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Mammograms: What You Need to Know

October 15, 2012 by

tackling reconstructionIn the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction urges women to schedule their yearly mammogram. Early detection saves lives! Today we bring you an exclusive interview with Sandra Smith, Lead Technologist at the Charleston Breast Center on mammogram preparation.

Read below for our interview with Sandra.

1. What is the best time of the month to schedule my mammogram and why?

Avoid days of the month when your breasts are most sensitive. This is for your comfort. The mammogram imaging will not be affected, unlike MRI IMAGING when it is important to schedule according to menstrual cycle.

2. Should I do anything to prepare in the days prior to the exam or for the exam itself?

There is no preparation for mammography. We ask that you do not wear deodorant, which can cause artifacts.

3. Does it hurt?

No, mammograms should not hurt. Compression must be used to spread out breast tissue so abnormalities can been seen. You may feel pressure from the compression and slight discomfort, however if you feel pain let the technologist know right away.   

4. At what age should a woman schedule her first mammogram?

That depends on risk factors such as family history. The recommended age for the first mammogram is 40 years old.

5. Explain the role of the technician and the desired credentials.  

The role of the technologist is to provide the radiologist with the best quality images in a professional and caring manner. Most technologists really care about women’s health and choose to go into this profession for that reason. Additional courses and certification is required to be a mammogram technologist. Continued education is required to maintain certification.

charleston-breast-centerAbout the Charleston Breast Center

Founded in 2006, the Charleston Breast Center provides expedited and compassionate care to women who are being screened for breast cancer. For more information visit their website at: www.charlestonbreastcenter.com

Filed Under: Health and Wellness

Dr. James Craigie Answers Your Questions About Natural Breast Reconstruction

October 12, 2012 by

The below questions are answered by Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Do you perform a stacked combination DIEP/SGAP using both to make a breast(s)?

We do on occasion. It may be needed when one area of the body does not have enough tissue to achieve the desired result. This is an unusual situation in our practice we can usually achieve our goals with one area of the body.

There is a lot of discussion about a maximum BMI what about a minimum?

BMI is a guide line that helps the surgeon determine who is at a higher risk for complications. It is not a strict guideline and the final decision is left to the surgeons judgment among other things. Safety is our first priority and studies have definitely linked high BMI to an increased rate of complications without a doubt. Unfortunately  BMI is not a perfect calculation and different doctors may use the information differently. A low BMI is not linked to complications if someone is otherwise fit for surgery. Someone with very little body fat will have a low BMI and possibly not enough tissue to make a very large breast. This does not mean they cannot have a good result. It  may mean they require and combined or stacked flap approach. We have seen many patients who have been told they “don’t have enough tissue” but after consultation can reassure them they can get a very proportional result.

Dr. James Craigie

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Do you have a question about breast implants or natural breast reconstruction? Submit them here for an answer straight for our surgical team!

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

The Perfect Outdoor Workout Spots in Charleston

October 10, 2012 by
Outdoor workouts

Hampton Park, Charleston SC

With the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® just around the corner (October 20, 2012—mark your calendars!) and fall in full swing, the outdoors are a great place to get in shape for the upcoming 5k! Let Charleston’s natural beauty guide you to a fitter version of yourself and help you meet your exercise resolutions this fall. Whether you enjoy walking, running, or cycling, these incredible open-air venues will keep you inspired and coming back for more workouts:

Hampton Park: Though Hampton Park today is a sprawling 60-acre public park, it was once part of the Orange Grove Plantation owned by John Gibbes in 1769. In 1835, the South Carolina Jockey Club, a group that developed the Washington Race Course on the site, acquired part of Gibbes’ plantation. Though the racetrack once attracted thousands of spectators, today the park is used for scenic outdoor recreation and events. The park is an especially popular venue for walkers, joggers, and cyclists who use the one-mile perimeter road for exercise while taking in the park’s natural serenity.

