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How One Cancer Survivor Embraces Life After Cancer

August 8, 2011 by
Debbie Woodbury

Debbie Woodbury

We are not only delighted, but we are also extremely honored to introduce our In Her Words guest blogger for today, Debbie Woodbury. As a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker, and advocate, Debbie has become an inspiration to all women—no matter their age or health history. In our interview with Debbie, she talks about her amazing blog, Where We Go Now, and discusses the benefits she, as well as her loyal readers, receive from reading her blog.

See below for our exclusive interview with Debbie:

1. Where We Go Now is a completely unique blog that acts like a community and resource for women. Who is Where We Go Now for and what benefits do you hope readers get from visiting your blog?

Thank you so much for inviting me to lend my voice to In Her Words.  WhereWeGoNow.com was created for cancer survivors exploring the gifts and losses of life beyond cancer. The idea for the site came from my own journey. About nine months after my mastectomy, I startled to realize I was keeping a tally in my head of the changes cancer was bringing me. Although I was excruciatingly aware of the losses, I was begrudgingly recognizing gifts. When I could ignore the gifts no longer, I decided to write them down side by side with the losses.

The losses were obvious, but there were a surprising number of gifts. Introspection, closer relationships, discovering yoga and meditation, making new friends, becoming aware of the present moment, learning to say “yes” to myself, and writing—just to name a few.

That list is now the heart of WhereWeGoNow.com. We’ve all taken major, earth-shattering losses, but I hope readers visiting WhereWeGoNow.com are inspired to recognize cancer’s gifts in their own lives. The most beautiful entries readers have posted are found at the Community Gifts and Losses List page. My Gifts and Losses List helped me find emotional healing and balance after cancer and I hope readers visiting WhereWeGoNow.com receive the same benefit.

2. What benefits do you receive from blogging about your life after cancer? (i.e. clarity, joy in helping others, etc.)

With each blog post I write, I still manage to surprise myself by writing down a thought I didn’t know I had until it hit the screen. Blogging brings me a deeper understanding of what I went through, and continue to experience, because of cancer.

Blogging also taught me that survivorship is a multi-faceted, life-long journey. I’ve blogged about my “beautiful,” eloquent cancer scars; yoga; how giving back to others helped me heal from cancer depression; awful summers and moving beyond them; my first survivors’ walk, the best thing anyone ever said to me about my cancer, and so much more.

Of all the posts I’ve written so far, however, I probably learned the most from the one I wrote about gratitude. I learned in writing that post, which I also gave as a speech, that I never would have recognized cancer’s gifts without gratitude, cancer’s first and most important gift to me.

The most wonderful part of blogging is getting comments back from my readers. It’s so gratifying to know my experiences have struck a chord with other survivors and perhaps made a difference in how they approach their survivorship. I will never say that cancer itself is a gift, because it is not. But recognizing the gifts it brought and continues to bring into my life is very healing for me.

Stay tuned for Part II of our interview with Debbie, which will publish this Wednesday, August 10!

About Debbie Woodbury:

Debbie Woodbury is a cancer survivor, blogger, speaker, and advocate. She entered the diagnostic and treatment phases of breast cancer in 2008. When she completed treatment in 2009, she was left to deal with cancer’s emotional impact. With the support of family, friends, and wonderful oncology therapists, she was able to create her Gifts and Losses List and eventually realize that “Survival > Existence.” The Gifts and Losses List became the heart of WhereWeGoNow.com, a community of survivors sharing the gifts and losses of lives lived beyond cancer.

Connect with Debbie on Twitter and Facebook.

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , , , , ,

Having a Positive Outlook on Life Before, During, & After Breast Cancer: Interview with Leslie Haywood

July 27, 2011 by
Leslie Haywood

Leslie Haywood

We are SO excited to share with you Part II of our interview with Leslie Haywood, creator of Grill Charms™. For those of you who have not yet read Part I of this interview, Leslie shared her story as a breast cancer survivor and explained how she started a successful company while undergoing treatments.

We absolutely love how Leslie can be so inspirational and funny at the same time!

If you missed Part I of this interview, click here.

See below for Part II of our exclusive and highly inspirational (not to mention, hilarious!) interview with Leslie Haywood:

1. Your first Grill Charms™ sale was somewhat unexpected! Tell us where you were and how you sold your first Grill Charms™.

