Archives for September 2014

Mammograms 101: What You Need to Know

<alt="Mammogram Images"/>

According to The United States Preventive Services Task Force, women aged 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every 2 years. As for women younger than age 50, they should talk to a doctor about when to start and how often to have a mammogram.

If you haven’t talked to your doctor about getting a mammogram, you should. When you get a mammogram, you’ll receive a low-dose x-ray that looks for irregularities in your breasts. Unlike a breast exam, an x-ray will uncover changes in breast tissue that cannot be felt or seen. All women have breast changes as they age. But without a mammogram, you don’t know if the differences in size, shape, and feeling is a natural occurrence or a result of something more serious.

 

How to Detect Breast Cancer ASAP

The best way to detect breast cancer is to get a mammogram and breast exam from a doctor. The earlier you take preventative measures, the better your chances of catching possible cancer and treating it. The faster your cancer is detected, the better your chances are of eliminating it.

 

What’s It Like to Have a Mammogram?

Mammograms are not an arduous process. Your doctor will place your breasts in a special x-ray machine. The machine will flatten your breast to get a clearer look at the tissue. The pressure may cause some discomfort, but any pinching that happens will only take place momentarily. Considering the alternative, a few seconds of minor soreness is worth it.

 

What Your Doctor Looks For

<alt="Mammogram Film Images"/>
Picture courtesy of the National Cancer Institute

If your mammogram is clear, then your doctor will let you know and you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you’re wondering what your doctor is looking for, here are some things she’ll look for:

  • Lumping of tissue. If you see a “building up” of tissue, this could be a sign that something’s irregular. If the lump has a clear edge, chances are it’s benign (at a very early stage). If the lump can’t be distinguished clearly, then it could be cancer.
  • White spots. There are two types of white spots you may see on your x-ray — one is normal and the other may be a sign of cancer.

 

How to Prepare for a Mammogram

Here are few things you can do to make your mammogram go smoothly:

  • Avoid unnatural products before your mammogram. The chemicals in deodorants and other hygienic products may disrupt the x-ray process. It’s best to not use any sort of make up, lotions, etc. when you proceed with your mammogram.
  • Schedule accordingly. The best time to make an appointment for a mammogram is one week after your menstrual cycle because this is when your breasts are the least tender.
  • Male or female. It’s okay to ask for a male or female doctor to conduct your exam if that’s what makes you most comfortable.
  • Dont drink coffee. Also, skip the energy drinks or any other type of stimulant. Why? Because the caffeine my increase breast tenderness, which will make the x-ray process more painful.

 

Where to Get More Information

Contact the following organizations for more information about breast cancer and mammograms.

American Cancer Society

Phone: 800-227-2345 (TDD: 866-228-4327)

Breast Health Access for Women With Disabilities

Phone: 510-204-4866 (TDD: 510-204-4574)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HHS

Phone: 800-633-4227 (TDD: 877-486-2048)

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Phone: 800-232-4636 (TDD: 888-232-6348)

National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS

Phone: 800-422-6237

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Phone: 877-465-6636

 

Photo Credit: kristiewells

Ask the Doctor: Lymphedema and Lymph Node Transfer

<alt="3 pink roses"/>This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: I’ve had breast cancer and developed lymphedema after my mastectomy.  I recently heard about Lymph Node Transfer surgery.  Does it work?  I’m scheduled for a DIEP breast reconstruction, can it be done at the same time?

ANSWER: Lymphedema is a very difficult problem that results when a patient has had breast cancer and has to undergo surgical removal of the lymph nodes under the arm as part of their surgical treatment for breast cancer. There are other causes of lymphedema but our specific interest has been in patients who have had breast cancer.

Lymphedema can be a very debilitating process; it remains a terrible problem worldwide, for all types of reasons. There is still much to be learned about why some people develop lymphedema and others do not. It appears that lymphedema is directly related to several factors in our breast cancer patients. It is directly related to having the lymph nodes removed from under the arm and seems to develop from the scarring that occurs under the arm following mastectomy and / or axillary dissection.

