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Ask the Doctor-Do you think I’m a candidate?

October 21, 2016 by

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

Question: Hi, I have widespread DCIS in one breast. I am very interested in reconstruction using my own tissue. I had a lumpectomy but all of the DCIS was not removed. Not all margins were clear. I live in Columbia and if I’m a candidate, I would love to know recovery time as I work full time.

I just have so many questions as I was not expecting to hear I needed a mastectomy. I’m 52 and am probably a B cup at best. I’m not looking to go bigger, etc. I just want to do the best thing to feel normal. I also am considering double mastectomy.

Judy K. told me all about you and has given me so much information on reconstruction. I would love to see if I’m a candidate. I do have a clotting disorder called the prothrombin gene mutation so am usually on Lovenox for a few days after any surgery.

Answer:  We would be more than happy to see you and discuss your options.

Reconstruction is not just one operation, but a process, with the first stage (flap transfer) being by far the largest. The first stage usually requires 4 days in the hospital, and another 2-3 days in town. There isn’t any “magic point” when you are fully healed, but we usually say 6-8 weeks is necessary for recovery. Any subsequent stages typically require only one night in the hospital (at most), and you can leave town the next day.

We ordinarily keep patients on Lovenox for at least a full week after surgery. If you have a clotting disorder, we may extend that, based upon your hematologist’s recommendations.

If you would like to see an experienced breast oncologic surgeon also at the time of your visit, we can easily arrange that.

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: , , , , ,

Quick and Easy Soup Recipes

October 18, 2016 by

As the brisk fall air sets in, there’s nothing better than a hot and delicious bowl of soup for lunch or dinner.

Many soup recipes are quick, easy to make, and can be made ahead in batches for a later date. A standard pot of soup makes enough to easily feed a family and then some. And leftover soup makes a wonderful, easy meal to eat the rest of your week.

Not only is soup relatively easy to make, but it’s also versatile. You can please a lot of different palates the with countless soup recipes that are available to choose from.

And last but not least, soups are also relatively healthy. They are often filled with nutrient-rich veggies and lean meats, like chicken, that are good for the body.

The next time you go to whip up a pot of soup, we hope you’ll try one of our favorite quick and easy soup recipes.

Give these recipes a try…

Vegetable Soup

You can’t go wrong with a classic like vegetable soup. It’s hardy, delicious, and packed with nutritious veggies.

Many people, however, are intimidated to make a pot from scratch because of all the ingredients and prep work that needs to be done.

Luckily for you, we’ve discovered a delicious recipe that is easy to prepare and only takes 30 minutes to cook! Check it out…

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbs. olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 14.5 oz. cans low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbs. fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • kosher salt
  • 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 pound green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli
  • freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 baguette, sliced and toasted (optional)

Directions:

#1 Heat oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes.

#2 Add the broth, 1 cup water, potatoes, thyme, and ½ teaspoon salt. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.

#3 Reduce heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, 15 minutes.

#4 Add the tomatoes, beans, and broccoli. Cook 5 to 10 minutes more or until all the vegetables are tender.

#5 Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve with toasted baguette slices (if desired).

Recipe Source: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/vegetable-soup

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is another staple crowd pleaser. And it’s a great recipe to have on hand as we make our way into cold and flu season.

This following recipe is great because it only requires a handful of easy to find ingredients and only takes 30 minutes to cook.

Here’s the recipe…

Ingredients:

  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

#1 Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add the carrots, onion, garlic and celery salt.

#2 Reduce heat to low and add the chicken breast. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

#3 Carefully remove the chicken breast, cut it into chunks and return it to the pot. Stir in the cilantro OR dill to taste.

Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/17881/quick-chicken-soup/

 Gazpacho Soup

For those of you that live in the south like we do, it’s always nice to have a cold soup alternative for those 80-degree winter days.

This healthy recipe for gazpacho soup is packed with veggies and delicious herbs. It makes a great meal that you can simply pull out of the fridge and serve.