Oh yes! My most memorable sale to date! I was in the office for my final “procedure,” if you will. I was in The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction office for my nice pinkish brown tattoo. As you can imagine, I have known all the folks at Dr. Craigie’s office  for over a year by then (and  pretty intimately I must say), so in an effort to help me think about anything other than what she was doing, the nurse asked about how my brand new business was going. Her distraction technique worked! I instantly forgot the discomfort and gave her the complete rundown of Grill Charms™, ending with: “I have a set to show you in my purse over there!”

By the time the nurse was done waving her buzzing magic wand all over my reconstructed girl parts, she said “I need 5!”  I immediately jumped off the table (still half dressed), showed her the set out of my purse, and right then and there, with my cell phone calculator (yep, still topless) I totaled up everything plus tax and she wrote the check on the spot. After our business transaction was done, she helped me with the bandage / pad etc. and I put my clothes back on. I can’t imagine any other sale being quite as “interesting” as this one. Obviously I’m not opposed to be doing business topless, but thankfully I have not had to resort to that since!

 

Grill Charms pink collection

Grill Charms Pink Collection

5. How did you decide which type of breast reconstruction surgery you wanted?

Because of my family history, I feel like I was at an “advantage” (if you can call it that!). I have had YEARS to consider and decide how I would handle a breast cancer diagnosis. Back when my mother had her treatment and reconstruction, there were very few options and she pretty much did what she was told (mastectomy and implant).

I saw what 20 years had done to her reconstruction and had always wanted better for myself. I didn’t like the idea of an implant being in me for all eternity and also knew that I wanted “symmetry” for the rest of my life, so both boobs would HAVE TO GO! The fact that my “baby pooch” would be used to make my new breasts and the fact that I’d have the stomach I used to have in my 20’s, was a BONUS!

Oh, another little story about the surgery (**For those of you who know me, you know I’m the queen of TMI, so you’ll have to excuse my “frankness” when it comes to what some might view as sensitive topics. I apologize if my candor and tone offends anyone.).  Okay… so when the decision was made and we knew that “natural breast reconstruction” was the way to go, and that “belly fat” was where my new breasts were going to come from, I talked to my husband about “size.”  He said “porn star, please” and I said “NO WAY,” but I did want something to show off.  I really wanted to make sure that Dr. Craigie had enough “material” to work with, so I went on an 8-week eating FRENZY!

My family would watch me getting 2nds and 3rds of my favorite food, STEAK! They’d say “Leslie . . . slow down there girl!” and my reply was always the same, “Shut up! I’M MAKING BOOBIES!” For those 8 weeks, food and I had a magical relationship! Ahhh…. I miss those days!

Now what I DID NOT take into account with natural breast reconstruction was how my breasts would look after the surgery. With my tummy flat and my new natural breasts a fabulous B+ maybe C, I wanted do right by my “second chance” and  eat right and exercise to keep it. I have never been more fit in all my life! BUT, because the new breasts are “all natural,” when I started to lose all that “boobie making weight” and toned everything up, my new breasts acted exactly like my old ones. There was a little shrinkage factor! So now I’m more like an A+ to a B-, but I have never been happier with my body and I have never been more in shape in my entire life! Just look how awesome they are! THANKS Dr. Baron for saving my life and thanks Dr.Craigie for making me look and feel better than ever!

6. What would you tell women who have had a mastectomy or are planning on undergoing one about natural breast reconstruction?

You owe it to yourself to at least learn about natural breast reconstruction and fully understand this option. Knowledge is power and you will never regret finding out about what you don’t know. There has not been a single SECOND that I wish that I had done things any differently. Natural breast reconstruction was the absolute best option for me, NO QUESTION!

About Leslie Haywood and Grill Charms™:

Leslie Haywood is founder and President of Charmed Life Products, LLC, and inventor of Grill Charms™. Leslie was a stay-at-home mom when a very spicy light bulb moment thrust her into the entrepreneurial ring. During the start up phase of her company, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but still managed to launch her product on store shelves within 18 months and is now sold in over 400 stores internationally. She has been featured numerous times on CNBC, various local and regional news programs, as well as ABC’s prime time reality TV show Shark Tank seasons I and II. Her story and product have publicized in such magazines as Everyday with Rachael Ray, Parenting magazine, Health magazine, Inventors Digest, and was also featured on The Today Show. All the while she is mindful of “the cause,” whether it’s giving back through “The Pink Collection” of her gift and grilling accessory Grill Charms™, or her work as Honorary Chair for The Race for the Cure .

