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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.

 

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One Breast Cancer Survivor’s New Take on Life: Laugh More and Love Harder

August 15, 2012 by

Today we are delighted to share this In her Words post featuring Regina McCray. Diagnosed at only 37 years old,  Regina shares her story with everyone she meets and is a ray of light for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

See below for our inspirational interview with Regina.

Tell us a little bit about your story and how you survived through breast cancer?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 10, 2009 at the age of 37 years old. I had no family history, but because I work as a radiation therapist and see young women with cancer every day I started having mammograms at the age of 35.  My tumor was aggressive and was stage 2, grade 3, with one lymph node involved. I had a right breast mastectomy 3 weeks later and started chemo in April of 2009. I survived because of my faith in God, and the love of my parents and 11 siblings (I am the oldest child).  I also have a great support system of friends, co-workers and family.

You had to experience radiation as part of your treatment plan. What advice or information would you give to other women who need to experience radiation as part of their breast cancer treatment?

About 3 weeks after completing my last chemo treatment ( I did 6 round lasting from April to August) I started radiation, 33 treatments. Radiation only affects the area being treated so my skin got irritated like a bad sunburn, but my aloe vera plant worked wonders. Skin will be sensitive about 2 weeks into treatment and may start to get sore as treatment progresses, but the prescription creams given by the radiation oncologists usually work great. About 3 weeks after completion of treatment (usually 28-33  days Mon.-Fri) the skin will start to get back to normal.  For any woman needing radiation, it’s not as bad as most people think. You don’t feel the treatment, and it normally takes less than 10 minutes to receive treatment. Please don’t let the radiation horror stories scare you out of a treatment that is designed to kill microscopic cancer cells that may have been left behind. It is so worth the peace of mind!

You’ve been a great advocate for The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction and a wonderful support source for your community. Tell us what you’ve been doing to support women who are experiencing breast cancer or know of someone who is?

After surgery, chemo, and radiation, I wanted to get my life, and body back so I joined support groups and started sharing my story with newly diagnosed women to help them get through the initial shock.  I speak to lots of my patients about my experience in order to let them know that they can get through it. I did a talk at my church to bring awareness to breast cancer, and I tell everyone that I come in contact with that if they know anyone that is battling this disease and need someone to talk to, they can call me anytime, day or night.

How has your life changed since being diagnosed with breast cancer?

Breast cancer has changed my life in so many ways, I never thought that something so painful, could make me a better person. I am grateful for the little things. I tell the people I love that I love them more often, and I don’t take for granted that I will have the chance of a tomorrow.  I live each day to the fullest, not caring nearly as much about pleasing others as I do about pleasing God and being happy.  I travel now and see places that I only dreamed about before, because now I know that tomorrow is not promised.  Even if I don’t make it to retirement,  God has given me today and I am enjoying Life! I laugh more and love harder.

What type of breast reconstruction did you have and would you recommend it to other women who might be contemplating natural breast reconstruction?

In May of 2010,  about 14 months after being diagnosed with breast cancer I went into the hospital for bilateral natural breast reconstruction along with a left mastectomy. Dr James Craigie (along with Dr Kline) performed the DIEP flap procedure  taking
fat and blood vessels from my tummy to make my beautiful new breasts. This procedure helped me feel whole again! I am so pleased with the results that I tell my patients, support group sisters, and anyone that is considering reconstruction that this is the way to go. My breasts feel like a part of my body, and I even have some feeling in them, not to mention they look great and I can wear a bathing suit and anything else, and look and feel great with my new girls and my flat tummy! I highly recommend the procedure and for anyone contemplating reconstruction please call Dr. Craigie’s office. He is in my opinion, the best Dr. on the planet. Skillful, patient, and his bedside manner is better than any other physician that you will ever meet. The staff is also awesome, courteous, patient and helpful.  I think the team from The Center for Natural Reconstruction was put here by God to give women like me a second chance, and they will always have a place in my heart!

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The Advantages of ICAP Flap Breast Reconstruction and When to Use This Procedure

July 13, 2012 by

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

When would we use the ICAP flap for breast reconstruction and what are the advantages of this procedure?

