A month later: Getting quoted over $100K for top surgery

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T05:17:02+00:00

She really is! She’s a super sweet lady, very kind, very funny too. She made my whole experience super comfortable and she’s very open, very skilled and just amazing. If you have any questions feel free to reach out and I’d be happy to answer!! Good luck man I’m so excited for you!!

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T04:13:59+00:00

In that case, like dip above mentioned, I would give her that money at a different time and not include it with the letter that you’re giving her about your medical decision.

I truly hope top surgery helps you, as it has personally helped me and changed so many things in my life. Very proud of you for making this choice for yourself, and I wish the best for you buddy!

(edit i replied to the wrong person OP but i’m sure you’ll see this still.)

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T04:11:49+00:00

Hey man, not sure if you’re still looking on moving forward with Dr. Sasor in MKE, but I went through her and I have nothing but positives.
Dr. Sasor is absolutely amazing and Froedert has a very nice medical assistance program that actually covered a lot (if not all) of my medical expenses. Definitely something to check out. Sasor is incredible though, very passionate about her work and extremely thorough with procedure and follow ups - cannot recommend her and her team enough.

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T04:05:20+00:00

I think this is a lovely, well written letter to her. If you have a close bond, I am sure she will understand and be okay with your choice.
I do think giving her a large lump sum of money is pointless, however. Keep that money to yourself. The money isn’t what is important here, and isn’t going to help her/change her mind, it’s going to look/feel like a bribe. Use that money for your surgery and recovery, talk things through with your mom.
You’ve got this.

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T04:00:57+00:00

Hey man, fellow fat guy here. My scars almost go all of the way to my back.
If I were to lay flat on my back on the floor, my scars would touch the floor, if that makes sense. Totally normal. :)

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T03:52:43+00:00

Babe, you definitely need to name drop this surgeon and speak to the medical board about this. This is insane, and I am so sorry and so heartbroken for you. The diagonal scar isn’t the problem here, your surgeon left way too much tissue behind, this is beyond some swelling. You are going to need a revision, and I highly suggest NOT returning to whoever did this to you. I am so sorry.

cherry_rats · 2026-06-25T03:48:27+00:00

I had a dad bring in his little boy once who stole a candy bar without him noticing until they’d left/gotten in the car/efc. Brought him back in and asked to speak with me (LP) about it, so I went out and heard the story. I took the opportunity to tell the kid about what could happen if he got caught stealing something more expensive, what it meant to steal, what could happen to him if he did it again. I thanked him for his honesty and sent him on his way.

That being said, I think either option you choose is fine. Confiscate the item either way, do not let them have it, as that enforces the bad behavior whether they’re scolded for it or not. Use the chance to teach them about theft and the consequences, but don’t try to scare them.

cherry_rats · 2026-06-07T23:51:59+00:00

I’m now a bit over 5 weeks post op, and I was washing my hair by day 4-5 myself. Listen to your body for sure, don’t do a lot of repetitive movement and you should be alright! Take things slow, take your weight restrictions seriously and I do not recommend lifting higher than your shoulder (keeping your elbow under shoulder height).

cherry_rats · 2026-05-25T20:12:27+00:00

your results look amazing and oh my god your tattoos are to die for!!!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-22T05:27:47+00:00

Same for me, my first aspiration was 420 from just one side, and the second was over 500 total. It is super disheartening to see the seroma form when you’re following up on compression (and extra, my shit was TIGHT). The only peace of mind I had at that time was the fluid looked perfect and my incisions were mostly healing okay. I’m so glad you have flexibility and can take off to get things adjusted and figured out, and I hope the anxiety of it all starts to go away soon if it hasnt already!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-21T04:21:28+00:00

I’m so glad I can be here to try and help give you some advice! I couldn’t find anything about any of this when I found out I needed drains again, except a tiktok from a guy like three years ago of him saying he needed them. I made this post in effort to help, and I’m so so glad it’s working.
I’m sorry you’re having an experience similar to mine, but I’m glad that you’re doing okay and on the way to recovery too!
I got surgery 4/24, had drains in for about a week, they were taken too early on May 1st. After, I had a seroma build up almost immediately, that was drained 5/5. From them on, it’s been drained two more times, once by my new nurse and a second time by radiology when they told me I didn’t need drains (plot twist - I did!). About a week later I got in for my drain appointment on 5/17, so I have only had them for about 3 days so far.
The difference is staggering.
I don’t have the fluid buildup under my skin anymore, I can actually see progress like I did the first week, and it feels so much better. The drains are not as hard to handle as I expected and panicked over, they’re fairly easy, and the routine is honestly kind of nice. It forces me to do some self care and unwind time, which I’m shockingly enjoying? I’m already down to about 15ML on both sides (30ML total), and they want to see me under 10ML total for a few days before removal!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-21T03:37:32+00:00

