Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team wants to wish our patients and readers Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It is such a joy to have friends, former patients, and current clients reaching out to us during this time.  Check out these two fun cards we’ve received!  Thank you all very much for the goodies you’ve dropped by – we’re enjoying every good thing! 

This has been a truly amazing year—our patients are such an inspiration to us, and we’re so grateful to be able to do what we do.   

Our office will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26, 2017 for Christmas and on Monday, January 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day.   If you have an emergency,  call our main number 843-849-8418 and you will be directed to the clinician on call.   Use our “Ask the Doctor”  link on our website www.naturalbreastreconstruction.com if you would like to make a New Patient appointment or have a general question about our services.  We’ll be answering those questions – even over the break. 

We hope everyone has a beautiful holiday and we look forward to seeing what 2018 has in store for us all!

 

Happy Holidays,

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction Team 

 

Finding Beauty After Breast Cancer: Register for a Free Class at Sephora

 

 Our surgeons and staff at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction know firsthand how difficult a battle with breast cancer can be.

From the moment you’re diagnosed, everything changes. Your emotional, mental, and psychological health is instantly impacted. And throughout your breast cancer journey, your physical appearance is also bound to change.

This transformation can unfortunately leave a lot of woman no longer feeling confident in their own skin.

While we believe that all women—no matter their journey—are beautiful, we also know that a little pampering and some fun with makeup can go a long way in making you feel radiant and confident.

With National Breast Cancer Awareness month in full swing, there are numerous educational talks, fundraisers, and events going on. If you’re in the Charleston, SC, area, we’d like to personally invite you to a special event at Sephora on King Street.

We are joining forces with Sephora in order to promote their FREE Brave Beauty class for women who have battled cancer.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sephora on King Street. The official address is 289 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

This 90-minute Brave Beauty class is designed to help you discover techniques and products that address the visible effects of your cancer treatments.

During this event, you’ll be given skincare tips tailored to your needs and then will be matched with Color IQ and receive step-by-step instructions for a creating a radiant complexion, natural-looking brows, and defined eyes.

If you’re interested in attending, we encourage you to check out this awesome video from Sephora that features cancer survivor Emily as she explains why attending a Brave Beauty class is a great way to celebrate how beautiful you truly are.

Watch the video here!

If you’re interested in signing up, please contact us at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction to register, and we will pass your information along to the event host.

You can get in touch with us here.

Do you have any tips or tricks for feeling confident and radiant after a battle with cancer?

Share them with us in the comments below!

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: HBOC Week

 

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!

New Year’s Resolutions That Are FUN

passport

New Year’s Resolutions don’t always have to be a drag.

You shouldn’t enter the New Year full of dread and anxiety—it should be full of hope and excitement.

If vowing to lose weight this year is just not getting you excited for 2016, it’s time to rethink resolutions.

Why not make a New Year’s resolution that is fun?

If you’re looking to shake up your resolutions, we thought up some awesome (and attainable) ideas.

Plan a weekly date night

Want to keep that spark alive with your significant other for 2016? Make it a priority to have a date night each week. Sound expensive? It doesn’t have to be!

Some date nights can be simply putting your phones away, turning off the TV, lighting some candles, and enjoying dinner together at home.

Enjoy time with friends

With all the commitments of everyday life, it’s easy to let friendships take a back seat. However, friends are such important relationships to maintain—they help you relax and laugh and support you in tough times. Suggest to your friends that your group start a monthly girls’ night!

Plan an outdoor activity each week

Trying to disconnect more from technology this year? Plan an outdoor activity once a week. Fresh air and enjoying the outdoors can be incredibly beneficial for our health. Here are some ideas:

  • Hiking
  • Neighborhood walk
  • Outdoor picnic
  • Bike ride
  • Bonfire
  • Mini golf
  • Visiting local parks

Play with your kids

As adults, sometimes we forget just how much fun participating in kid-centric activities actually is! Get lost in your kid’s imaginary world, don’t worry about being messy during craft time, and climb in that tunnel slide with him or her!

Make a froyo bar

Make a homemade “froyo” bar once a week! Decide on a certain night of the week, and make it a tradition. Set up a different frozen yogurt flavors and toppings. What a yummy resolution!

Create a movie bucket list

Create a movie bucket list of all the films you’ve been meaning to watch. Better yet—get your friends involved and create the ultimate movie list.