The TCAP flap is a procedure for reconstructing the breast or partial breast reconstruction and is another of the muscle-sparing flaps. The ICAP does not require microsurgery or reattachment of the blood vessels, but usually the amount of tissue available is small.  In our experience it is most frequently used to perform partial breast reconstruction of mainly the outer side of the breast or to add volume to a previously reconstructed breast or when the resulting size is not as quite as large as desired from the original planned procedure.  An advantage of the ICAP flap is that it removes tissue from the side of the body that is usually in excess and sometimes bothersome following a mastectomy.  It is just above the bra line and the scar, and although it extends to the back, can almost always be covered in a bathing suit or a support type bra.  Again, the ICAP’s best use is in adding additional tissue to an already reconstructed breast or providing small amounts of tissue for partial breast reconstruction.  It typically does not involve microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels and the blood vessel that nourishes the tissue is conveniently located on the side of the body near the breast just above the bra line.

For more answers to your breast reconstruction questions, visit our Ask the Doctor section of this blog or submit your questions here.

 

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The Affordable Care Act’s Day(s) in Court

June 18, 2012 by

The Supreme Court heard arguments about the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act earlier this spring, and is expected to hand down a decision regarding the healthcare law any day now. Here’s a look at how various possible decisions could affect the state of healthcare in the United States.

Option 1: The Supreme Court Rules the Affordable Care Act Is Good to Go

The main argument against the Affordable Care Act challenges its so-called individual mandate, which, if enacted, would require all Americans to have health insurance (through the government, employers, or an individually purchased plan). If the individual mandate is given the green light, then…

  • Uninsured Americans will have to purchase health insurance by a certain deadline or face a penalty charged at tax time.
  • Health insurance companies will be required to make insurance coverage available to everyone, including those with preexisting conditions.
  • Low-income Americans (those with household incomes up to 138% of the poverty line) will qualify for government assistance for medical insurance (possibly in the form of Medicaid).

The individual mandate could be good news for women with breast cancer who have been denied coverage or reimbursement for treatment, because it will require insurers to cover them regardless of their current or former health.

But most health professionals, regardless of their political affiliation, agree that the individual mandate is far from an ideal system.

Option 2: The Supreme Court Strikes Down the Individual Mandate

If the Supreme Court rules that the individual mandate is unconstitutional, the Affordable Care Act may be doomed. Without the guarantee that all Americans buy health coverage, there is no incentive for health insurance providers to make coverage available to those with breast cancer and other potentially costly conditions.

Without the individual mandate, the health insurance landscape in the U.S. may remain as it is for the immediately foreseeable future.

More Reasonable Healthcare Down the Road?

Some commentators on the health care hearings have suggested that there might be greener pastures ahead for health insurance in the States. It seems that a dismissal of the individual mandate could, by some analyses, pave the way to a single-payer insurance system, under which all Americans would be covered by the federal government, regardless of job or health status.

While most Americans agree that the current state of health insurance in this country is far from ideal, few understand how important comprehensive coverage is better than those who have had life altering illnesses like breast cancer and major procedures such as breast reconstruction.

 

 

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

At What Point During Your Journey Is It Time To See Our Surgical Team?

May 4, 2012 by

time to see a doctorThe below question is answered by Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D., of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

At what point in the process should a breast cancer patient see a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Opinions on this vary, but I think the prevailing opinion is the sooner the better.  Ideally, the patient would see the reconstructive surgeon even before plans were finalized for treating her cancer.  This is because many times several options are available to the patient, and she may not fully understand the implications of the various options available to her unless she understands what reconstructive options are available in each setting.

A Little Bit About Our Surgical Team :

Co-directors Dr. Richard M. Kline and Dr. James E. Craigie are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Both surgeons have trained under Dr. Robert J. Allen, a pioneer in breast reconstruction using the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps. Dr. Craigie completed a microsurgical breast reconstruction fellowship dedicated to muscle sparing techniques (directed by Robert J. Allen, M.D.). Dr. Kline completed his residency at LSU while Dr. Allen was developing these techniques.

Our entire surgical team is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery to provide excellent care and results for each individual patient. Because of this commitment, the practice consistently earns referrals from our patients, as well as from other surgeons throughout the United States.

Knowing the RIGHT Questions to Ask:

When searching for a surgeon to perform your microsurgical breast reconstruction, it’s important to ask him or her the right questions.

Below are a few questions to ask:

  • Are you a microsurgeon? Where and by whom were you trained in this specialty?
  • How many microsurgeries have you performed? And how often do you perform them?
  • What is your success rate?
  • Can you arrange for me to speak with some of your patients who have had the procedure I am seeking? (Candidates should speak with people of similar ages and lifestyles).
  • How long do you anticipate I will be under anesthesia for the procedure?
  • How many board certified physicians will be assisting with the first stage of the procedure? Will there be physicians in training (residents) involved with my surgery
  • Will I have to sign a consent that if a physician is unable to complete the procedure, I will have to consent to a TRAM/Free TRAM?

