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Top Foods to Help Fight Cancer

March 26, 2012 by

cancer fighting foodsHippocrates said, “Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food.” As Charleston breast surgeons,  we know that eating the right foods is a powerful weapon in your cancer-fighting and cancer-preventing arsenal. Here are four groups of foods you should include in your diet daily.

Berries

Berries of all types not only nourish your body, but also help cancer treatments work. They contain ellagic acid, a substance that helps your body fight cancer. They also help to inhibit cancer growth. Eat a variety of berries to get the full range of nutrients, including cherries, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Yellow, red, and orange fruits and vegetables

This food group, the carotenoids, gives your body powerful compounds such as lutein and lycopene to help your body attack cancer cells. These foods come in a variety of colors, which means they contain a wide range of nutrients.

Green tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants and reduces cancer cell growth and spread. Like berries, it acts as a helper for cancer treatment, specifically radiation.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is rich in magnesium, copper, thiamine, fiber, alpha-linolenic acid, and tocopherols. It helps your blood carry oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen is a natural enemy of cancer. For more info the benefits of flaxseed, check out this article or check out this video below.

Sprouts and dark leafy greens

These delicious salad fixings boost your immune system and give you antioxidants to fight cancer. Chlorophyll helps your body stay healthy, and these foods are full of enzymes that contribute to detoxification.

Cruciferous vegetables

Years ago, the comedian George Carlin had a joke about broccoli and cauliflower killing cancer. It turns out he was correct: cruciferous vegetables, which also include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, chard, and collard greens, help fight cancer. Their potent anticancer nutrients not only aid the body in killing existing cancer, but they also stop precancerous cells from progressing.

Herbs

Strong-flavored herbs such as turmeric, mint, ginger, rosemary, and oregano flood your body with anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit cancer growth. They also increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment and block the spread of cancer.

To receive the full effect of these foods, eat them regularly in generous amounts. The more you eat, the more effective your fight against cancer will be. Eat organic foods as much as possible, and drink plenty of filtered water.

 

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Your DIEP Reconstruction Recovery Process Question Answered

March 16, 2012 by

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

I still feel tightness in my chest and stomach after DIEP reconstruction, when can I expect that to improve?

Tightness in the donor site area or tummy depends on how much tissue was taken to rebuild the breast and how much loose tissue was there to begin with.  The scar that results after the healing process can take approximately 6 months to relax and mature.  Therefore, during recovery, the tissues will be stiff for approximately 3 months and as you begin to do more and exercise more, the areas should slowly become less tight, less swollen, and more natural.  Regarding tightness in your chest, it would be unusual for tightness to exist for very long after having reconstruction with your own tissue.  Usually a new healthy breast made from your own tissue will improve tightness or scarring particularly if someone has had reconstruction with implants prior to using their own tissue.  However, if you have had radiation, those changes can be permanent and there may be residual stiffness, but it is very unusual for people in our practice to complain of tightness in the chest area once everything has healed approximately 3 to 6 months after surgery.

-Dr. James E. Craigie

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5 Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Ideas

March 12, 2012 by

healthy breakfastAs Charleston breast surgeons, we’re always on the go, and breakfast is a meal we often overlook. Like you, we tend to grab something quick and run out the door or stop at Starbuck’s on the way to work for a quick pasty with our coffee. The old saying is true: a good breakfast is the start of a good day, so you don’t want to skip it.

Following are a few ideas we’ve found that don’t take long to prepare. They’re not only tasty but also good for you.

Breakfast casserole or quiche

You can prepare a quiche or breakfast casserole on the weekend and reheat it all week long, or you can prepare mini quiches for an even quicker bite. They’re delicious, and if you do it right, you’ll have at least one or two servings of vegetables and protein in each helping.

Fruit with peanut butter and cheese

Who can resist fruit with peanut butter and cheese? This breakfast is not only quick, but also mouthwatering and very healthy, especially if you use organic peanut butter or almond butter and low-fat cheese. Make sure the fruit is fresh!

Smoothie with fruit, protein powder, and yogurt

It doesn’t get much easier than this—throw some ice, protein powder, yogurt, and fruit or juice in a blender, turn it on, and drink your breakfast. A little research will turn up plenty of smoothie recipes you’ll love, and you’ll be amazed at how long you stay full if you add enough protein and fiber.

High-fiber English muffin or bagel with nut butter

Toast the bagel or English muffin and put your favorite nut butter or Nutella on top instead of butter or cream cheese. You could also add fresh or dried cranberries, strawberries, raisins, banana or apple chips, or sunflower seeds. You’re limited only by your imagination.