Check out the recipe…

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz. hearty bread, crusts removed, torn into 1- to 2-inch chunks
  • 3 pounds (about 4 large) very ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 pound (about 1 small) cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
  • 1/3 pound (about 1 small) small red onion, peeled and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
  • 1/3 pound (about 1 medium) green or red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh oregano leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbs. sherry vinegar, plus more to taste
  • Chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or oregano for serving

Directions:

#1 Place bread in bottom of a large bowl. Add half of the tomatoes in an even layer on top and season generously with salt and pepper. Add cucumbers, onion, peppers, and garlic. Sprinkle with oregano and season generously with salt and pepper. Add remaining tomatoes and sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Drizzle oil and vinegar over the top. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

#2 Toss all ingredients with a wooden spoon or by hand until they are evenly incorporated. Transfer half of the contents, including liquid at bottom of bowl, to the jar of a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Press mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Repeat with remaining soup (you may need to work in more batches). Season soup with more salt, pepper, and vinegar as desired.

#3 Serve immediately, garnished with chopped herbs and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, or chill for up to three days before serving.

Recipe Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/09/easy-gazpacho-recipe.html

What your favorite soup recipe? Share it in the comments below!

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

Ask the Doctor- Are There Reconstructions that Do Not Require Using Muscles

October 14, 2016 by

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

Question: I had a mastectomy in 2009 along with chemotherapy and radiation. I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon in New Brunswick Canada and she gave me the options for reconstruction. At that time, I couldn’t have implants because of the radiation I had.

The only option left, as I remember, was to take a muscle from my back along with fat from my stomach and recreate a breast. I didn’t choose that option because I was scared of removing a muscle from my back and putting it elsewhere.

As I can see in the description of your website, there seems to be surgeries that do not require muscles. Am I right? May I have more information please? I can’t go to your clinic because it is far away but I would like to do more research on this. Thank you very much!

Answer:  Thank you for your question. I agree that your options for reconstruction could be limited in some ways due to your radiation. Implants and radiation are more prone to problems and the results are less likely to be good or permanent. Using your own natural tissue would likely be a better option. Actually your own fatty tissue would be best. Sacrificing important muscles should also NOT be necessary. The fatty tissue from the lower tummy is the most commonly used donor tissue.

If someone doesn’t have enough tummy fatty tissue then we can use fatty tissue from other areas as an alternative. You should ask your surgeons about using your own fat without sacrificing your muscles. The procedure name is DIEP. The DIEP is a procedure using the tummy tissue but not the tummy muscles. Another approach that utilizes the buttock fat without sacrificing the muscle is called the sGAP. That would be the best place to start looking in to the subject. Let me know if you have more questions.

Question:  Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my email!

I appreciate the options you are giving me without sacrificing the muscles of my body. I wasn’t so thrilled about that kind of surgery. As I read your website, I understand that you do that surgery. Do you see good long-term results with DIEP or sGAP?

Answer: Yes. When using your own fatty tissue the long-term results are typically the most natural of all the options. When the process is successfully completed the fatty tissue is living tissue that never deteriorates. In other words the results should be permanent. Implant techniques tend to deteriorate over time due to the fact that the implant is not living tissue. Implants can leak, move out of position or need to be removed secondary to infections.

Also the body can reject them because they are a foreign body. Long term results from techniques that remove or sacrifice important muscles can have long term problems associated with removing the muscle. Furthermore the breast is not made of muscle so muscle should not be needed to make a new natural breast after mastectomy. Every situation is different and perfect results are not guaranteed with any approach. No one technique is best for every individual.

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: , , , , ,

Finding a Cure for Breast Cancer: How You Can Help

October 11, 2016 by
Photo Source: http://www.komenminnesota.org/Komen_Race_for_the_Cure_/Photo_Gallery.htm

Photo Source: http://www.komenminnesota.org/Komen_Race_for_the_Cure_/Photo_Gallery.htm

 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing, and we are continuing our recognition at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

We hope you are, too!

There are many reasons we have an awareness month for breast cancer.

This month is a great time to celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those who lost their battle, and come together as a community to support those who are currently fighting this awful disease.

Part of the celebration is also to hold events that help fund research to find a cure for breast cancer.

We are so grateful to the doctors and scientists who spend countless hours researching and studying for this cause.

But medical professionals and science experts aren’t the only ones who can help.

You can help find a cure for breast cancer, too!

Keep reading to see how you can contribute during National Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

Participate in Fundraising Events for Cancer

When you participate in fundraising events, you’re helping to raise money that’s used for cancer research, new medical treatments, and to help families that are in need while battling cancer.

And if that wasn’t a good enough reason to participate, fundraising events are also fun!

From races like Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure to golf outings like Swing for the Cure, there are fundraising events for everyone to enjoy.

And the best part? They are family friendly.

Get your girlfriends and family together and form a fundraising team. Check out a few more of our favorite fundraising events here.

