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Archives for 2016

Ask the Doctor-Will reconstruction help my self-esteem?

November 25, 2016 by

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

Question: After having surgery, radiation treatment left my breast very small so I want to know if I may be a candidate for a procedure to rebuild my self-esteem. I had a complete mastectomy after the radiation on the right breast.

Answer: Yes there is definitely a chance that you could have your breasts reconstructed. After radiation I would usually recommend options that use your body’s own natural tissues because after radiation implant options are higher risk for problems. If you still have your left breast but it has developed shape problems because of surgery and radiation then there are options that can help. It may be best to rebuild both breasts at the same time to achieve better symmetry.

After radiation we usually wait a period of time (approx. 3 months) before performing reconstruction. Any time after that is usually ok. For more specific information I would require more of the details of your situation, medical history and prior surgery history. Thanks for your question. I hope this helps. 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!

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The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction Gives Thanks

November 22, 2016 by

In a few short days, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving—a time of year in which many of us stop and reflect on everything we have to be grateful for.

This year we made sure to stop and think about the many things we are grateful for at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

We’d love to share with you a few of the things we are thankful for. Check it out!

We are thankful for…

  • The opportunity to work with so many strong and courageous women who have battled breast cancer. You are an inspiration.
  • Our team of highly skilled staff and medical professionals that provide such amazing care to all of our patients.
  • The incredible breast cancer fundraising events, like the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure, that raise money for new cancer research and treatment options.
  • The friends and family that stand by our side no matter what challenges we are facing.
  • All of the technology and medical advances that help keep women healthy and thriving.
  • Our pets, for those of us that have them, that are always available for a stress-relieving and calming cuddle on the couch.
  • The fall weather and the beauty that comes with this season.
  • All of the amazing success stories that we get to hear from our patients. It is a joy to celebrate you and your health!

We could go on for days about the many things we are grateful for all year round!

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction wishes you a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. And we hope you’ll take some time this week to think about everything you are thankful for.

We’d love to hear what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Comment below!

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

Ask the Doctor-Would reconstruction be successful for me?

November 18, 2016 by

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

Question: I had implants put in 33 years ago, got breast cancer, had a lumpectomy, radiation, and got rock hard implants as a result. I just recently decided to have the implants removed and a great deal of scar tissue. They put in expanders that caused me to get an infection. I had to almost beg them to believe me as the pain was horrific. I had a 2nd doctor remove the expanders. I now have a very deformed left breast and a severely drooping right breast. I contacted the doctor who put my implants in years ago. He is no longer in the area, but told me about this procedure.

I guess my question is if this procedure would be successful for me? I do not like the way I look, and it is painful as well. I am a teacher, and would need to know the time frame this would entail. It has been a horrible summer with this ordeal. I almost wish I left the rock-hard implants in. Please let me know what you think. I am very much interested in hearing your thoughts. 

Answer: Thank you very much for your question. I’m sorry you have had so much difficulty. Your situation is unfortunately quite common, but the good news is that natural breast reconstruction with you own tissue can often help dramatically. Fortunately, a history of radiation (&/or multiple failed attempts at implant reconstruction) does not at all decrease the success rate of subsequent reconstruction using only your own tissue. We have successfully reconstructed hundreds of women in your situation.

Our first choice for a donor area, if you have some extra tummy tissue, is the DIEP flap. If you do not have adequate tummy tissue, the buttocks (sGAP flap) is also often an excellent donor area.

It is important to realize that natural tissue reconstruction is not just an operation, but a process. The first operation, the microsurgical transfer of the flaps, is by far the largest. It usually takes 6-8 hours, requires a 4 day hospital stay, and a total stay in Charleston of about a week. Recovery takes approximately 6-8 weeks.

After you have healed fully from the first surgery (usually 6 months if you have been radiated), 1-2 additional surgeries are required to achieve optimum results. These are much less involved, ordinarily requiring only one night in the hospital, and you can usually go back home as soon as you are discharged.

While the process can be lengthy, once you are done, you are REALLY done. Most women reconstructed with their own tissue come to regard their reconstructed breasts as their own, and are finally able to put the issue of breast cancer behind them.

I would be happy to call and discuss your situation in more detail, if you wish, and thanks again for your question.

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’s Holiday Festival of Lights 2016

November 15, 2016 by

 

Every year Charleston lights up the town with millions of multicolored lights during the Holiday Festival of Lights.

This sparkling event is something we look forward to each and every year at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, and we highly recommended adding it to your calendar this holiday season.

There are many ways you can enjoy this fun and festive event. If the weather is cold, or if you’re juggling small children, we suggest taking the driving tour. The tour is 3 miles long and takes you through over 700 light displays.

If you want to really get into the holiday spirit, we recommended parking your car and participating in the festival’s family-friendly activities, shopping, food, entertainment, and more!

