I got the call from Dr. Bower's office

[PaulaQ]

I have an appointment for GRS with Dr. Bower's, and Breast Augmentation with Dr. Beck on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015!

I was slated for Feb 9, 2016. However, a cancellation happened, and my name made it to the top of the cancellation list. This will be just shy of a year since I put myself on the list.

I do not have the words to express my relief.

I got the call yesterday afternoon. It took a little bit before I could really believe this was real, for it to sink in.

Of course when Robin called and asked if I wanted the slot, I said "Oh hell yes!"

I had regretted not taking a cancellation offered to me back in February. But in retrospect, I'm glad I didn't because it has taken until about two weeks ago to get this cleared through my insurance. It's actually ridiculous how much hand holding my insurance provider is giving me. And it has still been a stressful process getting it through, although they are certainly trying HARD to improve, because this is all pretty new to them.

I debated whether or not I should post this at all. I don't think I'll post it on Facebook. I don't want to brag about this, or to be seen as doing that, because I am incredibly fortunate, and so many others I know simply aren't in a position to do this yet. And I have to admit feeling a little guilty about that aspect of this.

September 4, 2015 will be just over 2 years since I started my transition. I never really believed I'd live to see this, especially not when I started. But apparently, I will. Perhaps I'll feel fear again afterwards because I'll care whether or not I live or die. It's been a long time since I experienced either of those feelings.

[phylis anne]

congadulations a very nice step in your journey to be who you want to be good luck
hugs phytli sanne

[VanTG]

Wow, so happy for you, you can hearth excitement in the posting. Congrats to both huge events and I do hope you can have fun with it all.

T:)ake Care

[Eryn]

That's great news! I'm so happy for you!

[Robin414]

Seriously Dr. Marcie Brower! Way to go girl! 😀

[arbon]

yay! Thats exciting. Happy for you Paula :)

you don't need to feel guilty.

[Suzanne F]

Ok Paula if you need anything I am not far away. Just let me know and I will be there!
Suzanne

[kimdl93]

I'm very happy for you, Paula. It's great!

[Donnagirl]

Congratulations.... I can not imagine how you must be feeling... You lucky thing!!!

[charlenesomeone]

Congrats , so,very happy for you.

[PaulaQ]

Thanks everyone!

I don't guess I can post a photo showing the changes to a picture thread in the Safe Haven once everything's healed up, huh? (I'm kidding!)

[Jennifer-GWN]

Paula; my heart is a flutter for you. That's such great news. Congratulations. You'll be in good hands.

Cheers... Jennifer

[Jorja]

Congratulations Paula!!! As for the picture, I'll just look in the mirror, thank you.:)

[Leah Lynn]

Paula, I am so happy for you! I sincerely hope everything goes well and you can embrace the peace and joy that you so deserve.

Hugs,

Leah

[WandaRae2009]

Congrats and good luck we will all pray for a speedy recovery

[Dianne S]

Good luck, Paula. I hope it goes well for you.

[Eringirl]

Yahoo!! Congrats Paula!! You are in good hands. Hope it all goes well.

[PretzelGirl]

Yee-haw! I am very happy for you. It has to be cloud 9 nine time along with a lot of planning happening. All with a big smile I am sure.

I am curious about February. That was a pretty early offer. Was it very short notice so they ended up walking the cancellation list? My date with Dr Bowers is a year out, so you just gave me a gauge on when I could roughly hear about a date and have a date. Let's see, 5 months earlier than scheduled would put me at about Feb 9. :heehee: Thank you!

[Barbara Ella]

I am so happy for you right now girl. I have been fortunate to have known you for several years now, and know what this means to yo9u, and how thrilled you are going to be. You have every right to be able to enjoy your moment. Some of us may never get that, but it in no way diminishes our feelings or happiness for you.

Hugs,

Barbara

[PaulaQ]

am curious about February. That was a pretty early offer. Was it very short notice so they ended up walking the cancellation list?

I believe that must've been the case - it seemed like pretty short notice. I'm not sure how else I could've gotten called so early. It's also possible that they'd had more cancellations than usual the prior year, and had gone through the list faster than would be typical. Maybe some of both? I don't really know though.

