons of researching and finally decided to have these procedures done I was dead set on Almonte. However after requesting quotes from multiple PS's I heard back from every doctor but her. After I week or so I decided to go with Baez (who was very sweet, professional and affordable). But low and behold Almonte's assistant Lesley contacted me. I can not express how happy I am to know the surgeon I originally wanted can perform my surgery and at an awesome rate! I am having a tummy tuck, lipo on my upper arms and underams, lipo on my abdomen, waist, flanks, full back, chin and am thinking about adding the thighs. My quote was $5400 without the thighs and included 10 days at My Recovery Home so that is amazing. Hubby will be accompanying me for an extra $55 per day. I just need to decide what dates will be best as I have 2 young children I must leave behind with their grandmother. I have never been away from my babies for 10 days and I'm having little panic attacks over it :( But at least they will have a new snatched up sexy mommy to take them to school! Yaaaaas Honey! Anywho, here are a few questions I have. :)

1) The enfamous Blue Pill- thoughts, concerns, experiences, rumors. Please tell all. I'm definitely happy not to undergo general anesthesia but I heard of people waking up during surgery. Ahhh!

2) I plan on doing a very small amount of touring during my second week of recovery. Any suggestions? I found this website very helpful: http://www.santodomingotourism.com/

3) Please give me recommendations on items Ill need to get through this. Here's what I have thus far: Omeprazole, Arnica Gel, Anti Nausea, Water Pill, Benadryl, Pain Medication, Stage 2 Faja Compression Garment, Dresses, Gauze, Toiletries, Anti Scar Tape/Maderma, Urine Funnel, Iron w/ Vitamin C and B12 + Folic Acid and Chux Pads.

Hey Ladies! I'm staying at Family Recovery in Santo Domingo, DR beginning 4/28 and need a travel buddy! Just to bunk with, talk to, complain about our pain with lol. Maybe even get a connecting flight with :) I'm flying out of Las Vegas 4/28. I only have 7 weeks to go and am loosing my mind stalking Dr. Almonte's Facebook and Realself! If anyone wants to hook up let me know. Ahhhhh I'm too excited! I guess I'll post a before pic since its set in stone. I'm so depressed just looking at it ???? but I know I'll be on the flat side next month! :)