From the Doctor

Dear Patient,

As a parent, for me October means watching my daughter and her friends enjoy the anticipation and thrill of dressing up in colorful costumes. Yet in addition to the plump orange pumpkins stacked in front of the grocery store and the bags of rich chocolate Halloween candy that find their way into our cupboards, October also means pink.

As Breast Cancer Awareness month, during October, in stores and in magazines, you will find products and messages to remind you of the importance of doing self-breast exams, having a clinical breast exam with your primary care physician or OB/GYN doctor and of course getting a mammogram.  You’ll read inspiring stories from survivors and also stories of heartache from those who’ve lost a loved one to this disease.

With all these breast cancer messages, you may begin to wonder who exactly is at risk for breast cancer? All women are at risk with one of the most significant risk factors being simply getting older. While many women who are diagnosed have a family history of the disease or a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer that puts them in a higher risk category, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.

This October, pledge to do a monthly self-breast exam, which you perform by looking at and feeling the breast tissue for any change from normal.  If you notice a hard lump, thickening, swelling or redness, a sudden change in size or scaliness of the nipple, a newly inverted or flattening nipple, unexpected nipple discharge, or dimpling of the skin, please seek medical attention.

Early detection and treatment offer the best chance for surviving breast cancer.  When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the five-year survival rate is over 95 percent.  Some other factors that may decrease the risk of breast cancer include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as a regular exercise program.

This Halloween, don’t just dress up as a woman who takes her breast health seriously; become that woman.  And if you have any questions regarding breast cancer or breast exams, please contact the Clark County Medical Society for the names and numbers of qualified medical specialists. 

Sincerely,

Beauty & the Border
What you need to know about having plastic surgery abroad

Sandy beaches lined with gorgeous limestone cliffs, inviting beach bungalows and thick, verdant jungles are enough to make anyone book a ticket to Thailand. Lately advertisements for such exotic locales like Thailand, India and Mexico are touting more than sun and surf—they’re boasting cheaper plastic surgery. As patients opt-in for sightseeing-and-surgery combo trips, they need to be aware of a few things before taking the plunge.

The United States does not have a monopoly on talented surgeons. There are great surgeons in every country. The difference, however, is that many countries have no credible process for verifying physician training or assessing the standards of medical facilities and equipment.

It’s crucial that patients understand that plastic surgery is real surgery, meaning an element of risk exists that has to be managed. Being able to research and know as much as possible about your doctor is essential: Where will they operate and how will they manage your postoperative issues?  Thorough research on your doctor’s credentials and the facility’s track record in performing your procedure will help diminish the risk. If you cannot find information on where your doctor was trained or what type of certifications he or she has, let that be red flag No. 1.

Postoperative care is as important as your preoperative evaluation and the operation itself. Routine care, such as changing dressings and monitoring your health, can be necessary for several weeks. If complications arise from a procedure performed abroad, a patient should consider her subsequent treatment options.

“We’ve received calls from patients who have had a plastic surgery procedure aboard, and now they are experiencing complications,” says Dr. Alexander. “These patients feel helpless, and often find it difficult to see the doctor who performed their surgery.”

It’s important to remember that while vacations are fun, invigorating and sometimes even glamorous, surgery is serious. “Typical vacation activities must be avoided until weeks after a surgery,” explains Dr. Alexander, noting it’s best for a patient to have plenty of rest in order to heal. “A long plane flight immediately after any surgery may increase the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and blood clots,” he adds.

Before embarking on a surgical safari for your next vacation, be sure to do your homework. Visit www.plasticsurgery.org for more information on how to choose a plastic surgeon and to be sure that you’re receiving the highest standard of care.

Life

Make Strides for the Cure!

his October help save lives by raising funds for research and awareness of breast cancer.
Grab your girlfriends, sister, daughter, husband or son and join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 6th.  This fun walk starts at 8:00 a.m. at the JW Marriott in Summerlin, and you’ll be in good company because volunteers in 450,000 other walks around the country will also be Making Strides. 

There’s no registration and no fundraising minimum, and walks range from 3 to 5 miles. Women, men and kids are welcome. And afterward, drop by the JW Marriott’s world-renowned spa, and give yourself an early holiday season pampering. You’ve earned it!
Go to www.makingstrides.acsevents.org for more details.

