Archives for October 2013

3 Cozy, Romantic Spots for Fall

Charleston is a city full of romance and history. Here are a few of our favorite cozy, romantic spots. Warm up on a chilly night here.

Sunset Cruises 
Snuggle with your honey, feel the cool, fragrant ocean breeze, and enjoy a relaxing and romantic sunset cruise along Charleston’s gorgeous waterways. You’ll love the breathtaking views of the skyline as you take in the sights as the sun sets.

Some comments about this cruise:

“…The views on this cruise were beautiful. The staff was also excellent. They were very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.”

“…The captain even stopped the boat when we spotted dolphins so we could watch them in the water. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.”

“…It was a peaceful boat ride through the harbor hitting some landmarks and watching the sunset over Charleston. There was some background on the landmarks and the guides would answer questions but for the most part, they let you sit and enjoy the ride and scenery. I highly recommend it!”

 

The Inn at Woodlands Mansion
Restored over a hundred years ago, The Inn at Woodlands Mansion is a stately turn-of-the-century plantation. Surrounded by lush oak trees and magnolias, you’ll feel like you’re back in the 1850s when you enter this grand property. The Inn is the perfect combination of Old South grandeur and modern luxuries.

From the website:

“At Woodlands Mansion, we want all of our guests to feel at home from the moment they arrive. Our Inn combines the intricate luxuries of a resort with the tranquility of a bed and breakfast, allowing guests to relax in the casually refined elegance of the property.”

 

Olde Towne Carriage Company
When the chill is in the air, bring your favorite cozy blanket and your special someone to Olde Towne Carriage Company for a carriage ride.

Read about where you’ll ride in this excerpt from the website:

“You will see the historic old market area where commerce has taken place for over 250 years, historical houses maintained in timeless fashion, beautiful gardens, artistic wrought iron gates, and decorative entrances to the many mansions as the tour winds through the 25–30 block area.

In addition, you will see parts of the old walled city and several of the many churches that give Charleston its nickname of the “Holy City”. Your tour guide will acquaint you with the history and architecture that make Charleston one of the truly grand jewels of the South. Most importantly you will gain a better understanding of the people that lived and traversed over the past three hundred years, on the very streets you are traveling.”

What is your favorite romantic spot in Charleston?

 

5 Fun Ways to Reduce Stress

For many of us, stress is a permanent part of our lives, and all too often, we feel consumed by the tension and anxiety. We don’t take the time to release or relieve stress as we should, or we use unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating or drinking too much. Suggestions for relieving stress sometimes aren’t much fun, so we thought we’d change that.

Sometimes feeling better is as simple as going back to an easier, more carefree time of life. Look below for some entertaining ways to release tension.

Dance, dance, dance!

Put on your favorite music (tunes from high school are a good choice), and dance like no one’s watching. Spin your kids or your spouse around, and feel yourself let loose. The more you release your inhibitions, the more you let go of tension and anxiety.

Sing, sing, sing!

Singing releases endorphins and helps you feel better, and you also breathe in more oxygen during each song. Belt it out at the top of your lungs if you wish! If you prefer, take it to the next level and go to a karaoke bar with some friends.

Make fun food.

What was your favorite food growing up? Which foods do you find completely silly? Whether it’s jello or grilled cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off, make some simple, fun food you love. Remember those simpler times, and feel the stress melt away.

Go outside and play.

What do you truly enjoy doing? We’re so engrossed in our daily lives that we forget how to have some good, clean fun. Playing doesn’t have to stop just because we’re adults. Do you enjoy roller skating or hula hooping? How about simply lying on a chaise in the back yard reading a book? Do something you enjoy but haven’t been able to do for a while.

Pamper yourself.

That could look like a massage, yoga, acupuncture, a pedicure and manicure, or spending a couple of hours in the bathtub with a good book. Decadent is the name of the game. Indulge yourself in luxury, and stress won’t dare to stick around.

Visit our Facebook page and give us some of your stress-busting tips!

 

What Technique Do You Use For Nipple Reconstruction?

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

Q:  Can you tell me how successful you have been in doing nipple reconstruction and what technique you use? I had one done from tissue gathered from my own breast, then had fat transferred but it is still flat. Now that I am losing the other breast (2nd mastectomy) I would like to have a protruded nipple even if just a bit on each breast. 

