Second to Nature

Tag: surgery

  • Why Should I Do a Pre-Surgery Consultation?

    Why Should I Do a Pre-Surgery Consultation?

    Why Should I Do a Pre-Surgery Consultation?

    It’s Vital to Know All of Your Surgical Options and Your Post-Op Choices

    If you’re wondering “why should I do a pre-surgery consultation,” that’s what we’re blogging about this month. After the initial shock that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis, the next step usually leads to treatment and after-care. Sometimes you can treat and eliminate breast cancer without surgical options, but that’s not usually the case. When diagnosed with breast cancer, a few reasons it’s important to have a pre-surgery consultation include:

    • Understanding each type of surgery
    • Weighing the pros and cons between a lumpectomy and mastectomy
    • Deciding if you want breast reconstruction or a prosthesis

    Having a Consultation Helps You Understand Every Type of Surgery

    Obviously, choosing to have a pre-surgery consultation means you’re considering surgery. When you have a pre-surgery consultation, the surgeon usually outlines the different types of surgery available to you. Three common surgical options involved with treating breast cancer include getting a lumpectomy, mastectomy, and an axillary lymph node dissection.

    Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

    An axillary lymph node dissection involves the surgeon removing lymph nodes from under the arm. Once removed, they’re given to a pathologist, who examines the lymph nodes for cancer cells. Cancer found in the sentinel lymph node could lead to another lymph node dissection surgery. How many lymph nodes get removed varies from patient to patient. If you have a tumor less than five centimeters, usually two or less sentinel lymph nodes with cancer get dissected. Often this includes getting a lumpectomy and radiation, Moreover, if you need to get a mastectomy, you might avoid an axillary lymph node dissection all together.

    Lumpectomy

    A lumpectomy dissects the tumor itself and a small margin of cancer-free tissue around it, leaving most of the breast. If you’re diagnosed with invasive cancer, oncologists generally recommend radiation therapy to the remaining breast tissue after surgery.  A lumpectomy is also known as breast-conserving surgery, a partial mastectomy, quadrantectomy, or a segmental mastectomy lumpectomy.

    Mastectomy

    A mastectomy is the surgical option that removes the entire breast. Often only one breast needs removed, however many women opt for double-mastectomies to stave off reoccurrence in their other breast.  Among the various styles include a skin-sparing mastectomy and a nipple-sparing mastectomy.

    Weigh Pros and Cons of a Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy at a Consultation

    So, between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy, which is better for you? That’s another reason to have a pre-surgery consultation. Your surgeon can help you weigh the pros and cons of each surgical option.

    Lumpectomy Pros and Cons

    A lumpectomy especially benefits younger patients and patients with larger tumors. If you’re newly diagnosed and have BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or ATM gene mutations, a lumpectomy might be the better surgery.  While these pros could tip the scales in favor of a lumpectomy, this surgical option has a few disadvantages. At a minimum, lumpectomy patients usually go through five weeks of radiation. There’s also a slightly higher risk of developing a local cancer recurrence after a lumpectomy.

    Mastectomy Pros and Cons

    Though more invasive than a lumpectomy surgery, a mastectomy surgery definitely eliminates breast cancer, because of the complete breast dissection. Usually, mastectomy patients don’t need radiation after surgery. If there’s a cancer recurrence, mastectomy patients generally only have radiation to the affected area without further surgery. Furthermore, if you have the BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, or ATM gene mutations, you still have the option of a nipple-sparing mastectomy. The major disadvantage of this surgical option is losing your breast completely. In the case of a mastectomy surgery, you can opt for breast reconstruction or a prosthesis.

    Decide Between Breast Reconstruction or Prosthesis Post Consultation

    During your pre-surgery consultation, you might also discuss post-surgery decisions. Will you need radiation, chemotherapy, or both? What about recovery—should you go to a rehabilitation facility after surgery or can you get in-home care? If you conclude getting a mastectomy as your surgical option, a post-surgery decision could include choosing breast reconstruction or prosthesis.

    Things You Should Know If You Need a Breast Reconstruction

    If breast construction seems the best option for you, you should discuss with the surgeon both the benefits and disadvantages. Ultimately, the most significant advantage of breast reconstruction is you permanently regain your breast shape. That said, a reconstructed breast is not a perfect match or substitute for a natural breast. Usually, tissue used in the reconstruction comes from another area of the body and often looks different after surgery.