Undergoing radiation of the arm or axilla increases this risk. However, there are many people who undergo removal of the lymph nodes and radiation that do not develop lymphedema. There are also people who have mastectomy, have lymph nodes removed followed by radiation, and don’t develop lymphedema until many years after their surgery. That is the main reason that patients are warned to pay particular attention to their arm if they have had removal of any lymph nodes.

It is also possible that someone could get lymphedema even after simply having a sentinel node removed. A sentinel node procedure (lymphadenectomy) is a way to examine the lymph node without having to remove more than one or two. The whole idea of examining only the sentinel node is to lower the risk for lymphedema, but even with the sentinel node procedure, there is still a chance of developing lymphedema. Our practice became interested in options to help breast cancer patients with lymphedema as we see many who are suffering from the symptoms of this process while undergoing breast reconstruction.

Our practice specializes in microsurgical free flap breast reconstruction utilizing skin, underlying tissue, and microscopic blood vessels that transport life-giving blood to the reconstructed breast. This procedure is commonly referred to as the DIEP if using the abdomen or a GAP if using the buttock tissue. The muscles of the abdominal wall are left intact as it is the removal of the muscles of the abdominal wall that can lead to problems in the donor area, like hernias and bulging, as well as a more involved extended recovery. The lower tummy wall is the most common area that we transfer and it’s also an area where lymph nodes are present. Therefore, over the first decade this surgery was being done, we would encounter lymph nodes in the area of the blood vessels, as well as fatty tissue.

It became obvious that we could transfer lymph nodes on the blood vessels as we refine our technique for microsurgery. Due to the lack of effective treatment for lymphedema, for years surgeons doing perforator flaps have taken on this challenge and are trying to come up with ideas and techniques to treat it. We began doing an extensive amount of research, spanning the globe, looking for information on procedures that may help these patients. In 2005, we formed a group known as the Group for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction, known as GABRs, and we included members throughout the world who had had a unique experience with our type of breast reconstruction.

We encountered one individual who had 15-years of experience with what is now known as “vascularized lymph node transfer” for the treatment of lymphedema. Initially, Dr. Robert Allen had attempted lymph node transfer during breast reconstruction and the biggest concern was how to transfer lymph nodes from one area of the body to treat lymphedema but not to create lymphedema in the donor area. In 2006, the GABRs met in Beijing, China and invited Corrine Becker, a surgeon from France who had a long history of experience with vascularized lymph node transfer.

She presented her work and through communication and travel to Paris to work with her, members of the GABRs group began to gain experience and learn more of her technique. The biggest hurdle that we were able to overcome was learning how to select the lymph nodes that could be removed as the donor lymph nodes and use those for breast reconstruction without causing lymphedema of the leg. We spent an extensive amount of time discussing her techniques and reviewing her results, as well as her publications.

We then made arrangements for her to travel to South Carolina and actually performed surgery on our own patients with her as an assistant surgeon. Since that time we have been very encouraged by the results with vascularized lymph node transfer as an effective treatment for reduction of the symptoms of lymphedema. We feel very excited but yet are very cautious about all results. It is important that patients realize that this procedure is still evolving and that there are risks involved, but to date we have had very good results and no serious complications.

Improvement of symptoms with vascularized lymph node transfer can occur immediately; however, they also may take up to 2 years to be appreciated. In most of our patients, the indicators of success are different. For the majority, the goal was to improve the edema, lessen the need to wear compression garments on a regular basis, and to eliminate the risk for frequent infections, which are the typical problems that those affected by lymphedema experience.

In order to lower the risk for complications and to closely study our results in conjunction with other colleagues who perform this procedure, we prefer to perform vascularized lymph node transfer as an isolated procedure. It can be done at the time of breast reconstruction; however, there is a chance that some people with mild lymphedema who undergo breast reconstruction may have improvement without lymph node transfer. Therefore, in order to closely study our results, we perform the breast reconstruction first followed by vascularized lymph node transfer as the second step. When the results are complete, we can determine whether it was the reconstruction or the transferred lymph nodes that gave the end result. It is important again to reemphasize that the main risk for of the surgery is that the transfer may not work. It is possible that if the transfer did not work resulting in more scar, the lymphedema could worsen.