Here’s a sneak peak of some of the things you can enjoy at the festival:

  • Magnificent sculpture made from over 50 tons of sand
  • An up-close look at the lights via the holiday train
  • Mouth-watering treats from Santa’s Sweet Shoppe
  • Giant greeting cards created by local students
  • Riding the beautiful Victorian carousel

The Holiday Festival of Lights takes place at James Island County Park, located at 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412. And no need to worry about the weather. It’s open from November 11 to January 1 rain or shine.

Ready to enjoy a trip through the lights? Here’s everything else you need to know to plan your trip!

Festival Hours

  • Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.

 Admission

  • 1-15 guests: $20 per vehicle, $15 per vehicle Monday-Thursday with donation*
  • 16-30 guests: $40 Monday-Thursday, $50 Friday-Sunday
  • 31+ guests: $100 Monday-Thursday, $150 Friday-Sunday

 *Donations

Monday – Thursday, get into the festival for only $15 per vehicle (1-15 guests) with the donation of a canned food item or dog/cat food to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

 What’s your favorite holiday activity in Charleston? Comment below!

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

Ask the Doctor-Can you help with my implants?

November 11, 2016 by

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

Question:  I had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction in 2007. I recently had my implants replaced due to a capsular contracture on the left side. I now have 495CC contour implants. I love the right side but not much the left. Is there anything that can be done to help?

Answer: There is possibly something that can be done to improve your situation, but it is difficult to say for sure without knowing a little more about what is going on. Some possible things which could make your reconstruction unacceptable include recurrent contracture, inadequate soft tissue cover, or the implant shifting from the proper position.

Additionally, if you are radiated on that side, it can be very difficult to get an acceptable result. We would be happy to call and discuss your situation further, if you wish.

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: , , , , ,

Healthy Recipes for Thanksgiving Side Dishes

November 8, 2016 by

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away, and now is the perfect time to start planning your menu.

A few of our favorite Thanksgiving menu items include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Delish!

Chances are these items are probably already on your dinner menu.

But Thanksgiving is all about food. The more, the better! Se we thought we’d share a few of our other favorite healthy recipes for side dishes with you this year.

Check out our suggestions for new and healthy Thanksgiving side dish recipes you can bring to the table this year.

Lemon-Dill Green Beans Recipe

It’s not uncommon to see a dish of green beans at Thanksgiving. But you might want to try jazzing up your green beans this year with this lemon-dill recipe.

This side dish tastes fresh, provides everyone with a serving of vegetables, and, most important, is easy to make. Check it out.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs. lemon juice (from a fresh lemon)
  • 1 tsp. whole-grain mustard
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ¼ pepper
  • 1 lb. green beans
  • 4 tsp. chopped dill
  • 1 tbs. minced shallot
  • 1 tbs. olive oil

Directions

#1 Bring an inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add green beans, cover and cook until tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.

#2 Meanwhile, whisk dill, shallot, oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the green beans and toss to coat. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving to blend flavors.

Recipe Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252642/lemon-dill-green-beans/

Barley & Wild Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe

Mix it up this year by bringing a rice dish to the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Barley is a whole grain that is an important source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and, which are not found in refined or “enriched” grains. And the pomegranate seeds in this dish are a superfood that adds a great source of antioxidants in this dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds, (1 large fruit)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

#1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened. Add wild rice and barley; stir for a few seconds. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the wild rice and barley are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes.

#2 Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.

#3 Add pomegranate seeds, lemon zest, parsley and the toasted pine nuts to the pilaf; fluff with a fork. Serve hot.

Recipe Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/248741/barley-wild-rice-pilaf-with-pomegranate-seeds/

Massaged Kale Salad Recipe

With a lot of heavy, carb-loaded foods around the table, it’s sometimes refreshing to enjoy a fresh salad.

The main ingredient in this salad is kale. Kale is high in iron, loaded with antioxidants, and a natural anti-inflammatory.

Add a little cheese and some dressing, and this side dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches kale
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbs. reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 minced anchovy fillet or 1/2 tsp. anchovy paste (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions

#1 Strip kale leaves from the stems and then wash and dry the leaves.

#2 Tear the leaves into small pieces and place in a large bowl.

#3 Add Parmesan, oil, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, anchovy (if using), pepper and salt. With clean hands, firmly massage and crush the greens to work in the flavoring. Stop when the volume of greens is reduced by about half. The greens should look a little darker and somewhat shiny.

#4 Taste and adjust seasoning with more Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce and/or pepper, if desired.

Recipe Source: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252167/massaged-kale-salad/

Pan Seared Brussels Sprouts Recipe

 Skip bringing the cold veggie tray this year and try your hand at making some delicious ban seared Brussel sprouts instead. This fantastic recipe comes from our friends at Positive Health Wellness.

This veggie is packed with numerous nutrients including vitamin B6, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, potassium, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids.

And the best part is that you don’t have to be a professional chef to make them. Give this quick, easy, and savory recipe a try.

Ingredients

  • ½ pound of Brussels sprouts halved with stems removed.
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
  • 1 ½ tbs. grass-fed butter (or sub vegan butter)
  • 1 tbs. of extra virgin olive oil

Directions

#1 Melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with the oil in a skillet over medium heat.

