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Race for the Cure®!

October 16, 2013 by

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!

 

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

How to Do a Breast Self-Exam

October 14, 2013 by

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.

 

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

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

October 11, 2013 by

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!

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

Join Us for Beauty & the Beast at SOA!

October 9, 2013 by

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/.


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

BRA Day USA, The SHE Event, and Paint the Town Pink!

October 7, 2013 by

National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, will be October 16.

BRA Day promotes awareness and education about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Most women do not know anything about their options regarding breast reconstruction, and even fewer know about the proper timing of cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery and the variability in outcomes.

BRA Day USA supporters hold local events to help spread awareness of breast cancer treatment and the plastic surgeon’s role in breast reconstruction. Supporters help educate about surgery and financing options. The goal is a broader understanding of the options available to women after mastectomy.

Jewel, the singer and songwriter, is the national spokesperson for BRA Day and has written a song to benefit patients, “Flower.” If you would like to start a BRA Day event in your area, visit the website for a free BRA Day Starter Guide and Marketing/PR Toolkit to help you plan your BRA Day activities. Past BRA Day events include art contests, flash mobs, seminars about reconstruction, and fundraising events to support the BRA fund.

At the end of September, we were sponsors for the SHE Event at the Convention Center. A celebration of everything woman, SHE was three days of events just for her, with plenty of style, food, entertainment, arts and crafts, shopping, and healthy living. For more info, check the SHE Event website here. Events included an opening night party, a fashion show for mothers and daughters, wine and cocktail tastings, and a workshop on how to use color effectively in your home. 

Flower power at the SHE event!

Paint the Town Pink

Our Lowcountry Race for the Cure® affiliate has challenged all area businesses to get creative with the color PINK! Businesses have decorated their storefronts in a pink theme and displayed the Race poster. There is a competition, so be sure to check out the businesses downtown before the prizes are announced on Friday, October 18.

Remember, Saturday, October 19 is the 20th Annual Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure®. Please join us, and for more information visit the Lowcountry affiliate page.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness

Flap Procedure Using Tissue or Muscle–What is My Best Option?

October 4, 2013 by

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

Q:  had a double mastectomy in July 2012. I have one successful implant (right) and the left had to be removed due to infection. I need a flap procedure and want to know which one you usually recommend? I have had a lot of bad ratings for the stomach procedure. 

A: Thank you for the question, and I am sorry you have had problems with your implant.

When implants don’t work out,  usually using your own tissue can be an option to complete the process without using an implant. We specialize in using your own tissue but without sacrificing your muscle. Giving up the tummy muscle can be a problem and may have been part of the reason you have had less than favorable reviews on that subject. We prefer to use the body area that has sufficient tissue to rebuild the breast and take no muscle to do that. We can use the tummy, buttock or thigh tissue. I would be glad to give you more specific recommendations if I had more info. Let me know if you would like my office to contact you for more specifics.

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: , , ,

You’re Not Alone: The Best of “In Her Words”

October 2, 2013 by

As we enter October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to make sure the message is clear: You are not alone.

Every day, walking among us, are women who just received their diagnosis, who just underwent their first biopsy or their first radiation treatment, who just met with a doctor they will see for many years as they fight for their lives, who just scheduled their first surgery or their reconstruction.

There is a saying, “A woman is like a tea bag…you never know how strong she is until she’s in hot water.”

That’s why we are so proud to present this archive of In Her Words guest blogs.

These women have gone through tremendous challenges to overcome cancer or stand up for those who are breast cancer survivors or current patients. We hope these stories give you comfort, inspire you, and show you that you are not alone. Feel free to share these with the loved ones in your life, too, and don’t hesitate to contact our Center if you are seeking breast reconstruction information or options.

From Our “In Her Words” Archive:

With love and support,

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

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

Put Some Zing in Your Hot Cocoa

September 30, 2013 by

Ah, there’s nothing better on a crisp fall day than a cup of hot cocoa. We found some new ways to enjoy that cup of steaming chocolate, and we hope you like them.

The easiest way to change it up is to add one new ingredient. Flavor extracts can work magic on the most humble cup of cocoa and turn it into a flavor explosion. Try mint extract (or let mint candies dissolve!) or almond extract to turn your cuppa into Almond Joy Cocoa.

HERSHEY’S “Perfectly Chocolate” Hot Cocoa

(from www.hersheys.com)

Ingredients (makes 5 cups):

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
  • Dash salt
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 4 cups (1 qt.) milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.

2. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Variations: Add one of the following with the vanilla extract:

SPICED COCOA: 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Serve with cinnamon stick, if desired.

MINT COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon mint extract OR 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candy OR 2 to 3 tablespoons white crème de menthe. Serve with peppermint candy stick, if desired.

CITRUS COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon orange extract OR 2 to 3 tablespoons orange liqueur.