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Finding my Inner Athlete

	Stephanie Kline (second from the right) before her surgery with her running teammates. "I turned in towards my friend so that I could hide my chest," Kline says, noting also how her shoulders are rolled forward.
	Stephanie Kline after her surgery -- front and center standing. "In this photo I'm happy and not self-conscious ... just confident," says Kline.

tephanie Kline is passionate about hitting the pavement in her running shoes, running in the sand with her volleyball and rowing with her crew team. Yet for this college student, wearing a 36DD bra was quickly causing her greatest source of joy – her sports, to mean nothing but pain.

 “Working out in any capacity was difficult, especially rowing, which is my favorite sport,” says Kline. “For four years in college I nearly had a permanent bruise across my chest from slamming my oar into my large breasts as I tried to maintain the same stroke speed as my boat-mates,” she says.  Her posture was taking a beating but more importantly, so was her self-confidence.

In June 2006, while between semesters at school, she decided to tackle the pain head on — she flew to Las Vegas to have breast reduction surgery with Dr. Alexander. “Typically athletic women want a breast augmentation to increase their size,” says Dr. Alexander, noting that it’s common for athletic women with low body fat to have smaller breast size. “But Stephanie is not unusual. Many women find they can lead a much more active life and pain-free lifestyle after a reduction,” he says.

Now wearing a 34 – 36 C cup, Kline has found new success on and off the racecourse, “The surgery was truly a transformation of my body and spirit,” she says. “Not only did I have a nearly pain-free recovery but the morning after my surgery I looked in the mirror and I had the absolute joy of knowing that people would now see me, not my breasts. And, I would finally be able to enjoy a more active lifestyle free from breast-related pain!”

Anxious to get back in the game, only nine months after surgery she was back running an 8K race.  “I finished the race and had no back pain,” says Kline, explaining that now she can focus on her form and speed. “My confidence while running, rowing, playing volleyball, etc., has increased tremendously, due in part to the lack of pain, and also not feeling so self-conscious,” she says.

With her increased confidence, Kline made another life altering decision … she joined the Marine Corps. “Before my DD-size breasts would have made training and Basic School a nightmare; constant pain and low self-confidence.   But now I can work even harder on my physical fitness in preparation for Officer Candidate School next year.”  

Many women in Kline’s prior situation, however, simply feel defeated because of the discomfort they experience while exercising and give up. That can lead to weight gain and other related issues such as diabetes.

ift giving can be fun, but it can also be a source of stress—and holidays shouldn’t be stressful. This year remember that while we all love to give the perfect gift, it’s the thought that counts. And we even did some of the thinking for you … here’s our list of favorite places to find great gifts at the holidays!

Anita, Patient Counselor
Sharper Image

It seems these days everyone is crazy for coffee and electronics, which is why Anita’s pick is the Sharper Image. I suggest the Bean Vac Coffee Canister for the coffee lover in your life. It vacuum seals coffee and keeps it fresh. ($39.95) Not only does Anita love giving this as a gift but she has one herself!

Jami, Patient Counselor
Fireworks

Originally from the Seattle, WA area, Jami’s pick is www.fireworksgallery.net. Fireworks is a Seattle based store that showcases unique and often handcrafted jewelry, home accessories, art, etc. from Northwest artists. Check out their funky kitchen accessories and other small items for stocking stuffers.

Lynn, Registered Nurse
Grimm’s, Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods

If you can’t decide what to get the women on your list, Lynn has a solution. I love Grimm’s, a local Summerlin boutique that carries a large assortment of Brighton jewelry and accessories. It’s always easy to find a gift for any woman on your list. And, for the a last minute hostess gift, Lynn drops by Whole Foods or Trader Joes for a gourmet food gift basket.

Lori, Certified Medical Assistant
LL Bean

Living in sunny Las Vegas, Lori found shopping for her family and friends in cold and snow climates to be a challenge. I love shopping at www.llbean.com. From camping gear to cold weather clothing and accessories, it’s easy to find great gift for my friends and family in colder climates. And she can do it all while basking in the desert sun on her patio!

Jillian, Receptionist
Homemade

I love giving personal gifts to family and friends by taking a photo from the year that’s special or fun and putting it in an engraved frame. I’ve done this many times and it is always appreciated and treasured.

Stephanie, BLISS editor
The MoMA Design Store

Instead of a trip to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, visit www.moma.org and find a great collection of gifts for him, her and even the kids. My favorites: Giorgio Fedon business card holder, an elegant gift for the executive on your list, or Riccardo Mariz’ river stone bowl, perfect for the nature lover.