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Archives for 2015

Ask The Doctor-What can be done with unsatisfactory reconstructive surgery results.

February 13, 2015 by

red flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I am 3 yrs s/p bilat mast, chemo and L radiation for stage 2 lobular cancer. I received good reconstructive surgery, but I am unhappy with the cold temperature of my breasts and especially with the hardness/immobility of the L breast which had radiation. Can anything be done? Thank you!

Answer: Thanks for your question. When breast reconstruction with implants doesn’t work out, or if the breast feels cold or hard, an option may be replacing the implant with your own fatty tissue. The end result with your own tissue is more natural and permanent. The downside to this approach is it requires starting over, and you need to use  your own fatty tissue. That means an incision that has to heal and a longer recovery time. We frequently take that approach for patients with implant problems. If you would like more info, please let me know.

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

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How to Be a Friend to Someone with Cancer

February 10, 2015 by

two girls, one with cancerYou’re trying to be supportive to your friend with cancer. But are you? Sometimes, even when we have the best intentions, we may hit a sour note.

The women our team sees every day have gone through tremendous challenges to overcome cancer, and are incredibly inspirational to us all. We often have the opportunity to meet their support systems—the loved ones who have been by their side throughout the journey.

There isn’t a defined guidebook about how to talk to your friend or family member battling cancer.  So we came up with a few things to keep in mind when trying to support your loved one:

Minimalizing

When a friend tells you they have cancer, you may think you’re being helpful by saying, “It could be a worse type of cancer” or “Don’t worry; everything will be fine” or “You don’t even look sick.” Although you’re trying to be helpful and positive, you don’t know how they’re feeling inside. They may be having a really bad day, and these comments may unknowingly make them feel minimized.

What to do instead: Sometimes, it’s just best to listen. If they’re willing to share their feelings, let them express how they’re feeling.

Offering to Help

Someone dealing with cancer has a TON on his or her plate. They are likely hearing a lot of “Let us know if you need anything at all.”

While intentions to help are good, remember that your loved one might have so much going on that he or she doesn’t know where to begin to ask for help. Or, they may be too embarrassed to ask for help when they need it.

How do you help? Just do it. If you’re at the grocery, give your friend a call and ask what they need or just pick up some essentials. Or if you do ask, get specific. Offer to pick up the kids from school or bring them to their after-school activities. These small generosities can help relieve a lot of stress.

Don’t Bring Up Insecurities

Women often feel their hair and breasts define their femininity. Asking questions such as “Are you going to lose your hair?” might stir up feelings unknowingly. Also, making jokes such as “I wish my insurance paid for a boob job” may not lighten the mood as much as you’d think. They’re fighting cancer. Not getting plastic surgery. 

What to do instead: This isn’t to say you can’t joke around—but maybe let your friend take the lead! And, above all, if you notice your friend is looking spectacular, be sure to mention it.

Comment on our Facebook page with more suggestions on how to be a supportive friend!

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Ask The Doctor- Do you do 3T MRI of both the abdomen and the chest before a DIEP flap?

February 6, 2015 by

This week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

orange flowerQuestion: Hello, I was wondering if you do a 3T MRI of both the abdomen and the chest before a DIEP flap? I would rather not have more radiation, because I had mantle radiation when I had Hodgkin’s 20 years ago and developed breast cancer as a result. Also have you heard of an APEX flap? Thank you for your time.

Answer: Thanks for your great question! We perform preoperative MR Angiograms with an open 3T MRI protocol on all possible patients we have who are undergoing breast reconstruction with a DIEP procedure. We do the same for any of the multiple muscle sparing natural tissue reconstruction procedures we regularly perform. We do not perform MR angiogram of the chest. That would not provide us with any useful preoperative planning information. There are quite a few people who cannot have a MRI. People who have metal knee replacements or breast expanders with metal parts are examples of reasons some of our patients cannot have an MRI. In our practice we have found CT angiograms are not as useful and avoid them if we can because of the increased radiation. As you may be aware, your history of previous mantle radiation may also increase your chances for problems with implant breast reconstruction. I agree that a DIEP may be a very good option for you. I hope I answered your question. If you would like more information please let me know.

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

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Date Ideas with an Extra Dose of Love

February 3, 2015 by

roseSo “that” day is rapidly approaching.

You know the day I’m talking about…the one with the extra high expectations and all the surrounding hoopla. Yep, that’s the one: Valentine’s Day.

All right, ladies, it’s time to drop some not-so-subtle hints to our significant others.

Sure, carnations and chocolates are nice, but it’s time for a change.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been happily married for 20 years or just “in like” with someone, you deserve a date that involves truly spending time with one another.

So it’s time to work our female super powers. Here are 5 unique date ideas that—if you spin the right way—your date may think he came up with all on his own:

1. Plan a picnic

This one is an oldie but goodie. If you’re in Charleston and it’s not too windy, nothing says romance like a basket full of food, a blanket, and a bottle of wine.