  • Ravenel Bridge: The Arthur Ravenel Bridge, also known as the Cooper River Bridge, is the perfect destination for runners and walkers who thrive in a more urban setting. The eight-lane cable bridge stretches over the Cooper River, connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant with a total span of 13,200 feet. As you run over the tranquil river, you can watch ocean freighters pass under the bridge on the way to the Port of Charleston.
  • James Island County Park: Enjoy the natural beauty of James Island County Park while you train! Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, the 643-acre park offers an abundance of natural beauty. Take in the grassy open meadows and explore the miles of paved trails perfect for walking, biking, and skating. The park even has an off-leash dog park for your four-legged companion. Park hours in October are from 8:00 A.M. ET until sunset.

So get outside and enjoy the fall weather! After all, exercise is one of the easiest ways to maintain your health after breast cancer or to lower your chances of developing cancer.

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

Join Us for BRA Day USA

October 8, 2012 by

bra dayCome celebrate our first BRA Day USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 aboard the dockside Carolina Belle on 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC ! We’re happy to promote Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, or BRA Day, which is an initiative designed to increase education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Created to inform women of their choices and options for breast reconstruction, the campaign also strives to make reconstructive education and services available to all women, regardless of age, financial status, or race. Studies show that 7 out of 10 women are never informed about post-mastectomy reconstructive surgery, and the statistics are even lower for minorities. However, with BRA Day events appearing all over the world, hopefully those numbers will soon be a thing of the past.

Though BRA Day initially launched in Canada, it quickly became an international campaign and grassroots collaboration between plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, nurse navigators, medical device industry representatives, breast cancer patients and families, and breast cancer support groups. Together, these participants coordinate BRA Day events that include question and answer sessions, lectures, flash mobs, fundraising parties, advertising campaigns, and community events.

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team couldn’t be prouder to host our own BRA Day event for the first time this year, or to raise awareness of a cause we so firmly believe in. Help spread the word about reconstruction options, and join us for a little retail therapy, some great food, and outstanding prizes. Admission is free but limited to the venue capacity of 250.

To secure your spot, be sure to RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com. We’ll see you on the Carolina Belle Wednesday, October 17th!

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

Out of State Patients Considering Breast Reconstruction in Charleston

October 5, 2012 by

Out of Sate PatientsThe below question is answered by breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.  of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Is it reasonable to consider DIEP surgery in Charleston, S.C. when I live in Savannah, Georgia? How long after DIEP surgery before I can travel home to Savannah, GA.? Furthermore, during post- op course how often would I have to travel back to Charleston?

Hello,

We’ve had patients come from as far as California and Washington state, so I think it’s very reasonable to consider coming from Savannah. We need to see you the day before surgery, the hospital stay is typically 4 days, and ideally you’d stay in town 2-3 more days. If you have a local plastic surgeon who is supportive of you traveling for surgery and can help with some of the aftercare, that would be very useful. I’d be happy to discuss things with you in more detail by phone, or our nurse Chris or PA Kim can talk to you, if you wish.

Have a great day!

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Carol Grotnes Belk Campus—Charleston

We have had several of our out of town patients recover at the ACS Hope Lodge downtown.

What does the Hope Lodge facility offer guests?

Image Above Taken From: www.cancer.org

  • Guest rooms with private baths
  • Telephones and televisions with cable and DVD players in each room
  • Large kitchens furnished with appliances, dishes, utensils and individual shelf space for each suite
  • Guest computers with Internet access for laptops
  • Free transportation to guests provided through the hospitals
  • Common areas with games, books and magazines
  • Educational materials for guests in a Cancer Resource Center
  • Encouragement from staff, volunteers and other guests
  • A healing garden with a patio and large screened in porch
  • A handicap elevator from the parking lot, as well as an elevator inside the Hope Lodge

For more information on the Charleston ACS Hope Lodge and to see if you qualify as a guest visit their website today!

Have questions for our surgeons? Submit your questions today and get answers straight form our surgical team! No matter where you are in your reconstruction process, we are here to help!

 

 

 

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor

Shop Local and Support Breast Reconstruction Awareness!

