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Archives for June 2013

Can Upper Stomach Fat Be Used For Breast Reconstruction?

June 28, 2013 by

Ask the Doctor

This week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: Can upper stomach fat (fat around the rib cage) be used for breast reconstruction if liposuction was performed on the stomach area below the belly button? What if my liposuction was done more than ten years ago?

A: Liposuction is only a relative contraindication for DIEP flaps, as the necessary blood vessels may well still be present. An MR angiogram is often very useful in determining if adequate perforating vessels are available.

Additionally, it is often possible to use fat from anywhere on the body to reconstruct breasts with the aid of the BRAVA system. The use of the BRAVA with fat grafting is not yet FDA-approved, but it looks very promising for women who either have no good flap donor sites, or don’t want large incisions.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Richard M. Kline

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: , , , ,

In Her Words: Beverly Vote, Publisher of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine

June 26, 2013 by

Our staff at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction warmly welcomes this exclusive interview with Beverly Vote, publisher of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. 

The mag­a­zine is a quar­terly, full color printed pub­li­ca­tion that goes directly to thou­sands of breast can­cer patients and sur­vivors in all 50 states as well as to sev­eral thou­sand mas­tec­tomy cen­ters, breast can­cer sup­port groups, and breast can­cer cen­ters and events. In addi­tion, the mag­a­zine is avail­able online. The mag­a­zine was the 2007 recip­i­ent of the Don Ranly Pub­lish­ers Award for Best Issue in its cat­e­gory and a con­tender for Best Arti­cle for the arti­cle “Ser­vice, Strength, and Survival.”

Tell us a little bit about your own story. How was Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine created?

I will never forget the feelings I had in 1992 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38.  I felt very alone and very afraid.  It wasn’t just my health that I was concerned about, but I was deeply worried how it was affecting my family.  Three perfect strangers reached out to me in my darkest hours and provided hope and inspiration at a time when my medical doctors had little to offer.  

The magazine was created because I learned first hand from these three women how important it is to share hope and inspiration with one another.  Twenty one years later, I continue to see the importance in sharing our healing stories. The Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine includes both valuable information from leading experts in the field of integrative medicine but also personal stories from breast cancer thrivers.

Have you noticed certain themes for articles lately? What are the big focus topics today for the magazine?

Themes in blogs and other articles seem to be more centered around empowering our mind, our body and our spirit.  The focus for the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine continues to include this, as it has since its inception, but the magazine now also campaigns to change self-communication from, “I am a survivor,” to “I am a thriver!”  There is a thriving force in all of us that wants to be experienced, to live life with more passion and joy, and if not after a diagnosis of breast cancer, when?  

 

There is big buzz around the Thrivers Cruise. What is it and why is this cruise different? What can passengers expect? 

The annual Thrivers Cruise is a fun and celebratory event that brings women together from across the United States.  Every year we have a “Far Out Thriver” contest for the person traveling the farthest to attend the cruise.  For the past two years, the winner has been from Liverpool England, but we have also had women travel from Canada, Belgium, Ireland, Grand Cayman Islands, and Afghanistan. Over 55% are repeat cruisers with many women traveling with us for five consecutive years.  We also have a Pink Celebration Party every year on the cruise, and recognize the Largest Group traveling together, the Best Karaoke, Prettiest Pink T-Shirt contest, and the Funkiest Flip Flop contest.  We recently added the Encourager Award and the Thriving Caregiver award. What is great about the Thrivers Cruise is that it offers the opportunity to do things with new found friends as well as time for personal recreation or with others. For the repeat cruisers, we love seeing friends that we have made from our previous trips.

Every year, we offer a Breast Cancer Thrivers Cruise giveway.  It’s very easy to register to win! The simple qualifications to win are on the website www.BreastCancerWellness.org. It is a random drawing and includes an inside cabin for the winning recipient and the guest of her/his choice. 

Our travel agent for our 8th Annual Breast Cancer Thrivers Cruise 2014 is Connie Saunders, owner of Your Cruise Agents. Connie and her Crew were selected as our travel agency because Connie has a real need to be of service for this annual event…. both her mother and her best friend were diagnosed with breast cancer. Connie knows the power that fellowship and fun provides!