Thankfully, to date, we have not experienced this complication. Other complications are damage to the blood vessels under the arm or the nerves under the arm. Therefore, our preference is to have an oncologic surgeon, who performs axillary dissection, release the scar under arm.  At the same surgical setting, after the scar is released, we perform the transfer by removing very specialized lymph nodes from the outer and lower abdominal wall or outer upper leg. We preserve the lymph nodes of the inside leg. These are the ones that drain the lower extremity and therefore, we feel that the risk for lymphedema of the donor area is reduced.

At this point, we have received some very exciting results along with some mixed results and continue to follow our patients very closely. We have had no patients with any serious complications and no patients at this point with lymphedema of the donor site. We are hopeful that the future holds vascularized lymph node transfer as an effective option for people with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.

We plan to continue to devote and focus our energies on a surgical solution while simultaneously not exposing people to excess risk of additional problems. Once again, we do have to admit that the surgery, although giving some promising results, is  still evolving at this point and we choose to proceed with caution in the best interest of our patients.

— James Craigie, M.D.

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

Back to School: How to Keep Your Kids Focused

<alt="School Desks"/>In an age of instant gratification, it’s never been more difficult to get people to focus. Many adults have a hard time staying on track without distraction from phone notifications, email alerts, and people competing for our attention. Imagine how difficult it is for children and young adults in school to stay focused.

Youths today love their gadgets because these small devices give them an escape from their environment and access to a bigger world. There’s nothing particularly wrong with this concept. If you were growing up in the 21st century, you’d love your smartphone and Internet just as much, too.

As adults, we can provide guidance and teach our youth lessons about self-control. We can also pass along what we know about responsibility, so our children can stay focused in and out of the classroom.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference in someone’s life and help them focus, achieve, and learn.

 

Nurture Their Interests

 

Even the most timid child opens up when you find out what they’re interested in. Everyone has a natural gravitation toward a certain subject, topic, or hobby. Once you find out what that is, you can “unlock” a young person’s motivation.

Finding out what someone is interested in is simply a matter of paying attention. People naturally crave attention. Think about all the status updates you see on social media about the most mundane things. It seems silly, but that’s a perfect example of how we all want people to listen to us.

When you nurture the interest of a child, you can watch them develop the thing they like doing most. As I’m sure you know, it’s much easier to stay focused when you’re doing something you enjoy.

 

Regularly Schedule Family Time

 

There’s nothing more important than having a safe place to talk, share, and be yourself. Your home and your family is the best support you can provide for your child. Scheduling regular family time each evening keeps a consistent environment in place that nurtures you and your family, both physically and mentally.

For example, you could make 6-8 p.m. strictly family time. This means turning off the smartphones, TV, and any other distracting devices. Make it a time for a non-rushed dinner, conversation, and a family activity.

 

Keep Them Active

 

Kids get in trouble when they don’t have anything to do. A way to free a child from boredom is to keep them active in groups, sports, or activities. Not only will this keep them from getting in trouble, but they’ll also live healthier lives, develop social skills, and learn the importance of teamwork.

In a nation where obesity rates get worse each year, it’s important to keep your child physically engaged with at least one thing each day. Aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity every day. It’s much easier to stay fit and healthy as you age if you learn the fundamentals of exercising as a child. Plus, when your child stays active, they can focus better on their schoolwork.

These are just a few ways you can promote focus and attention for your child. Do you have any of your own you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Credit: Night Owl City

Why Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction?

<alt="pink flower"/>The access to GAP and DIEP procedures is not widespread, only a handful of surgeons have invested the time to learn this intensely specialized microsurgical procedure, and have access to another equally qualified micro-surgeon to provide the required surgical assistance.

To give you an idea of how few of these surgical teams exist, in late 2007 we were one of only three practices in the country that offered simultaneous bilateral GAP reconstruction.  As a result, we see patients from all over the United States seeking this highly successful option, with 30 to 40% of our patients referred to us as a result of repeatedly failed implant reconstructions.

In a critical analysis of 142 GAP procedures published by six physicians at LSU, the GAP procedure is reported as “not easy to learn; however, it does provide a reliable flap and an excellent aesthetic reconstruction.”  The report further states “overall flap survival was 98%”and perhaps most importantly “patient satisfaction with the reconstructed breast and donor site has been excellent.”

