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Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors, Part 1

May 19, 2014 by

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Stack of Books"> For many of our patients, reading the stories of others who have fought cancer and won has given them the edge they needed to continue their fight. We thought a list of these books would be a good reference for anyone curious about or in a struggle with this horrible disease.

We titled this blog “Inspirational Books for Cancer Survivors” because we truly believe that your mindset is vital for beating cancer, and we are positive that anyone who reads even one of these books will dramatically increase her odds of surviving cancer.

While browsing for books that inspire, we found this video message from Stand Up to Cancer. We hope you find it as touching as we did. On the same page, we found a reading list put together for the September 5 Stand Up to Cancer Event. Please read on for our first blog of inspirational stories of cancer survivors, and please stay tuned for part two.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr

Actress Kris Carr fought liver cancer with gusto and grace. Here is an excerpt from the overview on Barnes and Noble:

“She (Carr) entered trench warfare (wearing cowboy boots into the MRI machine, no less), vowing, “Cancer needed a makeover, and I was just the gal to do it!” She began writing and filming her journey, documenting her interactions with friends, doctors, alternative “quacks,” blind dates, and other women with cancer—sadly a growing group…

CRAZY SEXY CANCER TIPS gathers the lessons learned and advice offered from Carr’s own journey, as well as the experiences of her cancer posse… Chapters cover your changing social life, dating, sex, and appearance; essential health tips on how to boost your immune system; recipes; medical and holistic resources; and information on young survivor support groups.”

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor by Kris Carr

We’ve included the sequel because Kris Carr is a survivor, and we knew her second book had to be as uplifting as the first. Another excerpt from Barnes and Noble:

“On the heels of Kris Carr’s acclaimed Learning Channel documentary and best-selling survival guidebook Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips comes this survivor’s companion. With this beautifully illustrated, go-anywhere resource, Kris redefines what it means to be a survivor. She invites all the Cancer Cowgirls (and dudes) out there to slide into the driver’s seat, turn on their own internal GPS, and become empowered participants in their own healing journey. Pairing her signature sass and smart, soulful, real advice with thoughtful exercises, new contributors, and space for writing and reflecting, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor reaffirms that it is possible to live a real, fun, crazy, sexy life with cancer—that healing is about truly living.”

From the Heart by Robin Roberts

We’ve all watched Robin’s fight against cancer, and we were thrilled to hear she had written a book. We loved it and highly recommend it because the advice in it resonates with all of us and should be required reading for everyone. We couldn’t agree more with Ann Burns’ review, so we’ve included it here.

“Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and former anchor of ESPN’s Sports Center, has written a compelling book revealing the secret to her success. She reflects on Hurricane Katrina, recounting her ordeal on the Gulf Coast; her 15 years at ESPN; growing up in Pass Christian, MS; her faith; and much more. As a young woman, tennis was her first true passion, but she didn’t realize her dream of becoming a professional. Roberts’s rules include ‘Position yourself to take the shot; never play the race, gender, or any other card; venture outside your comfort zone; and keep faith, family, and friends close to your heart.’ She concludes by advising her listeners to break her rules and write their own: ‘live your life, let it happen, enjoy the ride.’ With musical interludes and the author’s lively presentation, this moving program is highly recommended for most libraries.”

—Ann Burns

Do you have a favorite inspirational book? Please include it below. 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Pinching Pain Around the Flap Area–Is This Normal?

May 16, 2014 by

DaisyThis week, Dr. James Craigie and office manager Gail Lanter of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: Hello! I am a breast cancer survivor. In 1995, I was diagnosed and had my mastectomy and reconstruction all at one time. It was a 13-hour surgery.

Lately, I have been experiencing some pain like a pinching around the flap area. Is this normal? Perhaps scar tissue? Also, what can cause this? Most mammogram techs will not do both breasts during mammograms; they say there is no need. But this makes me a little scared. What if the pain is cancer coming back in that area? Also, could weight gain contribute to this discomfort? I appreciate your insight. 

