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Archives for September 2016

Ask the Doctor- Can you repair a previously reconstructed breast?

September 30, 2016 by

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

Question: I am trying to find a surgeon that can repair an already breast reconstructed breast that was done 5 years ago.

Answer:  Thank you for your question. The answer is yes, I frequently revise breast reconstruction that was performed elsewhere. Whether your previous surgeon is no longer available or if you would like a second opinion I would be glad to help.

My practice specializes in breast reconstruction of all types and we frequently see patients who have failed a previous attempt at breast reconstruction. If it would be convenient for you to come for a consultation let me know and someone from my office will contact you for more details. If not convenient for you to come for a consult we could talk over the phone. Let me know if I can help.

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

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

Charleston MOJA Arts Festival 2016

September 27, 2016 by

 

 

2016 marks Charleston’s 33rd year of hosting the MOJA Arts Festival. This festival was created to celebrate African-American and Caribbean art.

And if you live in the area, or are visiting The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we highly suggest that you check it out.

The festival runs from Thursday, September 29, through Sunday, October 9.

If you’re wondering where the festival gets its name, it comes from the word “Moja,” a Swahili word meaning “One.”

And it’s a perfect choice as one of the purposes of the festival is to celebrate harmony in the community.

This festival has a little something for everyone, including:

  • Visual arts
  • Classical music
  • Dance
  • Gospel
  • Jazz
  • Poetry
  • R&B music
  • Storytelling
  • Theatre
  • Children’s activities
  • Traditional crafts
  • Ethnic food

On top of all the events that take place in this festival, MOJA also has an educational outreach component in Charleston that consists of workshops in public schools and senior outreach in senior citizen homes.

Each day of the festival holds new and exciting activities, so be sure to check out the website and event calendar so you can pick a day filled with activities you will love.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite yearly event in Charleston? Comment below!

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

Ask the Doctor-How much will the insurance cover?

September 23, 2016 by

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

Question: Hi, I am 19 years old and 13 months ago I had a benign lump removed from my right breast. Since then, my right breast has increased in size significantly but my left one has not. My left breast is a full size smaller than my right breast and I’m very self-conscious about it.

I want to get a procedure done that will even them out. I’m just having a hard time finding the right doctor to do it, and I’m unsure how much the insurance will cover. If you could help me with the insurance policies and what your surgeons could do for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Answer:  Thanks for your question!

It is difficult to sort out exactly what is going on and what would need to be done based on your brief description, but we would be more than happy to see you in the office and evaluate your situation (medical and insurance).

While your insurance company may not be obligated to cover any treatment without the diagnosis of breast cancer, that does not automatically mean that they won’t.

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

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

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: HBOC Week

September 20, 2016 by

 

We’re just over a week out from the start of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we couldn’t be more excited.

All of us at The Center for Natural Breast Construction are gearing up for the many events and activities that go on to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer treatments.

One of the events we look forward to every year is HBOC Week, which is organized by Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.

This year, HBOC Week, also known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week, is being held September 25 through October 1, 2016. Previvor Day is September 28.

During this week, we recognize and celebrate those who have been affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

This includes everyone with hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers, women and men with BRCA mutations, people with a family history of cancer, breast and ovarian cancer survivors, and previvors, who carry a strong predisposition to cancer but have not developed the disease.

When you join in on the celebration during this week, you can make a difference. Here’s how you can help celebrate:

  • Join the “For Our Future” Campaign and honor all those with HBOC by raising $250 between now and the end of October.
  • Visit TeamFORCE and learn about how you can support fundraising efforts.
  • See if you qualify to participate in research.

Millions of people (possibly your sibling, your parent, or best friend) carry an inherited BRCA mutation or have a family history of cancer, but many don’t know about their risk.  The goal of HBOC Week is to change that.

Together we can raise awareness and support a great cause.

Discover more about Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and how you can get involved by visiting the website now.

Have you been involved in a previous HBOC Week?

Tell us what you loved about the event below!

Filed Under: Upcoming Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ask the Doctor- Can the fat from my abdomen be used?

September 16, 2016 by

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

Question: I have breast cancer Stage 1 grade2 in my right breast. The surgeons here want to use my latissimus dorsi muscle for reconstruction. This is unacceptable to me because I am very active and snow ski and garden etc.

I think this method runs too much of a risk to my future ability to do things I like to do. I had lipo on my lower abdomen years ago. I do have more than enough fat on my upper abdomen. Can that be used? I am not comfortable with what I have been told so far.

Answer: Thank you for your excellent question! I’m sorry you are having to go through breast reconstruction and breast cancer treatment. You make a very good point and I agree that you should not need to sacrifice your bodies important muscles in order to restore your body after having mastectomy.

In some circumstances it may be necessary but you should know that there are options that use your own natural fatty tissue without sacrificing your important muscles. You should also anticipate that you can continue to be active as before surgery. In our practice we frequently help patients who have had tummy lipo or other surgeries that make the tummy fat inadequate.