Your own GoGurt

You can make this great breakfast with any kind of cereal or granola you wish, along with your favorite flavor of yogurt. Grab a bowl or to-go cup and put some yogurt in the bottom. Add a layer of cereal or granola, and then add a second layer of yogurt and cereal. Fill the bowl and top it with your favorite fruit or nuts. There are literally a hundred and one ways to make this delicious breakfast.

What’s your favorite healthy, quick breakfast?

 

 

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Your Questions about Natural Breast Reconstruction and Implants Answered

March 9, 2012 by

implantsThe following submission below is answered by Dr. James E. Craigie, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I had breast reconstruction in 2009 with implants and am unhappy with the result.  How hard is it to go back and do reconstruction with your own tissue?  What is the recovery time and does insurance give you a hard time if you need to do this?

Sorry that you are having so many problems with your implants, here are several things you need to know.  First of all, if someone required a mastectomy and their insurance company offers coverage for mastectomy; there is a federal law that mandates that insurance company to cover breast reconstruction.  If one technique did not work for you or failed, you are still eligible for another technique.  In our practice, 30% of our patients who undergo reconstruction with their own tissue have had failed implants.  Implant failure can be many different things.  Some people lose their implants because of infection; some have had radiation effects that contributed to rejection of the implant or hardness, while others simply have a result that is not satisfactory to them.  Other factors such as problems with implant itself or leakage can be reasons for implant failure as well.  Depending on exactly what your situation and original surgery was, the challenges of reconstruction following implants can include repair of the chest muscle, removal of leaking silicone, or removal of Alloderm if that product had been used during the initial reconstruction.  All of these things do make the reconstruction more challenging, but certainly our most successful technique to solve this problem is to remove the implants, any leaking implant material, the Alloderm, and the hard capsule that had formed around the implant and replace all of this with your own healthy living tissue.   Our preferred way to do this utilizes muscle-sparing techniques such as the DIEP or GAP, using just your fatty tissue to replace the implants.  Compared to someone who has not had failed implants, you may require an additional one or two revision stages of surgery and may require more time to allow the results to settle and overcome the effects of the previous surgeries.  These issues do make the process more complex, but the success rate among our patients is very high and the completed result is permanent and natural feeling which our patients who have had implant failures report to be their main goal. The recovery time for these types of surgeries is always patient dependent and generally longer than surgeries utilizing implants but our patients are usually back to work anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks.  I hope this has answered your questions and if you have any others I can answer, please feel free to forward them to us.

Do you have a question about breast implants or natural breast reconstruction? Submit your questions here to be answered by our team!

 

 

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5 Tips for Staying Regular (And Feeling Great!)

March 5, 2012 by

dietary fiberYou’ve heard it for years: eat more fiber to stay regular—but you might not understand what that means. Fiber is the part of the grain, vegetable, or plant that we cannot digest. It passes through your system without breaking down and adds weight and bulk to your stools.

Eating more fiber decreases constipation, reduces straining because bulky stools are easier to pass, and helps you feel great. You’ll want to aim for a certain amount of fiber per day, so you’ll need to read ingredient labels or research fiber amounts online to see how much each food has. According to the Mayo Clinic, men under 50 need at least 38 grams per day, while men over 50 need 30. Women under 50 should have at least 25 grams, and those over 50 should have at least 21 grams.

Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. The more of these you eat, the more you’ll find what works best for you. It’s easy to work fiber into your diet; for example, you can eat high-fiber cereal or cook with high-fiber vegetables. You can also use over-the-counter fiber supplements such as Metamucil, though whole foods should be your first choice.

To stay regular, you might try some of the following ideas in addition to extra fiber. These ideas will also help after breast reconstruction surgery,  as the procedure itself can be constipating.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Water helps keep your stools soft and easy to pass. Hot liquids, especially those with caffeine, stimulate colon action. You might try hot water with lemon juice first thing in the morning.

Don’t ignore the urge to go.

Many of us will simply hold off on using the bathroom if the urge hits at an inconvenient time. Always answer the call of nature. Regularly ignoring it can cause constipation or hard stools that are difficult to pass. Not going when the urge hits can also contribute to poor bowel action.

If you have a habit of ignoring urges, you may want to establish a certain time of day when you go to the bathroom.

Get more exercise.

Exercise helps you stay regular because the movement stimulates your body and helps your colon move waste. There’s a reason dogs tend to go during daily walks. Laughter has also been found to stimulate the colon, so if you’re having trouble, watch your favorite funny movie.

Know your medications and compensate.

