Friday, June 22, 2012
Surgery cost
I guess I should have done this sooner, for anyone reading that may be behind us on this journey. The unfortunate news is that while we were in San Francisco we found out that Dr. Brownstein will be retiring soon.
Surgeon fee $5500, with $500 due to book the appointment.
Surgery center fee $2350
Pathology fee $200 (returned, no cancer)
Anesthesia fee $900
Plus 8 days in San Francisco, (we were fortunate to not have this added expense). Flights, rental car, food, pain meds.
Bad news, insurance didn't cover. Good new the government does allow to take the expenses from our taxes next year.
All a distant memory
Went shopping today with Max to get him a few tighter tshirts and a tank top. As we were checking out he commented about the novelty of his surgery has warn off. It's kind of amazing when we sit in support groups sometimes and some of the older guys will say, "oh I dont really remember when it was", or they might just remember the year. I thought how can that be, this so very important date. Now I see Max will be like that as well. He might remember the year but he too someday will have so many more important things happening in his life.
Summer school starts soon. Max will be taking an semester of English over four weeks online.
We will be starting a support group for gender variant and trans kids and their parents soon. Think the end of July. I hope if we build it they will come. I wish we had a stronger resource list of drs and schools, etc. Maybe someday.
We have been asked to speak again, this time to help teach so that trans kids going into the foster system are treated with respect. I hope we help someone :)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Sweet 16
Is that what it's called for boys?
We had to celebrate a day early due to my work schedule. Max, Jim and I went to the Salt Cellar for dinner. Max was surprised that despite getting a 10k surgery we were able to get him tickets to see a band he likes. Hopefully, he can find a friend to go with him. We returned from dinner to have vegan cake (at Max's request).
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Catching up after arriving home
Max and I flew back Friday the 8th. Uneventful. TSA was easy. They had everyone go through the scanner. I just pointed out that Max could not scan due to not being able to raise his arms. They just kind of said, "OK" and waved him through the metal detector. No pat down.
Those of my era...and I guess some that were but didn't listen to good music, would think it was pretty cool that Rick Derringer was eating his lunch in the same bar as us.
Flight was good, as it usually is in first class! At least Max didn't have anyone bumping him and could just relax. We had downloaded a book he wanted to finish, which I believe he managed to do by the ride home.
He is healing well, standing up more straight every day. Healing is going very very well. He still can't wait to get into a Tshirt.
Last night was the Phoenix Pride Gala, where we saw lots of our already friends. As well as meeting some we knew of but hadn't met yet. We thank CJ (works with Jim) and his family for joining in celebrating Max's award. Max got one of the two standing ovations and had several people we didn't know come up to congratulate him. Of course, Max's second Mom was there at our table as well to cheer him on. Great night and what a way to end this little adventure.
Those of my era...and I guess some that were but didn't listen to good music, would think it was pretty cool that Rick Derringer was eating his lunch in the same bar as us.
Flight was good, as it usually is in first class! At least Max didn't have anyone bumping him and could just relax. We had downloaded a book he wanted to finish, which I believe he managed to do by the ride home.
He is healing well, standing up more straight every day. Healing is going very very well. He still can't wait to get into a Tshirt.
Last night was the Phoenix Pride Gala, where we saw lots of our already friends. As well as meeting some we knew of but hadn't met yet. We thank CJ (works with Jim) and his family for joining in celebrating Max's award. Max got one of the two standing ovations and had several people we didn't know come up to congratulate him. Of course, Max's second Mom was there at our table as well to cheer him on. Great night and what a way to end this little adventure.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Almost home
Even though this wasn't a trip for pleasure, it was pleasurable. Max got to take a shower today. He soon discovered that after having surgery your energy is depleted and he should eat something when he first gets up. He felt a little dizzy but did get the shower in. We took a drive to the bridge, can't be in San Francisco and not see the bridge. A fine dinner out with our hosts. We really are grateful that they have opened their home to us as well as showing max and I support. We have great family. Heading home tomorrow, but not before heading back to see some vintage shops my son noticed while out on one of our other adventures. I will try to soak up as much cold as possible to bring back to Arizona.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Healing well
Today we got a call from the doctors office to ask if we would come in a day early off suture removal. This did not push up the day for him to be allowed to shower, however. We went in, he got them out, more explanations about what he can and can't do. What he can do is open the binder to adjust it if needed and tomorrow he can take a shower, with further instructions about how to do that safely. He says he hasn't felt the need for any pain pills, including the Tylenol. And the itching is to a minimum so no Benadryl either. He does have quite a bit of yellow color bruising, which should heal soon. No real other plans today, as this was unexpected. We had a lovely salad for lunch, a creative dinner with leftovers, and watched another movie.
