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Post Operative Care Tips From Our Team

August 24, 2012 by

Healing TimeOur team is constantly being approached with questions on the healing process and post operative care after breast reconstruction surgery. We strive to provide our patients with the information to ensure they achieve the most optimal surgical experience. For Today’s Ask The Doctor post, we are sharing with you some steps and tips we have to help our patients improve their post surgery recovery and healing time !

After Surgery

Family members will receive periodic updates during your surgery.

Following the procedure, you will be moved to a special unit in the hospital where you will be connected to monitoring equipment. There, nurses trained in post operative care of breast reconstruction will monitor you at all times.  Family members can see you during visiting hours.

You will also receive an informative sheet that discusses your specific information and post-operative care.  This likely will include information concerning drain care; it is very important to monitor flow from the drains in a 24-hour period. This guides us on when to remove them.  You will also have a kind of thermometer on your chest, which monitors the flap.  Other specifics and information will be provided in your post-operative packets.

As You Heal

Family and Friends:
Support from loved ones is very helpful. But understand that comments they may make during your recovery can cause you concern. Remember this: We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result will be.  Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Healing:
You will heal! How quickly depends on factors your genetic background, your overall health and your lifestyle (exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.). Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient.  No person can make another heal. Dr Craigie and Dr Kline can facilitate, but not accelerate, the healing process.  But you play the starring role, so your cooperation is key.

Swelling:
You may find swelling of your new breast and abdomen (DIEP) or buttock (GAP) to be troublesome and your clothes may not fit.  Be patient, this swelling will gradually subside and you will feel better in a few weeks.  There will be a certain amount of tightness in the area where the flap was taken from.  This will slowly relax in a few months.

Following Instructions:
Another way to improve healing is by following the instructions given by Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline’s staff.  We believe “the difference is in the details” and strive to achieve the best possible results for you.  It is imperative that you act as a partner in this process — not a passive participant.  The instructions are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.

Click here for a complete list of post surgery healing and recovery tips and instructions.

Have questions about post operative breast reconstruction? Or questions in general? Join us on August 28th for our Post Op Pearls Webinar.

 

 

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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!!

 

 

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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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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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Can Natural Breast Reconstruction Correct Pain, Cosmetic and Functional Issues Caused by Implants?

August 10, 2012 by

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

I am 44 yrs old. I had a lumpectomy/chemo/radiation for my left breast in 2003 and I  had a mastectomy on my right breast 2009. I went ahead and did a prophylactic left mastectomy as part of my reconstruction process. I had a Latissimus dorsi muscle flap on my left breast and started the process in September of 2009. Apparently, some nerve that was to be severed was not and I now have constant spasm/pain that I of course, still need to camouflage in my clothing choices. The implant is not under the flap, its just below my collar bone. Now, is it possible to reverse this type of surgery as the symptoms are painful/disabling? Can this type of surgery be revised? Is there any other option for me for function/pain/cosmetic-symmetry?

Thanks

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your problems. I obviously can’t say for sure what you need based on this limited history, but here are a few thoughts.

If you are referring to the thoracodorsal nerve that “runs” the latissimus, that can certainly be divided with additional surgery. However, I can’t say for sure that that is the source of your pain. If your implant is very high, and especially if it is hard, you may have capsular contracture, which can be very uncomfortable, especially in a radiated area. It is also possible that the spasms are in your pectoralis major muscle, which is (or should be) in front of the implant.

If you have adequate donor tissue in your abdomen or buttocks, it may well be possible to “discard” your entire L reconstructed breast, and replace it with a breast made entirely of your own tissue. We have done this many times in similar scenarios, and most patients seem to be significantly happier afterwards. However, I must stress that operating for symptoms of discomfort is not guaranteed to work, and involves other risks.

If you’d like to send photos of potential donor areas, or have our nurse or PA call you for more info, we’ll be happy try and give you more specific advice.

Richard Kline

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Best of luck to you, and please feel free to ask any more questions you may have.

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Around the World in Charleston: Best Ethnic Dining

August 8, 2012 by

In Charleston,  we like to give our taste buds a little adventure, and luckily, we don’t have to jet-set far for a bite of global cuisine. With our local restaurants showcasing classic dishes the world-over, all we have to do is decide where our hunger will take us next! Here are some of our favorite places to dine the world right in our beloved Lowcountry:

  • Basil: When we’re in the mood for authentic Thai cuisine,  only Basil will do. Whether it’s peanut-sauce-glazed satay, their famed basil rolls, curries, or Pad Prik, no other Thai restaurant comes close to Basil’s dishes or their lush, sophisticated ambiance. Be sure to top off your delicious meal with one of their signature cocktails—a perfect nightcap.
  • Zia Taqueria: Looking for something a little south of the border? Zia is an authentic Mexican taqueria offering regional Mexican, Southerwestern, and Tex-Mex cuisine and beverage with only natural ingredients. Be sure to try the savory tortas, carne asada, and baja fish —you’ll never forget that wonderful baja sauce!
  • Tabbuli: To sum up the magic of Tabbuli in a word: babaghanoush. Their fire-roasted rendition of this beloved eggplant appetizer is worth the trip alone! Of course, we stay for their glorious salads—fattoush, tabbuli, and the tahini salad. And the falafel. And the kabobs. Who are we kidding—we love it all.
  • La Fourchette: This French bistro will have your heart before you can say moules a la bretonne (their steamed mussels with shallots in a buttery garlic and white wine sauce). For the vegetarian diner, they offer a plethora of soups and salads, as well as an otherworldly delicious eggplant dish, replete with tomatoes, zucchini, and goat cheese, all in a decadent leek sauce. Don’t leave without sampling their succulent cheeses, paired perfectly with any wine from their full list!

