Pink-4-Ever Are Now Finalist in the Lester Smith Pink Well Challenge!
The Pink Well Challenge is a fundraiser that offers matching grants to organizations who support or engage in breast cancer research, breast cancer awareness from prevention, treatment to patient support in the United States. We need YOUR help! Pink-4-Ever, Inc. is now one of the finalist who applied for a $7,500 matching grant in the Pink Well Challenge. Help us reach out goal by watching our video and VOTING for Pink-4-Ever. The organization with the most votes by May 15, 2012 will win an additional $25,000! Click HERE to vote and donate for Pink-4-Ever, Inc.
We appreciate the support!!
Photo: New volunteers gathered together for the Pink-4-Ever Volunteer Workshop. Welcome Ladies! We are so excited and we have some big things stirring up for 2012!
A Breast Reconstruction Discussion with Dr. David Ciacoppo
Pink-4-Ever, Inc. and the Pink Ribbon Connection joined forces to host a breast reconstruction discussion to serve as a resource for women who are still exploring their breast reconstruction options. Women of various ages and backgrounds joined together to share their breast reconstruction experiences and concerns accompanied by Dr. Cacioppo from University Plastic Surgery Associates to share his expertise on breast reconstruction.
Although the occasion was to bring women together to discuss breast reconstruction methods, breast cancer survivors in attendance also served as a support system for those currently battling breast cancer by sharing their experiences and offering words of encouragement.
There is hope,” said Nadia Miller [Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc], as she encourages those currently fighting breast cancer.
Here are a few important points discussed at the breast reconstruction discussion:
Timing: It is recommended that you undergo breast reconstruction after radiation to replace radiated skin with healthy skin.
Types of breast reconstruction:
Autologous: Plastic surgery that uses your own tissue to replace lost tissue.
Implants: Plastic surgery that uses silicone or saline implants
Silicone v. Saline:
Silicone: Implants that are pre-filled with silicone gel – a thick, sticky fluid and feels like human fat. Despite popular belief, silicone implants do not induce systematic diseases (systematic diseases such as brain cancer, lupus, etc.)
Saline: Implants that are filled with saline and often times feel hard.
Bilateral Mastectomy v. Unilateral Mastectomy:
Bilateral [Prophylactic] Mastectomy: The surgical removal of both breasts. The objective is to prevent breast cancer from occurring or (in some cases) reoccurring.
Unilateral Mastectomy: The surgical removal of one breast.
Age: Age does NOT matter. Anyone can undergo breast reconstruction at any age and the recovery time is the same, no matter if you’re young or old. Medical conditions are an important factor in regards to breast reconstruction, not age.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy post surgery is very beneficial. It helps you stretch the tissue and relieves lots of pain. Often times the patient must ask to receive physical therapy, if you want therapy, make sure you inform your doctor. Dr. Ciopporecommends seeing a therapist who specializes in breast reconstruction physical therapy.
DIEP Flap v. TRAM Flap
DIEP Flap: Skin and fat are surgically removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. No muscle is sacrificed which makes the recovery a lot faster.
TRAM Flap: Muscle is surgically removed from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. TRAM flap procedures may weaken the abdominal wall and torso strength.
Check out pictures for the discussion below!
Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. Nadia Miller and Dr. David Cacioppo
Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. Nadia Miller and Executive Director of the Pink Ribbon Connection, Dori Sparks-Unsworth
We want women who have had reconstruction and women who are exploring their options to join us in A Breast Reconstruction Discussion. A circle of survivors will be sharing their experiences to support and nurture other survivors in their journey.
We invite you to join us, Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Pink Ribbon Connection, 1139 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN.
Basics of Breast Cancer Workshop: Ben Davis University
Pink-4-Ever kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshop for Ben Davis University’s sophomore class. “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshops travel throughout the community to provide basic information about breast cancer from breast cancer prevention, early detection, how to perform a breast self-examination and more.
Contact us at http://www.pink-4-ever.org/ if you would like Pink-4-Ever to host a “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshop.
Students of Ben Davis University
Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. Nadia Miller
Executive Director, Nadia Miller showing a student how to perform a breast self-examination