Do you have a question about breast implants or natural breast reconstruction? Ask our surgical team by clicking HERE.

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How to Correctly Apply Sunscreen for Maximum Protection

April 23, 2012 by

sunscreen applicationWearing sunscreen should be part of every woman’s daily health regimen, regardless of the weather. Sunscreen protects against the sun’s rays that increase signs of aging (UVA rays) and those that cause burns and skin cancer (UVB rays).

Shield Skin by Using Sunscreen the Right Way

Here’s a quick guide to protect your skin and keep you looking your best, no matter how hard the sun is shining.

  • Buy sunscreen for your face & body: Oil-free sunscreen for the face will prevent breakouts while protecting your skin. Sun block for the body generally has oil in it, comes in larger containers, and is less expensive. Spring for both to keep yourself protected and acne-free.
  • Choose “broad spectrum” protection: When browsing for the right lotion, be sure to choose one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The label should mention both types of rays or indicate that the lotion offers “broad spectrum” coverage.
  • Select an SPF of 15 or higher: The sun protection factor (SPF) measures how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning, compared to wearing no sunscreen at all. SPF 15 lotion, for example, will let you stay in the sun without burning 15 times longer than you could with bare skin.
  • Apply 20 – 30 minutes before going outside: To give your skin time to absorb the sunscreen (and thus enjoy its protection), be sure to apply about half an hour before leaving the house. To cover your whole body, you should use about an ounce, or enough to fill a shot glass. Be sure to remember the most-ignored areas (the backs of your legs, your feet, and behind your ears).
  • Replace sunscreen every year: Don’t dig up an old bottle of sun block for your first pool trip of the season. The active ingredients become less effective over time, so you’re much better off buying new lotion every season.
  • Wear it every day: Every time you leave the house, you should wear sun block on all exposed skin. For most of the year, that might just mean your face and hands, but it’s still important to protect those areas to prevent cancer and skin damage.

These days, it’s easier than ever to stay safe from the sun’s damage. If you loathe the thought of lathering up, opt for sunscreen that comes as a spray, in a stick, or in non-traditional scents that make the process of applying downright decadent!

 

 

 

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Ask The Expert Series Spotlights The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

April 20, 2012 by

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you, today! Our very own Dr. Richard Kline and Dr. James Craigie, Charleston breast surgeons, were recently on ABC News 4 Ask the Experts Series. During this interview the doctors answer questions on air about natural breast reconstruction submitted by viewers .

See below for the interview:

 

For those of you who aren’t aware of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction and what we do, here’s a brief description:

Charleston plastic surgeons Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard Kline specialize in breast reconstruction for women who have undergone mastectomy and those who are considering risk reducing prophylactic surgery. Some of the procedures performed by these Charleston breast surgeons include DIEP, SIEA, and GAP free flap breast reconstruction, which utilize your own tissue with no implants and no muscle sacrifice.

Our Charleston breast surgeons also perform nipple sparing mastectomy, reconstruction after lumpectomy, microsurgical breast reconstruction, and breast restoration. Visit our website today for more information.

Do you have a question for the Charleston breast surgeons at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction? We’d love to hear from you.

 

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Our Recommendations for Post Surgical Clothing After Breast Reconstructive Surgery

April 13, 2012 by

post operativeThe below question is answered by the team at the The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I am having a SGAP breast reconstruction in a few weeks. Do I need to buy post op surgical bras? If so, which kind and can I get a prescription for insurance purposes? Also, I heard people use various bras / camisoles with pockets for drains. Have you heard of those or think they are helpful? Do you think button down shirts are something I need to get? Anything else?

No need to buy any special bra, vest, or camisole in advance. Our hospital, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, provides a soft cotton vest with drain pockets as well as a surgical bra that acts as a post operative surgical dressing. Let them know if you feel like you need an extra for when you leave the hospital and they are great about sharing another with you.

Absolutely, I would make sure I had button down shirts and loose clothing that you can easily get in and out of. You’ll have some limitation of lifting your arms above your head so button down shirts are easiest to get on and off without lifting your arms. Some women choose to wear loose sundresses; others track suit pants or cotton shorts. Whatever you are comfortable in is fine, but keep in mind we won’t want you wearing anything right away that could potentially put any pressure on your suture lines.