A: I use the “skate flap” technique, although many similar techniques using local tissue exist. There are, in my experience, two potential problems which may cause nipple reconstruction to be unsuccessful.

1) Sometimes, a portion of the flap just dies. This is, to a large extent, unpreventable and unpredictable, as these flaps are too tiny to be based on any known blood vessel. Additionally, the need to put the nipple in the proper location precludes altering its design to potentially improve blood flow.

2) We have learned that it is essential to protect the flap from the pressure of clothing until it is fully healed (at least one month). There are special domed “Tupperware” protectors made just for this purpose.

It helps to make the nipple larger than desired at first. That leaves a little leeway if things go awry, and it only takes a few minutes to reduce a nipple in the office if it ends up being too large.

Hope this helps, good luck.

Q: I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer of the right breast. The surgeon suggest bilateral mastectomy due to family history. Should I meet with a plastic surgeon before the surgery or get a 2nd opinion?

A: Whether or not you ultimately decide to have reconstruction (at the time of mastectomy, or later), you should at least speak with a plastic surgeon beforehand so that you know all of your potential options. Ideally, your breast surgeon already works with one or more plastic surgeons, and can help direct you to one.

 

Dr. Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

Worship in Pink – October 25 – 27, 2013!

Also known as Pink Sunday, Worship in Pink is a free education and outreach program for faith-based communities nationwide. Pink Sunday is the time to celebrate those who have survived and those who are battling breast cancer.

Registration for Pink Sunday has closed, but we found some ideas to celebrate on the Lowcountry Komen site at http://www.komenlowcountry.org/about-us/news/. You can also download breast exam cards and educational information.

    •  Ask everyone to wear “pink.”
  • Create a Wall of Hope with the names of survivors and those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.
  • Encourage women to take the COMMITMENT CHALLENGE!
  • Ask a survivor to share her/his story during the service so others may benefit from her/his experience.
  • Have the health minister present the facts about breast cancer in the community.
  • Celebrate survivors in your congregation with pink flowers or pink ribbons.
  • Celebrate the survivors and co-survivors in your congregation with a candle lighting ceremony. Start with breast cancer survivors, and then include all cancer survivors.
  • Honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer with a moment of silence.
  • Rejoice and praise with your congregation in the advances that have been made to fight breast cancer and save lives.
  • Conduct a candlelight prayer service.
  • Host a Pink Party (reception).
  • Have a contest for the most “Pinked” person.
  • Have a special collection for the Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Funds are used for our mission, grants, and outreach work.
  • Consider donations to the Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in lieu of flowers for celebrations or bereavement requests. Donations may be made online at: http://www.komenlowcountry.org/
  • Make your own or order pink pins or other merchandise from our website (http://www.shopkomen.com) to provide to survivors or your congregation.

What other ideas can you come up with for your group or congregation?

 

Don’t Like Drinking Water? Here’s How to Make It Delicious

We all know we need to drink water every day, but let’s face it… water isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Depending on your pipes and where you live, your water may not be the best tasting, so here are a few ways to make it taste better.

Filter it.
You can filter with a home filtration system, a faucet unit, a pitcher, or a bottle. The choice is yours. You’ll be amazed at how much better your water tastes—just be certain to change the filter per the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Buy it.
You can buy just about any type and flavor of water you wish. From mineral to sparkling and from apple to kiwi flavors, take your pick! Try several different kinds to see which taste great and quench your thirst.

Add to it.
Add a squirt of lemon and / or lime, a little fruit juice, or just a splash of soda to flavor it. Use your imagination, and drinking your daily water will be something you look forward to.

Make your own.
Here are a few recipes from http://www.sheismynutritionist.com/8-home-made-vitamins-water-recipes/ to make your own vitamin water. Enjoy!

  1. Lemon and cucumber: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cucumber, and a lemon, thinly sliced. Add 1/4 cup fresh finely chopped basil leaf and 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh mint leaves. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
    1. Pineapple and mint: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of pineapple cut into cubes, and 12 fresh mint leaves finely chopped. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
    2. Apple and cinnamon: In a pitcher, mix 10 cups of water, 1 cup of apples cut into cubes, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Leave in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

 

Ask the Doctor: Medicare, Scarless Reconstruction, and Options for Smaller Body Types

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

Q:  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2010 and had a bilateral mastectomy/ stage 3 with 25 malignant lymph nodes removed. My treatment was chemotherapy followed by radiation. The last radiation treatment was September 2011. I have been researching about the DIEP procedure and am very interested in having this done. I am 66 years old. Do you accept Medicare out of state? The facility in San Antonio does not.