SWISS MOCHA: 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee.

COCOA AU LAIT: Omit marshmallows or whipped cream. Spoon 2 tablespoons softened vanilla ice cream on top of each cup of cocoa at serving time.

SLIM-TRIM COCOA: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt, and water; substitute nonfat milk. Proceed as above. With vanilla, stir in sugar substitute with sweetening equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar.

CANADIAN COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.

MICROWAVE SINGLE SERVING: Combine 1 heaping teaspoon HERSHEY’S Cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar, and dash salt in microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk; stir until smooth. Fill cup with milk. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir to blend; serve.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Cholesterol: 15 mg, Sodium: 100mg,

Total Carbohydrate: 32g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 29g, Protein: 7g, Vitamin A: 8%DV*,

Vitamin C: 0%DV*, Calcium: 25%DV*, Iron: 0%DV*

*%DV= %Daily Values are calculated based on a 2000 calorie diet

Mexican Hot Cocoa

(from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Mexican-Hot-Cocoa-241138)

Ingredients (makes 8 cups):

  • 2 cups reduced-fat (2 percent) evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chocolate liqueur
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 10 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 dried red chile
  • 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Preparation:

1. Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and chili powder in a heavy saucepan.

2. Add 2 of the cinnamon sticks and chile and cook gently over medium-low heat until warm. Add chocolate and cook, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a high simmer; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes.

3. Combine heavy cream with remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and beat until peaks form.

4. Ladle 1/3 cup hot cocoa into each of 8 teacups; top with 1 tablespoon whipped cream and

garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Nutritional information per serving:

218 calories per teacup, 7.8 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 20 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 2.3 g protein

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

Can I Have Reconstruction After Recurrence of Cancer? Should I Go to My Local Surgeon or Elsewhere?

September 27, 2013 by

This week, Dr. Richard Kline and Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answer your questions.

Q: I have been diagnosed with a second primary breast cancer in the right breast. 13 years ago it was IDC now DCIS. What are my reconstruction options? 

A: I’m sorry you are having to deal with a recurrence. Glad to hear it is DCIS. I imagine you had radiation before and could have mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. If you like I will have my office contact you for a few more details.  I would be glad to set up a phone consult so you could get my opinion right away.

Dr. James Craigie

 

Q: I was referred by a coworker who was a patient. I’ve had a bilateral mastectomy, expanders and two sets of implants (taken out due to capsular contracture). My plastic surgeon said my body just isn’t taking to the implants and suggests I try DIEP flap reconstruction. My plastic surgeon does them, but my coworker said she recommends more experience. At this point I am torn. She suggested I contact you. I live in Florida and I am very comfortable with my surgeon, but understand the more you do, the better you are. I’ve also had a gastric bypass 10 years ago and I am scheduled for a hysterectomy (via DaVinci robot) Oct 2nd.

A: Thanks for your inquiry, and sorry for the trouble you’ve had.

Having said that, more surgeon experience, having two microsurgeons involved, and using a hospital with a dedicated flap team does potentially provide benefits, probably most so in terms of shorter operating times and increased flap survival rates. We have presently done about 1030 DIEP and GAP flaps, with a 98.4% survival rate, and we would be happy to see you at any time.

However, I would suggest that you consider discussing your concerns with your plastic surgeon, and if he still feels confident he can do it, I think I would give him the benefit of the doubt. Even if you ultimately decide to have your surgery elsewhere, it would be very helpful to have him on board with your decision.

Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr.

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: , , , ,

Celebrate BRA Day October 16!

September 25, 2013 by

 National Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, is October 16, 2013 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

BRA Day promotes awareness and education about post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Jewel, the singer and songwriter, is the national spokesperson for BRA Day and has written a song to benefit patients, “Flower.”

Many women do not know of the various options regarding breast reconstruction, which is a topic that isn’t discussed as much as breast cancer is. Studies have shown that less than a quarter of women know the options they have in breast reconstruction, and even fewer know about the proper timing of cancer treatment and reconstruction surgery and the variability in outcomes.

BRA Day USA supporters help spread awareness of breast cancer treatment and the plastic surgeon’s role in breast reconstruction. Supporters help educate about surgery and financing options. The goal is a broader understanding of the options available to women after mastectomy.

If you would like to start BRA Day event in your area, there is no fee, and you will have a free BRA Day Starter Guide and Marketing/PR Toolkit to help you plan your BRA Day activities. The only limit is your imagination.

Examples of past BRA Day events include:

  • Art contests
  • Seminars or panels by plastic surgeons and insurance agents
  • Flash mob
  • Fundraising events and raffles to support the BRA Fund
  • A “Show and Tell” event in which women can see what live breast reconstruction looks like

To learn more about BRA Day, visit http://www.bradayusa.org/, and watch our website (or sign up for our newsletter) for more information about how we plan to commemorate the day here in Charleston!

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