2. Make an evening of it

Drinks, dinner, and dessert are a classic for Valentine’s Day. But why not make it an event? Have a night mapped out where you go to a different restaurant for each course. It makes the date last longer and shows you put a lot of thought into the occasion. Make sure you hint that he needs to get reservations, or else you’ll be hopping around burger joints!

3. Take a cooking class

Want to get to know someone better? Need to rekindle with your loved one? An activity, like taking a cooking class together, is a fun way to let loose and connect. If you are in Charleston, we suggest Charleston cooks! Maverick Kitchen Store.

4. Go ice-skating

Ice-skating is the perfect date for the two of you to get slightly out of your comfort zone. Not to mention great practice for learning how to support one another! Make sure you check Carolina Ice Palace’s public skating times.

5. Girls’ night

Don’t think we forgot about you, single ladies! Don’t fret if your prince charming hasn’t arrived. Pedicures, wine, and chocolate with your best girlfriends are definitely on the list this Valentine’s Day.

Have other great date ideas? Please share below!

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Ask The Doctor-Is my inward nipple fixable?

January 30, 2015 by

pink flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: 12 years ago, my cancer left me with a inward nipple, and a surgeon is telling me nothing can be done. I find that in today’s medical world that can’t be true. There must be someone who can fix it or make me one. Just wondering. Thank you!

Answer: The procedure to repair a retracted nipple depends on the reason the nipple is retracted. If you have had lumpectomy and radiation and the retraction developed after scar developed, then a procedure to reconstruct the breast may be the best approach. Do you happen to have a breast implant? Other causes are less involved to fix.

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

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The Power and Science of Thinking Positive

January 27, 2015 by

we can do itDo you believe that thinking positive can actually influence an outcome, or do you believe it’s a bunch of bologna? If you believe the latter, you may want to reconsider.

Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, recently conducted studies showing how positive emotions affect the inner workings of the participants’ brains.

Her conclusion: when we are engulfed in negativity, our mind shuts down to considering other options.

What Is Positive Thinking?

According to Remez Sasson, founder of Success Consciousness, positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results. In other words, if you think positively, positive things will occur.

Both positive and negative thinking are contagious, both for the individual and those around them. Adapting this positive outlook means making a lifestyle change to rewire the way your brain looks at events.

Negative Thoughts vs. Positive Thoughts

Barbara Fredrickson’s studies explain that our minds respond differently to negative thoughts and positive thoughts. Positive thoughts lead to seeing more possibilities and opportunities in a given situation.

On the other hand, negative emotions close and narrow what you’re able to focus on. Your mind shuts down to the world around you and limits the possibilities you’re able to see.

How Does It Work?

Pretend you have an important presentation to give in front of your superiors or a potential client. This speech could go one of two ways:

Scenario 1: You work yourself up into such a nervous frenzy that your mind starts to think of all the possible mistakes and embarrassing things that could unveil during your presentation. Once you finally begin your speech, your mind is not focused, your body is shutting down from nerves, and you end up blowing your presentation. In other words, you willed yourself to fail.

Scenario 2: You’ve been preparing and practicing for this presentation all week, you know you’re going to nail it, and you keep telling yourself you’re going to do great. When it comes time to give your speech, your mind is clear, your body is calm but energized, and you hit it out of the park! In other words, your positivity and self-confidence led to your success.

Share your positivity! Tell us what you’re feeling positive about!

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Ask The Doctor-Will surgery help my scar tissue?

January 23, 2015 by

orange flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I have scar tissue in my right breast from a horse bite that occurred when I was about 11 years old. I am now 43. Each year it has caused doctors to require repeated mammograms , ultrasounds, and non MRI’s. Now they are recommending I have a biopsy or have the scar tissue removed. I was wondering about having it removed by a plastic surgeon to decrease scaring. Do you think that is possible?

Answer: Sorry you are having problems with your scar. Did you have surgery after your horse bite accident? Did the injury lead to your breasts being uneven? I think you have a very good question and its possible that a plastic surgeon could help. Because of the nature of the injury it is possible that the scar could be removed and the breast reshaped in the process to allow healing to occur in a more favorable way and create a more favorable scar. I would need more information to give you more specific answers. I would be glad to see you in consult or if that’s not convenient, have my office contact you for more specific details and possible photos. Let me know. Thank you for your question.

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

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Top 3 Ways to Bring More Balance into Your Busy Life

January 20, 2015 by

balancing scaleMaintaining work-life balance isn’t easy. And with new technology and work expectations—well, it’s even more of a challenge.

In the world of being plugged-in 24/7, it is easy to forget the importance of separating our work life and our personal life—let alone know how to juggle the two worlds.