October 3, 2012 by

As you might already know, the month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! And our team couldn’t be prouder to reside in Charleston, where compassion and community-support is never in short supply.

All over our historic city, local businesses have donated raffle items for BRADayUSA, an event happening  designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The proceeds from the event will go to the East Cooper Hospital Volunteers to assemble post-op care bags for all breast reconstruction patients upon discharge from East Cooper Medical Center.

Check out these local shops, boutiques, and businesses next time you go out for a little retail therapy! Shopping locally supports your community’s economy, and when you patronize these businesses, you join their charitable efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

So grab your purse, and hit the town! Here is your guide to good karma and great local shopping by the location:

Downtown

LulaKate

Stella Nova

Finicky Filly

One Respe’ Wellness Center

 

West Ashley

Charleston Collections Gifts

Party&Paint Charleston

Paul Baron MD/Cancer Specialists of Charleston

Cynthia Sunde & Robin Hoffman – Premier Designs Jewelry – Independent Distributors

Summerville

Radberry Nails

Mount Pleasant

East Cooper Medical Center

Lowcountry OB/GYN – &  Lisa Henderson, Laser Technician

Chantilly Lingerie

 

Daniel Island

Paisley

 

James Island

Beba Luxe

 

Other:

The Little Black Book for Every Busy Woman

Yes Ma’am Tee

 

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is overwhelmed with gratitude for these sponsors and their commitment to making a difference in our community! For info on BRAdayUSA events happening across the country check out www.BRAdayUSA.org

To learn more about our BRADayUSA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, visit our Facebook Event page here. Be sure to join us aboard the Carolina Belle to celebrate the event with delicious food and outstanding prizes! Just RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.

 

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Where Will We Be?

October 1, 2012 by

Join The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction throughout the month of October for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Our team will be attending all the collaborative events around Charleston that promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and promote treatment and reconstructive services.

Although many incredible strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. Become part of the national dialogue on breast cancer, and help women around the world get informed about breast health when you join us for these special events:

  • BRA Day USA: Come celebrate our first BRA Day USA on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 aboard the dockside Carolina Belle on 10 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC. BRA Day is an initiative designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. BRA Day USA is a collaborative effort between The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, plastic surgeons specializing in breast surgery, nurse navigators, medical device industry representatives, breast cancer patients and families, and breast cancer support groups. Join us for a little retail therapy, some great food, and outstanding prizes. Admission is free but limited to the venue capacity of 250. To secure your spot, be sure to RSVP to info@naturalbreastreconstruction.com.
  • Komen Race: The largest sequence of 5K run / walks in the world, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  Series benefits education, research, and treatment programs for breast cancer. Three-fourths of the money raised by the Lowcountry Affiliate is invested into local projects, while the remainder supports national research programs. The 2012 Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure® takes place Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Daniels Island, SC. Enjoy the option of running or walking—by yourself or with a team—or you can sleep in for the Cure. Registration fees are $25 for individuals, $20 for team members, and $35 for sleepers. The registration fee includes the official Komen Race for the Cure® t-shirt and bib. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, let the organizers know, and you’ll receive a pink survivors t-shirt, hat, and bib! Check out www.KomenLowcountry.org to register and be part of an extraordinary cause!
  • Annual FORCE Conference: From October 18–20, 2012, we’ll be in Orlando, Florida for FORCE’s Against Hereditary Cancer Conference, a forum on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Join us as well as cancer survivors, high-risk individuals, those with a BRCA gene mutation or family history of cancer, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients. The conference will feature keynote speakers, exhibits, receptions, support groups, health and well-being assessments, and even a pool party! Come join the fun and learn more here: http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/annual_conference/index.php.

Which of these events will you attend this month? Let us know in the comments section and we’ll see you there!