A: We will accept Medicare if you are otherwise (medically) a good candidate for the DIEP procedure. We can have our nurse Chris or P.A. Kim call you to get more information, if you like.

 

Q: Can you have scarless breast reconstruction surgery following a double mastectomy for triple negative breast cancer?

A: There’s really no such thing as “scarless” breast reconstruction, although it is often possible to conceal the scars quite effectively. We’d be happy to have our nurse Chris or PA Kim call you to discuss the details of your situation further, if you wish.

 

Q: What can you do for someone who is thin (5’4″, 116 pounds), has had a unilateral, nipple sparing mastectomy with radiation? Desired cup size would be AA or A only.

A: Most patients, even very thin ones, can still be reconstructed using only their own tissue, particularly if they only need one breast reconstructed, and don’t need it to be very large. If you have any excess abdominal skin / fat at all, it is frequently possible to use both sides of the abdomen to reconstruct one breast (stacked DIEP). Sometimes other donor sites are better ( buttocks or posterior thigh), and most patients have some extra fat spread over their bodies that can be added as free fat grafts at a subsequent procedure after the initial flap. It may be easier to tell which donor site(s) is best during an actual examination, but we can usually get a reasonable idea from photos.

Dr. Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

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

Race for the Cure®!

It’s that time of year again–where we stand up and run for the cure!

That’s right–it’s time for the 20th Annual Susan G. Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure®!

When:  Saturday, October 19, 2013

Where: Family Circle Cup, Daniel Island, South Carolina

Who: YOU!

How much: Visit http://www.komenlowcountry.org/komen-race-for-the-cure for more details on dates and fees.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, October 16th – Online registration ends @ noon

Thursday, October 17th – Sponsor booth setup noon–7 p.m.

Friday, October 18th – In-person registration / pickup, expo open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

 

Race Day!

7:00 a.m. Expo, Sponsor Village, and Survivor Tent Open

8:00 a.m. Survivor Celebration

8:30 a.m. Fun Run/Walk

9:15 a.m. 5k Run Timed

10:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony

(No rollerblades or pets, please. Strollers, please line up at the back.)

According to the Komen website, 75% of what you pay or raise stays in the Lowcountry service area to provide “breast health education, screening and diagnostics, and survivor support services.” The remaining 25% supports Komen’s national programs.

In 2012, the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure® raised over $800,000. This year, the goal is a million dollars, and they need your help. (While your registration fee is not tax deductible, anything additional you donate is.)

If you’d rather Sleep In for the Cure, visit this link to register:

http://www.komenlowcountry.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/sleep-in-for-the-cure/

A brief history of the Race for the Cure® from the Lowcountry website:

“Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body, and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and commitment to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer.

Though Susan lost her battle with the disease, her legacy lives on through the work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the organization Nancy started in her honor.

The Lowcountry Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure—along with those who generously support us with their talent, time, and resources—is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $5.5 million in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in 17 counties.”

Click here to join us on the 19th!

 

How to Do a Breast Self-Exam

According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

We encourage all adult women to perform breast self-exams (BSE) at least once a month.

The procedure is below. We recommend you do it one week after your period, but it’s more important that you do it regularly at around the same time each month. (Menstrual changes can make your breasts temporarily lumpy.)

Mammograms detect early cancer, but BSE give you the confidence to know what your breasts look and feel like, so you can contact your doctor any time you notice changes. There are three main parts to a BSE, described below. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, contact your doctor.

While Showering
Examine each breast with the pads of your fingers, moving around your breast in a continuous circle from the outside and working to the nipple. Extend the exam to your underarm area. Check both breasts for any thickening, hardening, or lump.

After Your Shower
Stand in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides. Look for any irregularity or change in your breasts. Look for lumps, new spots, dimpling, or nipple changes. Raise your arms over your head, carefully look at your breasts, and then press your hands into your waist or hips to flex your pectoral (chest) muscles. Look for any changes, and know that your breasts will not match exactly.