A little bit about us:

Co-directors Dr. Richard M. Kline and Dr. James E. Craigie are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both surgeons have trained under Dr. Robert J. Allen, a pioneer in breast reconstruction using the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps. Dr. Craigie completed a microsurgical breast reconstruction fellowship dedicated to muscle sparing techniques (directed by Robert J. Allen, M.D.). Dr. Kline completed his residency at LSU while Dr. Allen was developing these techniques.

Our entire surgical team is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery to provide excellent care and results for each individual patient. Because of this commitment, the practice consistently earns referrals from our patients, as well as from other surgeons throughout the United States.

Knowing the right questions to ask:

When searching for a surgeon to perform your microsurgical breast reconstruction, it’s important to ask him or her the right questions. Below are a few questions to ask:

  • Are you a microsurgeon? Where and by whom were you trained in this specialty?
  • How many microsurgeries have you performed? And how often do you perform them?
  • What is your success rate?
  • Can you arrange for me to speak with some of your patients who have had the procedure I am seeking? (Candidates should speak with people of similar ages and lifestyles).
  • How long do you anticipate I will be under anesthesia for the procedure?
  • How many board certified physicians will be assisting with the first stage of the procedure? Will there be physicians in training (residents) involved with my surgery
  • Will I have to sign a consent that if a physician is unable to complete the procedure, I will have to consent to a TRAM/Free TRAM?

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

In Her Words: Liz Munn’s Story of Survival

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is so proud to publish this moving article featuring Liz Munn, a breast cancer survivor who’s passionate about educating others about breast cancer and finding funding for uninsured women. Thank you, Liz, for sharing your story with the world.

You’re coming up on the first anniversary of your breast cancer diagnosis, tell us about your year.
<alt+"Liz M"/>
I learned a great deal about myself this year. I have come to appreciate the things that are important to me a little more, and of course that includes my family and friends. I think this year taught me not to waste time with things that aren’t as important as others. It provided with me focus and gave me strength I didn’t know I had.

How do you feel like a collaborative team of physicians/surgeons was important to your recovery?

This process takes dedication. I would say that’s also the perfect word to describe this team. There is nothing easy about the process and it can be trying. But this team was dedicated to seeing a successful outcome for me from the start. No question was too small, and they supported me the entire way through. I can’t say enough about how well I was treated and supported by everyone involved. My husband and I are so thankful to have had that type of support. I appreciated being able to see the entire team at one location; it helped when I was recovering and my energy was a hot commodity.

Did you speak to anyone who had reconstruction prior to choosing your procedure?  Did you find this helpful?

When I was diagnosed, it was overwhelming for me. My sister worked with a patient of Dr. Craigie’s and we had several long conversations about the procedure. She had a complicated case. Her treatment involved multiple surgeries and some delays with reconstruction for treatment options. Even after all she had been through she still felt this was the best option for her. She was very supportive and understanding of the difficult decisions that I needed to make for myself. My main concern was for my long-term results and the best possible outcome. With the risks and benefits of reconstruction in mind, I knew it was the right decision for me. The success rate for natural reconstruction was extremely high and I was a good candidate for the surgery. I was so glad to have others (who had been through the surgery) to talk to, and it was a huge comfort for me.

You, like many of our patients, feel a need to give back.  We understand your passion is promoting the importance of screening mammograms and finding funding for those who might be uninsured, what’s your plan to get the word out?

I believe everyone has a gift, and my gift is helping people grow their businesses. I plan to hold an annual training webinar through my website with all proceeds going to Lowcountry Komen. I was so fortunate to have great health insurance and live in a place that has amazing healthcare available, but not everyone is in that situation. I believe that mammograms and available choices for treatment and reconstruction are the most important things women can receive from her health provider. However, many women are afraid to see a doctor or don’t understand the process. Knowledge and choice are truly powerful things, and I know that Lowcountry Komen supports these ideals.

I am also willing to discuss my personal journey with anyone at any time. Sometimes seeing that it is possible to get better, and knowing that it does get easier, gives you the courage and energy to take care of yourself.