We can also use fatty tissue from the buttock or thigh area without sacrificing muscles or using silicone breast implants. Let me know if you would like more information.

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

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

Delicious Pumpkin Spice Recipes for Fall

September 13, 2016 by

 

Fall is right around the corner, and that means one thing…it’s also officially pumpkin spice season! (One of our favorite things about fall here at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.)

It’s the season many of us have been waiting for all year, and we can’t wait to indulge in our favorite pumpkin spice cookie, pie, and latte recipes!

And there is no better time than now to whip out some of our favorite delicious pumpkin spice recipes.

The best part is that many of our favorite pumpkin spice recipes actually contain pumpkin, a very healthy and nutritious food.

So healthy, in fact, that pumpkin is well known for the following health benefits:

  • Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A, a vitamin essential to keep your eyes healthy.
  • Pumpkin is packed with fiber, which is good for heart health.
  • Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, which make it an anti-inflammatory food.

That being said, please understand that eating copious amounts of pumpkin will in no way give you all the nutrients you need to live a healthy life.

However, the many health benefits that pumpkins do have surely make us feel less guilty as we consume our favorite pumpkin spice treats!

Keep reading to discover some of our favorite pumpkin spice recipes.

Whole Grain Pumpkin Spice Waffles

Ingredients:

  • 2¼ cups (200 grams) oat flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice or cloves
  • 3 large eggs
  • Scant 2/3 cup milk of choice (I used plain, unsweetened almond milk)
  • Scant ½ cup melted coconut oil or 7½ tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ cup (122 grams) packed pumpkin puree
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

#1 In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and all spice or cloves. Whisk to combine.

#2 In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add the milk, coconut oil or butter, pumpkin purée, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is thoroughly blended.

#3 Pour the liquid mixture into the oat flour mixture. Stir with a big spoon until just combined (the batter will still be a little lumpy). Let the batter rest for 10 minutes so the oat flour has time to soak up some of the moisture. Plug in your waffle iron to preheat now.

#4 Once 10 minutes is up, give the batter one more, gentle swirl with your spoon. The batter will be pretty thick, but don’t worry! Your waffles will turn out great. Pour batter onto the heated waffle iron, enough to cover the center and most of the central surface area, and close the lid.

#5 Once the waffle is deeply golden and crisp, transfer it to a cooling rack or baking sheet. Don’t stack your waffles on top of each other or they’ll lose crispness. If desired, keep your waffles warm by placing them in a 200-degree oven until you’re ready to serve. Repeat with remaining batter and serve with desired toppings on the side.

Recipe Source: http://cookieandkate.com/2014/gluten-free-pumpkin-spice-waffles/

Pumpkin Chai Latte

Ingredients:

  • Latte
  • 1 tea bag of spiced chai (or decaf spiced chai rooibos)
  • ½ cup plain, unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
  • 2 tablespoons real pumpkin purée
  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Dash nutmeg
  • Dash cloves
  • Tiny dash salt
  • ½ teaspoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch (optional, makes the latte super creamy)
  • Optional garnishes: 1 cinnamon stick or star of anise, coconut whipped cream
  • Optional coconut whipped cream
  • 1 can (14 ounces) full fat coconut milk, chilled at least 10 hours (the coconut milk MUST be full fat and MUST be refrigerated for at least 10 hours. Put a mixing bowl in the freezer to chill while you’re at it.)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

#1 In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water to a gentle boil. Remove the water from heat, add the tea bag, and let it steep for 4 minutes. Before removing the tea bag, squeeze any water remaining out by pressing the tea bag against the side of the pan with the back of a spoon.

#2 Add the almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt to the pan. Whisk in the optional arrowroot starch or cornstarch. Pour the mixture into a stand blender and blend for a minute or two, until the components are blended together and the drink is nice and creamy. (You can alternatively use an immersion blender, but I had much better results with my stand blender.)

#3 Pour the mixture back into your pan and gently rewarm on the stove, then pour it into a mug. Top with totally optional whipped coconut cream and/or garnish with totally optional cinnamon stick or star of anise.

#4 To make the coconut whipped cream: Pull out the chilled can of coconut milk and mixing bowl. Open the can of coconut milk and scoop the solid coconut cream into the chilled bowl (you can use the remaining coconut water in smoothies). Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until fluffy and smooth. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon and gently blend again to combine. Use the coconut cream immediately or cover and store in the fridge for later (it will be soft at room temperature and more firm when cold).

Recipe Source: http://cookieandkate.com/2014/homemade-pumpkin-chai-latte/

 Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Ingredients:

  • 15 ounces (1 and 1/2 cups) pumpkin
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can light coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup honey, agave, or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • Pinch of ground ginger
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

#1 Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, whisking well to break up any lumps of pumpkin.

#2 Chill in the refrigerator until cold, then whisk again.