While Lying Down
Put your right arm behind your head, and move the pads of the fingers of your left hand around your breast as you did in the shower. Cover the entire armpit and breast area with circular motions, using varying pressures. Lying down flattens your breasts and makes them easier to check. Pinch the nipple and check for discharge or discoloration. Repeat on the left breast.

Doing a BSE every month helps you know what is normal for your breasts so you can alert your doctor to any changes. Four out of five lumps are not cancerous, so don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concern.

 

After Radiation, Mastectomy and Reconstruction, I’m Having Extreme Back Pain…Solutions?

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

Q:  About 6 years ago, I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. The plastic surgeon took one muscle from each side of my back to reconstruct each breast. Now I am experiencing extreme back pain on the right side. This is the side where the tumor was. This was a second occurrence.

In 1993, I had a lumpectomy with chemo and radiation to this right breast/side. The extreme pain feels like it is muscular in nature on the right side. Is this normal and something I just have to live with, or might there be some other treatment for muscle pain? Should I have it checked out for a possible disc problem causing the radiating pain in my back? Should I check out physical therapy or is it too late for this therapy? I am at a loss and hate enduring this constant pain.

A: Thank you for your question, I am sorry you are experiencing pain.

When the pain first developed and exactly where it is located could help determine what the cause is and how to treat it. If it is your back in the area where your back muscle was removed it could possibly be related to your spine discs or from your body compensating for not having the muscle. If you have an implant and the discomfort is in the breast area it is possible that scarring around the implant is the cause.  Most importantly you should let your plastic surgeon,  breast surgeon and oncologist know so they determine the cause and treatment.

Your oncologist should determine if you need any special scans or tests with regard to your breast cancer history and your plastic surgeon can determine if it has to do with the reconstruction and if there is a fix.

 

Q: I had nipple reconstruction a month ago. After a summer with not having to wear a bra, I’m now having remorse that I didn’t go for 3-D tattoos. Two questions:

Can one have the reconstructed nipples removed?

Is there a way to flatten the nipples over time?

I understand that some nipples flatten naturally but others don’t. I wish I had thought all this through the way I did for every other decision I made during the breast cancer journey. Is there any thing else you would suggest for someone with buyer’s remorse regarding nipple reconstruction? 

A: Thank you for your question.

I suggest you ask your surgeon as it may depend on how the reconstruction was done. Otherwise I would also expect over time the nipple will flatten. It takes about 9 months. It can always be made smaller easily in the office with only numbing medicine.

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

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

Join Us for Beauty & the Beast at SOA!

We’re one of the sponsors of the Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA) Vocal Department presentation of Beauty & the Beast, which runs October 24 through Nov 2 at the Rose Maree Myers Theatre at SOA. Each night, the show runs from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. We hope you’ll be able to join us and support SOA!

SOA was founded in 1995 by Rose Maree Myers, who also founded the Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School. It’s located in North Charleston, and it was named the #2 Best High School in South Carolina by U.S. News and World Report. When it was founded, there were only two grades, sixth and seventh. Eventually more grades were added, and today SOA is a grades 6–12 school.

SOA’s curriculum focuses on problem solving skills and creativity, which gives their students an opportunity to grow and learn in their own ways. They learn to develop high levels of creativity, perseverance, intellect, and cooperation with others—skills that not all middle school and high school students learn.

This is a truly special school!

For tickets to Beauty and the Beast, please visit the SOA website.

From the principal, Shannon Cook:

“Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA) offers students rich and intensive instruction in eight art majors in a unique sixth through twelfth grade setting. Students may apply and audition for two areas, and once accepted into a major, spend one-fourth of their day with dynamic teachers in that art area. Art majors include instrumental band, creative writing, dance, piano, string orchestra, theater, visual arts, and vocal music. SOA’s students excel at the local, state and national level, earning awards, scholarships, and the respect of audience members, peers, and patrons of the arts.

Students also participate in an appropriately challenging academic curriculum that includes college preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement courses. Clubs, community service, and unique school events tailored to meet the interests of young artists, provide additional opportunities for expression and involvement. We want our students to maximize their potential and then find out how their art can impact the world around them. At SOA we believe art makes a difference!”

For more info on SOA, visit their website at http://soa.ccsdschools.com/.