Connie has created an easy monthly payment plan for our group.


What is the one thing you want all women to know about breast cancer?

The most important message that I personally want to convey to anyone facing breast cancer is that we are not powerless over breast cancer and we don’t have to face breast cancer alone. One of the greatest allies we have in this healing journey is the Pink Sisterhood. Connecting with someone who understands what we are going through is life-changing. The Pink Sisterhood is one of the most dynamic forces on earth and is an important resource no matter what age or stage of the journey that we are on.


What is next for the Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine? How is the magazine spreading outside of its pages?

The Breast Cancer Wellness Ambassadors’ program is soon to launch.  This program includes an introduction to the wholistic healing principles specific for breast cancer and tools to help empower our body, mind and spirit after a diagnosis of breast cancer.  Advanced training for the BCW Transformational Leaders and Speakers will also be offered. 

Find out more about Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine and subscribe at: www.BreastCancerWellness.org

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

Online Fitness Programs for Easy Access from Your Home

June 24, 2013 by

For many of us, working out at home has a few distinct advantages: it’s less expensive than a gym membership, it’s convenient (we can work out in our pajamas if we wish), and we can own a variety of programs so we don’t become bored. Online fitness programs are everywhere, and there is a program for everyone. An added advantage is that you can do online fitness programs anywhere you are. Following are three of our favorites.

My Yoga Online

No matter whether you’re a beginner or an avid practitioner, My Yoga Online has workouts and poses for you, as well as Pilates and meditation programs. You can choose specific programs, such as a yoga detox, weight loss, Vinyasa yoga, and sleeping tools. You can also pay one price for a premium membership and take full advantage of the entire site and all the programs. You’ll also find forums, featured articles, and music for your yoga practice.

DailyBurn 

Unlike My Yoga Online, DailyBurn gives you unfettered access when you join, plus a 30-day trial. The website claims to have workouts ranging from yoga to MMA, so boredom shouldn’t be an issue. DailyBurn also helps you track your progress so you know where you stand and can stay motivated. It doesn’t merely track calories burned by exercise, however. You can also track your diet and your goals. DailyBurn’s mobile app lets you keep tabs on your workouts while on the go.

Bods for Broads
Bods for Broads features a live personal trainer via Skype, which helps you stay private and able to work out anywhere. The site also offers a virtual fitness group of like-minded people to help you stay motivated and offer support. You won’t see them, but you can talk to them at the end of each workout. Bods for Broads also offers help with nutrition and skin care, equipment and clothing, and group training.

Finding your best online fitness program may be a process of trial and error, so be sure to research each program thoroughly, along with its pros and cons. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of programs, as you’ll keep yourself motivated and interested in what you’re doing.

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

Removing Expanders and Getting Implants: How Severe is This Surgery?

June 21, 2013 by

This week, Dr. Richard M. Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q:  I am interested in having tissue expanders removed and putting in permanent implants. How severe is this surgery?

A. Thank you for your question!

We don’t do implant surgery very often, but removing the expander and placing the permanent implants is, generally speaking, pretty straightforward.

 The second stage of expander implant reconstruction involves the removal of the tissue expander, followed by placement of the implant, and creation of the final breast shape. This is an outpatient procedure, performed by opening the mastectomy scar (no new incisions are made) and removing the expander. Before placing the final implant, changes that need to be made to the implant pocket are addressed. These can include repositioning the implant on the chest wall, improving the inframammary fold, using Alloderm or  Strattice to address areas of thin skin, and revising or removing the capsule as needed. The final implant is then placed in the pocket, and the incision is closed. Drains are usually not needed. Placement of the implant will result in a softer, more natural breast as compared to the tissue expander.  According to which of the above procedures are to be performed, you can expect to spend 2 to 4 hours in the operating room.

Feel free to forward any other questions you may have…..We’re always happy to help!

Richard M. Kline, 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: , , ,

Join Us for Carifest!

