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Ask the Doctor- Can you provide relief for my discomfort?

January 13, 2017 by

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

Question: Due to a family history of breast cancer I had a bi-lateral subcutaneous mastectomy with saline implants, all in one surgery. The result was not good. My chest muscles did not stretch/relax, the implants did not drop. Not only are they misshaped they are painful, in that my chest feels tight. My surgeon went into my arm pits and cut the muscles in several places to relieve some of the restriction. There was no relief.

I have indentions in my breasts from that procedure. Using my arms, lifting, vacuuming, etc. is sure to produce more discomfort. I have gained some weight, and wonder if I could use my own fat, including implants to relieve this discomfort and regain some measure of self confidence. In thinking back, I have missed so many things because of the discomfort as well as feeling like a freak, I have absolutely been depressed.

I was widowed in my 30’s,and had this surgery shortly after my husband suddenly died from a MI. I had two young children to take care of and had this surgery as a prevention. My result was so poor…I have never accepted a date. Your opinion will be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer:  Thank you for your question. I’m sorry you are having problems with your breast reconstruction. Specifically regarding your question there are possible options that could help. It is possible that using your own fat and moving your implant from below the chest muscle to above the chest muscle could help improve your result.

One drawback to implants over time is that your body can develop more scar as time goes by. This scar can make the new breasts hard and cause tightness. Some people will not do well with implants because they make more scar than normal. In that case it may be better to rebuild both breasts without implants.  This procedure is more complex but includes removing the implants repairing the chest muscle and rebuilding the new breast with fatty tissue from another part of the body that has extra fat.

I cannot tell you what option is best for you without more specifics about your medical history and previous surgeries. If you would like more information let me know my staff would need to contact you for the details.

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: , , , , ,

5 Classic Books You Should Read This Year

January 10, 2017 by

As the new year begins, most of us make lists of things we’d like to do differently this year.

For you, it may be going to the gym, eating healthier, or volunteering more often. Or maybe you want to travel more, finally sign up for yoga, or not work weekends. While these are all wonderful goals, we suggest you also add exercising your brain to the list.

Instead of sitting in front of the TV this year, we encourage you to pick up a book. What better way to exercise your brain than to sit down and read a few classics.

To make it easy for you to get started, below are our top 5 recommendations.

Book #1 – Great Expectations

Great Expectations is Charles Dickens’ 1861 classic novel about an orphan named Pip and his journey from poor orphan to power and wealth, the friends he gains and loses, and his eventual humbling.

The stories and lessons you’ll learn in this book will last you a lifetime.

Book #2 – Treasure Island

Treasure Island was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1883.

This book tells the story of Jim Hawkins, a boy living with his parents at their inn, whose life is changed when he encounters a sunburned sailor singing, “Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!” at his family’s establishment.

If you like stories about adventure, pirates, treasure, and sailing the Seven Seas, this book is certainly for you.

Book #3 – Little Women

Little Women is Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 “coming of age” novel set during the American Civil War and follows the lives of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

If you’re a bold, fierce, and courageous woman, you will get a kick out of everything these girls, and their mother, Marmee, encounter throughout this heartwarming book.

Book #4 –  The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925.

This novel takes place in the midst of the glitz and glam of the Roaring Twenties and is narrated by a character named Nick Carraway—Gatsby’s neighbor. Nick tells the story of the many incidents that take place in the home of the rich and famous Mr. Gatsby.

If you love history, this book will easily transport you back into the early 1920s and give you a firsthand look at all crazy things that went on during parties and other social events that were hosted by the wealthy upper class.

Book #5 – Gone with the Wind

Gone with the Wind, written by Margaret Mitchell in 1936, is by far one of the more classic pieces of literature around. Chances are you’ve seen the movie. If you haven’t read the book, it’s a must!

This book details the life of Scarlett O’Hara, a wealthy Southern belle, who lives on a large plantation in Georgia. The plot twists when Scarlett’s family loses all of their wealth, and she is forced to make a decision between marrying for love or for wealth.

This book contains a little bit of everything and includes storylines rich in history, romance, and life lessons.

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

Ask the Doctor- Is it possible to have expanders then radiation?

