My Health Quest is a comprehensive magazine with all the health tips you need to stay on the path to a healthier you, while also educating you about the health and medical resources available right here in your community.
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/187608
Understanding BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SO LONG UNCERTAINTY, For women who have fought breast cancer, breast reconstruction allows them to feel and look great. Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery is one specialized approach performed by Angela Keleher, MD, FACS, Director of Breast Surgery at Health Quest Cancer Care. DIEP flap reconstructive surgery uses harvested abdominal skin and tissue to reconstruct a natural-looking and feeling breast following mastectomy. This surgery is named after the blood vessel near the chest that nourishes new tissue, allowing it to feel warm and age similarly to a natural breast. A CLOSER LOOK AT A HIGHLY SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUE When a woman undergoes DIEP flap reconstruction surgery, board-certified plastic and breast surgeons at Vassar Brothers Medical Center work together, using microsurgical techniques. Because the surgery can take between three and a half and seven hours, two surgeons are always available during this procedure to reduce the time patients spend under anesthesia. Overall recovery can take as long as six weeks. However, because the abdominal muscles aren't harvested during the procedure—unlike reconstructive techniques of the past— healing progresses at a faster pace. CONSIDERING BREAST RECONSTRUCTION OPTIONS? VISIT WWW.HEALTHQUEST.ORG AND TYPE "BREAST RECONSTRUCTION" IN THE SEARCH BOX TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL CONFIDENT. MAMMOGRAM The American Cancer Society recommends women undergo an annual mammogram starting at age 40. However, personal risk factors could change your screening recommendations—and that's where talking with your healthcare provider can help. Whether you know someone who's had breast cancer or you're concerned about your own health, understanding your personal risk factors and having regular screenings can bring peace of mind. "Certain women may be at higher risk for breast cancer because they have a family history, personal history or genetic predisposition to this condition," says Sandi Cassese, RN, MSN, CNS, Vice President of Oncology Services at Health Quest. "For women with these additional factors, we may recommend additional screening tools such as a magnetic resonance image [MRI] or ultrasound screening in addition to a mammogram." CULTIVATING CONNECTION If additional or more frequent tests or treatments are needed, the highly qualified specialists at Health Quest are here to help patients, no matter their needs. "We want patients to know if they come in for a preventive screening, treatment for breast cancer or support through survivorship, we are always here for them," Cassese says. "While we offer state-of-the-art screening technology, we also have the most qualified staff in place to evaluate and explain results to patients so they can receive excellent, evidence-based care." TIME TO SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL BREAST HEALTH SCREENINGS? CALL THE DYSON CENTER FOR WOMEN'S IMAGING AT NORTHERN DUTCHESS HOSPITAL AT 845 8713488, PUTNAM HOSPITAL CENTER AT 845 2795711, EXT. 2428, THE DYSON CENTER FOR CANCER CARE AT VASSAR BROTHERS MEDICAL CENTER AT 845 4836563, OR VASSAR BROTHERS IMAGING CENTER IN FISHKILL AT 845 8388149. 4 Health Quest