Archives for October 2012

Join Us for BRA Day USA

bra dayCome celebrate our first BRA Day USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 aboard the dockside Carolina Belle on 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC ! We’re happy to promote Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, which is an initiative designed to increase education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Created to inform women of their choices and options for breast reconstruction, the campaign also strives to make reconstructive education and services available to all women, regardless of age, financial status, or race. Studies show that 7 out of 10 women are never informed about post-mastectomy reconstructive surgery, and the statistics are even lower for minorities. However, with BRA Day events appearing all over the world, hopefully those numbers will soon be a thing of the past.

Though BRA Day initially launched in Canada, it quickly became an international campaign and grassroots collaboration between plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, nurse navigators, medical device industry representatives, breast cancer patients and families, and breast cancer support groups. Together, these participants coordinate BRA Day events that include question and answer sessions, lectures, flash mobs, fundraising parties, advertising campaigns, and community events.

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team couldn’t be prouder to host our own BRA Day event for the first time this year, or to raise awareness of a cause we so firmly believe in. Help spread the word about reconstruction options, and join us for a little retail therapy, some great food, and outstanding prizes. Admission is free but limited to the venue capacity of 250.

To secure your spot, be sure to RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com. We’ll see you on the Carolina Belle Wednesday, October 17th!

Out of State Patients Considering Breast Reconstruction in Charleston

Out of Sate PatientsThe below question is answered by breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline Jr., M.Dof The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Is it reasonable to consider DIEP surgery in Charleston, S.C. when I live in Savannah, Georgia? How long after DIEP surgery before I can travel home to Savannah, GA.? Furthermore, during post- op course how often would I have to travel back to Charleston?

Hello,

We’ve had patients come from as far as California and Washington state, so I think it’s very reasonable to consider coming from Savannah. We need to see you the day before surgery, the hospital stay is typically 4 days, and ideally you’d stay in town 2-3 more days. If you have a local plastic surgeon who is supportive of you traveling for surgery and can help with some of the aftercare, that would be very useful. I’d be happy to discuss things with you in more detail by phone, or our nurse Chris or PA Kim can talk to you, if you wish.

Have a great day!

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Carol Grotnes Belk Campus—Charleston

We have had several of our out of town patients recover at the ACS Hope Lodge downtown.

What does the Hope Lodge facility offer guests?

Image Above Taken From: www.cancer.org

  • Guest rooms with private baths
  • Telephones and televisions with cable and DVD players in each room
  • Large kitchens furnished with appliances, dishes, utensils and individual shelf space for each suite
  • Guest computers with Internet access for laptops
  • Free transportation to guests provided through the hospitals
  • Common areas with games, books and magazines
  • Educational materials for guests in a Cancer Resource Center
  • Encouragement from staff, volunteers and other guests
  • A healing garden with a patio and large screened in porch
  • A handicap elevator from the parking lot, as well as an elevator inside the Hope Lodge

For more information on the Charleston ACS Hope Lodge and to see if you qualify as a guest visit their website today!

Have questions for our surgeons? Submit your questions today and get answers straight form our surgical team! No matter where you are in your reconstruction process, we are here to help!

 

 

 

Shop Local and Support Breast Reconstruction Awareness!

As you might already know, the month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! And our team couldn’t be prouder to reside in Charleston, where compassion and community-support is never in short supply.

All over our historic city, local businesses have donated raffle items for BRADayUSA, an event happening  designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The proceeds from the event will go to the East Cooper Hospital Volunteers to assemble post-op care bags for all breast reconstruction patients upon discharge from East Cooper Medical Center.

Check out these local shops, boutiques, and businesses next time you go out for a little retail therapy! Shopping locally supports your community’s economy, and when you patronize these businesses, you join their charitable efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

So grab your purse, and hit the town! Here is your guide to good karma and great local shopping by the location:

Downtown

LulaKate

Stella Nova

Finicky Filly

One Respe’ Wellness Center

 

West Ashley

Charleston Collections Gifts

Party&Paint Charleston

Paul Baron MD/Cancer Specialists of Charleston

Cynthia Sunde & Robin Hoffman – Premier Designs Jewelry – Independent Distributors

Summerville

Radberry Nails

Mount Pleasant

East Cooper Medical Center

Lowcountry OB/GYN – &  Lisa Henderson, Laser Technician

Chantilly Lingerie

 

Daniel Island

Paisley

 

James Island

Beba Luxe

 

Other:

The Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman

Yes Ma’am Tee

 

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is overwhelmed with gratitude for these sponsors and their commitment to making a difference in our community! For info on BRAdayUSA events happening across the country check out www.BRAdayUSA.org

To learn more about our BRADayUSA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, visit our Facebook Event page here. Be sure to join us aboard the Carolina Belle to celebrate the event with delicious food and outstanding prizes! Just RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Where Will We Be?

Join The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction throughout the month of October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Our team will be attending all the collaborative events around Charleston that promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and promote treatment and reconstructive services.

Although many incredible strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Become part of the national dialogue on breast cancer, and help women around the world get informed about breast health when you join us for these special events:

  • BRA Day USA: Come celebrate our first BRA Day USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 aboard the dockside Carolina Belle on 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC. BRA Day is an initiative designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. BRA Day USA is a collaborative effort between The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, nurse navigators, medical device industry representatives, breast cancer patients and families, and breast cancer support groups. Join us for a little retail therapy, some great food, and outstanding prizes. Admission is free but limited to the venue capacity of 250. To secure your spot, be sure to RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.
  • Komen Race: The largest sequence of 5K run / walks in the world, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  Series benefits education, research, and treatment programs for breast cancer. Three-fourths of the money raised by the Lowcountry Affiliate is invested into local projects, while the remainder supports national research programs. The 2012 Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure® takes place Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Daniels Island, SC. Enjoy the option of running or walking—by yourself or with a team—or you can sleep in for the Cure. Registration fees are $25 for individuals, $20 for team members, and $35 for sleepers. The registration fee includes the official Komen Race for the Cure® t-shirt and bib. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, let the organizers know, and you’ll receive a pink survivors t-shirt, hat, and bib! Check out www.KomenLowcountry.org to register and be part of an extraordinary cause!
  • Annual FORCE Conference: From October 18–20, 2012, we’ll be in Orlando, Florida for FORCE’s Against Hereditary Cancer Conference, a forum on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Join us as well as cancer survivors, high-risk individuals, those with a BRCA gene mutation or family history of cancer, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients. The conference will feature keynote speakers, exhibits, receptions, support groups, health and well-being assessments, and even a pool party! Come join the fun and learn more here: http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/annual_conference/index.php.

Which of these events will you attend this month? Let us know in the comments section and we’ll see you there!