    If You Don’t Need or Want Reconstruction, Consider a Custom Breast Prosthesis

    So, you’ve weighed the post-surgery options and decided you don’t want breast reconstruction, but do want symmetry on your torso. There’s another way to achieve that … a custom breast prosthesis. At Second to Nature, we offer a wide variety of products that create a natural silhouette for women with breast asymmetry. We have the largest selection of post-breast surgery fashions, accessories, and products in the greater Roanoke, VA, area. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today!

    Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about our services. We specialize in custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We’d also be happy to further answer the question, “Why should I do a pre-surgery consultation?”

  • What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    What If You’re Unhappy with Your Reconstruction?

    Second To Nature Offers Some Alternatives That Could Make You Happy

    This month, our blog answers the question: What if you’re unhappy with your reconstruction? In November 2020, we blogged about choosing the surgery that’s right for you. We recommended taking time to research your options and consulting a plastic surgeon. You should also discuss your treatment plan with loved ones. It’s important that you also find out your family history, to provide insight into previously successful treatment outcomes.

    If, ultimately, your breast reconstruction leaves you less than satisfied, you can pursue alternatives. Depending on the kind of reconstructive surgery you had, other surgeries may prove more satisfactory. Of course, there’s always opting for a customized breast prosthesis by Second To Nature!

    The ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis Offered by Second To Nature

    At Second To Nature, we offer the ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis. This state-of-the-art technology uses 3D scanning to give designers clear images of your shape. We specifically create the prosthesis for every customer’s body size and skin pigmentation. We replicate the prosthesis shape based on your remaining breast and lifted in a bra. For a bilateral mastectomy, we create a breast form. The prosthesis covers and replaces the areas specific to what’s missing. It’s worn directly against the wall of your torso area.

    How The Process Works, Step-by-Step

    1. First, a fitter will discuss the benefits of custom breast prosthesis with you at a pre-scanning consultation. The fitter will take the time to help you decide whether or not it’s something to pursue. This fitter will work with you from beginning to end. By the end of this first meeting, you should fully understand what to expect. Your fitter will also go over your color choices, payment options, and the scanning process.
    2. When you come in for your personal scan session, your fitter will re-explain the process, then begin. The fitter will start out by taking reference images, then scan your chest with an iPad-based, 3D scanner. This technology is designed with accuracy to ensure a perfectly customized prosthesis.
    3. Next, after your scan session, the American Breast Care Custom Design team, in Marietta, GA, will electronically receive your files. With your information and their CAD-based engineering technology, they’ll start creating your customized prosthesis.
    4. Finally, upon receiving your completed ABC Custom Breast Prosthesis, we’ll schedule your personal fit appointment. Your first fit be in the bra you wore when scanned. The customized prosthesis should fit to your personal shape. You’re not limited to that bra, though! We’d love it if you’d try different styles to go with your new prosthesis.

    Clients Use Custom Breast Prosthesis for Various Reasons

    A prosthesis isn’t solely beneficial after complete breast reconstruction. Even if you had a lumpectomy or other breast-conserving surgery, you could get a custom prosthesis. The extent and place of the removed tissue varies quite a bit. Regardless of the type of surgery, a custom breast prosthesis is worth considering. It works for partial, simple, and radical mastectomies, plus other kinds of breast-conserving procedures.

    Try Out Custom Breast Prosthesis for Yourself

    Many women choose our custom prosthesis over reconstructive surgery. Sometimes, they use them as way to try out reconstruction. Other times, they use it in place of surgery. Even ladies who’ve had reconstruction may simply want to look more symmetrical. So, they often choose custom breast prosthesis.

    Reconstructive Surgery Options

    If you’re not completely satisfied with your breast reconstruction, you could talk to the members of your medical team about it. With your surgeon and other team members, you can discuss what steps you might take to improve how you look and feel about the reconstruction. According to http://cancer.org, lumpectomy reconstruction may include lipofilling or dermal matrix products. Total breast reconstruction options include using implants, as well as your own body tissues (flap procedures.)

    Breast Implants, Flap Procedures, or Both?

