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Rekindle the Romance

September 24, 2012 by

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

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

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

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

What are some ways you fan the romantic flame?

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

Complications From Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

September 21, 2012 by

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

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

Hello,

Sorry you are having problems.

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

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

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

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

Small Things Add Up: How to Stick to Your Diet

September 19, 2012 by

Image Taken From: www.womensonlinemagazine.com

Weight gain is often the cumulative effect of a series of small decisions: do you take the stairs or the elevator? Do you walk to the corner store, or drive? Sit in front of the TV, or walk the dog? Fortunately for those who want to stick to a diet, the small decisions we make every day can help us to reach our goals without feeling as though our lives have been dominated by the desire to lose weight. Here are some ways you can focus on the small things that have a huge effect on the success of your diet:

Mentally prepare yourself every day: When you wake up in the morning, consciously think about your diet. Before you even enter the kitchen, remember your goals, and mindfully select food that will fuel your body for the day. Whole grains and fruits are the perfect way to get your metabolism going without spiking your blood sugar levels.

  • Enjoy every bite: Take time during your meals to fully chew and savor every bite. Even if you are only eating your dish because you know it’s good for you, remember it’s healthy for a reason—those vitamins and minerals help your body perform the functions that sustain your very life! Rejoice in your body’s incredible machinery, and give it the fuel it deserves.
  • Stay accountable: Even if it pains you, step on the scale every day. It keeps you honest, and reminds you that the decisions you make throughout the day are leading you to your goal. You can even keep a food diary to chart your progress and keep track of the foods you eat throughout the day.
  • Regularize your eating: Eat at the same time every day, and plan meals that are both nutritious and help you feel sated. When your body gets in the habit of an eating schedule, you reduce hunger and the midday temptation to snack too much.
  • Exercise with a friend: Accountability can be the deciding factor in whether or not a diet succeeds. Plus, exercise is much more enjoyable when in good company.
  • Take the stairs: Remember, everything matters, and small adjustments make a world of difference when it comes to losing weight. Every opportunity you see to burn more calories or eat healthier, take them.  Get acquainted with the stairs, and be sure to break up the hours at the desk with a stroll to the water fountain, or just stand up for a few minutes. Really, anything burns more calories than sitting.

Do you have the secret to a successful diet? Feel free to share in the comments section below!

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

Charleston’s Most Romantic Venues for Tying the Knot

September 17, 2012 by

Image Above Taken From: www.Huffingtonpost.com

With Charleston’s breathtaking waterfronts, rolling countryside, historic plantations and home, and lush parks, it is no wonder the city is such a hub for celebrity weddings! On September 9, 2012, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds exchanged vows at Boone Hall Plantation, the same house featured in the film The Notebook.

Last year, Eva Amurri, Susan Sarandon’s daughter, married Kyle Martino at the Confederate Home event space in Charleston. Even Emily Maynard, the most recent Bachelorette, is purportedly planning her nuptials to reside in the historic city!

If you or your loved ones are looking for a celebrity-worthy wedding, look no further. We’ve compiled Charleston’s most stunning wedding venues right here!

  • Boone Hall Plantation: Turns out, the Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina—where Lively and Reynolds held their intimate ceremony—is the mansion where Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams first fell in love as Noah and Ally in the 2004 film The Notebook. Other than its silver screen pedigree, the Boone Hall sets the scene for the perfect plantation romance with its famous Avenue of Oaks, nearly a mile of 268-year-old giant oaks draped with Spanish moss that lead to the sprawling house. Over 300 years ago, the brick and tile were handmade for this 18th century plantation and can still be seen, as well as the cotton gin house, circular smoke house, and in the formal gardens’ original walls and walks.
  • Confederate Home: The 127-year-old Confederate Home and College offers a unique historic location in downtown Charleston perfect for the big day. The restoration of this landmark features two formal adjoining drawing rooms on the second floor furnished with period furniture and a stately columned piazza which overlooks the landscaped garden. Each drawing room has a fireplace and separate doors for access—the perfect touches for an intimate, romantic occasion.
  • Legare Waring House: For a banquet of traditional grace, explore this 1840s home that has showcased legendary parties attended by governors, international dignitaries, and blushing brides alike. Recently redecorated with characteristic Charleston colors and furnishings, the grandeur of this home, accented by an avenue of majestic, moss-draped oak trees, is truly timeless.
  • Patriots Point Pavilion: The Pavilion at Patriots Point is one of the most captivating and sought-after event venues in Charleston. With rapturous views of the harbor, the luxury tent sits on the 18th hole with the Harbor just beyond for a truly contemporary, yet classic venue.
  • William Aiken House: One of Charleston’s most renowned venues, The William Aiken House has become the centerpiece for the most memorable affairs. This majestic estate has been fully restored to its 1811 condition so that bridal parties and guests can fully relish the rare combination of 19th century elegance and 21st century refinement.