Sound familiar? Not to worry—we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled a list of ways to help you bring more balance into your busy life (and some inspirational quotes to get you through the toughest days):

 

“Do less. Be more.”—Elizabeth Grace Saunders 

If you’re like us, you often make more work for yourself than you have to. You know how it goes: mindlessly wasting time browsing social media, chatting away on personal phone calls, and surfing the web in search of the next handbag (or cute cat video—come on, you know you do it!).

If you pay more attention to where you are spending your time, you might be able to spend more of it doing the things you enjoy.

Our tip: For one day, write down everything you do. See where you are wasting time.

“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management.”—Betsy Jacobson

Work isn’t going to set boundaries for you. You have to set them for yourself.

Scheduling your own downtime in your calendar will help keep the two worlds of work and life separate. Spending time with your friends, family, or significant other is imperative to your overall happiness. Even so, it’s hard to keep in mind when the workload gets heavy.

Our tip: Create a calendar with both your work and fun commitments. This way, you are able to see how to balance both more carefully, and it will keep you mindful of the importance of downtime.

“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”—Jim Rohn

Keep in mind that, at the end of the day, you are in charge of your own life. You make your own priorities. Sometimes, even when you’re “off the clock,” you still have a million things to do at home.

A great way to balance your week is to make a list of priorities, especially at home. Instead of feeling overwhelmed with an endless amount of chores, make a list at the beginning of the week of what needs to get done and when. Stick to the list, and enjoy taking some time to relax. Remember, without downtime, it’s easy to burn out. High stress, both at work and home, can negatively affect your health.

Our tip: On Sundays, make a list of priorities for the week of what you’d like to accomplish, and decide on the days you plan to complete each task. This way, you spread out the tasks and leave some time each day for doing something you enjoy.

Have suggestions on work-life balance? Share them on our Facebook Page! 

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Ask The Doctor-Should I have a preventative mastectomy?

January 16, 2015 by

purple flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I am 60. I have had a core bio in right breast, and my maternal aunt had breast cancer. My left breast is became two sizes bigger than right, and I have fibefib. Cystic diseases. Last year my mamo showed no cancer, but I am about a 36 c in right breast and 38c in left. It’s painful. Should I be proactive and have both removed since already in right? I have had a core bio for two lumps showed benign. Thanks

Answer: Thanks for your question. Women who are at an increased risk for breast cancer and/or who have difficult breasts to screen for breast cancer do sometimes consider preventive mastectomies. Certainly not every woman in your situation would do that. In order for you to make a decision you should discuss your specific situation with a breast surgical oncologist. They could give you more specifics about your risks. Other considerations are quality of life issues. Having to undergo frequent biopsies or repeat imaging are all reasons some of our patients tell us they have preventive mastectomies. Finally, the options for breast reconstruction available to you can make a difference to you in your decision. We can give you more specifics about those options if you like. We have all our patients discuss their risks with one of the breast oncologist and geneticists we work with. Let me know if I can help in any way.

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

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Make 2015 Your Year

January 13, 2015 by

apple with measuring tape around itOkay, dear reader, we’re taking 2015 by the horns. Sure, we may have had one too many Christmas cookies over the past month (okay, maybe the whole box), but we’re declaring that it all stops NOW!

Let’s get ourselves looking and feeling better in 2015. What do you say—you in? Really, how great would it be to be prepared for beach season before it rears its ugly head?

We’re in this with you. So let’s come up with some strategies to help us reach our goals…

Portion Control

Keeping portions to a smaller serving size can be tough, especially when restaurants provide heaping helpings. The best method to prevent overindulging: plan ahead. Before you head to a restaurant, check out their menu online and decide ahead of time what you are going to order to prevent last minute temptations.

Another tip is to ask for a box when your meal comes to the table, and immediately put half of it in a to-go box for your next meal. If you have trouble oversnacking at work, put your meals and snacks in presized containers.

Stay Hydrated

We cannot reiterate this one enough. Drinking water has been proven to help weight loss efforts. Set consumption goals to remind yourself to keep the aqua coming. Drink 2 cups of water before each meal to fill you up, or drink out of a 2-liter bottle to help you keep track! In addition, drinking tea also helps you consume H2O with some added health benefits.

Rid Your Body of Sugar

One of the best things you can do for your health is reducing or avoiding sugar. Your body does not need sugar in the form we typically eat it.

Yes, your body uses glucose, but any carbohydrate you eat is broken down to glucose, so vegetables and grains give you everything you need. Simple carbs like candy, cola, and fruit juice are unnecessary and cause weight gain, sluggishness, and many other problems in the body.

Eliminating sugar from your diet will help you sleep better, feel more energized, experience happier moods, and flaunt better skin and hair—the only thing to lose are the pounds!

Talk to a Professional

It’s okay to ask for help! Take your concerns to a dietitian, who has the medical background to help you make the most successful plan for your overall wellness. Working with a professional will help you learn why you should and shouldn’t eat certain food. It also helps to have someone to check in with about your weight loss.

Do you have any weight loss success stories? We want to hear how you did it! Comment below:

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