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Post-Operative Care: What to Expect and Helpful Tips

November 8, 2013 by

Post-Op Care and TipsOur team often receives questions on the healing process and post operative care after breast reconstruction surgery. We strive to provide our patients with the information to ensure they achieve the most optimal surgical experience. For today’s Ask The Doctor post, we are sharing with you some tried-and-true steps and tips we have to help our patients improve their post surgery recovery and healing time.

After Surgery

Family members will receive periodic updates during your surgery.

Following the procedure, you will be moved to a special unit in the hospital where you will be connected to monitoring equipment. There, nurses trained in post operative care of breast reconstruction will monitor you at all times.  Family members can see you during visiting hours.

You will also receive an informative sheet that discusses your specific information and post-operative care.  This likely will include information concerning drain care; it is very important to monitor flow from the drains in a 24-hour period. This guides us on when to remove them.  You will also have a kind of thermometer on your chest, which monitors the flap.  Other specifics and information will be provided in your post-operative packets.

As You Heal

Family and Friends:
Support from loved ones is very helpful. But understand that comments they may make during your recovery can cause you concern. Remember this: We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result will be.  Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Healing:
You will heal! How quickly depends on factors your genetic background, your overall health and your lifestyle (exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.). Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient.  No person can make another heal. Dr Craigie and Dr Kline can facilitate, but not accelerate, the healing process.  But you play the starring role, so your cooperation is key.

Swelling:
You may find swelling of your new breast and abdomen (DIEP) or buttock (GAP) to be troublesome and your clothes may not fit.  Be patient, this swelling will gradually subside and you will feel better in a few weeks.  There will be a certain amount of tightness in the area where the flap was taken from.  This will slowly relax in a few months.

Following Instructions:
Another way to improve healing is by following the instructions given by Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline’s staff.  We believe “the difference is in the details” and strive to achieve the best possible results for you.  It is imperative that you act as a partner in this process — not a passive participant.  The instructions are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.

Click here for a complete list of post surgery healing and recovery tips and instructions.

Have questions about post operative breast reconstruction? Or questions in general? Contact us today!

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

Civil War Charleston: 3 Ways to Observe the Sesquicentennial

November 6, 2013 by

Charleston played a major role in the Civil War, and as we continue to commemorate the sesquicentennial years, we remember the soldiers who gave all. Here are just a few ways to discover more about these epic battles and the people who played a role.

Charleston’s Civil War Walking Tours

Experience Charleston during the war through the stories and photos from local historian Jack Thomson at Civil War Walking Tours. From the website:

“Walk with Jack and his associates as they take you on a trip through Charleston’s history that is much more fun than any van or bus tour. This beautiful city has been bombarded for eighteen months by Union forces. Devastation and destruction are everywhere. Heavy smoke lingers in the air. And yet this city where the Ordinance of Secession was signed in 1860 survives…now more beautiful than ever…

…You will meet people like Gus Smythe, the young Confederate Signal Corps Sergeant up in St. Michael’s steeple with a bird’s eye view of the Union shells raining down from Charleston Harbor. You will also be introduced to Jane Wightman, a free person of color with her own slaves and a beautiful brick house on cobblestoned Chalmers Street.

Jack uses his collection of 118 photographs from 1865 to set the mood and illustrate his stories. Step back in time with Civil War Walking Tours and experience Charleston’s wartime society like never before. Your adventure awaits you!”

The Charleston Museum

The museum’s tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is constantly evolving, so be sure to check the website frequently. Here is just one example of an exhibition from the museum’s website.

“City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War: This permanent exhibition provides a rich overview of events in and around Charleston from secession to 1865. Including the Federal naval blockade, Union bombardment, social dislocations, privations, and five major Union attempts to capture the “Queen City of the South,” the war and its effects changed the lives of Charleston’s residents forever.

Their story—one of suffering, sacrifice, initiative and tenacity—is told with extensive images and artifacts from the Museum’s collections. These include uniforms, artillery shells, firearms, “gunboat china,” the watch of a fallen South Carolina soldier, and the recently-acquired prosthesis of Colonel Peter Gaillard, who lost his hand in action against Union forces on Morris Island.”

