- Cancer Care, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Women's HealthGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIn January 2019, Alison Jordan, 58, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Soon after her diagnosis, Alison received breast surgery by Rubie Sue Jackson, MD, at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). “After my first lumpectomy with Dr. Jackson, we went through another biopsy and found more cancer,” Alison said. “Instead of doing another lumpectomy, the treatment team recommended a mastectomy because there were cancer cells found even in areas that were not calcified.” Alison did not want to take any chances of cancer resurfacing. Although a difficult decision, she agreed to the mastectomy but knew she would want breast reconstruction. She met with Devinder Singh, MD, chief of Plastic Surgery at AAMC and medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery, who walked her through her options. “One option was to get a silicone implant, but the thought of a foreign object in my body didn’t resonate with me,” Alison said. “Another option was a procedure using my own tissue. That’s what I chose.” The procedure is known as Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap. DIEP flap DIEP flap is a breast reconstruction procedure that uses tissue from the lower abdomen to make a new breast mound. The delicate blood vessels are re-connected under microscope. Essentially, this makes a living breast implant from skin and fat from the lower abdomen – the same tissue a plastic surgeon would discard during a tummy tuck. AAMC is the only hospital in Anne Arundel County that offers this procedure. DIEP Flap combines breast reconstruction with a tummy tuck, making it a popular choice for breast cancer patients who get a mastectomy. “Most patients choose an implant because it’s quick and easy,” says Dr. Singh. “But these can come with some potential problems, including possible infection and scarring around the implant. Although it is a more intense operating room experience and recovery takes longer, when patients choose their own tissue there is almost no downstream maintenance for them.” It takes a village The DIEP flap procedure is highly intricate, requiring the surgeons to reconnect vessels in order to make the tissue live and using tools so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye. But the effort is worth it and the results are pleasing. Dr. Singh and his partner Tripp Holton, MD, who is also a plastic surgeon at AAMG Plastic Surgery, worked with the operating room nursing team to build a dedicated operating room and team specifically focused on microsurgical breast reconstruction. Dr. Singh and Dr. Holton know that even the most skilled microvascular surgeon can’t do this alone. “We always have the same nurses and technicians for these cases,” said Dr. Singh about the team. “When we are in the operating room, we don’t have to ask for anything because they know our every move. Our team is like a NASCAR pit crew.” In addition to their team-based approach, the doctors attribute their success to their use of the most innovative technologies to ensure the success of their surgeries. They use a 3D computerized tomography of the abdomen and pelvis – or CT scan of the belly – as a ‘roadmap’ that informs them of what to expect as they dissect the flap (or belly skin that will create a new breast). The team also uses Xact, an alternative energy source technology that’s less damaging to the muscle when making cuts to access tissue, as well as SPY fluorescence imaging to better visualize microvascular blood flow. They credit such tools as the secret to their extremely high success rates. “A really good breast reconstruction is also an aesthetic reconstruction,” says Dr. Singh. “That’s the new standard of breast reconstruction and that’s our standard. It has to look good to be good.” Keeping patient experience at the forefront Performing approximately 50 DIEP flaps each year, the plastic surgery team has seen a nearly 100 percent success rate due not only to medical expertise but to the program they planned from beginning to end. Even after the patient has left the operating room, the team continues to prioritize patient care and experience. “We have an intelligent recipe that allows the patient to recover very rapidly with a high level of dignity and comfort,” said Dr. Holton. He says that instead of sending patients to the intensive care unit, patients go to a designated floor in the hospital with a dedicated team of oncology nurses. The dream team Alison says Dr. Jackson, and the entire care team, provided her a very unique experience. “I felt like I was at home when I was with Dr. Jackson and her team,” she said. “The icing on the cake was to have two personable and brilliant plastic surgeons that further confirmed that I was at the right place. All the staff was on it at all times. They were lovely, working with me through every step of the way. When I came to AAMC, I knew I was at the right place, in the right hands. I’m ever so grateful to have successfully gone through this at AAMC and to have this support network.” Authors Devinder Singh, MD, is chief of Plastic Surgery at AAMC and medical director of Anne Arundel Medical Group (AAMG) Plastic Surgery. Tripp Holton, MD, is a plastic surgeon at AAMG Plastic Surgery.0
- Employee SpotlightGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRaymond (Ray) Freeland’s name is synonymous with his huge smile and infectious energy his colleagues have come to admire. Ray is also meticulous, downright zealous about his work as an environmental attendant at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). He often goes above and beyond for the patients his work impacts. For this combination of dedication and passion, Ray was named AAMC’s April Champion Award winner. A Baltimore native, Ray was studying IT when he started looking for new opportunities away from the city. He heard from different sources that AAMC had several positions open before he started looking for jobs in the Annapolis area. He was offered the position this February and by March, he was on campus learning about the ins and outs of the Environmental Services Department. Ray explains that to keep a hospital clean is the foundation of a hospital itself. “If it’s not clean, then everyone is going to get sick,” he says. He also sees his work as contributing to the wellbeing of others. “It’s not about what I am supposed to do or not, it’s about the patients and making them feel comfortable.” Now, Ray is happy to add Champion Award winner to the many positive things for which he’s known. “There’s nothing like application and feeling valued,” he says. Pro tip: “If you have a positive attitude towards your job – no matter what the job is or how bad your day is going – you’ll have a good day. Every day is a good day; it’s up to you to make it a great day.” If you know a great individual or a fantastic team going above and beyond to make a difference, make sure to let us know! Looking for a career in health care? We invite you to join a diverse and collaborative team of professionals working together to innovate the future of health care for our entire region. Check out our career opportunities.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThe mission: Spread an attitude of gratitude! The ingredients: You’ll need a jar, a ribbon to decorate, a suction hook, a pen, gratitude cards and an attitude of gratitude. You can use a small jar you have at home or easily buy one at a craft store. The steps: Place the ribbon around the jar’s neck ring to add a touch of color. Hang the hook on the side of the jar so you can place the gratitude notes once you’ve hole punched them. Leave the pen inside the jar so it’s easily accessible when looking to write on the cards. Inspire and share: Place the jar in middle of the dinner table, on top of a desk or in a visible location. Have a set time when you write down notes and fill the jar with the cards — make it a family affair! Let your creative juices flow and write down what you truly are grateful for. Read your cards: Remember to open the jar occasionally and read the notes to remind you of all the wonderful things you have in your life. Read your card aloud orpass the jar around and let everyone read one. Take a moment to reflect and smile! Gratitude is contagious. Spread the good vibes: Think about making a jar for the office and sharing your gratitude practice with others. Learn more about how to raise a generous teen and the health benefits of gratitude. Originally published Nov. 19, 2018. Last updated Nov. 22, 2019.0
- CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let your guard down and forget to take your usual safety precautions. Unfortunately, that can make you an easy target for criminals. Make sure you are following these crime prevention tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season: Use credit or debit cards whenever possible to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be careful at the ATM. Guard your PIN, and do not walk away from the machine counting your money. Be careful how you handle your money in public. Never flash or count money in front of others. Have your car keys already in your hand when approaching your car just in case you need to get inside quickly. Look inside your car’s passenger area first to make sure it’s safe inside before you try to enter. Once inside your car, make sure all your doors and windows are closed and locked. Be extremely cautious of anyone who tries to get you to step outside of your car for any reason. Do not get out of your car unless you are confident you will be safe. If not, drive off if you can. Place all packages and other valuables out of sight and locked inside your trunk while your car is parked. Remember to walk in well-lit areas so that you and others can clearly see any suspicious behavior. Park your car in well-lit places as well. If you feel it is too dark, then find another space. Be aware of everything and everyone around you at all times, especially while outdoors. Be aware of people who bump into you. They may be trying to pick your pocket or purse. Never leave your purse or packages unattended, not even for a short amount of time. Never purchase more items than you can easily carry. You become an easy target when you’re struggling to carry packages. Trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong, then it most likely is. Never be afraid to call 911 for help. Nothing you own is more valuable than your life or good health. If someone grabs your purse or packages, let them go. Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone. But you can help to prevent it by staying vigilant and following these safety tips. From all of us at AAMC, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season! Originally published Nov. 30, 2018. Last updated Nov. 22, 2019.0
- Cancer CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogQuitting smoking is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Although we have seen a significant decrease over the past decade in the percent of U.S. adults who smoke, tobacco use continues to have a devastating impact on peoples’ lives. So what is the best way to successfully quit? Perhaps the first step is to not relegate smoking to a once a year promise. Make quitting tobacco a weekly event until you quit for good. “Healthy Monday Campaigns” encourage you to plan healthy lifestyle changes at the beginning of each week. “Quit and Stay Quit Monday” is a weekly opportunity to keep at your ‘quit attempt’ until you successfully quit for good! Take our pledge to love your lungs, and be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card! There are several ways to prepare for your quit attempt. Here are some steps you can take to get ready: Get ready mentally. Think about your most important reason(s) for quitting. What will drive you to stick to your resolution, even when the going gets tough? Prepare your environment. Take a look around and note what triggers you, or reminds you to smoke? Getting rid of ash trays, lighters and any remaining cigarettes is a first step. Where do you routinely smoke? What can you change about those areas and routines that go along with smoking? Have tools in place to keep you at ease. This might include readily available healthy snacks, sugarless gum or cinnamon sticks. Such items, along with over-the-counter and/or prescription medication, will go a long way to keep you on track. There are seven FDA-approved medications to help you quit tobacco. They include Chantix (varenicline), Zyban (bupropion), and five nicotine replacements: the “inhaler” and nasal spray (both are prescription), as well as the nicotine patch, gum and lozenge. Medication or a combination of medications can be invaluable in a successful quit attempt. You may be questioning whether Electronic Nicotine Delivery Devices, or ENDDs, are a safe approach to quitting smoking. ENDDs are battery-operated devices that deliver nicotine. They include ‘e-cigarettes,’ vapes, mods and e-hookahs. Instead of smoke from burning tobacco, ENDDs give off vapor from the liquid (e-juice) in the device. In addition to nicotine, the liquid contains flavorings and other chemicals that are not completely harmless. These devices have been around for several years, but have recently gained popularity as an alternative to smoking and another potential tool for quitting. The most current research concludes that ENDDs may help people quit smoking, and no serious side effects have been identified in the short term (up to two years). It is important to remember, though, that it was many years before tobacco was identified as deadly. So the long-term effects of the use of ENDDs are unknown. There are other concerns about the emergence of ENDDs, one being that they could renormalize smoking. They may deter people from quitting smoking and lead to nicotine addiction in young people, where the use of ENDDs is skyrocketing. Also important to keep in mind is that ENDDs are not fully regulated by the FDA yet and many products are under the control of tobacco companies. ENDDs have also been associated with specific lung disorders related to chemicals used in flavoring the e-juice. And there is an explosion hazard associated with the overheating of the lithium ion batteries. Quitting smoking is an important health decision, but how you quit is also important. Recognize that quitting tobacco will not only increase your years of life but also your quality of life. There are many safe, FDA-approved medications and other strategies that can help you achieve your goal of healthy smoke-free living. Consult your health care provider or a tobacco treatment specialist to discuss the best plan for you. Ready to quit smoking? call 443-481-5366 to learn how AAMC can help you. Author By Joanne Ebner, a cancer prevention program supervisor at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Originally published Jan. 16, 2017. Last updated Nov. 21, 2019.0
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