Plan a trip

Make an effort to plan that trip you’ve always wanted to go on. Start saving, buy travel books, book your tickets, and make hotel reservations. Bon voyage!

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Share on our Facebook page!

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours

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The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team wants to wish our patients and readers Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Thank you all for making this a truly amazing year—our patients are such an inspiration to us, and we’re so grateful to be able to do what we do.

We hope everyone has a beautiful holiday, and we look forward to what the New Year has in store!

Merry Christmas,

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team

14 Holiday Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

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During the holidays, there’s a lot of pressure to give your loved ones the perfect gift.

However, on your quest to finding the best presents, you may find yourself with an empty wallet.

Starting off the New Year with maxed-out credit cards and a load of stress isn’t a great way to start 2016.

The holiday season doesn’t mean you have to overstretch your means—it just takes a little creativity and harnessing your talents.

Take advantage of these 14 easy and low-cost ways to spread the holiday cheer without running up your credit lines:

  1. Bake and decorate some holiday treats.
  1. Knit or crochet a scarf, mittens, or hat.
  1. Scrapbook a photo album with special memories of you and your loved one.
  1. Are you a painter? Paint a picture that would fit well in their home.
  1. Make an epic playlist.
  1. Paint wine glasses or coffee mugs with cute sayings.
  1. Decorate ornaments.
  1. Gift homemade soap.
  1. Make chocolate-covered strawberries or pretzels.
  1. Fill mason jars with the recipient’s favorite bite-sized treats.
  1. Make a pedicure kit with a mini nail polish bottle, nail file, and buffer.
  1. Create a bath basket—with soap, a loofah, and crystals from the dollar store.
  1. Put a DVD or $10 movie gift certificate in a popcorn bucket.
  1. Frame a favorite picture.

We’d love to hear your holiday budget-saving tips below!

A Halloween Safety Reminder

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With trick-or-treating just a few days away, we want to share some Halloween safety reminders to keep kids safe.

With all of the excitement of the kids dressing up and getting all revved up on sugar, it’s easy to forget some of the dangers Halloween presents.

In this post, we’re sharing a few safety reminders to ensure your family has a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

Safety tip #1: Drive slowly

There will be kids running about the neighborhood, so lower your speed wayyy down. Trick-or-treaters can be hard to spot at dusk and after dark, so be sure to go under the speed limit and keep your eyes peeled.

Safety tip #2: Be wary of food allergies

If you’re taking your child’s friend out trick-or-treating, be sure to talk to the parents about all food allergies, such as nuts or dairy. For some kids, having a nut allergy also means not being able to eat different types of chocolate that may have been processed in a plant with nuts—so it’s important to know all of their dietary guidelines before heading out for candy.

Safety tip #3: Don’t let kids run out into the road

If you’re responsible for taking the kids door-to-door, be mindful of not letting them run out into the road. With all the hype and excitement Halloween brings, even older kids may not be as vigilant as usual. A good rule of thumb is to have a quick talk ahead of time about not running out in front of unsuspecting cars.

Safety tip #4: Carry a flashlight

Both chaperones and trick-or-treaters should carry flashlights or glow-sticks while out and about. It will light your way as well as helping your group to be more visible to cars.

Hope you have a safe, fun, and spook-tacular Halloween!

Halloween Events in Charleston

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Looking for fun Halloween events in Charleston?

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team absolutely loves this time of year, which is why we’re sharing a list of some our favorite fall happenings!

From ghostly shows to haunted tours, we’ve got you covered on some upcoming activities to enjoy this Halloween season.

Hope you have spook-tacular Halloween!

October 1-31—“The Original” Haunted Pub Tour

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, hear ghostly tales and enjoy brews and beverages while you experience one of the oldest parts of Charleston. You will stop by 3-5 locations. Appetizers will be included at some of the stops, and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase some local craft beers or cocktails. 

Click here for ticket information. 

October 14-November 1—Little Shop of Horrors

This musical comedy from the book written by Howard Ashman will absolutely dazzle you. With stunning special effects of man-eating plants taking over the neighborhood, it’s a must-see show this Halloween season!

Click here for ticket information.

