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Archives for March 2013

I’m Having Trouble Healing After My DIEP Flap Surgery. Is This Normal?

March 29, 2013 by

 This week, we continue with Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answering your questions about DIEP flap surgery. 

Q: I had the DIEP flap surgery for both breasts in February this year. The incision in my stomach area has split and I am being told that this happens to 50% of patients. Is this true? I am told to use wet to dry dressing twice a day. I just don’t know if this is accurate because at the same time I’m told to exercise more? Can you please advise? Thank you for your time.

A: I am sorry you are having problems healing. It is not uncommon after a DIEP procedure to have some healing problems. These range from minor (usually little treatment needed) to more involved (may require a longer time to heal, special wound care or surgery). Because the tummy is pulled together, sometimes tight, an opening in the incision is pulled open even more by tension.

One of the benefits of the DIEP is that your muscles are spared and no artificial mesh over your tummy wall is needed. Therefore infection is usually not a serious problem. Healing may take a while. Take special care but it should not permanently affect the end result. I hope this answers your question and you have a speedy recovery.

James E Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,

A Chance to Heal in Comfort

March 27, 2013 by

Cherie Mathews is the founder of healincomfort

Our team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction  welcomes Cherie Mathews, founder of healincomfort, as the featured guest for In Her Words this week. Here is her story:


At the age of 40, Cherie Mathews received the same diagnosis from her doctor that one-in-eight women across America will face – “You have breast cancer”.

Through the shock and horror Cherie made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. She faced her enemy in this battle with the same fortitude and resilience as the millions of other brave women warriors that came before and since, after. It wasn’t until the pre-op consultation before her mastectomy that Cherie got angry. When she was told the same thing that nurses still tell their charges today… to just bring something big and loose or one of their husband’s old dress shirts to wear home and to recover in.

“I can tell you first hand that when a woman loses her breasts in her battle against breast cancer she does not ‘feel’ ok wearing her husband’s dress shirt. Mentally, it’s cruel.  Cancer is hard enough! If a sprained elbow gets a sling to heal in, why isn’t there helpful equipment to heal in after a mastectomy?”

 

Something had to change.  A new “standard” in medical equipment for women recovering from breast cancer surgery needed to be created. Cherie Mathews would go on to launch and to provide the very healincomfort post-op recovery kits that she herself was denied. Now, women across the globe benefit from Cherie’s vision and ambition to make certain that no woman would suffer this complication. In this decade, thousands of breast cancer survivors have been spared this unnecessary discomfort. Today, thanks to Cherie, all women have the ability to “healincomfort.”

All healincomfort Kits Include: Healincomfort kits make great gifts for loved ones.

  • Patented healincomfort Shirt – Super soft moisture management material, self-adhering  fasteners (like Velcro®), Four Internal Pockets for Drain Management
  • Advanced Design Hands Free Lanyard Straps – Hands free Independence for Showers and Maneuverability
  • Private Medical Drain Pouch – Manages Drains while wearing Regular Clothing
  • Inspirational Story “My Shadow Story” – Your personal copy to help prepare for the ‘First Look’ after your breast cancer surgery.

 

For more information, visit healincomfort.com for more information.

You can also follow Cherie Mathews on Facebook.

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , , , , ,

Quick Spring Cleaning Tips

March 25, 2013 by

Here are some tips to clean quickly and effectively!Spring is here—and with the season of renewal comes the perfect time to get your house and life in ship-shape order!

But who wants to spend the bulk of their time actually cleaning? You have better things to do—like enjoying the fresh Charleston air! In the spirit of quickly tidying up, here are a few ways to make chores more efficient and effective, so you can have a sparkling home in no time flat.

Tidy the Kitchen

  • Sanitize the sink.Did you know that a dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than a toilet seat? To disinfect, clean your sink with soap and water first, then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide, and let air-dry. (Note: Don’t mix the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together—spray one after the other.) If your sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water buildup, which deters mold, and keeps the sink looking clean longer.

 

  • Ditch paper towels for good.Paper towels don’t stand up to the task of heavy-duty cleaning quite like microfiber cloths. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters, glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning products. They’re reusable, too—just machine-wash and hang to dry. Easy!

