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Post Op Pearls Webinar: Share and Tell

September 10, 2012 by

Post Op Pearls panel members: Debbie, Chris, Kim Gail and Shirley

We couldn’t be more thrilled with the success of our second webinar titled,  Post-Op Pearls: Recovery, Healing, and Healthful Insights from Past Patients and Specialists, which happened on Thursday, August 28th. During the hour long webinar our panel, which included both past patients and specialists, shared information, personal tips and stories, and answered questions about breast reconstruction surgery. We’ve received an overwhelming amount of emails from women sharing their thoughts and feelings about this event and we’ve shared them with you below.

” The preparation and recovery tips were most helpful to me at this time since I am having surgery this November. I receive lots of information on reconstruction online, from you, FORCE, Johns Hopkins, and family members doing research or going through diagnoses/treatment.The only thing I do not have my head wrapped around yet is the multiple steps to completion.  I am only allowing myself to deal with step one right now.  I will figure the rest (nipple/no nipples, touch up procedures, etc) out later.

 THANK YOU ALL!”

” Just wanted to say how much my husband and I enjoyed the last webinar.  I liked hearing other patients comments on their recovery, it helps you know that your recovery is normal.  Thanks to all of you for all you do for us, the patients and our family. You make something that started out “bad” turn into a very pleasant experience.  I know that people here in Lexington get tired of hearing me talk about ya’ll but they have also been passing on my experience to their friends and have been recommending ya’ll to anyone they know that can benefit from the God given talent the Dr. Kline and Dr. Craigie share with their patients.

 Thanks again for everything “

” The topics that interest me the most are about the options available to those who do not have the option for DIEP reconstruction.  What are the remaining options, how many stages will it take to get to a finished “product”; what complications might happen; recovery assistance, return to work timeline, and so on. Initially, I got my reconstruction information from my breast cancer surgeon and then local plastic surgeons.  When I researched those options on the Internet I found there were more options available than what was locally available.  In my area, there are no plastic surgeons as well trained and as skilled as Dr. Kline and Dr. Craigie.  I have found the information provided by everyone at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction to be outstanding. The doctors and all of the staff are so willing to provide all the pros and cons of procedures and situations. They make recommendations that may or may not fit one’s situation but that information can be reviewed and let the individual make their own informed choice.  For me they have been the “light at the end of the tunnel. “

 I think the webinars are very helpful.  I only wish the person talking could be seen “live”.  The PowerPoint is helpful but would be so much more enhanced if one could see the actual speaker. I would like to learn more about the what is too much to expect from reconstruction surgery.  I was not eligible for a DIEP and had a I-GAP at one hospital and an S-GAP with Dr. Kline.  The S-GAP went so much better.  Now he is cleaning up all the mess from the I-GAP.  What type of breast volume, project, and shape is realistic under such circumstances?  I know each is unique to the individual, I’m throwing out this as a question on general terms. After bad experiences, I trolled the Internet to find doctors that could perform the type of reconstruction I wanted and needed.  I only found a couple of groups that fit my criteria. The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction fit my criteria.  What questions should a breast cancer patient list/ask and have answered when seeking someone to provide the most options for reconstruction? I love all of you.  

You are the best!!!  So is East Cooper Hospital!!!! “

Through webinars we are able to continue our mission to help hundreds of women understand their breast reconstruction options and make informed choices about the option that fits in their lives. Whether you joined us live, listened to the replay, or regrettably missed out, we encourage you to share feedback and let us know what aspects of breast reconstruction you want to know about so we can serve you better. We’re sure to be hosting another webinar in the near future so stay tuned, you don’t want to miss out!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or send our team an email today!

 

 

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

Is This Normal? Your Post Op Breast Reconstruction Question Answered

August 17, 2012 by

Post Op Breast ReconstructionThe below question comes all the way from Australia, and is answered by Charleston breast surgeon Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction!

6 weeks after surgery I had a leak a long my stitches all bright yellow came out when that stopped a week after my scar further round swelled and it started leaking from there. Thats stopping now, is this normal? Will it keep happening, and I think my breast seems to be going smaller?