Last-Minute Weekend Activities Before The Summer Ends

<alt="sail boat"/>Are you the type of person who likes to eat every last crumb on the plate, drink the last drop of milk, or watch a movie until the credits finish?

If so, then you like to get the most value out of any given situation. While most people do a decent to good job at saving time and maximizing money, people like you do it better.

With this short guide below, you can make the most of your time and money and squeeze every last drop out of the Charleston summer!

Here are several ways to enjoy last-minute weekend trips in the area before the summer ends.

Ride the Waves

Surfing, like skydiving, is one of those “bucket list” activities everyone wants to try, but few take the time to do. The benefits of surfing include getting exercise, having fun, and immersing yourself in the beach culture. Don’t waste another minute procrastinating by thinking about surfing — get yourself a board, head out to Folly Beach, and hit the water while you can.

With one-on-one lessons as low as $45, you can consider yourself a surfer by the end of the day. You’ll learn ocean awareness and safety, surfing etiquette (which includes more than calling people “dude”), and enjoy one full hour of guided wave riding fun.

Surf on over to this website for more info about Charleston Surf Lessons.

Become a Prisoner!

And no, we don’t mean you commit a crime and literally get yourself in trouble. That would not be fun and it would totally ruin your summer …and winter, spring, and fall. We’d like to suggest something that’s almost as scary, yet much safer.

If exploring Charleston dungeons appeal to you, then you’ll love the Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour. During this guided walkthrough of historical cemeteries, alleyways, and churches, you’ll learn about the criminals, pirates, and patriots who once spent time behind bars—and if you listen closely, you may realize they’re still there…

This tour is available until November; the ghosts in these dungeons are like bears, so during winter, they like to hibernate.

Scare yourself with a Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour.

Go On an Adventure

Before summer ends, you still have time to pack your bags, tent, and camping supplies and head out to the great outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to experience the wilderness because the weather’s just right. No matter if you take your entire family or you go with friends, South Carolina has 47 state parks for you to choose from.

With this handy website, you can search and choose a camping ground that meets your exact needs.

Live It Up

Take a moment and think about one thing you can do for yourself and your family this summer. It doesn’t have to be one of these recommendations — you may have your own activites planned for transitioning from the warm summer days to the cool autumn nights. Maybe you’ll rotate what you’re growing in your garden. Maybe you’ll take a trip. Maybe you’ll redecorate your home, or even try a new sport. Whatever you do, live it up this summer. It’ll be an entire year before she returns.

Photo Credit: globetraveler2

Why Yoga is Best for Mind, Body, and Spirit

<alt="yoga"/>Yoga is now a major part of Western culture. It started off as a trend, but now it’s now deeply integrated into our mainstream culture. Most cities in America have several yoga studios and it’s become a major part of millions of people’s lives.

Is yoga here to stay? We think so. People love how yoga benefits the mind, body, and spirit. If you practice yoga, you will relate to this article. For those curious about yoga, perhaps this article will persuade you to try it out.

Yoga Improves Your Mind

Because yoga involves a series of poses while in a flow-like state, you strengthen your mind as you work out your body.

Yoga benefits your mind because it teaches you how to breathe deeply and slowly. Unlike short and nervous breathing, long and controlled breaths train your brain to focus on consistent thinking. If you feel like you’re constantly distracted, a yoga session will bring attention back to your inner thoughts.

If you’ve ever been in an anxious state, you know what it’s like to feel your heart rate climb and you lose your ability to think clearly. Because yoga puts you in a state of calm and control, you become more familiar with your body’s way of coping with stress.

Yoga Benefits Your Body

Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of activity to increase your heart rate every day. A typical yoga session lasts for one hour—twice the minimum requirement for living a healthy life.

Because yoga is a flexible workout, you can receive the health benefits at your own pace. Unlike intense workouts like Crossfit or a high-impact sport, you can go about your yoga poses at your own pace.

Plus, it’s a challenge to see how much better you do each session. You may struggle with certain poses, but as you practice over time, you will eventually amaze yourself at what you can do with your body. Practicing yoga allows you to become more fit and flexible.