Have you had the chance to explore these enchanting venues? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

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

Ask The Doctor: Guest, Dr. Lisa Baron Answers Your Question on Breast Health

September 14, 2012 by

Today we are pleased to present Dr Lisa Baron, of The Charleston Breast Center as a guest author on this editon of, Ask The Doctor.  See below as Dr. Baron answers a question submitted to our site.

I really need advice.  I recently relocated to Charleston, SC & just saw a new oncologist.  When I lived in CT, my breast surgeon would do an annual digital mammogram & breast ultrasound since I have dense breasts.  I’m pretty sure that my former surgeon had said that there are new guidelines that state that if breasts are dense, a breast ultrasound should be done also.  My new oncologist in SC is only planning on doing an annual digital mammogram. Has anyone heard of these new guidelines stating that a breast ultrasound should be done in addition to a mammogram if breasts are dense?  I also have very cystic breasts with a density of 50-75%.

I think the confusion regarding additional testing with mammography for dense breast tissue centers around the fact that South Carolina and Connecticut handle breast cancer screening differently.  Recently the state of Connecticut enacted laws requiring insurance companies to provide screening ultrasound and/or MRI for those women who have dense breast tissue.  In Connecticut these additional screening tests are to be included in the patient’s screening test benefits and not subjected to any co-pays or out of pocket payments.  In addition, in Connecticut the patient is required to be informed of her breast tissue density and the additional screening tests  available to her (ultrasound, MRI).  However,  the state of South Carolina does not mandate the insurance companies to follow these protocols (or the patient to be informed about her breast density), therefore, you will likely be responsible for any co-pays and deductibles.  You should check with you current insurance carrier to determine how these additional tests will be covered.

 Hope this helps,

 Lisa

Have questions about breast reconstruction options? Submit them here and get answers straight from our surgical team!

 

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

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: , , , , ,

Can I Expect Tissue Problems After Radiation Therapy?

September 7, 2012 by

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

What type of tissue problems should I expect after having radiation therapy post mastectomy and chemo? I have implants now, but will be having them removed and have a DIEP procedure. Thank you.

Hello,

If your implants will be removed then you should not expect problems with capsular contracture following radiation. Mainly these problems are related to your body’s rejection of the implant . The radiation will permanently affect the skin and others parts of your body that are treated with radiation. However when you recover from the radiation short term affects (usually 3-6months) you should be able to safely have a DIEP. Using your own tissue will give you the most natural permanent result without a high risk for problems due to radiation. When we know someone will need radiation following mastectomy this is our preferred method.

I hope this helps let me know if you have additional questions.

James Craigie, MD

Center For Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

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

2013 Breast Cancer Wellness Thrivers Cruise

September 5, 2012 by

The team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is a huge fan of the seasonally published, Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine. In the current issue, the 2012 Thrivers Cruise is highlighted and with the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship now calling Charleston home, you bet cruising is becoming part of our culture here in the Lowcountry. Founded in 2007, the annual BCW Thrivers Cruise gathers women together to offer and foster encouragement, inspiration and fellowship.

Check out some of the fun below from the 2012 Thrivers Cruise. Click here to view the full magazine online.

Want to take part in the next Thrivers Cruise? You have two opportunities to join in on the fun in 2013!