Here are more helpful hints:

If you are having a DIEP breast reconstruction, abdominal swelling limits clothing choices. Wear loose-fitting garments to the hospital. Women should avoid fitted, zippered pants and skirts because they probably won’t zip when it’s time to leave. Even clothing with snug elastic waistbands may be uncomfortable. A loose chemise or drop waist dress or jumper is a good choice.

Slacks or skirts with elastic in the back and a smooth band in the front may be slightly more comfortable than those with a totally elastic waistband.

Consider clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Resting and naps are necessary while recuperating.

Cotton underwear breathes and is absorbent and comfortable next to the skin. Cotton’s fiber ends help the fabric stand away from the sensitive incision area rather than hug it, as some textured, synthetic fabrics do. If you don’t already have cotton briefs, buy a pair a size larger than your normal size. A little extra room adds comfort during recuperation. For waistline incisions, bikini cut styles may be better, while full cut panties and shorts might be preferred for incisions in the lower abdomen and buttocks.

Loose-fitting nightgowns and nightshirts are comfortable, especially when made from absorbent, breathable cotton or cotton-blends. If you prefer pajamas, select those with drawstrings. Elastic waists may be less comfortable for some people depending on swelling, tenderness, and location of incision. Sweatpants or crew pants are a comfortable change from bed wear, especially those with drawstrings, which allow some flexibility at the waistline.

Flat soled shoes that slip on your feet rather than tie are great to have, too, as you may be limited in your ability to bend over and tie your shoes.

If you do need to have a special bra after your incision lines have healed, we are happy to provide a prescription. We’ve had lots of our patients rave about Nordstrom’s for post mastectomy bras. Not only do the kind folks there provide a professional fitting for mastectomy patients, but they also handle the insurance paperwork for you too!

Thank you,

The team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Are you thinking of having reconstructive surgery and have questions or just want more information? Then click here to ask our team, we’d love to hear from you!

 

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Join The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction for the Hats Off to Survivors Event!

April 11, 2012 by

Hats OffOn April 15, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Lowcountry Affiliate is hosting Hats Off to Survivors: 2012 Survivor Celebration and Afternoon Tea, and we at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are proud to say we’ll be sponsoring the event!

Both a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and a celebration of breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, the event will be held at the Charleston Mariott. All are welcome, and you can buy tickets online for survivors ($10.00 each), guests ($15.00 each), or for a reserved table of 10 ($200.00).

As part of its celebration, Hats Off to Survivors includes a hat contest, which survivors can enter in one of four categories: most whimsical, most glamorous, most FUNctional, and most representative of Komen.

While everyone is encouraged to wear hats to this event, hats are not required for attendance.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Founded in 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a grassroots movement that raises money for breast cancer research while raising awareness about the disease, its prevention, and its treatment. Part of the organization’s mission is to improve the quality of medical care available to those diagnosed with breast cancer and to inspire researchers to continue searching for a cure.

We at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are happy to put our support behind Susan G. Komen events as part of our mission of improving the lives of the women we meet and work with every day.

Hats Off to Survivors Event Details

Who: Susan G. Komen for the Cure & the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

What: Hats Off to Survivors: 2012 Survivors Celebration and Afternoon Tea

When: Sunday, April 15, 2012, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Charleston Mariott, 170 Lockwood Blvd. Charleston, SC 29403

Reserve your seat here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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Your Question about Reconstruction Surgery and Lymph Node Transfers Answered

April 6, 2012 by

breast questionThe below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

Can a one-sided microsurgical reconstruction be done in conjunction (same surgery) with lymph node transfer?

Lymph nodes can be “piggy-backed” on a DIEP flap, but our impression is that that precludes the ideal positioning of eitherthe nodes or the flap. Additionally, we have concerns that the nodes may not be as well vascularized (have as good a blood supply) that way (rather than doing them as their own separate flap), although extra small blood vessels can sometimes be hooked up to the nodes themselves.

Our preference is to just do the autogenous (your own tissue, no implant) reconstruction first, as some patients with lymphedema will improve with this alone. If they don’t improve, we’ve found that a vascularized lymph node transfer fits in very well with the second stage of the breast reconstruction. Of course, it is possible to do a DIEP or GAP with a separate vascularized lymph node transfer in one setting, but that makes a long procedure about 2 hours longer, so we haven’t pursued it.

-Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD
Center for Natural  Breast Reconstruction

Share this post with your followers on Twitter. And if you have a question for our breast surgeons, please feel free to submit them here!

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