Yoga Benefits Your Spirit

Yoga is more than a physical and mental workout—it’s a lesson in spirituality, too. Yoga has no affiliation with religion, so you can do yoga regardless of your religious background or lifestyle. The spiritual benefits of yoga are simply universal ways you can use a yoga session to connect yourself to the world.

For example, many people remain in a state of calmness after yoga. Even if you’re not a spiritual person, you cannot help but feel closer to the Earth when you practice yoga. Yoga opens up your senses, so you can experience more of what life has to offer you.

How to Get Started With Yoga

Here are several things to keep in mind if you want to start practicing yoga:

–    DVD or face-to-face? You don’t need to visit a class to do yoga. With a DVD or online program, you can practice yoga in the comfort of your own home. It’s entirely up to you. You may want to begin on your own first so you’re familiar with the poses before a class. It’s a personal decision. There’s zero judgment in yoga, so even if you know nothing about yoga, you can still take a class and not feel unwelcome.

–    Learn the basic poses. A quick YouTube search for “basic yoga poses” will give you all you need to practice a downward facing dog, cat-cow, and warrior’s pose. This BuzzFeed list may also help.

–    Buy a mat. While yoga studios normally offer mats, you probably want to use your own. You will sweat quite a bit during your yoga sessions.

–    Dress appropriately. Wear light clothing that won’t get in the way during poses. Most retail stores carry yoga clothing now, so it’s not hard to put together an outfit that’s suitable for yoga.

–    Find a class you like. If you go a class and dislike it, don’t let it discourage you. You may just need to find an instructor who teaches in a style you prefer.

Getting started with yoga is easy. You simply show up, do your best, and feel good when you’re done. Namaste!

Photo Credit: BrittneyBush

Ask The Doctor: I’m looking for a surgeon that performs DIEP procedures.

<alt="pink roses"/>This week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

QUESTION: I was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ breast cancer and am looking for a surgeon that does DIEP, sensory nerve reconstruction, and vascular lymph node transfer. Does your team perform these procedures?

ANSWER: We have been specializing in the procedures you asked about since 2002. If you would like to have me give you my opinion about your specific situation let me know. My partner and I have performed approximately 1,200 muscle sparing breast reconstructions together. We also reconnect sensory nerves and are experienced in vascularized lymph node transfer. We do phone consults if you’re interested in discussing this more. Thank you!

James E. Craigie MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

Date Night in Charleston: Romantic Spots for Two

<alt="red rose"/>You don’t need to go to Paris to experience a city of romance. If you know where to look, Charleston has all the warmth, love, and coziness you need. Maybe the heart of Charleston beats stronger because of the city’s rich history. Or perhaps it’s the culture of the city that makes visitors welcome each other with open arms. Whatever the reason, there are many places to go, things to see, and experiences to share with your special someone in Charleston.

 

In this post, we’ll look at some popular — and some hidden — places to go to have a fun and unique date (on a related note, our top 5 restaurants and bars post may serve you well on date night).

 

You may have heard of the recommendations on this post before, but you just haven’t had the time to pursue them. Let this list below be your motivation to get out there and share a day of fun or evening of romance with someone special.

 

Cocktails By the Fireplace

 

If you like this idea of sipping your favorite drink next to your favorite person, while enjoying the warmth of a cozy fireplace, then you’ll love this recommendation. A little investigative research on Google and Yelp will uncover many cozy evening bars.

 

Want to save time searching? No problem. We found this place that we believe provides the perfect date night. It has a fireplace you can snuggle up next to, and a dimly lit setting to relax in.

 

Be sure to call in McCrady’s in advance to research your seat. They also have an online reservation tool, so you have no excuse not to plan ahead for this special place.

 

Celebrate New Milestones

 

In a relationship, new milestones can mean different things. It could mean getting married, moving in together, or eating at a new restaurant. With this upcoming recommendation, you can surprise your partner by saying you want to celebrate something BIG.

 

Chances are, they’ll look at you confused. But when you tell them you want to have drinks and enjoy the skyline and harbor views at the Market Pavilion Hotel, they’ll likely laugh at your corny joke. Laughter and good times will continue when you enjoy the charming rooftop bar and pool area while sipping a cocktail as you the two of you watch the sun go down. Plus – the Market Pavilion Hotel earned a number 1 ranking as the best small city hotel in the U.S. and Canada. What could be better? Your sweetheart will love your venue choice.