Volunteer Your Skills for Cancer Research

If you have a medical or science background, you might be able to donate your research skills and medical expertise to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Talk to your local hospital about different opportunities for research available.

Because it’s medical research, you’re going to have to go through some testing to participate in various research programs. But if you pass the testing, doctors and scientists will be grateful to have you on board as a volunteer.

Support Someone with Cancer

If you’re unable to support finding a cure to cancer through attending fundraising events or donating your skills as a medical professional, don’t worry.

One of the best things you can do is support someone who is battling breast cancer.

If you know a family member or friend who has cancer, ask her what you can do to help. Preparing a few meals, picking up carpool duty, or cleaning her home can make a huge difference for someone with cancer.

Even something as small as a handmade card or a phone call can lift up a friend or family member who isn’t feeling well.

Don’t know anyone with cancer? That’s ok.

There are many volunteer opportunities through hospitals to help with cancer patients. Sometimes the best gift you can give is volunteer to visit with someone for an hour.

And who knows, you might even make a new friend along the way.

Reach out to your local hospital and see what you can do to help!

Are you doing anything to help find a cure for cancer?

Please comment on our Facebook page!

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

Ask the Doctor-Are there surgeries that don’t require muscles?

October 7, 2016 by

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

Question: Hi! I had a mastectomy in 2009 along with chemotherapy and radiation. I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon in New Brunswick Canada and she gave me the options for reconstruction. At that time, I couldn’t have implants because of the radiation I had. The only option left, as I remember, was to take a muscle from my back along with fat from my stomach and recreate a breast.

I didn’t choose that option because I was scared of removing a muscle from my back and putting it elsewhere. As I can see in the description of your website, there seems to be surgeries that do not require muscles. Am I right? May I have more information please? I can’t go to your clinic because it is far away but I would like to do more research on this. Thank you very much! 

Answer:  Thank you for your question. I agree that your options for reconstruction could be limited in some ways due to your radiation. Implants and radiation are more prone to problems and the results are less likely to be good or permanent. Using your own natural tissue would likely be a better option. Actually your own fatty tissue would be best.

Sacrificing important muscles should also NOT be necessary. The fatty tissue from the lower tummy is the most commonly used donor tissue. If someone doesn’t have enough tummy fatty tissue then we can use fatty tissue from other areas as an alternative. You should ask your surgeons about using your own fat without sacrificing your muscles.

The procedure name is DIEP. The DIEP is a procedure using the tummy tissue but not the tummy muscles. Another approach that utilizes the buttock fat without sacrificing the muscle is called the sGAP. That would be the best place to start looking in to the subject. Let me know if you have more questions.

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: , , , , ,

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Show Your Support

October 4, 2016 by

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction would like you to remember that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

During this month, we remember those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, support those who are battling it, celebrate those who have won their cancer battle, and do as much breast cancer awareness promotion as we can to raise funds for new research and treatments.

And we’ve certainly come a long way!

So far, in fact, that the American Cancer Society said we have approximately 2.8 million breast cancer survivors to date, thanks to new research, medical treatments, and detection technology.

Now that’s something to celebrate!

One of the ways we want to celebrate this month is by sharing one of our favorite awareness campaigns happening October 19—The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign.

What Is It?

Sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign is designed to make women aware of their breast reconstruction options.

While breast reconstruction following a mastectomy or lumpectomy is not for everyone, every woman should be informed of the options to which she is legally entitled.

This campaign aims both to educate women about their options and to provide women with the funds needed if they cannot afford breast reconstruction procedures.

How Can You Help?

The Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign is supported by charitable donations. Donations of any size are always appreciated.

If you’d rather participate than provide monetary support, individuals and groups are encouraged to start a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day event in your area.

There is no fee to participate, and ASPS offers a free Starter Guide to help plan the activities.

Another way to show your support is to become an affiliate.

Affiliates hosting a fundraising event receive a free Marketing and PR toolkit to assist in advertising. They also share their events with ASPS and all events are posted to the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day events page and all social media platforms.

Visit the site now to see how you can get involved.

Why We Love This Event

We believe every woman—whether she’s had cancer or not−deserves to feel confident and beautiful.

Thanks to this yearly event, women who are uninsured or under-insured have access to safe and timely breast reconstructive services.

And that means women have the opportunity to get the help they need to feel beautiful and confident after a battle with breast cancer.

Do you have a favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Month event?

Share it with us below!

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

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: , , , , ,
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