October 24, 31—The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

In this hilarious Halloween haunt, Washington Irving’s classic tale takes the Dock Street Theatre stage for two performances this month. This comedy show is perfect for the whole family, and both showtimes begin at 3:00 p.m.

Click here for ticket information. 

October 29-31The Addams Family at Woolfe Street

Looking for some HALLOWEEN FUN? Come see The Addams Family at the Woolfe Street Playhouse. The Village Teen Troupe, a group of talented, local youth will perform in this hauntingly hilarious musical. Show begins at 6 p.m. each night. Matinee at 2 p.m. on October 31.

Click here for ticket information.

Did we miss one of your favorite Charleston Halloween events? Share below!

Things to do – Independence Day 2015 in South Carolina

(Thanks to AppleOne Employment Services for sending this fantastic Weekend Recs e-blast for us to share!) 

Charleston

Fourth of July Fireworks on Folly Beachindependence day

 A holiday tradition on the Edge of America, the annual 4th of July fireworks display is set to take place on Folly Beach next Saturday. The fireworks will be set off at the Folly Beach County Park, at the west end of the island. Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy the Independence Day display, which will begin at 9:30pm. For more information about the 4th of July fireworks display on Folly Beach, please go to www.visitfolly.com or download the free ‘Visit Folly’ smart phone app.

When: 7/4/15 starting at 9:30pm

Where: Folly Beach-Folly Beach County Park- West end of Island

 

July Fourth on the Pride

Enjoy this Fourth of July with a sunset sail while watching the fireworks from the best seat in the house! Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Bring a snack or picnic aboard if you choose. Buy tickets by calling the number provided (843-722-1112) or visiting the website: http://www.schoonerpride.com/

When: 7/4/15 from 7pm to 9pm

Where: The Schooner Pride-Aquarium Wharf

Admission: $55 per person-book now as space is limited

 

North Charleston 4th of July Festival

The City of North Charleston is once again hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2015 from 3:30 PM – 9:45 PM. This year’s event features exciting musical guests, children activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. Food trucks, beer and wine stations, and ATMs will be widely available. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. Beer and wine stations will be set up throughout the park, as well as ATMs for participants. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.northcharleston.org/Residents/Special-Events/4th-of-July-Festival.aspx

Festival performance schedule:
3:30 – Gates open
3:30 – Soul Fish (rock quartet)
5:00 – Blacklion (reggae)
6:30 – Dangermuffin (Americana)
8:00 – Funk Factory 5 (Mo-town/Top 40)
9:10 – Spectacular Fireworks show by Zambelli’s

When: 7/4/15 from 3:30pm to 9:45pm

Where: Riverfront Park-1001 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston

 

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

 For those who want to enjoy the fireworks on the Yorktown, all Flight deck tickets are now SOLD OUT, but visitors are still allowed to watch the event landside and enjoy the celebration there! Parking is $10/vehicle.

When: 7/4/15 starting about 9pm

Where: Patriots Point40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

 

Columbia

Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration

Beginning at dusk (approximately 9:15 pm) South Carolina’s largest fireworks display on beautiful Lake Murray. Fireworks will be set off from two great locations: Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. The show is choreographed to a patriotic concert that will air simultaneously on B106.7. The best places to view the fireworks are Dreher Island State Park and both parks at the Lake Murray dam. Bring a chair or blanket, picnics are welcomed- NO Alcohol Permitted at any of the locations.

Admission (based on park):

Dreher Island State Park– $2 for adults, $1.25 SC Seniors, FREE for children 15 years and younger (Gates close at 8pm).

Lake Murray Dam park sites– open until they reach capacity- $3 per car.

The walking path on the dam will also be open. (Fireworks DO NOT launch from the park sites at the dam).

 

When: July 04, 2015 from 9pm to 10:30pm
Admission: Admission Based on Park

 

Lake Murray Patriotic Boat Parade

 Get ready for the 26th Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray on Saturday, July 4th!! CCLMC is trying to break our all-time record this year with over 150 boats and inclusion within the Guinness Book of World Records! We hope that you and your family will join us and participate to make this a special year! For more information, please visit the website: http://www.lakemurraycountry.com/things-to-do/events/lake-murray-boat-parade

 When: July 04, 2015 from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Bomb Island, Lake Murray, SC 29072
Admission: Free, but if watching from Lake Murray Dam park sites admissions is $2/car

 

Slide the City and Capital City Beach Party!