 

  • Zap the sponge.Sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it’s shredded and smelly, it’s time for a new one.

Beat the Bath

  • Clean the liner.Mold and mildew—a shower curtain’s arch nemesis. Throw your besieged liner in the wash with a few towels, which will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

 

  • Scrub the toilet.Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bowl. The citric acid acts like a natural scrubber—not to mention, it’s nontoxic, in case the dog takes a sip. Let it sit for a few minutes, then swish and flush.

Get Swept Away

  • Pick the right broom.For indoors, choose one with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. For outdoors, opt for stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear uneven surfaces.

 

  • Sweep like you mean it.Turns out, there is a right way to sweep!Hold the broom like a canoe paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and the other toward the middle. Push your hands in opposite directions to get the most out of every sweeping stroke. Sweep from the outside in so that you don’t miss any spots, and move the dirt to the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.

Rein in the Bedroom

  • Make the bed.If your bed is made, your bedroom looks neat. When you wake up, pull the covers up to your chin, and then gently peel the covers away from your body, folding the covers down. The bed will be close to half-made, and you can easily finish the job before you walk away.

 

  • Tame the drawers.Most women have drawers full of clothes they don’t wear, and their dressers absorb the unwieldy burden. Donate the clothes you haven’t worn in a year, and commit to putting away your clean laundry as soon as it is done.A little more space and organization make a world of difference in how clean the room feels!

Let’s hear your time-saving cleaning tips. Share below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

How Long Does a DIEP Flap Procedure Take? What Is the Recovery Time?

March 22, 2013 by

This week Charleston breast surgeons Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answer your questions about DIEP flap surgery. 

 

Q: Approximately how long does the DIEP flap surgery take on one breast?

 

A: Thanks for your question.

A unilateral DIEP typically takes from 3-6 hours, depending on whether you already have had a mastectomy, and on how complicated the microvascular anatomy of your particular flap turns out to be.

Richard M. Kline, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

—

Q: I do not personally know anyone that has had DIEP flap surgery. What should I expect within the first two to three weeks of recovery after DIEP flap surgery?

A: The first 4 days will be in the hospital, the next three weeks you will be very mobile but no driving. After one month your drains will be out and you will feel much better. Over the next 6-8 weeks you should be getting back to normal. Let me know we will be glad to let you talk to one of our patients who is in a similar situation.

See you soon.

James E Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Exploring Charleston’s Gardens

March 20, 2013 by

 

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

photo courtesy of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens website.

Charleston’s trademarks are its Antebellum history and Lowcountry beauty. And when you experience its many plantations and gardens, you get the best of both worlds!

Spring is the perfect time to take in Charleston’s flourishing natural world, starting with these historic and breathtaking gardens. Pack a lunch, and bring the family along!

Boone Hall Gardens: Boone Hall is one of the most stunning sites Charleston has to offer. Between its sprawling mansion, live oak trees, and Spanish moss draped paths, the entrance to this charming plantation alone is worth the trip! Take a self-guided garden tour, and see the many various plants, flowers, and trees that are currently growing in the beautiful gardens on the front lawn. Be sure to stop and smell the gorgeous antique roses that are over 100 years old.

Cypress Gardens: Travel to Berkeley County’s Cypress Gardens for the utmost adventure and wildlife in one outing! Visitors from all over the country come to experience Cypress Gardens’ magical grounds, gardens, greenhouse, and swamparium. Enjoy picturesque views along 3.5 miles of walking and hiking trails, which loop through the swamp and gardens. The peak azaleas bloom by the month’s end, and while you take in the beautiful wildflowers, you can also spot yellow-throated warblers, red-shouldered hawks, and Carolina chickadees.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870. The gardens at Magnolia Plantation are of such beauty and variety that they have brought tourists from around the world to view them. Today there are thousands of flowers to take in—from camellias, daffodils, and azaleas to countless other species in bloom year round.

Hampton Plantation State Park: Tucked away among live oaks and magnolias, Hampton Plantation State Historic Siteis home to the remains of a colonial-era rice plantation. Take in the splendor and history of this scenic site during an easy hike along the nature trail loop. You’ll take in several ecosystems and discover how the landscape and wildlife changed over the 250 years this land has been known as Hampton Plantation.