Leslie’s Special Offer:

***Put “natural” in the coupon code of www.grillcharms.com for 10% off!***

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Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Will My Insurance Company Pay for a Mastectomy to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?

April 29, 2011 by

health insuranceWe’re putting a little twist on our Ask the Doctor post today. We receive lots of great questions from patients; some are medical while others pertain to insurance, billing, and other-office related information. Today, I will be answering a popular question we receive regarding insurance.

I’d like to have a mastectomy to reduce my risk of breast cancer.  Will my insurance company pay for it?

Most insurance companies do have criteria under which they will consider a prophylactic mastectomy medically necessary—as a reminder, if they pay for your mastectomy they must also cover a reconstructive procedure of your choice. There are always exceptions to this rule, as outlined in WHCRA 1998, but this law does protect the majority of women insured in the United States.

I’ll highlight some of the actual criteria obtained from medical policy documents from some of the nation’s largest insurers. This is a pretty comprehensive list but it’s always a good idea to consult your plan’s medical policy documents to determine their specific coverage criteria prior to undergoing any medical / surgical procedure.

“BIG INSURANCE CO #1” covers prophylactic mastectomy as medically necessary for the treatment of individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer when any ONE of the following criteria is met:

Individuals with a personal history of cancer as noted below:

Individuals with a personal history of breast cancer when any ONE of the following criteria is met:

  • Diagnosed at age 45 or younger, regardless of family history.
  • Diagnosed at age 50 or younger and EITHER of the following:
    • At least one close blood relative with breast cancer at age 50 or younger.
    • At least one close blood relative with epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
  • Diagnosed with two breast primaries (includes bilateral disease or cases where there are two or more clearly separate ipsilateral primary tumors) when the first breast cancer diagnosis occurred prior to age 50.
  • Diagnosed at any age and there are at least two close blood relatives* with breast cancer or epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer diagnosed at any age.
  • Personal history of epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
  • Close male blood relative with breast cancer.
  • An individual of ethnicity associated with higher mutation frequency (e.g., founder populations of Ashkenazi Jewish, Icelandic, Swedish, Hungarian, or Dutch).
  • Development of invasive lobular or ductal carcinoma in the contralateral breast after electing surveillance for lobular carcinoma in situ of the ipsilateral breast.
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ confirmed on biopsy.
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ in the contralateral breast.
  • Diffuse indeterminate microcalcifications or dense tissue in the contralateral breast that is difficult to evaluate mammographically and clinically.
  • A large and / or ptotic, dense, disproportionately-sized contralateral breast that is difficult to reasonably match the ipsilateral cancerous breast treated with mastectomy and reconstruction.
  • Personal history of epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
  • Personal history of male breast cancer.

Individuals with no personal history of breast or epithelial ovarian cancer when any ONE of the following is met:

  • Known breast risk cancer antigen (BRCA1 or BRCA2), p53, or PTEN mutation confirmed by genetic testing.
  • Close blood relative with a known BRCA1, BRCA2, p53, or PTEN mutation.
  • First- or second-degree blood relative meeting any of the above criteria for individuals with a personal history of cancer.
  • Third-degree blood relative with two or more close blood relatives with breast and / or ovarian cancer (with at least one close blood relative with breast cancer prior to age 50).
  • History of treatment with thoracic radiation.
  • Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia, especially if combined with a family history of breast cancer.
  • Dense, fibronodular breasts that are mammographically or clinically difficult to evaluate, several prior breast biopsies for clinical and / or mammographic abnormalities, and strong concern about breast cancer risk.

Who is a close blood  relative? A close blood relative / close family member includes first- , second-, and third-degree relatives.

A first-degree relative is defined as a blood relative with whom an individual shares approximately 50% of his / her genes, including the individual’s parents, full siblings, and children.

A second-degree relative is defined as a blood relative with whom an individual shares approximately 25% of his / her genes, including the individual’s grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and half-siblings.