January 6, 2017 by

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

Question:  I had a double mastectomy May 24, 2016. My treatment was 5 rounds of chemo and I have completed 9 of 30 radiation treatments. My radiation oncologist had told me that reconstruction can’t be done until 1 year post radiation. I was to start reconstruction at the time of mastectomy but due to 1 positive node that was not done. That was devastating to wake up to that news. I wanted to know if that is true since I have read that a lot of women get expanders and then have radiation. I want reconstructed as soon as it is possible. Any information would be appreciated.

Answer:  I’m sorry things have thus far not worked out ideally, but there is still an excellent chance you can have a satisfactory reconstruction.

Expanders are often put in at the time of mastectomy, whether or not radiation is anticipated, with the goal being to complete expansion before the initiation of radiation. After you are radiated, expansion becomes much more difficult, so much so that many surgeons (including us) will not even attempt it.

The good news is, radiation does not in any way impact our ability to do reconstruction with your own tissue (typically with DIEP flaps, sometimes with sGAP or other flaps). While most surgeons wait for 6 months after the completion of radiation to do flap reconstruction, it can sometime be done successfully as early as one month, depending on how healing is progressing.

I would be happy to call and discuss your situation in more detail if you wish, and thank you very much 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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Fun Winter Activity Ideas

January 3, 2017 by

When you think of winter, you may think of cold weather, snow, and hibernating until the temperatures get warm again. We don’t blame you—especially if you live in a region where temperatures often fall below freezing and stay there until spring.

If you’re cooped up in your home, you tend to miss out on some of the most fun activities winter has to offer.

This year, we challenge you to brave the cooler temperatures and have some fun—whether it be with your girlfriends or with the entire family.

From Minnesota to Florida, fun seasonal activities can be found everywhere. So, strap on your snow boots or slip on some flip-flops, and try out a few of our favorite winter activity ideas.

Ice Skate

Ice skating is an activity that can be done anywhere with a skating rink. If you live in a warm climate, find an indoor skating rink near you.

Chances are you have a community rink used for hockey or figure skating. If not, keep your eye out. Often, during the winter months, many communities set up skating rinks for everyone to enjoy.

If you live in a colder environment, you might be able to find an outdoor rink to enjoy—either natural or man-made.

Note: If you choose to use a natural ice rink and skate on a frozen pond or lake, be sure to test the ice to ensure it’s solid enough to skate on. Always skate with friends nearby in case of an emergency.

Ski

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities. The only downside is that you must live in an area that has snow.

This is no problem for the northern half of the country. Places like Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, and Colorado are filled with ski hills you can try out.

If you live in a warmer climate without snow and are able to take a vacation this winter, consider visiting a ski resort for a ski trip, and give it a try.

For those that have never skied before, we suggest you take a few lessons before you hit the slopes. All ski resorts have ski instructors that will gladly teach you how to make it down a snowy mountain safely.

Host a Movie and Hot Chocolate Night

There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a warm cup of hot chocolate to watch a movie on a chilly winter night.

Keep an eye on the weather, and the next time a chilly day blows through, invite your friends or family members over for a movie night. And don’t forget to have plenty of warm blankets available for all of your guests.

Tip: Go above and beyond serving plain hot chocolate, and set up a hot cocoa bar. Toppings can include anything from marshmallows and chocolate chips, to caramel sauce and candy canes.

Take a Hike

If you’re lucky enough to live in a colder climate, frosted trees and sparkling snow make the winter season a beautiful time to go outside for a hike. Round up a group of your best girlfriends, bundle up, and hit the trails for a day of fun in the woods.

Take this winter activity to the next level by renting snow shoes. These specially designed shoes allow you to walk across snowy paths with ease.

No snow where you live? No worries. There’s no reason you still can’t hit the trails. The best part about taking a winter hike is that you won’t have to worry about heat exhaustion or dehydration. So, go out now and enjoy the weather while it lasts!

Cook Warm Comfort Foods

When the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time for cooking warm comfort foods such as soups and stews.

This winter, pull together your favorite warm and delicious comfort foods. Then when an extra chilly day rolls around, do some cooking.

If you’re making a large pot of soup or a recipe that makes a lot of servings, invite your friends or family members over to enjoy a meal together. Better yet, make it a potluck and ask people to bring a side dish to complete your meal.

There is nothing better than sharing a hot meal with the ones you love.

What’s your favorite winter activity?

Share it in the comments below.

Filed Under: Health and Wellness
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