    Breast implants include flexible silicone shells filled with saline or silicone gel. A tissue flap procedure takes tissue from other body parts like the belly, back, legs, or posterior to reconstruct the shape of the breast. If your reconstructive surgery was one or the other, you could combine implants with flap breast reconstruction. When you’re happy with the breast shape, you can reconstruct the nipple and areola post-surgery with tattooing and fat grafting.

    What Might Happen After Getting Your Breast Implant or Flap Procedure

    After getting breast implants, it’s possible you might change your mind about their size. If you do, a breast implant exchange might be a viable option. Also, even if you didn’t get a flap procedure done, you might end up requiring that, as well. Any post-op procedure might also require fat grafting, breast reshaping, or scar revision. Whatever your concerns or questions after your breast reconstruction, talk to your medical team. If the conversation you have with your team doesn’t satisfy you, you’re entitled to a second opinion. A second opinion from another, qualified surgeon could help ensure that you understand all of your viable options.

    Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 to find out about our custom breast prosthesis. Our services also include mastectomy education. Like and follow us on Facebook for updates. We can help answer the question, “What if you’re unhappy with your reconstruction?”

  • Choosing the Surgery That’s Right for You

    Choosing the Surgery That’s Right for You

    Choosing the Surgery That’s Right for You

    Decisions, Decisions—Choices About Your Health

    A number of decisions make up the health journey of each individual. From the type of doctor you see, to the insurance plan you carry, there are many factors that have an impact on your health and the choices you make. When you receive a significant diagnosis like breast cancer, the decisions you make can mean a lot for your outlook.

    A couple months ago, we talked about the different types of breast cancer surgeries. So much of a person’s breast cancer journey comes from making sound decisions based on current and reliable information. Each patient strives for the best success they can in treating their specific type of breast cancer.

    When the Doctor Recommends Surgery

    Beginning with your primary doctor, you may also see a specialist or two or require a number of tests to diagnose the condition. Surgery can often be the most effective way to rid the body of cancer; however, there are many factors that determine if surgery is a viable option. Consider all the factors and advice from health experts as you weigh your decisions about breast cancer surgery.

    It can be a natural reaction to just want to remove cancer in the fastest way possible. When trying to decide on a surgery, there may be more involved than this sense of urgency. Some top advice you may hear from family, friends, and cancer experts alike are reminders to:

    • Take time to research your options. Ask your nurse for handouts on each procedure. As you read, make a list of questions for your surgeon, and then take notes while talking to them.
    • Involve a plastic surgeon*. This can help when weighing the importance of breast saving techniques, reconstruction, and other post-surgery supports.
    • Discuss your treatment plan with loved ones. Having support from those closest to you can have a big impact on post-surgery outcomes. You may even get specific in asking loved ones to help you in certain ways, depending on your needs.
    • Find out your family history, including if any loved ones have had cancer. This could provide some indication of possibly successful options or treatments.

    The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion

    *Whenever possible, get a second opinion, as well. This won’t insult your surgeon—they will want you to feel secure in your final decision. When faced with a significant surgery, it is best to learn all you can about options before, during, and afterward.

    Obtaining the advice of another doctor, surgeon, or specialist is part of your own due diligence in making the best decision for your health. Taking time to get that second opinion, weigh all your options, and determine the best way forward can bring much in the way of information and options—including those relating to post-surgery care and support.

    Considering Options for After Breast Cancer Surgery

    After-breast-cancer-surgery care might include additional treatments recommended by the doctor or specialist. Effective supplemental treatments might range from a chemical or radiation regime, to exercise therapy and other physical supports. As with surgery, each type of after-surgery treatment and care will rely primarily on the type of cancer and surgery the doctor performs.

    Healing after breast cancer surgery itself takes time. Treatments and any remaining side-effects may add to your recovery time. Various forms of physical therapies may also help with healing and recovery. When ready, Second to Nature has the breast forms and other garments many clients feel are essential to restoring wellbeing.

    Control Your Treatment Plan with Plenty of Information

    Gathering as much information as possible can set your mind at ease and put you in control of your treatment plan. The journey of choosing the right breast cancer surgery that’s right for you is no small feat. It can affect your life moving forward in significant ways.

    Having the right supports for your life after breast cancer surgery can make a big difference. This is why Second to Nature seeks to be one of your significant partners when it comes to your recovery after surgery. We have the experience, knowledgeable advice, and supports for clients throughout the Roanoke region. Keep our number handy and give us a call to see how we can help you.