A third-degree relative is defined as a blood relative with whom an individual shares approximately 12.5% of his / her genes, including the individual’s great-grandparents and first-cousins.

GET IT IN WRITING: Some of the above criteria may sound like Greek to most of us.  Ultimately the key to finding out if your insurance will consider prophylactic mastectomy in your individual case lies in the hands of your physician and you. A comprehensive set of medical records clearly outlining your particular risk along with a request made to your insurance company for written pre-authorization or pre-determination of benefits is the best thing to do to assure if your insurance company will consider your procedure medically necessary.

–Gail Lanter, CPC, Office Manager

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I Tested BRCA Positive, Now What? 7 Things You Should Know

November 18, 2018 by

brca positive

If you have a family history of breast cancer and want to know if you’re at risk of getting it, too, a genetic test might provide the answers. A simple BRCA blood test can determine if there are changes in your genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which show you are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer. But what happens if your test results come back positive?

  1. A Positive Test Does Not Mean You Have Cancer: First, understand that a positive BRCA test result does not mean you already have breast cancer. Not everyone who is “BRCA positive” will get breast cancer down the road. There are many other factors that determine your ultimate breast cancer risk, including alcohol consumption, body weight, breast density, physical activity levels, age, and reproductive history, and this test result is just one. It is normal to worry about any positive test result, so the best thing to do is to inform yourself about what a positive BRCA test result means and what the next steps are if you test positive.
  2. A Positive Test Indicates You May Be at Risk: Statistics show a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation diagnosis means you have a 45 to 65 percent chance of getting with breast cancer by the time you turn 70. Remember, this doesn’t mean you will get cancer. It means you have a higher chance than someone else.
  3. A Positive Test May Alter Your Treatment: If you already have breast cancer, knowing you have a BRCA mutation may change your course of treatment as many breast cancers in women that are BRCA positive result in more aggressive tumors. Armed with this information, you should talk to your doctor about your current cancer treatment plan and determine what, if any, changes, should be made.
  4. You May Need Further Screening: If you have not been diagnosed, a BRCA positive test result should prompt you to create a screening plan with your doctor. You will probably have more breast screenings including mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, starting at a younger age.
  5. Better Overall Health Improves Your Odds: Whether your test was positive or negative, taking steps to improve your health will reduce your risk of cancer. Eating right, not smoking, and avoiding the sun and other things that cause cancer help to improve your odds.
  6. You May Opt for Preventative Surgery: Depending on the genetic test results, your own health history and your current health, some women who are BRCA positive have undergone a preventative double mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of both breasts. It’s important to note that this reduces, but does not eliminate, your risk of developing breast cancer.
  7. You Need to Alert Your Family: Getting a positive BRCA test result naturally leads to concern about the breast cancer risk for children and other family members. Notify them of your positive results and talk to the genetic counselor about getting other family members tested.

To learn more about natural breast reconstruction and find out if it might be the right choice for you, contact The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction at NaturalBreastReconstruction.com or toll-free at 866-374-2627.

Filed Under: Breast Cancer Awareness, Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Ask the Doctor- Can you help me schedule a consultation?

March 24, 2017 by

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

Question:  I am 35 years old, my BMI is 29. I have a pathogenic mutation of the ATM gene and strong family history of breast cancer (mom dx in 2016 at age 68 and also has the ATM mutation, two deceased maternal aunts dx in their late 30s). In January 2017 I underwent diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, then MRI, and then an MRI-guided core needle biopsy of a 4.6×1.4 cm linear nonmass enhancement. Pathology revealed sclerosing adenosis, benign changes, and flat epithelial atypia.

Because of the atypia I am scheduled for an extensional biopsy on February 16, 2017, to remove more tissue and hopefully rule out cancer. I am trying to stay ahead of the curve and I am interested in pursuing what I hope will be a prophylactic mastectomy with immediate flap-type reconstruction, but understand planning and timing will depend on the outcome of the pathology from my next procedure.

I spoke with my doctor about prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction (my doctor is a surgical oncologist and will be performing my upcoming extensional biopsy) and asked which plastic surgeon she recommended on their team for flap-type reconstruction. She told me that she would perform the mastectomy, that I would be flat for a while, and that the plastic surgeon she recommended would perform reconstruction during a second surgery at a later date because “that’s just how he does it.”