 Columbia is Famously Hot, so we’re bringing you a Surprisingly Cool way to have fun this Independence Day while supporting 2 great causes!  Slide the City is a 1000 foot water slide that will go from Blanding & Gadsden to Hampton & Gadsden Streets.  The chosen charities SC Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Celebrate Freedom Foundation will benefit each time you purchase a registration using the promo code FREEDOM, and you will receive $5 off! After you slide, go check out the Capital City Beach Party beginning in Finlay Park at 2PM. Water and Food vendors will be available for purchase at noon. Want to slide for free while helping out the charities? Sign up as a volunteer here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slide-the-city-columbia-sc-volnteer-tickets-17332899168

When: July 04, 2015 starting at 11am
Where: Finlay Park-930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Greenville

Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival

A barrage of colors illuminates the sky every 4th of July in downtown Greenville for the annual Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue, presented by AT&T. As one of the largest fireworks displays in South Carolina, the celebration features live music, food and a variety of family activities. A long-standing tradition, Wells Fargo Red, White & Blue represents a remarkable opportunity to support a free patriotic event that is enjoyed by the Greenville community. Sponsors have long recognized this event as a unique way to showcase their brand while enjoying hospitality and a celebration that only happens once a year. Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue presented by AT&T is Greenville’s premier 4th of July celebration, showcasing one of the state’s largest fireworks displays, sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. The free event, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2015, from 5 to 10 p.m., features live music on two stages, fun-filled activities in the Zaxby’s Kidz Zone and a variety of popular food and beverage vendors. The event takes place in downtown Greenville from Court to Camperdown Streets and will encompass Broad Street, from Laurens to Falls Streets, and Falls Park.

When: 7/4/2015 from 5pm to 10:30pm

Where: City of Greenville-Downtown Greenville

 

Red, White and Bluegrass

Red, White and Bluegrass is a FREE 4th of July Celebration in downtown Fountain Inn. This event will begin at 7:00 p.m. with two bands performing: Justice Family Bluegrass Band and the Upstate Senior Band. Fireworks will begin at dark. There will be food, Italian ice and craft beer for purchase. We will have a special time to honor all veterans at this event. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.fountaininn.org/scs

When: 7/4/2015 starting at 7pm

Where: City of Fountain Inn-Commerce Park-110 Depot Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644

Admission: Free!

 

A Night with Darryl Worley

 Honoring our heroes. Gates open at 5pm. Music starts at 6 pm.

Admission is free for military & first responders (military personnel, retired military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians). Regular admission is $20 per car (maximum 6 people per car). **Going on now!** Soldier care package campaign to collect items for local soldiers serving overseas. For more information and to get involved, see website. Collection total will be announced at the Darryl Worley concert to honor heroes on July 4th! Concert tickets on sale NOW! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: http://charterspectrumamphitheatre.com/event/a-night-with-darryl-worley/

When: 7/4/2015- Gates open at 5pm, Music at 6pm

Where: Charter Spectrum Amphitheatre-861 Southeast Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681

Admission: $20/car

How do you plan to celebrate? We’d love for you to share suggestions with our readers!

What’s New In Breast Reconstruction: Online Event

 logo pink flowerRound up the girls, bring the cheese and wine, and join our doctors, Dr. Kline and Dr. Craigie, on Thursday, April 30, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern to hear all about what’s new in breast reconstruction and have your burning questions answered LIVE by the doctors.

We understand all the information on breast reconstruction out there is overwhelming. Our commitment at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is to provide you with the information you need so you can decide if natural breast reconstruction is right for your unique situation.

When you register for this online event, we will update you on the latest options for breast reconstruction, answer your specific questions, and help you understand all of your options.

During this hour-long, no-cost event, you will discover:

  • What’s new in natural breast reconstruction, including new donor sites and tissue expanders.
  • Exactly how fat can be removed from your body and used to reconstruct your breast.
  • How natural breast reconstruction can correct implant problems and help women who have undergone mastectomies and who are unhappy with the results.
  • The concept of multiple donor site breast reconstruction, and if this is an option for you. 

**BONUS: You can ask questions before the webinar for the doctors to answer—or simply show up and ask your questions LIVE.

Ask your question here, and you’ll gain access to the live call and maintain access to watch the replay at your convenience!