Which ethnic eateries have you sampled in Charleston?

 

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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?

 

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What are the Symptoms of Capsular Contracture from an Implant?

August 3, 2012 by

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

What are the symptoms of capsular contracture from an implant?

Capsular contracture is commonly described using the four-grade Baker Scale.

  • Grade I — the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape
  • Grade II — the breast is a little firm, but appears normal.
  • Grade III — the breast is firm and appears abnormal
  • Grade IV — the breast is hard, painful to the touch, and appears abnormal

The symptoms can be varying from mild to severe.  Mild capsular contracture may only be detectable by your surgeon.  If the process worsens and becomes severe it may lead to changes in the breast that a person easily could tell themselves.  In other words, the shape may change, the breast may become different in shape, and clothes may begin to fit differently.  The breast may become hard and the skin and tissue over the implant can change in appearance and color.  The most severe problem related to capsular contracture would be pain and discomfort that may eventually limit the range of motion and movement of the shoulder and upper body.  Some patients relate symptoms that they describe as an “iron bra” across the chest when the scar is so thick and tight.  The chest feels like it is wrapped in something as wrapped in an “iron bra” all the way around.  Sometimes the process can worsen and actually press in, move the muscles away from the breast area, and change the shape of the ribs.  This would be the most severe form of capsular contracture and at that point we would recommend removing the implant and replacing the reconstruction with a muscle-sparing procedure.

Did you find this post helpful? We’d love to hear from you in our comments section.

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The Best Fro-Yo in Charleston

August 1, 2012 by

The frozen yogurt craze is sweeping the country—and Charleston, too!  One of the healthier indulgences around, frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruit is also the perfect summer treat.  Come see a few places where you can get your fix, and get in on the fun:

TCBY: Right off Folly Rd, you can get your swirl on at the chain that started it all. With delectable soft serve flavors (cake batter, anyone?), you can dress your fro-yo with toppings ranging from fresh fruit and almonds, to brownie bites and cookie bits. Show restraint or indulge as you see fit!

  • YoBe Frozen Yorgurt: With two locations to choose from, one in West Ashley and the other off International Boulevard in North Charleston, it’s easy to tour the delicious offerings of this renowned yogurt stand. The distinctive yogurt-rich taste of their soft serve is unlike anywhere else and absolutely delicious.

  • FreshBerry Frozen Yogurt Café: This frozen yogurt café on St. George Street is sure to woo with its pleasant atmosphere and fruit-infused menu. Stop by for a perfect late-night dessert, and enjoy some of the finer local fro-yo offerings in Charleston.
  • Yogurt Mountain: A lively stand on King Street, this frozen yogurt eatery has an abundance of soft serve flavors and toppings to make the perfect treat. For the lactose-intolerant diners, they even offer sorbet in wonderfully fruity options!
  • Menchies Frozen Yogurt: In Mount Pleasant, you’ll find this fro-yo joint has all the flavors and toppings you could wish for, and a hands-on approach to the whole endeavor: the soft serve machines, lined along the wall, are customer operated. So get creative! Mix and match to your heart’s content. Menchies even accounts for the indecisive fro-yo imbiber with little cups to sample each flavor.

What’s your favorite frozen yogurt flavor and topping combo?

 

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The Perfect DIY Pedicure

July 30, 2012 by

Sandal season is here! At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we keep seeing strut-worthy pedicures all around. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite polish and arm yourself with these pro-tips for the perfect pedicure. Your piggies will thank you!

Trim and File

After you’ve removed your nail polish, cut the nails straight across just above your skin (only a sliver of nail-white should remain). Afterward, take an emery board and file the edges into a nice curve. As for choosing an emery file, the fine-grain boards are for smoothing, and the coarser ones are for shaping the nail.

Soak ‘Em

Fill a large bowl or partially fill your bathtub with warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy oil and rest your feet in the water for 10 minutes.

No aromatherapy oil, you say? Follow this simple recipe for your footbath. It softens those puppies and removes dead skin:
1 C. Buttermilk (slightly warmed)
½ C. Sugar
6-7 C. Hot water

Clip

After you’ve dried your feet, apply a basic cuticle remover to the base of each nail and rub in the solution. Wipe the excess away, and then use an orangewood stick to gently push back where skin meets the nail (including the sides). If you have a light hand and won’t nick yourself, you can use cuticle nippers to trim any loose skin.

Exfoliate

Introduce your feet to the magic of a wet pumice stone. You can buy these pretty much anywhere and they work brilliantly to slough away dead skin on your heels and the balls of your feet. Remember the objective is to smooth out the skin, so scrub gently.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is the key to healthy skin and pretty feet. Take any thick, creamy lotion and rub it into your feet thoroughly. (Expert tip: lotion with shea butter is excellent for dry skin). Take your time with this step—you’ve worked diligently to get here, and the massage goes a long way to relieving tension.

Paint and Appreciate

Apply a thin base coat using three strokes, one down the middle and one on each side. Don’t paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat. For a summery color choice, opt for anything in the blue-green family—teal is the it-color this season.

Now all that’s left is to decide where you’re going to show off your pretty peds!

What is your favorite place to show off a new pedicure?

 

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