I heard about your center on a DIEP support group on Facebook, and your surgeons are so highly recommended and are in-network with my insurance. I have learned a lot about the procedures in the support group, and I would like a second opinion from your doctors as I know that immediate reconstruction is possible in a lot of situations. I live near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I am willing and able to travel to be in the hands of an experienced team. A Monday morning appointment for a consultation would be ideal because of the travel involved, and either location would be fine, but I am flexible. Can you please help me schedule a consultation? I feel uncomfortable asking my doctor/surgeon for a referral at this time.

Answer: Thanks for your question. I’m sorry you are having to go through this, but we will help you any way we can.

The only common reason to NOT do immediate flap reconstruction at the time of mastectomy is if we know or suspect that you will need post-operative radiation, because that can severely damage a new flap. The most common reasons for giving radiation are a cancerous tumor over 5 centimeters in size, or a positive axillary lymph node.

Hopefully, you will end up not having cancer at all, and neither of these situations will apply to you. We do immediate flap reconstruction very routinely, sometimes several times a week, and I suspect there is a very good chance you could have it done that way.

We work with several truly cutting-edge breast surgeons, and we would be happy to arrange for you to see both of us on the same day. If you wish, we will have one of our PA’s (Kim and Audrey) or Nurse Practitioner (Lindsey) contact you to get additional information, and help make arrangements.

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

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Ask the Doctor- Can you you improve my issues and tell me the cost?

February 17, 2017 by

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

Question: Due to strong family history of breast cancer, I had a bi-lateral subcutaneous mastectomy. I had this surgery shortly after my husband died suddenly from a MI. I was in my early thirties with two young children to raise. I had such a poor result and complications from that procedure, I am now interested in using abdominal fat for both breasts. Until this year, I had no fat @ 123lbs.

I now have abdominal fat, @ 137lbs. The poor result of the surgery destroyed my self-confidence as a woman. I am 68 yrs. old in great health but, because of the way I look, I have never accepted an invitation for a “date,” in all those years. My chest is tight, painful, with random indentions that were cuts made into the muscle in an effort to give me some relief.

I got no relief, just exacerbated the look, the shape of both breasts. Does this sound like an issue you could improve? Also, could you give me just a ballpark cost, a guesstimate, the range of lowest to highest cost? Thank you.

Answer:  Good questions. I’m going to copy our doctors and physician assistant to answer the clinical questions for you. There are other options for you to consider and they can ask some questions to be able to help you decide what might work out best for you. The whole team is in surgery right now but I am sure they will reply as soon as they have a chance to catch up on their e-mail.

In the meantime, here are some basic ideas of cost. This would be for a “self pay” patient. We do accept most insurances so ultimately your financial responsibility would be based on the contract between you and your insurance company. This is a very rough estimate based on some research into the same question for a patient early last year. We’d have to update for you if you choose to proceed but it’s a good starting point.

The fee for a DIEP flap for a private pay patient is $10,000.00 per side. Rib cartilage resection to access vein $1604.78. Mesh placement to repair abdomen $1032.00. Second side/procedures are discounted by 50%.

Anesthesia is per hour at $500 for the first hour and then $300 each hour after. These procedures typically take 4 to 5 hours for one side.
Pre-operative imaging $3015.44 (MRA pelvis/abdomen)

East Cooper Hospital $ 25,000.00 – covers operating room and 4 day inpatient stay.

Hope this information is useful, please feel free to send any additional questions you may have, we’re always happy to 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: , , , , ,

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!

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Give Yourself the Gift of Health This New Year

December 27, 2016 by


With the holidays behind us, it’s time to get excited and look forward to the new year ahead of us. Before we officially close out the season of giving, there is one more gift we want to talk about.

And that gift is the gift of health.

We believe that taking care of your body and being aware of your health are the keys to living a happy and healthy life. There’s no better time than right now to put yourself on the path to health and happiness as we begin a new year.

It doesn’t matter how good or poor your health currently is. There are many small lifestyle changes you can make to help ensure you’re giving your body the things it needs while also getting the medical care you need to stay happy and healthy.

The new year means starting fresh. We hope you’ll take advantage of this time to put in place a plan for the year that promotes your health and happiness.

Not sure where to start? No worries, we have a few suggestions!