A: It is not unusual for aches and pains to develop in the area you had surgery. If you have had weight gain then changes in the breast shape could cause pulling on the scars from your surgery. A lot would depend on the type of reconstruction you had. You should definitely have either your surgeon or cancer doctor examine you to determine if they notice anything suspicious. If so they may need to perform some type of test to get more information. They might consider an MRI or ultrasound. Our practice is dedicated to breast reconstruction and we are not experts at screening for breast cancer or  the treatment of breast cancer.

I would definitely recommend you follow up with  one of your doctors if your discomfort persists. I do not routinely have patients undergo screening mammograms of their reconstructed breasts. I hope this helps and that everything works out okay.

Dr. James Craigie

 

Q: I have the gene mutation, BRCA 1. I am from Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Many family members have been diagnosed before the age of 40. I have a scheduled prophylactic mastectomy with DIEP flap surgery scheduled for the end of May. I received a call this morning that Humana will not cover prophylactic surgeries. I know there’s got to be a way and that’s why I’m writing you. They’re telling me that my physicians can file an exemption or determination letter. Is this the best way to go about this? Do you have any advice for me on what I need to or ask my doctors?

A: I am sorry that you are having trouble getting information about the coverage of a prophylactic mastectomy.  That can make a difficult situation even harder to deal with!  Without having all of the info about your particular Humana plan, I can offer you general information that may help.  You can access here Humana’s most recent clinical policy regarding coverage of prophylactic mastectomy.  It clearly says that a patient is eligible if she has a personal history of the BRCA 1 mutation so I am unsure why you are receiving conflicting information.  Did you receive the call from a representative employed by Humana?  If so, I would certainly initiate another conversation with them and identify this clinical policy.

Gail Lanter

Practice Manager, Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

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

20 Stories of Famous Cancer Survivors

May 14, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="A pink ribbon" />You’ve read the stories of cancer survivors and marveled at their strength, resilience, and confidence. We’ve collected 20 of their stories here, and we hope you enjoy them.

Actress Christina Applegate had a double mastectomy after a cancer diagnosis in 2008. She has started her own cancer foundation.

Bicyclist Lance Armstrong’s testicular cancer spread to his lungs and brain. He was given only a short time to live, but he went on to live and win the Tour de France seven times.

Actress and director Kathy Bates privately fought ovarian cancer 10 years ago and won.

Just two months ago, newsman Tom Brokaw found he had multiple myeloma. He is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic.

Actor and director Robert DeNiro successfully fought prostate cancer with surgery 11 years ago.

TV doc Drew Pinsky was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and underwent a robotic prostatectomy last summer.
After two years of misdiagnoses, actress Fran Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2000. In typical Fran fashion, she founded Fran Drescher’s Cancer Shmancer Foundation.

Late last year, actor Hugh Jackman had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his nose.

Actor Michael C. Hall was told he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma four years ago and is now in remission.

Actress Valerie Harper has beaten the odds. She was told in March 2013 that she had a rare form of brain cancer and was given three months to live.

News anchor and “Today Show” cohost Hoda Kotb has been breast-cancer free since 2009.

In 1995, actor Mr. T was found to have a rare type of T-cell lymphoma. He is in remission.

Diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago, actress Cynthia Nixon quietly fought it and is now an ambassador for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne’s wife Sharon was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002. After chemo and surgery, she is now cancer free and has started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program.

Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell was found to have prostate cancer last year and underwent surgery last December.

News anchor Robin Roberts has been free of breast cancer for over five years.

Actor Richard Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer, a rarity among men. He has been cancer free since 1993 after undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Actress Cybill Shepherd’s doctor found a melanoma on her back 12 years ago, and she was successfully treated.

Actress Suzanne Somers beat breast cancer with a lumpectomy and radiation.

Broadway actress Marissa Janet Winokur found she had cervical cancer while she was starring in the Broadway musical “Hairspray.” She beat it and went on to have a baby via surrogate.

Who have we missed? Let us know below!