Sunny and cold!
Sorry, not sharing pictures for today. Max will show later after healing has gotten well underway.
Sorry, not sharing pictures for today. Max will show later after healing has gotten well underway.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Waiting is over
This morning was really hard. Waiting for the reveal at noon. Max and I sat around as long as we could then killed an hour just driving around. We figured maybe if we were just 15 minutes early we could get in. We did, so we were actually out of that office at 11:55. We got there and it was quick, and not quite painless. Max said the pulling out of the drains was painful. But they are gone. The drains and the boobs. His chest is very flat, and healing. The scars are under tape so hard to visualize. The nipples look fine, but yes healing to be done. But max is elated and I'm so happy I was with him for this very special moment.
After our appointment today we ventured back down to Castro district for lunch at a cute cafe. Afterward we were treated to a guided tour from our hosts to the conservatory and another museum at the golden gate park. Max was tired after that so came home to take a nap. Another wonderful meal followed by a movie. Another night complete.
Very sunny this morning, no fog even this AM but windy and cold still. High 59....brrr.
Monday, June 4, 2012
One step closer
Woke up today to rain. Lots of it. We decided we still needed to get out and walk though so we went to the nearest mall. Max found a few shirts that he liked but we have to wait to see how they will fit. This takes me into tomorrow. The wait to at least see the work done ends tomorrow at noon.
Another fine meal and great conversation from our hosts. I could get used to this. And still forever grateful.
Cloudy, rainy, high temp, 56. Brrrr. I almost bought a jacket but kept reminding myself that I'm just going to have to put it in a closet at home to bring it out for a couple days a year.
Max is itching more now and taking over the counter Tylenol vs Vicodin and increasing the benedryl. Thanks to the guys before him letting him know this would happen. Not only so we knew what to look for as normal but also so we could prepare.
Host house :)
Host house :)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Sunday
More of the same. Max is saying its hurting less, itching more. He is avoiding Benadryl because it makes him sleepy so I've instructed him to at least take it before bed. We went to Japan town today. It happened to have the one movie theater in town that is showing the movie he wanted to see. He saw the trailer to this movie before the movie Bully. It was a cute coming of age type thing. It was sunny today....but not much warmer. I'm pretty sure I would find myself depressed from the lack of sun. Funny how you take for granted what you have sometimes.
Max had to have this drink he thought it was funny.
Max had to have this drink he thought it was funny.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Saturday
Now it just seems like a waiting game until we can actually see the results. Tuesday seems so far away. Max is having a hard time breathing because the binder is so restrictive. It's also starting to itch today. Vicodin and benedryl makes for a sleepy boy. We were planning to go on the famous 49 mile scenic driving tour, however, we managed to get lost probably about 6 miles into it. So we just drove. Once we saw the rainbow flags we stopped. Then I saw it, Castro street. Castro street has literally got to be the Disneyland for gays. I will have to add pictures later as I still haven't figured out how to get them to this forum with my iPad. I only have a couple anyway. Better get with taking more. We got out and walked a few blocks on each side of the road, and stopped at the deli for lunch. Pill time with lunch so afterward we came home so he could nap. After nap we spent some time together watching a show he enjoys on Hulu. We emptied the drains only this morning and then again this evening. Fluid is getting clear and minimal. He's still required to take babywipe showers, boy won't a shower on Tuesday feel great?! We ate leftovers for dinner, Did our phone calls to loved ones and the end of another day.
P.s. weather update for those interested. Very foggy in the hills today, feels like your in some kind of strange movie with the fog rolling along side of you. Temp was about 58 here where we are staying. A little warmer than that down on Castro.
Friday, June 1, 2012
24 hours later
Today he woke fairly early and we had a wonderful oatmeal breakfast. Our choice to stay with my Aunt Beth and Jim has been a great one. They are wonderful hosts, great cooks, and equally great conversation. We are again so grateful. After breakfast Max and I decided to try and go for a walk. We went to the Golden Gate Park, found a nice little lake to walk around. Max did great making it all the way. He came home and took a good nap too. More napping today now that he is out of that honeymoon phase, and staying on top of the pain management with pills every three hours. He's napping a lot today it seems in great spirits when he's awake. Appetite is amazing, he hasn't at all had an issue with that. ABC came and filmed a few more things. We finished the night making a few phone calls to loved ones and a movie with our hosts.
I should add for all my Arizona followers that are currently burning up in 110 degree..or hotter heat. High today 61. Brrrrr!
Baby ducks at the park
Baby ducks at the park
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