7th Annual Thrivers Cruise

April 21-28, 2013 — “Destination – A New You” Caribbean 

Sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the Princess Ruby™ to St Maarten, St Thomas, Princess Cays, Grand Turk

Workshops include:
•    Makeover Fashion Show
•    Breast Cancer Thriver Panel Discussions
•    Financial Empowerment after Breast Cancer
•    Beauty and Fashion on a Budget
•    The Thriving Caregiver™
•    Fun, Friends, Family, Food, Fellowship, Adventure

July 12-19, 2013 — “Exploration – Within” Alaska

Sailing from Seattle on the Celebrity Solstice to Alaska’s Inside Passage. (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia)

*For full details on the 2013 Thriver’s Cruise visit: www.Thriverscruise.com

Cruising from Charleston: Another perk the Lowcountry has to offer.

Did you know that the Carnival Fantasy is home-based in Charleston, SC and cruises year round to the Bahamas and the eastern Caribbean? Passengers depart from the Charleston cruise terminal in the heart of downtown Charleston and  can choose from a 5-night cruise to the Bahamas or  7-day eastern Caribbean cruise. Features and amenities aboard the ship include the  Serenity adults-only retreat, resort-style pool, Waterworks aquapark, Spa Carnival, and Camp Carnival for the kids. Visit Carnival’s website today to book your next cruise and set sail from historic Charleston.

Make sure to download your very own online copy of Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine today. 

 

 

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

Your Questions About Breast Reconstruction Answered

August 31, 2012 by


The below questions are answered by the surgical team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

Q: A double mastectomy left me with butcher marks on my chest. The plastic surgeon who was part of the team that performed the mastectomy now proposed to do implants. The existing (very bad) scars will not be in the breast fold but will “cut” the bottom half of the new breasts in two. Could one get rid of these scars when doing a DIEP procedure?

A: We can’t actually “get rid” of scars, but often they can be improved, &/or moved to a less objectionable position. If you wish to send pictures, I could possible give you little more specific information.

Have a great day!

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Q: I’m having the tram flap done, can you tell me how long after the surgery that it doesn’t work?

A: Hi

It would depend on what type of TRAM procedure you have. If you have microsurgery the first three days are the most important and usually after that the blood supply to the new breast is ok. If no microsurgery is involved it may take longer to know for sure.

James Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have questions about breast reconstruction? Submit them here and get answers straight from our surgical team. We’d love to hear from you!


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

Treasure Hunting: The Top Antique Stores in Charleston

August 29, 2012 by
Charleston Antiques

The Charleston Battery Bench, Image Taken From:Geo C. Birlant and Company (www.birlant.com)

Looking for something nostalgic to spruce up your home? In Charleston, there’s no shortage of fantastic antique boutiques—and each of these local shops is a trove full of beautiful finds you never even knew you needed. Make your next shopping trip a stroll down memory lane, and find an heirloom or two to take home with you. Here are some of our favorite places to treasure hunt:

Geo C. Birlant and Company: Founded by George Birlant in 1922, this historic shop is one of the best places to find exquisite English Georgian furniture and silver. The family-owned business offers the finest in antique benches, dressers, silver, porcelain, crystal, brass, fireplace accessories, and longcase clocks. For those looking for something old-but-new, they even handcraft exceptional reproductions.

Golden and Associates Antiques: Located in historic Charleston, this local boutique has a reputation for dealing with the finest antiques around.  Art, seating, case pieces, chandeliers, mirrors, and tables are just a few of the extraordinary items waiting to take your breath away. You’re sure to find your home’s new signature piece here!

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall: Since 1988, Terrace Oaks Antiques has been one of the most renowned multi-dealer antique shops in Charleston with over 90 booths for every collectors’ tastes. Here you’ll find Victorian jewelry, books, American and European furniture, majolica, oyster plates, antique prints and engravings, original works of art, military items, linens, rugs—and that’s just the short list. Come peruse this storied mall and see for yourself!

Antiques of South Windermere: This upscale antique shop has plenty of furniture, household goods, and art to offer the discerning buyer. With well-preserved, high quality antique items on the main floor to entice your browsing, there is also a back room with a plethora of books to discover. If you’re looking for a nice gift or trying to decorate on a generous budget, you’ll love this gem of an antique shop.

Now get out there,  and find the little piece of antiquity to complete your home’s stellar décor.

What is your most treasured antique find?

 

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