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

Capsular Contracture From Breast Implants

September 28, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I have had two failed breast reconstructions using an implant. First was placed too high up, and the second one anchored down with abdominal advancement flap. After 5 months the implant began to disappear. MRI proved it was not ruptured. Doctors were not worried  and I was told to stop worrying about it, so I continued on with my life. I then developed chest pain, muscle/ligament/joint/back pain and breathlessness when climbing hills or stairs. Eventually after 2 and a half years, I referred back to PS who told me I had a chest wall concavity due to the implant being forced inwardly under pressure from the scar tissue and muscle. The implant size was 770cc. Will this concavity “spring” back into place or will I have it for the rest of my life? Also what effects might this have on my body if my frame is being pushed out of alignment?

Hello,

Thanks for your question. I’m sorry you have had these problems. We see people whose chest wall and ribs become indented due to implants quite frequently. The problem develops because body reacts to the implant by making scar. We call this capsular contracture and in some people it can exert tremendous force due to constant pressure. The process will persist as long as you have an implant. We have not performed scientific studies to prove the ribs return to normal but we have treated hundreds of patients with this type of problem by removing the implants and replacing them with their own tissue with out taking their muscles. This has solved their problems related to implants permanently. I hope this answers your question, let me know

James Craigie, MD
Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Get answers to your questions about breast reconstruction straight from our surgical team! Submit your questions here today.

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

Rekindle the Romance

September 24, 2012 by

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction,  we know every day is a gift, and nothing makes life more meaningful than time spent with the ones we love. It’s easy to get lost in the bustle of daily life, though, and let the moments and feelings we cherish go uncelebrated.

Luckily, we’ve found some tried-and-true tips to keep the romantic fires blazing in our own love lives. Here are some simple ways you can show your partner they are loved and appreciated, and reignite the romance:

Plan a date-night: Nothing fans the flame more than an old-fashioned date. Make time every week to hit the town or stay in for a movie-night with your main squeeze. It’s important to reserve time to relish each other’s company, and dates keep even long-term relationships feeling young and fresh.

  • Choose your battles: Sure, even the most passionate, loving couples have their ups and downs. Keep in mind that not every disagreement is worthy of a full-blown discussion, and when they do merit one, always be considerate and willing to listen to the other side. Arguments can have lasting effects on relationships, so be sure that even when you disagree, you do so from a willingness to understand your partner.
  • Show each other off: Change up the scenery, and view each other in new contexts and situations. Sometimes it’s necessary to get out of your comfort zone to appreciate what you have. Next time you’re at an office party or social gathering, give each other some space to mingle, and steal glances from across the room. You’ll quickly see the traits that drew you to each other all those years ago.
  • Be spontaneous: Surprise your mate with small gifts—a favorite dessert, breakfast in bed, or a little note on the fridge.  Maybe just steal a kiss when they least expect it. Whatever you do, remember these small gestures of affection can leave a big impact, especially in long-term relationships.

What are some ways you fan the romantic flame?

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

Complications From Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

September 21, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I am recovering from a DIEP flap reconstruction and lymph node transfer. I had breast cancer when I was very young and have had lymphedema for 25 years. I was so happy to hear that there was a surgery that possibly could correct the swelling in my arm that I jumped on it with out really researching. I am two weeks into my recovery and I have noticed swelling in my leg and groin. The groin I think is normal for a surgery site. However, the swelling in my leg Im afraid is the onset of lymphedema. I would appreciate any information you could share with me on this .

Hello,

Sorry you are having problems.

As your surgeon probably explained to you prior to surgery, vascularized lymph node transfer is experimental surgery, and no one really knows how often it works, if at all, and what the complication rates are.

As your surgeon also probably explained, lower extremity lymphedema is a potential risk of the node harvest. We strictly limit our node dissection to the area lateral to the superficial inferior epigastric vein and superior to the inguinal ligament, and have thus far had no problems with lower extremity lymphedema developing after the procedure. You may wish to consult with your surgeon about having bioimpedance analysis of your affected lower extremity performed to determine whether early lymphedema is actually present. If it is, then prompt institution of treatment may be advisable.

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Get answers to your questions about breast reconstruction straight from our surgical team! Submit your questions here today.

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