Which of Charleston’s unforgettable gardens is your favorite to visit?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

New Social Network for Women Facing Breast Cancer

March 18, 2013 by

Heads up—there’s a new social network in town, and The Center of Natural Breast Reconstruction couldn’t be happier to share the news!

My Breast Cancer Team (MyBCTeam) is a brand-new social network open to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, those currently in treatment, and even women 15 years out from treatment. MyBCTeam enables women to find others just like them, share experiences, tips and referrals and make real, lasting connections with other women who have been in their shoes.

Other features of the social network include:

  • Activity Page: The heartbeat of the site, where women share their ups and downs with each other. Triumphs are cheered and challenging moments are supported.
  • Find People: Women can search for other women by diagnosis (both stage and type) and also by age and location.
  • Provider Directory: A searchable directory (by keyword and location) of a variety of providers, submitted by women, specializing in breast cancer treatments.
  • The Team: Users share the team of providers who have helped them during and after treatment—from an oncology radiologist to a breast reconstruction surgeon to hair stylist. Women can also add other women they find supportive to their team, offering another great way to connect.
  • Q & A: This searchable database is a forum for questions and answers submitted by the community of women.
  • Pinboard: A discovery area where women visually share their journey with breast cancer and treatment. Pins can include ways of managing their self-image, recipes, family photos, or places they’d like to travel after treatment.
  • “Hug” Button: The unique “hug” button is used to show empathy and understanding to other women. Women can also choose to “like” someone else’s status, story, or photo to show their approval.
  • Mobile App: Gives women the ability to ask questions and connect to the community wherever they are. The freeMyBCTeam app is available on iOS and Android devices.

 

Connect and share with other women with breast cancer at http://www.MyBreastCancerTeam.com.

 

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Replacing an Implant With a Flap: Will My Muscles Recover and Function Normally?

March 15, 2013 by

The following question is answered by  Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

 

Q: My reconstruction consisted of chest muscle to create a pocket for a silicone implant. I have had it since 2004. They used an expander. It was the best choice for me at the time. If the implant is removed and the muscles are fixed, will they recover and function normally? For example, will I be able to do pushups and bench presses again?

 

A:  Thank your for your question. Although the muscle is replaced against the chest wall when an implant is replaced with a flap, it is impossible to duplicate the strength of the original muscle attachment.

Having said that, most patients function quite well with an implant under the muscle, and I’m hesitant to tell you you’ll see dramatic functional improvement if you convert your implant to a flap.

I hope this helps.

 

Richard Kline
Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

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Local Breweries in Charleston

March 13, 2013 by

With St. Patty’s Day just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to experience the hops, malts, and flavors of Charleston’s signature brews.

  • Holy City Brewing: Holy City Brewing is one of Charleston’s favorite venues. Located on 4155 C Dorchester Road, their year-rounds are true classics, a hoppy German pilsner and a porter that are refreshing in any season. Specialty beers run the gamut from IPA, to stout, to Belgian Strong Pale Ale, to bacon porter. Holy City Brewing’s tasting room is a seamless part of the brewery, where you’re welcome to relax, taste what’s new, or take a tour. Best of all, their tasting room is pet-friendly, so bring your pooch along for the fun!

 

  • Palmetto Brewery: Owner and head brewer Ed Falkenstein has been cranking out a colorful variety of pale and dark ales at the Palmetto Brewing Co. since 1994. The company was the first microbrewery to open in Charleston since Prohibition. Falkenstein and his small team of brewers use fresh barley malts and hops in every brew. Next time you’re out on the town, keep an eye peeled for Palmetto’s Espresso Porter. The robust, full-bodied flavor comes from the dark roasted malts and is accented with a coffee espresso roast by Charleston Coffee Roasters.

 

  • Southend Brewery: Southend Brewery and Smokehouse, located in the historic Wagener Building on East Bay Street, has a haunted past that only adds to the incredible flavor of your visit. The gorgeous building has a three-story atrium housing large copper and stainless steel brew tanks in which they brew six craft beers. Try the Love Me Two Times Blonde, their signature ale with a subtle hop finish, which pairs perfectly with Southend’s Lowcountry cuisine.