Hello,

It depends on the type of surgery you had. Drainage from incisions 6 weeks from surgery could be related to  incision healing. If the incision healed without problems and then the drainage occurred it could be a reaction to stitches or from a collection of fluid underneath that is working its way out. Your description might suggest liquefied fat is working its way out. If it is coming from the breast it may stop on its own or could require a procedure to remove all of it. Make you sure you check with your surgeon to make sure there is no infection. I hope this helps answer your question.

James Craigie, MD

Center For Natural Breast Reconstruction

Would you like your breast reconstruction question answered?  Register for our no-cost webinar on August 28th where there will be a live Q and A session!!

 

 

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

Upcoming Webinar: Post-Op Pearls: Recovery, Healing, and Healthful Insights from Past Patients and Specialists

August 13, 2012 by

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are excited to announce our upcoming webinar, Post-Op Pearls: Recovery, Healing, and Healthful Insights from Past Patients and Specialists, happening Tuesday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern / 4:00 p.m. Pacific.

We’ve created this event for anyone seeking answers, comfort, and information at any stage of the journey through breast cancer. The no-cost webinar features a panel of our past patients, nurses, and practitioners from The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction who will share their stories and valuable counsel on what to expect during recovery.

With the belief that every woman deserves to feel natural, healthy, and beautiful after her mastectomy, we offer this panel to help other women make an informed and confident decision when it comes to their treatment and breast reconstruction options.

During the hour-long event, the panel will explore…

  • Each woman’s journey, including her diagnosis, surgery, post-op recuperation, and a reflection on how her life has been affected by her treatments.
  • Advice for newly diagnosed women, from post-op clothing to the recovery process.
  • How to discuss your options and decisions with family and friends.
  • The secret to self-confidence post-diagnosis.
  • Any questions you have during our live Q & A session.

We’ll also open the phone lines for a live Q & A session with the panel so attendees can get answers to all their questions about treatment options, recovery, and natural breast reconstruction.

To join us for the webinar, register here.

Meet Our Panel:

Shirley Trainor-Thomas 

 Her story: A senior vice-president at GuideStar Clinical Trials management, Shirley, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2010 when she was 49 years old. After exploring all possible treatment options, she chose to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction in the same surgery with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. Though the cancer was found in her left breast, the pathology showed overactive cells in both. Having been treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma with radiation to her chest as a teenager, susceptibility motivated her preventative decision.
Debbie Roland 

 Her story: At 58 years old, Debbie Roland is a mother of three, a grandmother with six grandchildren, and the director of the Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center since 1983. Before she knew about The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, a cancer diagnosis led to the removal of her right breast only—even though she wanted both removed, she was discouraged against it. A miserable recovery slowly ensued. After years of feeling off-balance, she met Dr. Kline at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, and after her surgery in January 2012, life has never been happier.

Chris Murakami, RN, CNOR  

and

Kimberly Kay, PA-C

 Chris’ story: In addition to being a mother of three, Chris also has almost twenty years of nursing experience, mostly in the hospital setting. Her patients at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are the most rewarding part of her job.
Kimberly’s story: A native of the Charleston area, Kimberly is a mother who graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina PA program. Having worked in family practice, OB/GYN, and urgent care, she is well suited to the special patients she meets at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction. She’s found a true calling here where she can pursue her primary interest: women’s health.

 

Note: if you are busy on August 28, register today, and we’ll send you a link to the replay, which you can watch at your convenience.

 

 

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Simple Summer Makeup Tips

August 6, 2012 by

With summer’s heat in full swing, it’s a good time to shakeup your daily routine—your makeup routine, that is! Embrace the heat and look divine with these tips that make your face as vibrant as the day is bright.

Get naked: Well, not literally. But who wants gobs of foundation melting off the tip of your nose in this record-breaking heat? Instead, try setting your face first with a little bit of lotion (SPF is your friend!), and only use a touch of concealer under your eyes (pro-tip: make sure to use a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin color if you are prone to bags under the eyes). Finish your base with a loose powder, like MAC’s Select Sheer Loose Powder. A loose powder absorbs sweat and shine, but gives your skin the airy look of bare skin.