    Contact Second to Nature for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. We are located in Roanoke in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and specials.We are dedicated to breast cancer education and empowerment in choosing the surgery that’s right for you.

  • Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries

    Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries

    Types of Breast Cancer Surgeries

    Welcome once again to our blog here at Second to Nature. Over the next few months, we will raise awareness by discussing a few important issues for our clients. These include the different types of breast cancer surgeries available. Future articles will also explore who to tell about your cancer diagnosis, and choosing the type of surgery that is right for you.

    Accordingly, it is our desire to build a culture of understanding through education. To help lay the groundwork, we can start by sharing some enlightenment about breast cancer surgery. Yes, there are a variety of medical procedures available to patients. Let us review some of the most common types.

    Surgical Removal and Treatment of Breast Cancer

    Clients who receive a breast cancer diagnosis may undergo different types of breast cancer surgeries. Medical professionals use surgical procedures to effectively remove cancerous tumors, cells, and more from the chest and surrounding areas. The doctor may also combine a surgical procedure with another treatment, such as radiation therapy.

    It is enlightening to have a general awareness of the types of breast cancer surgeries that clients may face. Each patient’s experience is unique to the type of breast cancer removal or treatment the doctor recommends. Medical professionals provide their patients with full details specific to the type of diagnosis, procedure, and prognosis.

    Common Breast Cancer Surgeries

    Next, it is important to understand that any type of surgery comes with a certain amount of risk. Doctors and others on the care team will share what patients and their loved ones may expect with the most common types of breast cancer surgeries they perform. Active education and involvement helps to provide more positive outcomes.

    Breast cancer surgeries include:

    Lumpectomy: This procedure removes a tumor from the breast. A lumpectomy differs from a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Women who undergo a lumpectomy are usually recommended to receive radiation following surgery to help prevent recurrence. Some women are candidates for intraoperative radiation therapy. This typically limits the amount of radiation treatments needed after surgery. Commonly referred to as breast conservation therapy, the surgeon will design a lumpectomy coupled with radiation therapy to allow a woman to keep her breast.

    Mastectomy: This is the surgical removal of all the breast tissue. If breast conservation therapy is not a viable option, the doctor may recommend mastectomy. Women who have cancer in multiple areas of the breast and/or large tumors relative to the size of the breast are typically recommended to undergo a mastectomy. The cancer specialist may also recommend mastectomy for women with certain genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2). In many instances, the surgeon will spare much of the breast skin and even the nipple to improve the outcome of reconstruction.

    Several Different Types of Mastectomy

    For patients undergoing mastectomy, there are several different types of mastectomy:

    • Nipple-sparing mastectomy, which includes removal of the breast tissue only.
    • Skin-sparing mastectomy, which removes the breast tissue along with the nipple and areola.
    • Total (simple) mastectomy, which is a removal of the breast tissue and skin.
    • Modified radical mastectomy, which removes the whole breast, along with the lymph nodes under the arm.

    Factors such as breast size, breast shape, type of cancer, and the location of cancer in the breast and/or lymph nodes will determine which type of mastectomy the surgeon will perform. Your breast surgeon will guide you through the decision-making process. They will review options and outcomes for the type of mastectomy procedure appropriate for you. For more information, refer to the American Cancer Society website.

    Education Leads to Understanding and Support

    We hope that in sharing this important information that it will help educate readers about what they or their loved ones may experience. Remember that each person’s medical journey is a personal matter between them and their healthcare provider. As caring members of the community, we can all share in raising awareness through education.

    Like the staff at Second to Nature, many of us can learn a little more every day about the challenges associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. Sharing this type of education better equips us to offer much in the way of support. Embracing this added empathy means so much to patients who must undergo breast cancer surgery.

    Contact Second to Nature for After Breast Cancer Fashions

    After breast cancer surgery, contact Second to Nature for the post-surgery fashions you need to help with your recovery. We treat each breast cancer patient who comes to Second to Nature as people first, who happen to have the experience of a breast cancer diagnosis. Operating as we do on a person-first basis allows us the freedom and ability to customize the shopping experience for each client.

    Second to Nature is conveniently located in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA. Call Second to Nature for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and specials.