Fort Sumter National Monument

One of the most famous forts of the Civil War, Fort Sumter is a popular destination for Civil War and history buffs. Here is a short description of the battle:

“…During the early-morning hours of April 12, 1861, Confederate gunners fired the first shots of the Civil War at this Union bastion in the middle of Charleston Harbor. After 34 hours of pounding, the fort’s commander, Maj. Robert Anderson, surrendered. The victorious Confederates occupied, using the strategic location to keep the Union navy from the harbor and to protect blockade runners.

After an unsuccessful Union attempt to bypass the fort by water, Union land-based guns were brought within range, eventually pounding Sumter into rubble. The advance of Union General William T. Sherman forced the Confederates to evacuate the fort Feb. 17, 1865.”

Feel free to visit any of these places and soak up the rich history of the Civil War.

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

How to Cook a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner

November 4, 2013 by

Photo courtesy of:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsidedishes/r/cauliflowermash.htm

We get questions every year at this time: how can you cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner, yet still feel satisfied? It’s easier than you think, and we have some great ideas to share.

Drain as much poultry fat as you can from the turkey.

This fat is not healthy, so you want to drain as much of it as you can. The fat helps keep the turkey juicy, but you don’t need to eat that fat once the turkey is cooked. Drain the fat, and give the skin to the dog or the cat.

Think veggies and healthy fats.

Yes, we said to drain the fat from the turkey, but that’s because it’s unhealthy fat. Other foods have good, beneficial fats, and you want to include those on your Thanksgiving menu. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados. Try new recipes with those ingredients, or set nuts and seeds out with the appetizers. Make some guacamole and chips, or serve avocado slices during or after dinner.

Try mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.

This is one of our favorites, and we really enjoy the flavor of the cauliflower for a change. Following is a great recipe for healthy mashers. The recipe can be found at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html.

(Catherine, photo is from )

Total Time: 21 min

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 6 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bouillon (may substitute ½ teaspoon salt)
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

  1. Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.
  2. Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well—do not let cool, and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
  3. In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth.
  4. Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter.

Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh rosemary for a new taste.

Per Serving: Calories: 149; Total Fat: 11.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 7 grams; Protein: 5 grams; Total carbohydrates: 8 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 31 milligrams; Sodium: 170 milligrams.

Offer fruit for dessert.

Fruit is so versatile that you can use your imagination when it comes to serving a healthy dessert. Strawberry shortcake is always a hit, or you can try creating a fruit salad for dessert or during the meal. Some will eat the fruit as is, and a colorful fruit basket makes a wonderful centerpiece.

What tips for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner would you like to share?

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

Will I Have Any Breast Sensation After a DIEP Procedure? Will My Insurance Cover My Post-Op Stay?

November 1, 2013 by

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

Q:  I was recently diagnosed with LCIS and then in a second and third look was re-diagnosed with ALH. I am leaning toward undergoing a  double mastectomy and reconstruction.

As a 45 year-old single mother of three, I would like to know a few things regarding your procedure.

1) Is there any nipple stimulation with the stomach flap DIEP procedure?

2) Is the week-long stay in Charleston covered by insurance in addition to inpatient charges?

3) How early can you get an appointment scheduled? My insurance rolls January 31, 2014 and my deductible has been met after my lumpectomy.

A: I am sorry you are having to make these difficult decisions. Regarding your questions:

1) Breast sensation after mastectomy is never normal. The more of your breast and nipple skin that is saved, the better the sensation after surgery. Also, the DIEP tissue has nerve tissue in it and if all goes well with the surgery, sensation can return faster. Again: it is not expected to be 100% normal. Implants have no nerve tissue and scarring can impair nerve healing.

2) There is at least one place that some patients qualify for that is free. Otherwise, lodging is not covered at all by insurance. We do have a list of places that give medical discounts.

3) If you would like an appointment, I will be glad to have my office contact you.

Thank you!

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!

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

3 Cozy, Romantic Spots for Fall

October 30, 2013 by

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?

 

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

5 Fun Ways to Reduce Stress

October 28, 2013 by

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!

 

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

What Technique Do You Use For Nipple Reconstruction?

October 25, 2013 by

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!

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

Worship in Pink – October 25 – 27, 2013!

October 23, 2013 by

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?

 

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

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

October 21, 2013 by

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.

 

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

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

October 18, 2013 by

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!

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