#2 Cook and stir garlic until fragrant. Transfer garlic to a small bowl.

#3 Reduce heat to low and place the sprouts on the skillet, cut sides down. Sprinkle salt to taste.

#4 Cook sprouts without turning for about 15 minutes or until they’re slightly browned. Once cooked, transfer to a plate with brown sides up.

#5 Add garlic and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook over medium heat, about 1 minute.

#6 Drizzle the mixture over your sprouts and sprinkle with ground black pepper to taste.

Recipe Source: https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/recipes/12-super-addictive-brussells-sprout-recipes-home/

Do you have a favorite side dish recipe? Share it with us below!

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

Ask the Doctor- What is the approximate cost and time for this procedure?

November 4, 2016 by

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

Question:  What is the approximate cost and time for this procedure?

Answer: Thanks for your question. I’m sorry I can’t be too specific because there are quite a few variables to consider. Breast reconstruction is covered by insurance and the total cost depends on hospital and doctor charges.

When someone pays out of pocket we get quotes from the hospital based on what surgery is being done. The same thing is true regarding the surgery time. The average for one breast approximately 3-5 hours. The hospital stay is 4 days.

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

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Prevention-Palooza Charleston 2016

November 1, 2016 by

Prevention-Palooza is one of our favorite fall events here in Charleston.

This is the 3rd annual event hosted by the Dragon Boat Club, and it takes place on Saturday, November 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Arthur W. Christopher Center in downtown Charleston.

Prevention-Palooza is a FREE event held in partnership with Roper Hospital. Be sure to bring all of your friends and family to participate.

During this event, you will have access to health screenings, nutrition, and fitness vendors, and a fabulous keynote speaker.

You will also receive breakfast courtesy of the Dragon Boat Club. (Who can say no to a complimentary breakfast!?!)

The hope is that through education and access to medical screening, people can learn to take preventative health care measures to detect disease and illness, like breast cancer, fast.

We truly hope you’ll join us for a motivating and inspiring day of food and fitness!

Visit the Dragon Boat Charleston website or email melabriola@gmail.com to RSVP.

What’s your favorite part of Prevention-Palooza? Comment below.

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

Ask the Doctor- Can I have implants removed and reconstruction done?

October 28, 2016 by

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

Question: I currently have breast implants that were done about 9 years ago following a double mastectomy. I want to have the implants removed and redone with my own tissue. I do not know if my insurance will cover this procedure and I need to have a bloodless surgery. My current plastic surgeon recommended that I get someone who specializes in this type of surgery since there aren’t any in our area that do it often enough for him to recommend.

My surgeon also suspected that one of the implants has ruptured and I didn’t know if I should go ahead and have my MRI done here or if I should wait to have it done as part of the surgery that you would perform. I just wanted to avoid duplicating necessary lab and xray work.

Answer:  Hi, thank you for your question. It is our mission to help women restore their bodies after mastectomy. We named our practice the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction because we specialize in using your own natural tissue. We replace problem implants frequently with fatty tissue (DIEP, sGAP, fat grafting etc…). What do you mean by bloodless surgery? It is very rare for our patients to require blood replacement.

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

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Cancer Support Programs for People Battling Cancer

October 25, 2016 by

 

As we’re quickly approaching the end of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction want to express our gratitude for the many ways people brought awareness to breast cancer this month.

Just because National Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends soon doesn’t mean we should stop raising awareness and helping those that are currently facing cancer.

That’s why we’d like to share a few of our favorite cancer support programs.

All of these programs are designed to assist individual people and families that are battling cancer of any kind.

Thanks to the fundraisers and events that go on during this month (as well as other cancer awareness months), these organizations can provide ongoing support to those in need.

If you have cancer, or know someone who does, we encourage you to check out and share these programs.

Road To Recovery

The Road To Recovery program was created to give cancer patients access to transportation to and from treatment for people with cancer who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

This program is made up of volunteers that generously donate their time to help those in need.

Find out more about the program here.

Reach To Recovery® Program

Finding out you have cancer can be overwhelming. Especially when you don’t have a solid network of friends and family to support you.

The Reach to Recovery® Program is made up of volunteer breast cancer survivors who give patients and/or family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who has been there.

Find out more about the program here.

Hope Lodge

Facing cancer is hard enough without having to travel across the country for treatments. Yet, many cancer patients have to travel numerous times to get access to the treatments they need.

Each Hope Lodge location offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay during treatment in a city they have to travel to. Not having to worry about where to stay or how to pay for lodging allows guests to focus on getting well.

Find out more about the program here.

Cancer Support Community

Having a support system outside of your friends and family is important when battling cancer. Especially when you can find a support group of people who have had the same cancer battle you are currently going though.

The cancer support community will get you hooked up with all of the resources, contacts, and support groups you need to make sure you are supported as you battle cancer.

Find out more about the program here.

Do you have a favorite cancer support program?

Let us know in the comments below!

Filed Under: Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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