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , ,

It Was Another Amazing Dragon Boat Festival!

May 13, 2014 by

We were honored to serve as sponsors for the Dragon Boat Festival on May 3 at Brittlebank Park. This was the seventh year of the Festival, and it’s a unique event we’re proud to be part of.

There’s nothing like seeing cancer survivors get on the water to compete and have fun! The event benefits the cancer survivor programs of Dragon Boat Charleston, complete with colorful costumes, vendors offering all kinds of food and drink. We heard plenty of laughter and stories, which is why we love going every year.

2014 Charleston Dragonboat Festival from Liz Oakley Productions on Vimeo.

The Charleston Dragon Boat Festival has four classes of paddleboat racers: cancer survivors, men, women, and mixed-sex. Teams decorate their tents and wear team t-shirts, which are always creative and original. The entry fees for the Festival pay for cancer survivors to participate, yoga and nutrition workshops, a two-month outreach session for survivors, a Spring Camp, and year-round paddling 4-5 times per week.

According to Dragon Boat Charleston, “Since 2003, Dragon Boat Charleston has been paddling the waters of the Ashley River with the mission to promote physical and mental wellness among cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating. The organization strives to encourage healthy healing and healthy lifestyles through goal oriented exercise, good nutrition, education and fellowship and to support the beneficial effects of physical activity in survivorship through research. The club has over 160 members, some of which paddle in races throughout the country.”

We know that physical activity is beneficial to cancer survivors during and after cancer treatment, and thanks to events like the Dragon Boat Festival, wellness programs designed for cancer survivors have been developed across the country. We were privileged to join in this effort.

For more information, visit the Dragon Boat website.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , ,

Should You Drink that Wine?

May 12, 2014 by

<img src="image.gif" alt="A glass of wine" />Red wine has been shown to have numerous health benefits, and for many a glass of wine a night is beneficial. For others, however, a daily glass of wine may not be such a good idea.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage.”

That sounds great, but the Mayo Clinic also says, “While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.”

How do you decide whether a daily glass of red wine benefits you?

Can you stick with just one or two?

Drinking in moderation means only one 4-ounce glass a day for women and men under 65, and up to two glasses for men under 65. As with any other alcoholic beverage, it’s far too easy to justify having more than one or to drink extra wine without thinking about it.

What does the research actually say?

The Mayo Clinic is cautious about interpreting the studies done on red wine. They note, “Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and prevents blood clots…

Most research on resveratrol has been done on animals, not people. Research in mice given resveratrol suggests that the antioxidant might also help protect them from obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease. However, those findings were reported only in mice, not in people. In addition, to get the same dose of resveratrol used in the mice studies, a person would have to drink more than 1,000 liters of red wine every day…

One study showed that resveratrol may actually reduce the positive effect of exercise on the heart in older men. It’s also important to know that resveratrol’s effects only last a short time after drinking red wine, so its effects may not last in the long term.”

Does only red wine offer health benefits?

Other studies have shown that alcohol in general, not just red wine, can raise HDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing blood clots. If you prefer other types of alcohol, drinking them in moderation may be OK. However, please note that the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute do not recommend that you drink merely to improve heart health.

In short, if you already enjoy alcohol in moderation, you can continue to do so. If you do not, talk to your doctor if you wish to begin drinking to improve your heart health. The risk of developing alcohol addiction may be too great to risk it.

Tell us if you drink (or not), and why in the comments section below.

Drinking too much can worsen other health markers, such as blood pressure, obesity risk, and liver damage. Can you stop at just one? If you can’t, please don’t begin drinking wine daily to benefit your heart.

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

Is There a Time Limit on my Breast Reconstruction Options?

May 9, 2014 by

1418214_blue_flowerThis week, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I had a right mastectomy in May 1995 with 12 nodes removed at age 42. Then I received chemo for 3 months. Can I still have a reconstruction done at this point? How long is the recovery time? I work as a nurse on a cruise ship and am often 3-4 months away from home with varying times home (anywhere from 10 days to 3 months).