  • Glow: Summer is the perfect excuse to try out the bronzer that’s intimidated you all winter. Instead of using blush, sweep a little bit of bronzer just under your cheekbones (this will make them look extraordinarily pronounced!). Next, use a bronzer that’s slightly lighter to highlight the actual cheekbone and make them pop, all while giving your skin a radiant glow.
  • Go au natural: As for the eyes, less is more in the summer. Choose a light, matte shadow to brush all over the eyes, from lash line to brow-base. Next, dab a warm chocolate shade in the crease and blend. (Color tip: we especially love Nars Cosmetics Eye Shadow Duo in Key Largo).
  • Lash out: Spare no expense when it comes to coating those lashes. One of summer’s sexiest looks is a dramatic lash. Give Maybelline’s Illegal Length mascara a try. This mascara noticeably lengthens lashes thanks to its fiber extensions, and it builds well. Don’t forget the bottom lashes!
  • Kiss: Forget about lipstick—grab your favorite shade in Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm and apply generously. It keeps your lips healthy, moist, and lends just enough color to complete your gorgeous summer look.

What are your best-kept summer makeup secrets?

 

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

Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Mammogram

February 22, 2012 by

mammogramWhile healthcare agencies and government entities may disagree about when to start having mammograms and how frequently to schedule them, one thing is clear: mammograms are the best way to screen for early breast cancer. You don’t want to neglect your mammogram, and here are a few reasons why.

You’ll have peace of mind.

When you’ve had a mammogram, you know you’re doing all you can to detect breast cancer early and get it treated. You won’t have that nagging question in your head about whether your monthly self-checks are doing the job.

Mammograms are the best way to protect yourself.

Regular mammograms are your best defense against cancer, and if you do have it at some point, you can treat it as early as possible. According to the National Cancer Institute, when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98%. Mammograms can detect breast cancer years before you can feel the lump, so it’s the best early-detection instrument available.

Insurance covers it.

Most insurance covers mammograms for women over 40 or younger women who have high risk for breast cancer. If you have first-degree relatives (mother or sister) who had breast cancer at a young age, start having mammograms a decade earlier than the youngest age of diagnosis. For example, if your sister was diagnosed at 42, start having mammograms at 32.

It only takes a few moments.

Yes, the machine will press on your breasts, and yes, it can be uncomfortable. But it only takes a few moments, and then you’re good to go for a year. To reduce discomfort, try not to schedule the mammogram near your period if you tend to have tender breasts at that time.

If you’re over 40 and haven’t had a baseline mammogram, or you haven’t had one in a few years, it’s time to schedule one. Call your doctor today.

 

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

Visiting Charleston? Here’s What You Should Do: Part I

July 13, 2011 by

Charleston vacationWhether you’re a Charleston resident, visiting Charleston for some rest and relaxation, or coming to Charleston to visit The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, there are tons of wonderful activities to take part in, no matter your special interests.

Here is our list of top 10 things to do and see while visiting Charleston, SC:

1. The Aquarium: For all ages, the South Carolina Aquarium is an aquatic wonderland! Filled with exotic species and local creatures alike, the Aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to view a nice assortment of some of the world’s most enchanting animals. One of our favorite features of the South Carolina Aquarium is their Sea Turtle Hospital, where they house injured sea turtles and rehabilitate them before releasing them back into their natural habitat. We also love the river otter and albino alligator exhibits.

2. Ghost Tours: For a little spook, embark on an exciting ghost tour around downtown Charleston to get a feel for why Charleston is known as a haunted city. Some of the ghost tours include dungeon, graveyard, and old jail tours.

3. Wine Strolls at Middleton Plantation: Every Wednesday, up until November 16, Middleton Plantation hosts an exciting Wine Stroll where visitors can delight in tasting a broad selection of wines and stroll through the plantation’s pristine gardens. Tickets are $15 per adult and are a bargain, in our minds!

4. Relaxing on the Beach: From Folly Beach to Isle of Palms, there is a nice selection of beaches to find pure bliss on. Each beach has its own ambiance and nearby attractions, which makes Charleston perfect for all travelers. No matter which beach you choose to visit, you can’t go wrong!

5. Downtown Dining: When it comes to downtown dining, there are dozens upon dozens of options to choose from. It’s impossible to pick one as your favorite. But, some of our absolute favorites include: Cru Café, Hominy Grill, Carolina’s, Peninsula Grill, Fleet Landing, Mercato, Rue de Jean, and the list goes on and on! There are lots of options when it comes to pricing, as well. Restaurants range everywhere, from fine dining to casual eateries.

Stay tuned for Part II of this post where we share five more of our favorite things to do while visiting Charleston.

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