It broke my heart, and made me wonder if I'd committed suicide in the dumbest way possible, but I didn't have my insurance approved yet (that took 6 more months!), and after my divorce, and paying to sell one of our homes, I just didn't have the cash to pay for the surgery. I also had started leading a local trans outreach, and I really didn't want to drop the ball. I hadn't done the GRS prep electrolysis, none of that. I didn't expect to get called that soon at all.

You can email Robin and find out where you are on the list, I expect. When I checked a couple of weeks ago, I was #6 out of 180 people, so I figured my number was about to come up. And yes, I hope you do get my slot on Feb 9! ;)


Some of us may never get that, but it in no way diminishes our feelings or happiness for you.

OK, this made me cry a little bit. You are so sweet Barbara Ella. Thank you so much, Barbara, I really don't have words to express what that means to me. You are a wonderful woman.

I'm pretty choked up over all of the kind words and well-wishes from everyone. I thank you all, you are all much too kind.

[tommy]

good luck:Peace:

[Christina Kay]

Congratulations and soooo very happy for you. It's been a tough road for you . Wishing you all the best, enjoy the moment and relish it.
Hugs Christina:battingeyelashes:

[Karolyn]

Congratulations Paula, and very happy for you! And Dr Bowers, nice! It has to be such a relief to get it several months earlier. Good luck with the next steps!

[flatlander_48]

Thanks everyone!

I don't guess I can post a photo showing the changes to a picture thread in the Safe Haven once everything's healed up, huh? (I'm kidding!)

Sorry, that would be TMI.

Seriously though, best of luck on the way to becoming the person that you want, and need, to be!!

DeeAnn

[Eryn]

Sorry, that would be TMI.

But a bikini photo would be appropriate when you are ready to show off! :)

Hit the electro ASAP. You need to go through all the growth cycles, and twice through would be better than once!

[becky77]

Congratulations Paula, don't feel guilty it's a momentous step. My time will come but right now this is your moment. :)

[Angela Campbell]

Good luck to you. It's a strange ride you are about to have. Rough but worth it.

[steftoday]

Best wishes for you Paula. I hope all goes well for you!

[whowhatwhen]

CONGRATS ON YOUR FUTURE VAGINA!

I looked up some of her results and I was quite impressed, you'll be happy.
:)

[DebbieL]

Congratulations Paula,
Hate to admit it but I'm jealous and frustrated.
I've been working with my insurance company for 3 years to try and figure out how to get the insurance company to cover the GRS. I followed a number of leads that dead-ended with surgeons who wanted cash up front and then MAYBE I would get reembursed. Keeley MacPhee used to be an in-network provider, but now she is like the others.

Dr Bowers does work with insurance companies and helps make sure that you are fully covered - but now I hear it could be a waiting period of ANOTHER YEAR!

I'm almost 60 years old. I've been waiting 55 years! How much longer must we wait?!?!

I get so frustrated knowing that there are 4 surgeons in PA - most less than 3 hours drive away, and yet NONE take direct payment from insurance companies.

Anyone know of doctors that DO take and work with insurance

[Rogina B]

Dr Bowers seems to do nice work and seems very genuine in the few times that I have been with her. There are other surgeons [one in Phili,for sure] that don't seem to have the same concerns as Dr Bowers has..Almost like they are getting a private chuckle out of it...

[Gerrijerry]

Great news and enjoy your journey.
might I suggest that if you have a close friend, ask them go with you, it does help with many feelings before and after.

[karenpayneoregon]

I am happy for you and great selection for surgeon.

Robin does her job well for pre-surgery stuff. I would highly advise using staybridge suites as their people are well versed with transgender and GRS. As I am sure you know, Marci wants you to stay for two weeks and I was very comfortable with staybridge suites. If you need anything they are there to assist including driving you around to various places including your post operation appointment and they will grocery shop for you too. Make sure to get back to Robin as soon as possible to where you want to stay and if you want the limo service to and from the airport.

On a side note, even though you get HBO and Show Time I found myself using Amazon prime for watch movies to kill time both in the hospital and hotel via a laptop.