A: Thank you for your question. There is no time limit for breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy. The recovery depends in general on what type of reconstruction you had. If you did not have radiation you may have the option of implant reconstruction or reconstruction with your own tissue. Recovery from using your own tissue in general in longer and for our patients 8 weeks after stage one is typical. With more info I could be more specific. Let us know we could contact you for more details.

Q: I had a flap with reconstruction about 17 years ago. The right side is smaller than the left, and I would like to get them back to the same size, as well as get my nipple finished on the reconstruction. Is this still possible?

A: You can always have your reconstruction completed. There is no time limit in general. In order to proceed, we need to know what type of breast reconstruction you received 17 years ago (for instance, implant or using your own tissue). If you contact our office with more details, but we’re happy to discuss your options.  Thanks for your question!

Dr. James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

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

Charleston Events for May: Roundup

May 7, 2014 by

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Musical Notes">We love Charleston because so many fun and exciting events happen every month, and we like to let you know about those you might enjoy. From the Charleston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau website, here are some highlights for May.

May 9
2014 Movies in Marion Square
Charleston City Paper is excited for this year’s Movies in the Park in Marion Square!

On May 9, join us for a previously unreleased movie (Yes, it’s a surprise!) Local vendors, such as Cory’s Grilled Cheese, Roti Rolls, The Orange Spot, and T&T Kettle Korn supply the refreshments. Admission is free, and has been for the past 11 years.

For additional information, please visit the Charleston City Paper website.

Every Saturday in May
Special $5 Pancake Breakfast at Southerly
Set your alarms for Southerly’s $5 Pancake Breakfast every Saturday from 7:30-10 a.m.

Each week features a “Pancake of the Week,” with classics like Apple Cinnamon or fun new dishes like Peanut Butter & Jelly!

Kids six and under eat free (offer valid with an adult purchase; offer limited to two children).

To learn more, visit the Southern Season website.

May 16, 17, and 19
Explore Bulls Island—Multi-Day Adventure with Coastal Expeditions
Offered only eight times each year, don’t miss your chance to spend the night in a National Wildlife Refuge.

All meals are included, as are transportation to the island, accommodations, and guide service. Each day, your guide will take you around the beach and its trails as they share the history of the refuge, help you to spy wildlife, pick up shells along the shoreline, and leave you with an appreciation the refuge’s importance. This trip is ideal for all nature lovers.

Remaining 2014 trip dates:
October 17–19
November 14–16
December 5–7

Price: $415 per person ($200 deposit at time of booking)

For more information, visit the Bull’s Island website.

May 24
First Flush FesTEAval
The First Flush FesTEAval is a celebration of America’s own tea garden and its popular product line, American Classic Tea.

The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the growth of new leaves on the tea plants in the springtime after a winter of rest. Their “first flush” of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh, and amazing cup of tea.

The festival is not just about tea. Residents from Charleston and all neighboring towns trek to picturesque Wadmalaw Island to enjoy music, entertainment, art, and local cuisine. Fun for the whole family!

Please visit the Charleston Tea Plantation website for more details.

May 26
Charleston Men’s Chorus to Honor Servicemen and Servicewomen at Memorial Day Concert
As part of the Piccolo Spoleto Special Events Series, the Charleston Men’s Chorus will pay tribute to veterans and armed forces members at its annual Memorial Day Concert on May 26 at noon at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Admission is $20 for adults, seniors, and students. For additional information and tickets, please visit the Piccolo Spoleto website.

If you know of any Charleston events, please let us know below!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

May 5, 2014 by

<img src="filename.gif" alt="Blood pressure monitor">Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions of Americans every year and is one of the most frequently treated conditions. Scores of effective medications exist to treat hypertension, but we always advise that you try lowering your blood pressure naturally first. Medications have side effects, while these natural blood pressure (BP) treatments help you feel better.