Keep reading to discover a few things you can do to give yourself the gift of health this year.

Eat Healthy

Your health begins with what you put in your body.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a tasty treat every once in a while. But it’s also important to ensure that you are getting the nutrients from fresh meats (if you’re not a vegetarian), vegetables, and fruits.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes you can add to your weekly meal plan.

Go for Regular Physicals

Visiting your doctor for a yearly exam is a great way to make sure you’re in tip-top shape.
Most important, your doctor might be able to detect health problems before you notice them. And that’s important because early detection is the key to saving lives, especially for cancer patients.

You can’t go wrong with a yearly exam to make sure you’re in good health.

Get Exercise

Exercise is an important part of staying healthy. It helps you build muscles, burn excess fat, and keep your heart strong.

If you’re someone who feels as if you can’t exercise, don’t worry. It’s ok to start slow. Something as simple as a walk around the block is a great place to get started.

Check out some of our favorite ways to get into an exercise routine.

Perform At-Home Breast Exams

Ladies, this one is super important!

As we mentioned before, early detection saves lives. Which is why at-home breast exams are so important, even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer.

BreastCancer.org gives a great overview on how to do an at-home breast exam. Check it out here.

Your doctor can also teach you how to do a self-exam. Ask your doctor to show you at your next appointment.

Take Note of Changes in Your Body

Nobody knows your body better than you do.

If you notice any changes—including lumps, spots, marks, bumps, rashes, or even less visible changes like unusual headaches or pains—be sure to report those changes to your doctor.

Your doctor can diagnose any health concerns and put you on the path to health and happiness.

What do you do to live a healthy life? Share with us below!

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Ask the Doctor-Have you seen insurance cover a mastectomy and reconstruction under BCBS?

May 6, 2016 by

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

Question:  I have an overwhelming history of breast cancer in my family (2aunts and grandmother ovarian cancer). My mother was diagnosed at age 50 before menopause and had to have chemo and radiation. I have BCBS of SC health insurance and it looks like the genetic testing is covered under medical necessity.

If I test positive I wanted to explore my options and know my coverage. Have you seen insurance cover a mastectomy and reconstruction under BCBS of SC for someone who has not been diagnosed but tests positive? Thanks for your help.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Yes we have had many patients who had negative genetic testing who have had preventive mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction.

You should discuss your risks and history with a breast surgeon. They will let you know what the insurance company requires. If you are approved for a preventive mastectomy then reconstruction will be covered as well.

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

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Have You Had Your Mammogram?

January 13, 2014 by

diep and mammogramThe mammogram, or x-ray of the breast and surrounding tissue, is the most effective diagnostic tool for breast cancer that we have today. All women should receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40, or earlier with a family history of breast cancer.

According to www.breastcancer.org, mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of death from breast cancer by 35% in women over age 50. It also means that more women who are found to have breast cancer early can keep their breasts.

In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force questioned the need for mammograms in women under 50, and they recommended that screening mammograms begin at 50 instead of 40. Several prominent groups, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have emphatically stated that screening needs to begin at 40 instead of 50.

One risk of mammography is the rate of false negatives and false positives among younger women or women with dense breast tissue. Dense breasts can hide cancers, and mammograms can identify a perfectly normal variation in breast tissue and raise the alarm that it’s cancerous. Because of these mammogram drawbacks, we recommend that you not only perform monthly self-exams, but you should also have a secondary form of breast screening done, such as an ultrasound or an MRI.

Many women worry about the pain, but for most women it is merely uncomfortable for a few minutes. A mammogram compresses your breast (to reduce the thickness of the tissue) between two x-ray plates that are attached to a camera that takes photos of your breast. More than a couple pictures may be necessary for younger women or those with dense breasts.

From beginning to end, a mammogram takes about 20 minutes and involves much less radiation exposure today than in years past. According to the American Cancer Society, the radiation received during mammogram is about the same amount a person naturally gets in a 3-month period.

Typically, at least one radiologist reads your mammogram, and if two read it, the chances of missing a problem go down. If you are concerned, you can also have your mammogram analyzed by a computer through computer-aided detection (CAD). Software reviews mammogram images and marks areas of suspicion, and then the radiologist examines each area to see if it needs further evaluation.

Have you had a mammogram, and if so, do you have any words of advice?

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: ,
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