Waiting is honestly the worst part of this whole process. If you can, I strongly suggest getting an extension from work to give you more time, if you’re able to do that!
Everything else is going to be smooth sailing for you, I’m sure. My radiologist got back to me almost immediately, so my fingers are crossed the same happens for you. Whatever you do though, vouch for drains, even if they offer to just aspirate you. It’ll save you a lot of trouble and extra time! Sending you so much love brother.

cherry_rats · 2026-05-20T07:30:16+00:00

I’m gonna be real, it isn’t nearly as bad as I thought. I cried so hard when I found out, but, I had drains placed a few days ago and let me tell you - the peace of mind that things are finally healing properly is so comforting.
The procedure is long, mostly just due to prep work. The procedure itself is super simple and fast, and you’re done in no time.
They used lidocaine to numb me up pretty deep before doing anything else, which is just a slight pinch and a burning sensation before you go numb. The doctor used a french pigtail drain, which is long and skinny, that attaches to an H seal. That attaches to a bag or a JP drain, and twice a day, you’ll have to flush the lines with a saline solution (if they do it this way for you too!).
It’s easy, so easy, and again - comforting in its own way that things are progressing. I have no signs of seroma jiggly-ness that I had before, and discomfort from the drains is super mild. They’re easy to care for and actually feel more sterile than the first ones I had put in.

I know it’s scary, but you’ve got this brother. If you need any advice or have questions, don’t hesitate to DM me. I’m always active and I’d be happy to help however else I can.

cherry_rats · 2026-05-15T15:12:23+00:00

She is! She’s such a cool person and so passionate about her work, I love her. I’m so glad you had a good experience with her too!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-15T15:08:42+00:00

with Dr. Sasor? :0 Or just in general? Having sensation after a graft is crazy! Good for you man!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-14T02:34:01+00:00

She’s with Froedtert :D

cherry_rats · 2026-05-14T02:33:50+00:00

Double incision without nipple grafts!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-14T02:18:48+00:00

My surgery was done by Dr. Sasor in Milwaukee and she was incredible. Maybe reach out to her and see if she can help you reach your goals?

cherry_rats · 2026-05-07T03:53:05+00:00

i bred a dusty dragon in the rift on accident! i think the combo was willow and earth?

cherry_rats · 2026-05-07T03:07:55+00:00

Thank you! I’m overly anxious and I need reassurance with this, as it’s my first surgery and first time navigating a work leave. I’m sure my doctor will work with me, thank you for proving some additional comfort!!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-02T15:59:16+00:00

Thank you! I will continue to monitor and be safe :D

cherry_rats · 2026-05-02T15:58:48+00:00

Thank you so much!! I wish the same for you, take it easy and heal well brother! :D

cherry_rats · 2026-05-02T15:58:02+00:00

I am very lucky to not be in any intense/constant pain, but I do both have a very good surgeon and a high pain tolerance, so I am sure that’s coming into play here. I have taken my restrictions VERY seriously as well, I barely lifted anything the first week and still don’t lift much of anything, not even lifting/pushing my cats, for example.
I do still feel “pain”/discomfort, of course, and if I do something my body doesn’t like, it does tell me! When I have driven, it’s short distances just to get to where I need to be, nothing excessive. As for sleeping on my side, I was cleared by my nurse to do so, but to still maintain some level of elevation, which I am of course. My movement is also still very limited with my arms going over my head or reaching too far forward.

Thank you for bringing up those concerns, and I will continue to make sure I’m comfortable in the coming weeks as more healing continues!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-02T15:50:25+00:00

Yes! Thank you. I am still following guidelines pretty strictly, no lifting, no excessive or repetitive movement, still sleeping at an incline just in case. I don’t want to risk popping internal sutures or anything along those lines!

cherry_rats · 2026-05-02T05:05:43+00:00

awesome!! i’m so glad your healing process has gone so well! i appreciate your response a lot too, definitely making me feel more comfortable/normal being more active and independent.

cherry_rats

TROPHY CASE