Some medications can be constipating, so you may need to be extra vigilant about your fiber intake and add more water, prunes or stewed figs, or even a stool softener.

Take precautions when you travel.

Traveling tends to make you irregular, so be sure to stay well hydrated and eat plenty of fiber before and during your trip. The time difference may mean you’re using the bathroom at very odd times. Go with it and don’t ignore your body.

What’s your favorite tip for staying regular?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tips for Improving Recovery and Healing Time

March 2, 2012 by

Healing TimeOn the last edition of Ask the Doctor, we provided you with steps for the most optimal surgical experience. This week we are sharing with you some steps 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 for the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction’s team? Send them on over, we’d love to hear from you!

 

 

 


 

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Change is in the Air!

February 29, 2012 by

Goodbyes are often bittersweet. While we are sad to see Christina Hobgood Naugle PA-C leave our team, we are proud to welcome a new team member, Kim Kay PA-C! Please take a moment to read the special message from Christina below.

“I am very happy to introduce to you all, Kim Kay PA-C.  Kim will be taking my place at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction starting in March.  My husband and I have a good opportunity in South Florida, so I will be returning to my home town.  Kim was a student with Drs Craigie and Kline a couple years ago, so she is a familiar face to The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team.  I am very sorry that I am unable to hug each one of you prior to my move, but I could not leave without telling you all “Thank you”.  Thank you for the friendships, and thank you for the life lessons that each of you have provided in the past 3 ½ years.  This experience has been invaluable and the strength I have seen inspiring.  I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, and check in with Drs. Craigie and Kline occasionally.

I am leaving confident that Kim will be an excellent addition to The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction family!
All my best!”

Christina Hobgood Naugle PA-C

Christina,  we wish you the best of luck in South Florida!

 

 

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What Can You Do to Improve Your Surgical Experience?

February 24, 2012 by

We at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are constantly finding breast reconstructive patients asking how they can have the most optimal surgical experience. We have decided to share with you some steps we have to help our patients have the best surgery experience possible!

Starting Immediately

Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing.  (This includes avoiding rooms with smokers.)  You must be nicotine free for at least 1 month prior to the procedure and throughout the duration of the various stages (a minimum of around 10 months).  Note: nicotine in your system increases risk for wound healing complications, infections, cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, or flap loss/failure.

Get in Shape: While reconstruction process will help improve parts of your body, it is important to be in optimal shape prior to surgery.  A Body Mass Index between 19%-25% is an ideal goal.  We do not recommend “crash diets” or extreme lifestyle changes.  However, statistics have shown patients with a lower Body Mass Index have fewer wound healing complications, infections, pulmonary complications, and cardiac complications.

The Day before Surgery

Cleansing:  Purchase Hibiclens or Dial soap and wash all surgical areas with these products.  (The Hibiclens is provided with the other prescriptions given pre-operatively.) DO NOT use this after your surgery unless otherwise instructed.

Do not shave the day before your surgery. Open wounds can invite infection.

Eating and Drinking:  Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight the evening prior to surgery.  This includes water.  No breath mints, no chewing gum.

The Morning of Surgery

Eating and Drinking: Do not eat or drink anything!  If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning unless the hospital has given you instructions otherwise.  No breath mints, no chewing gum.

Oral Hygiene:  You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.

Cleansing:  Shower and wash the surgical areas again with HIBICLENS or DIAL soap.

Make-up:  Please do not wear any moisturizers, creams, lotions, or make-up.

Clothing:  Wear only comfortable, loose fitting clothing that does not go over your head.  Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry.  Please do not bring valuables with you.

Check back next week as our team will share  tips and suggestions for improving healing and cutting down recovery time.
Do you have a question for our team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction? We’d love to hear from you

 

 

 

 

 

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Beating Psoriasis and Dry Skin this Winter

February 20, 2012 by

Dry SkinDuring the winter, we often see breast reconstructive surgery patients who suffer from dry skin and psoriasis. While dry skin is a common winter complaint, it doesn’t have to be your fate. Following are some tips to prevent dry skin and take care of psoriasis.

Eat plenty of good fats.

Your body needs essential oils to keep everything smooth, silky, and healthy. Be sure to eat healthy-fat foods every day, such as avocados, nuts, and salmon. Check with your doctor to see how much you need, and enjoy!

Drink plenty of water.

We tend to forget to drink plain water in the winter because we crave warm drinks such as cocoa and tea. If your body doesn’t get enough water, it won’t stay hydrated, and your skin shows it. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you’re thirsty. If this doesn’t help, your home may need more moisture in the air. Try a humidifier.

Sunscreen is still vital.