June 19, 2013 by

Carifest 2013

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, and one way to celebrate in Charleston is Carifest. Running from Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, You’ll enjoy the festivities, the food, and the fun. Let’s take a look at Carifest by day.

Thursday, June 20—Carifest Symposium

Meet us at the Avery Research Center at 125 Bull Street from 6–9 p.m. for a meet and greet with special guests Dr. Neil Parsan, Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to the U.S. and Dr. Amil Ravanan, Trinidad’s Consulate General.

Friday, June 21—Masquerade Fete

A dinner and dance fundraiser for the Carifest Children’s Steel Band Project, the Masquerade Fete is a special event every year. Dress up in your favorite costume (with mask, please) and join us at the Marriott Hotel at 170 Lockwood Drive in Charleston from 7 p.m. to midnight. Dinner is served at 7:15, and the celebration is $50 per person. The honored guests will be Dr. Parsan and Dr. Ravanan.

Saturday, June 22—Carnival Street Parade, Cultural Festival in the Park, and White After Party

Beginning at 3 p.m., sit along the parade route from Ann Street to King Street to Sumter Street to Brittle Bank Park, and watch the colorful floats and entertainment. If you wish to participate in the parade, purchase a costume per the instructions here.

After the parade, enjoy a festival in the park with Indian and Caribbean dancers, reggae music and steel bands, and Caribbean food and drink. The White After Party takes place at 787 Bar and Grille at 5131 Dorchester Road.

To buy tickets, visit any of the following:

  • Butterfly Consignment, 482 King Street
  • Things Caribbean, 1644 Ashley Hall Road
  • Monster Music, 946 Orleans Road
  • Event Brite website for the event

For more information, visit the Carifest website.

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

HIIT: What is High Intensity Interval Training?

June 17, 2013 by

High intensity interval training, or HIIT, is an exercise program that alternates short, intense exercise with recovery periods that are less intense. It tends to be shorter than typical cardiovascular exercise because the benefits of the intensity make up for the shorter time. Most HIIT workouts last less than 30 minutes, with some lasting less than 10 minutes.

Those who perform HIIT find that their aerobic and anaerobic capacities are greater, their stamina is increased, and they are able to burn fat more easily than they did with longer periods of exercise due to using more muscles than in typical aerobic exercise. In addition to the benefits in stamina and aerobic capacity, HIIT increases the resting metabolic rate for a full 24 hours after exercise. HIIT is also useful for highly conditioned athletes to continue to improve their athletic performance.

A typical workout consists of a standard warm up followed by fewer than 10 cycles of high-intensity exercise and a medium intensity recovery period. At the end of the workout, you’ll want to do the typical 5-minute cool down. Various versions of HIIT include the Tabata method, which is 20 seconds of high intensity exercise with 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 8 cycles that last 4 minutes total. The Gibala method employs a three-minute warm up, 60 seconds of intense exercise, and 75 seconds of rest for 8–12 cycles. The Timmons method is three repetitions of 20 seconds of intense cycling followed by two minutes of slow pedaling.

The HIIT method can be applied to any exercise, from weight lifting to running. The principle is the same, and the benefits are greater than the traditional form of that exercise. Speaking of form, should you decide to adapt your current workout using HIIT principles, it is vital that your form is correct and consistent. Exercising intensely with incorrect form can lead to injury, but the benefits from using HIIT can be incredible and long lasting.

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

Ask the Experts: Dr. James Craigie

June 14, 2013 by

Dr. Craigie  of the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction was recently featured on Channel 4, representing East Cooper Medical Center. Check out his video here!


Ask the Experts: Dr. James Craigie

 

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

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

South Carolina Festival of Flowers

June 12, 2013 by

An event you don’t want to miss and a “blooming good time!”, the 46th Annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Greenwood will begin on June 1 and run through June 23, with a full schedule of events for all ages.

The Festival is family friendly, with 36 events and plenty of flowers, entertainment, and sports. One floral highlight is the topiary display tour through Uptown Greenwood. This unusual “safari” includes a 14-foot giraffe, an elephant, and a gorilla. The first weekend, June 1 and 2, will feature a horse show, with Western classes on Saturday and English classes on Sunday.