Take some deep breaths.
Deep breathing helps oxygenate your blood, which keeps the heart from working too hard. Most of us breathe shallowly and don’t truly take in as much oxygen as we could. Breathe in through your nose, and try to fill your stomach with air. Exhale as much air as you possibly can. Try deep breathing at least 10 times four or five times a day. More often is even better.

Studies have also shown that stress hormones raise blood pressure, and activities such as yoga and tai chi reduce those hormones, lowering your BP.

Lose weight and exercise.
When you lose weight, your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to send blood to your organs and limbs, which reduces your blood pressure naturally. Many people with slightly elevated BP can control it simply by keeping off extra weight. Watch what you eat (more information below) and exercise to sensibly and slowly reduce your weight and keep it off.

Exercising has been found to lower blood pressure by itself, but to sustain its effects, you need to be consistent. What you do is not as important as doing something physical that gets your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Find something you enjoy and just do it.

Eat foods as close to nature as possible.
Processed foods should play a small role in your everyday diet. Save those for the occasional splurge and eat real, whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. When you shop, walk the perimeter of the store and buy foods as close to their natural state as possible.

Eat plenty of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, melons, and potatoes. Potassium helps keep your fluids in balance, which keeps your BP low. Aim for at least 2,000 milligrams of potassium a day.

Avoid added salt.
We need a certain amount of sodium, but most Americans eat far more than they need. It’s not the salt you add to meals that causes problems, but the salt that food companies add to their products. If you read labels, you’ll find much more salt than you want or need in those packages.

Try eating no more than 1,500 milligrams per day, and buy some salt-free seasonings—you’ll be surprised at how good they taste. You won’t miss salt as much as you think you will.

If you’ve lowered your blood pressure naturally, please share how you did it below. 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: ,

Will Reconstruction Improve the Shape and Size After My Lumpectomy?

May 2, 2014 by

1426157_white_rose_1This week, Dr. Richard Kline of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your questions.

Q: I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2004. The defect in my breast is increasingly more noticeable (clothed) than in the past. Now, I’m interested in reconstruction to improve shape & size of my breast. Do you have any advice?

A: Lumpectomy defects can be challenging, for several reasons. Firstly, the tissue is radiated, which of course makes ANYTHING less likely to work. Secondly, there is no really satisfactory way to reliably replace the volume that was lost, precisely where you want it. Sometimes a small implant can be helpful, but not always. If the defect is large enough,  a microvascular flap of the type we do can be used, but often this seems like overkill for the size of the defect. Free fat grafting (sucking fat from elsewhere and injecting it into the breast) might be as close to an ideal solution as possible, and some surgeons do it currently, but it has not been established with certainty that this does not increase the chance of cancer recurrence, so we are holding off on that procedure until more evidence is in.

In many lumpectomy / radiation breasts the entire breast envelope, including the skin, has shrunken significantly. This often presents the option of re-arranging (with surgery) the remaining breast tissue to improve the shape, then subsequently lifting or reducing the other side to match as closely as possible.

Hope this helps. If you’d like to send pictures, I can possibly give you more specific suggestions. If you’d to speak with our nurse Chris or PA Kim to give them more information, they’d be happy to give you a call.

Dr. Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

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

This Weekend: Charleston Dragon Boat Festival

April 30, 2014 by

Join us this Saturday, May 3rd as we proudly sponsor the Paddles & Pearls team in the 7th annual Charleston Dragon Boat Festival!

Since 2003, the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival has taken over the waters of the Ashley River with friendly competition, fabulous decorations and costumes, and a strong spirit of community to raise awareness for cancer survivors. It is definitely an event unlike any other! If you haven’t experienced the Dragon Boat Festival yet, we highly recommend you attend this one. Whether participating on a team or just watching from the sidelines, it’s a great time for amateur paddlers to push their strength and team building to the next level. The spirit of togetherness is almost palpable when the Festival is finished.

For an inside look at the Festival, check out this video:

For more info, visit the festival’s website, where you will find directions, times, and FAQs. Pack a picnic or bring grill items! Keep your fingers crossed for good weather, and come join the fun!

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