#3 Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer, and let it soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping.

Recipe Source: http://acalculatedwhisk.com/pumpkin-spice-ice-cream-vegan-paleo/

 What is your favorite pumpkin spice recipe? Comment below!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

Ask the Doctor-Why won’t insurance pay for reconstruction?

September 9, 2016 by

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

Question: I don’t understand why insurance company doesn’t pay for reconstruction if you’ve had lumpectomy. With radiation your breasts shrink a lot and you are all out of proportion. I finally did get them to pay for prosthesis and bra.

Answer: That’s not always the case with lumpectomy. If the surgery results in a significant defect or radiation negatively impacts the tissue, most times we can submit your case to your insurance company along with photos of the affected area and they will indeed cover a reconstruction surgery for you.

We’re happy to chat with you about your specific situation and see what we can do to help you through that process.

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

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

6 Ways to Naturally Destress and Have More Fun

September 6, 2016 by

 

There’s no denying it. Life can be very stressful at times.

Between work and school, and relationships and illnesses, life can throw a lot of unexpected things our way.

And when life throws you stressful situations, it’s important to find ways to naturally destress and have more fun.

While it might take a little discipline (hey, we know how hard it can be to put yourself first!), it doesn’t take a lot of time or money to enjoy activities that will help lower your stress levels.

It can be as simple as adding more exercise into your daily routine or carving out time to spend with your dearest friends.

Keep reading to discover some of our favorite activities that help us to destress.

Take a Walk 

If you’re stressed out and enjoy exercise, there is no better way to destress than with a long walk.

The reason: When you walk, your body naturally releases endorphins that help you relax and feel good.

On top of natural endorphins being released, walking is good for your body and helps keep you healthy.

And when your body feels good, you tend to emotionally and mentally feel better as well.

Get Together with Friends

During a stressful time, it can be a great comfort to have a friend nearby. A good friend is typically also a good listener, which is important when you feel you need to get things off your chest.

A friend might also be able to give valuable insight into your situation and provide good advice.

Sometimes a friend can also be there to help you take your mind off stressful things.

Nothing beats a good night out with your best girlfriends to lighten your mood.

Have a Night Out

There’s never anything wrong with treating yourself to a night out.

Especially when times are challenging. Go to a comedy club for a few laughs, out to dinner with a group of friends, or see the movie you’ve wanted to see.

Remember that a night out doesn’t have to be super extravagant or expensive.

Perhaps your fun night out might consist of a trip to the park to enjoy the scenery or a day of window shopping. It’s up to you! Choose whatever activity makes you feel calm and relaxed.

Pamper Yourself

Nothing beats a relaxing day at the spa. And sometimes all it takes to relieve some built-up stress is a massage and a fresh manicure. For some extra fun, bring a friend!

It’s always a good time to catch up on the latest gossip while getting your nails painted.

In the Charleston area? Check out this article on the best spas in Charleston to unwind and pamper yourself.

Make a Craft

When stress builds up inside the body, it tends to create a lot of negative energy. Use that energy and put it into doing something creative, like making a craft.

This craft doesn’t have to be anything too crazy. If you’re in to knitting, make a scarf. Love to paint?

Maybe it’s time to touch up some of your furniture or create a new piece of art for your wall. Better yet, have fun by putting your energy into learning a new crafting skill.

Not only will it help you take your mind off the situation, you’ll come out of the experience with a new skill set.

Play a Game

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to add play into our daily routines.

And without any play in your day, you’re missing out on fun. And without any fun, your life is bound to get extra stressful.

Bringing out a board game to play with your friends or family is a great way to relieve stress.

Games give you an opportunity to focus your mind on something other than what’s stressing you out, and the company of others is always fun and relaxing.

Participate in a Charity Race

The best friends forever Pink Ribbon Run is a fun time for everyone who participates.

It’s one of our personal favorite events and are excited to be a sponsor this year on September 17.

This is a family friendly event and all age groups can participate. And it doesn’t matter if you’re not a runner. Walk off stress and join us in celebration by walking the race with your friends and family.

Proceeds from race registration and fundraising will benefit local breast cancer organizations.

Come join us for this worthy cause!

What is your favorite destressing activity? Comment below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: ,

Ask the Doctor-Do you accept patients that are considering removal?

September 2, 2016 by

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

Question: I wanted to know if you accept patients that are considering implant removal and reconstruction (with no history of mastectomy). If so, I’d like an idea of costs involved. Thank you!

Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes we do surgery to reconstruct and re shape the breasts after implants are removed. The cost is determined by what procedure is necessary to help restore the breast shape.

If your implants were put in for cosmetic reasons then the surgery to restore the breasts is usually cosmetic as well. If you would like to come for a consultation I could give you more specific details regarding the fees.

Alternatively if you can not come for a consult I could get more information from you about your situation. A call from.my staff for more details may be needed. Just let me know if either option is good for you.

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

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