If you like the performing arts, on June 11, the Greenwood Festival Chorale performs at the Josephine B. Abney Auditorium. The show will feature music from three music legends: Mendelssohn, Mozart, and McCartney. Yes, Paul McCartney. From June 13 through June 23, Greenwood Community Theatre will present Oliver! The Musical. Based on the Charles Dickens novel, the musical brings the characters to life with plenty of music and dancing.

For the kids, the Festival offers Farm to Fork for Kids, which teaches how to prepare fresh produce. The 2nd Annual Kids’ Kick-Off promises unlimited fun and features face painting, mask design, and a community project: a monster mural. This year, Kidfest will host Wildlife Wonders’ “Animals around the World,” with a macaw, a bearcat, and a 12-foot python.

If your family likes sports, you can participate in two golf tournaments, June 8–9 (juniors) and June 22–23. A 5K run and 1 mile fun run and walk takes place on June 22. The Bee Buzzin™ Bike Tour is the final event of the Festival and takes riders on a metric century and 25-mile loop scenic tour through Greenwood County.

Tickets are on sale now at the Arts & Visitors Center in the Federal Building in Greenwood. The address is 120 Main Street in Uptown Greenwood. You can also purchase a ticket for the SC Festival of Flowers Annual Ladies Luncheon, to be held on June 14 at the Greenwood Country Club.

For more information about the Festival, visit the website.

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

The Art of Juicing

June 10, 2013 by

The Art of JuicingMany of us know we don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, and we perhaps eat a little too much processed food. There is an easy way to up your intake of good food, feel better, and improve your health—juicing!

When you juice, you put whole, raw fruits and vegetables into a juicer, which mixes them into a delicious juice or smoothie. Juices and smoothies are delicious, and the process of juicing transforms the food to a form you can more easily digest and assimilate nutrients from. You can create all-fruit juices, all-vegetable juices, or a combination of the two. Most people prefer the taste of fruit juices because they’re sweeter.

While vegetable juice recipes are some of the most beneficial, they don’t taste quite like the fruit juices. To increase sweetness, add some fruit or carrots to improve the taste. As you become a seasoned juicer, you’ll get used to the taste and love it. Organic vegetables tend to be fresher and have a better taste. For the biggest punch nutritionally, leave the skins on your veggies.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. To get you started, here are a few recipes.

A simple juice to detoxify:

  • 5 carrots
  • 4 celery stalks
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 beet
  • 1 small apple
  • ½ lemon

A sweet, delicious drink with just a few ingredients:

  • 1 c blackberries or raspberries
  • 1 kiwi fruit
  • 1 medium pear or apple
  • 30 leaves any type mint
  • ¼ peeled, cored pineapple

The green drink popularized by Dr. Oz:

  • 2 c spinach
  • 2 c cucumber
  • 1 head celery
  • ½ tsp ginger root
  • 1 bunch parsley
  • 2 apples
  • 1 lime
  • ½ lemon

When you juice, especially if you use organic fruits and vegetables, you’re eating much cleaner and healthier food—and your body uses the nutrients very effectively. You should feel a difference soon after you start, and the longer you juice, the better you’ll feel.

For more recipes, try the following sites:

http://www.omegajuicers.com/juicing-recipes

http://juicerecipes.com/

http://www.raw-foods-diet-center.com/vegetable-juicing-recipes.html

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

Should I Have Routine Mammograms After My Breast Reconstruction?

June 7, 2013 by

This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q:  After my breast reconstruction, I continue to have pain in my  right breast after each mammogram. Last mammogram was two months ago. The pain wasn’t really sharp, but it did hurt where they made my reconstruction incisions. Is this normal? 

A:  I’m sorry you’re having difficulties. If you have had a mastectomy and reconstruction, then usually routine screening mammograms are not necessary. I would suggest asking your cancer doctor if you would be able to avoid screening mammograms altogether. Also: check with the doctor who ordered  your mammogram, as he or she may have had a specific reason for ordering it other than routine screening. You still have to do self-exams, of course, and  be checked for changes.

James 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: , , ,
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