Even though the sun may be hiding behind clouds during the winter, it doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen. The sun can still damage your skin through the clouds and cause a psoriasis outbreak. If you love snow sports like skiing or snowshoeing, the glare can burn your skin and hurt your eyes—so don’t forget sunglasses! Be sure to carry sunscreen with you so you can reapply as necessary.

You may need a heavier moisturizer.

What worked well in the summer for moisturizing your face and body may not do the job during the winter months. If you love your moisturizer and don’t want to change, you may need to simply apply it more often during the day. Otherwise, look for a creamier moisturizer with more staying power. You might also consider using something like Bag Balm or coconut oil.

This tip will also help keep psoriasis flare-ups at bay, especially if you apply moisturizer liberally after baths and showers. Speaking of which . . .

Nix extra-hot showers and baths.

You love hot showers in the winter, but they’re actually doing more harm than good for your skin. The heat dissipates the oils in your skin, causing it to dry out and itch. If you do have itchy skin or a psoriasis outbreak, try a lukewarm oatmeal bath with plenty of non-allergenic moisturizer afterward.

Keep stress down.

Psoriasis, like most skin conditions, flares up when you’re under stress, and then the flare-up makes your stress worse. It’s a vicious cycle. Recognize your own early triggers of stress, and do what you can to reduce or prevent it, such as working out, meditating, or talking out your problems. If you’re facing breast reconstructive surgery, you’re already under stress, so you may experience a flare-up. If stress is an issue for you, contact your doctor for help.

What do you do to combat dry skin or psoriasis?

 

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Dining Out on James Island

February 15, 2012 by

James Island has some of the most flavorful and enchanting dining experiences in the Charleston area. This post will discuss some of our favorite restaurants that we recommend to visitors and breast restoration patients:

J. Paul’z:

If you’re looking for a great place for your next party, whether with friends, family, or coworkers, try J. Paul’z. With mouthwatering food and unique cocktails, you and your friends will have a wonderful time. Their private lounge will hold up to 30 guests, and if you have a large party, you can enjoy their formal dining room.

The food ranges from vegetable eggrolls with sweet chili sauce to roasted salmon to bourbon-braised pork. The sushi menu is unforgettable, with almost 30 varieties, including Nigiri and the Big Sexy Roll, with crabmeat, eel, avocado, and cucumber.

Athens Restaurant and Grill:

With amazing Greek food, Athens Restaurant and Grill is one of our first choices when we’re on James Island. From appetizers such as stuffed grape leaves to classic Greek entrées like moussaka and desserts such as baklava, you’ll feel like you’re on the beach in Greece.

According to the website, dining choices include soups and salads, pasta, oven-baked parmigiana, a variety of meats cooked Greek style, and Greek pizza made from an Old World recipe. Athens offers a full wine and beer menu plus specialty cocktails and coffees, and it’s a perfect place for a first date or a dinner with the family.

Mustard Seed:

Sal Parco began this restaurant in 1994 on Sullivan’s Island and has expanded throughout the Charleston area. Named for the biblical parable, Sal truly did begin his restaurant from a small seed, and he’s grown it to nine locations. One taste of the food, and you’ll see why his restaurants are popular—Sal’s eclectic mix of different cuisine styles includes Asian beef satay, hummus plate, fettucine carbonara, and black bean cakes. No matter your taste, you’ll find something to please it at the Mustard Seed.

Boulevard Diner:

Part of Sal Parco’s group of fine restaurants, Boulevard Diner’s menu reminds one of the old-style diners: good, simple food you’ll love. For breakfast, you’ll find your old favorites, such as buttermilk pancakes, omelettes, and country fried steak and eggs. Lunch is the Big & Juicy Burger, roast turkey, and sautéed shrimp over cheddar grits. For dinner, dig into fried chicken, crab cakes, and Cajun-style meatloaf. Your only problem will be deciding what to order from the large menu full of favorites.

Med Bistro:

Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Med Bistro is another restaurant with an eclectic menu sure to please everyone—and the live music adds to the experience. The website regularly features specials such as half price wine and 3-course dinners for $30. For lunch, the menu features amazing salads, delicious deli sandwiches and wraps, and big ½-pound burgers. The sides are housemade and include coleslaw, macaroni salad, and onion rings. The classy dinner menu includes favorites such as crab cakes, ravioli, lamb chops, and swordfish. If you can, be sure to stop in for brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and enjoy omelets, Lowcountry specialties such as pecan and coconut stuffed French toast, and Monte Cristo sandwiches.

Our breast restoration patients love to come to Charleston and sample our spectacular cuisine. Which restaurant is your favorite?

 

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