 

  • Mooka Brewery: Located on 389 Huger Street, Mooka Brewery creates a variety of brews that utilize local ingredients, unique styles, and seasonal flavors. Sample their Sour D Belgian Ale for a unique flavor experience. This beer is tart, crisp, ultra smooth, and available year-round.

Have you sampled any of these Charleston favorites?

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Why Food Labels Can Be Deceiving

March 11, 2013 by

Food labels can be tricky. Nutrition labels are a slippery slope. While most packaged foods contain multiple servings, the single serving nutrition facts on the label lull many health-conscious eaters into a false sense of security.

And before we know it, we’ve already consumed 2.5 servings of our “healthy” snack…just like that.

According to a new study commissioned by the FDA, this is a pretty common scenario.

In order to determine which design conveyed health information the most clearly, researchers redesigned food labels and tested them against standard ones. In one revamp, nutritional information was separated into two columns when a package contained multiple servings. The first column indicated stats for a single serving, while the second offered nutritional details on the entire package. In another revision, packages were only labeled with the latter info.

Researchers then assigned these labels to a bag of chips and a frozen mealand tested them on a group of consumers. The result? Participants were more inclined to consider a food “healthy” if they only saw nutritional info on a single serving, which is what’s currently on labels.

Don’t let the nutrition labels fool you. Next time you reach for a smart snack, check out these three most important nutritional details:

Ingredients. Read the ingredients in every packaged food you eat, and you’re bound to find some surprises. (There are at least 10 covert names for sugar.) Ingredients are listed from the biggest component of the product to the smallest.

Conversion.Download a handy conversion app on your smartphone and measure out servings.Pro-tip: 28 grams equals one ounce equals 1/8 cup, which is the average serving of cheese. If you don’t have a measuring cup handy, know that would be a piece of cheese roughlyequivalent to the end of your pointer finger.

Units. Pay attention to the units on your food label. Know roughly how much a gram, milliliter, or milligram is to avoid overdoing it on ingredients (such as salt or saturated fat) or portions.

Share your portioning tips below!

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,

Does Fat Necrosis Make It More Difficult To Detect Cancerous Tumors?

March 8, 2013 by

Will a fatty necrosis make it more difficult to detect any new formations of cancer?

 The following question is answered by  Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Q: I am a  7-year Stage I breast cancer survivor.   I’ve had lumpectomy and radiation, with no chemotherapy.

Three years ago, had a bilateral breast reduction. Six months later, developed nipple retraction and a mass. General surgeon (who follows me for BC) was concerned at first and biopsied it twice. The results were negative.  Mammograms have been reported as within normal limits.  

My plastic surgeon (who did the reduction) would like to have yearly MRI’s because he said eventually, this mass will start to calcify, most likely keeping me flagged for biopsies. The general surgeon disagrees and feels it’s been biopsied twice and he would not do any more unless my mammogram changed.

My concern is that this fatty necrosis will hide any new cancer that may form. It’s pretty big area approx. 7.5cmx5cm.  My new internist is not happy with this area and wants me to see another surgeon. So my question is: will this make seeing any new cancer form harder? Is my risk for more necrosis higher if I have it removed since this was the radiated breast and that is what caused the necrosis in the first place? My original surgeon suggested a mastectomy to be 100% sure that nothing would ever get missed. I will be seeing new surgeon next week and would like to have some ideas before I go. I have no problem with another lumpectomy or even a mastectomy if needed.

 

A:  I’m sorry to hear you’re having so much trouble.

It’s outside of my area of expertise to advise you whether calcifications from fat necrosis can mask a tumor recurrence, but I just called our breast imaging radiologist and asked. She said fat necrosis definitely makes imaging “more challenging,” and you may require ultrasound and/or MRI in addition to mammography in the future, should you choose to leave the mass in place.

I CAN advise you that the risk for wound healing problems (including more fat necrosis) is certainly higher in a radiated breast, so the answer to the second part of your question is yes, you could end up with additional fat necrosis after surgery.

Even a mastectomy will not reduce your risk of another cancer to zero, as some breast cells are frequently left behind, but it will reduce your risk significantly. We would be happy to put you in touch with one of our surgical oncologists who specializes in breast disease, if you would like to get more specific information about risk reduction.

Hope this helps, and feel free to call or email with any more questions.

 

Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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