 

Walk the Path of Love

 

Take a break from the stoplights and city noise and reconnect with nature. You and you partner deserve it. Surround yourself with majestic oaks and ancient beauty at the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a place where you can tune out from the city and tune in to each other.

 

Best Dates Charleston Facebook Page

 

On this Best Dates Charleston Facebook page, you will find regular updates about things to do in Charleston. We love lesser known yet valuable links like this. Do you have any to share? Let us know in the comments below.

 

Live and Love in Charleston

Did you know Travel and Leisure magazine rated Charleston the 10th best city in the world for romance? Personally, we think it’s the #1 city, but we’ll take the 10th place IN THE WORLD. We love how the magazine says, “Every corner seems to stage a proposal-worthy scene, form the Battery with its moss-draped oaks and antebellum mansions to Waterfront Park’s picturesque Cooper River views.”

 

We completely agree with that statement – and we know you do too.

 

Photo Credit: Parvin

10 Breast Cancer Fundraising Ideas

<alt="fundraising"/>If you’re looking for a different approach to raising awareness for breast cancer, we’ve got you covered. The list of ideas below will help you get interested people to participate in a worthy and very important cause. Use these tips for yourself, or forward this list to your favorite business, colleagues, loved ones, and friends, and get them involved in the fight against breast cancer.

 

  1. Get active. You will see plenty of 5k runs and walkathons for breast cancer, but those are not the only physical activities you can participate in or host to support this cause. You can also swim, play tennis, or even golf for breast cancer. The more people who support breast cancer, the more money your community can raise for research.
  2.  Dress up. Get your office to wear pink for an entire week. Surely this will get the attention of clients, guests, and coworkers. It also gives a great chance for you to explain why’re everyone has pink clothes on, allowing you the perfect opportunity to ask for a donation. Make sure to post photos of your group on social media, in company emails, etc. to spread the word. Maybe your office isn’t onboard with this idea? Do this with a group of friends.
  3.  Check Meetup. Meetup is a website for people to form groups and participate in face-to-face activities. Check Meetup for breast cancer fundraising activities in your city, and get involved with your community.
  4.  Have a yard sale. Have a lot of stuff piling in your garage? With a yard sale, you can get rid of things you don’t need, make money, and forward all profits to a breast cancer organization of your choice. Plus, people are more likely to buy your stuff when you support a fantastic cause!
  5.  Create fliers. Fliers are great way to raise awareness. You can make thousands of them for just pennies, and you’ll reap the rewards in a big way. You can use fliers to show that your business or organization supports the fight against breast cancer, and you can promote upcoming awareness events, 5Ks, walks, and fundraisers.
  6.  Organize with your local Chamber of Commerce. Create partnerships with other local businesses and groups who support breast cancer. Doing so will broaden your message to a larger group of people. Referrals a great way to get people to donate.
  7.  Have a car wash. Get your neighborhood together and get the word out about a donation based car wash. Offer to wash cars for free and mention that you’re raising funds for breast cancer research. People will love the idea of having a clean car, and they’ll thank you for your commitment to raising awareness for breast cancer and donate to your cause.
  8.  Volunteer. You don’t have to start your own fundraising movement—there are many fundraising organizations out there who need help and lots of volunteers! This is something to keep in mind if you’re struggling to come up with an original breast cancer fundraising strategy, or you don’t have the time to create your own event.
  9.  Have a BBQ. Ask a local BBQ place to offer food at a significant discount in support of breast cancer. Tell them you will organize the event, and they just need to bring the grub! They’ll be able to support a good cause, you’ll raise money, and they now have new customers who have tasted their food. They get free marketing and PR for partnering with you at your event.
  10.  Create a trend. Surely you’ve seen the popular ice bucket challenge happening right now. The sensation has currently raised $44 million dollars for ALS! You can create a similar trend for breast cancer. If it catches on, you could be responsible for millions of dollars for breast cancer research!

The most important thing to keep in mind when starting a fundraiser is to take action. Someone has to get out there and get the ball rolling—it could be you.

 

Photo Credit: HowardLake