STAFF PROFILES: Danielle Silverman, Angela Calcano..............15

EXPERT ADVICE RESTORING BREAST SENSATION AFTER MASTECTOMY

BY DR. CONSTANCE M. CHEN

Each year in the United States, more than 100,000 women have mastectomies.

Advances in surgical techniques today offer women the hope of a soft, warm breast that may look similar and feel much like her original breast, especially if she undergoes natural tissue breast reconstruction.

As a result, more and more women now choose breast reconstruction, either at the time of the mastectomy or later.

However, in some cases, women who undergo breast reconstruction learn that the natural “look and feel” of her restored breast actually relates to how the breast will look and feel to someone else.

Some women report that their reconstructed breasts do not feel at all natural to her and moreover that the reconstructed breast lacks all feeling and is completely numb to touch and sexual arousal.

“The prevalence of social media and zoom conferences has led some women to be more self-conscious about how they look,” says Dr. Constance M. Chen, plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist.

“While our capability to reconstruct a woman’s breast after a mastectomy has come a long way, the emphasis has been on rebuilding her appearance, with less focus on how she feels. In fact, after mastectomy, many women discover that their breasts are numb – a reality for which they were unprepared.

The positive news today is that new techniques in breast reconstruction allow specially trained surgeons to reconnect nerves with the possibility of restoring sensation.”

WHY THE LOSS OF SENSATION?

In a mastectomy, the nerves that provide feeling to the breast and nipple are cut, resulting in a loss of sensation in the remaining skin, regardless of whether or not the woman undergoes breast reconstruction.

In the case of breast reconstruction using implants, the artificial breast implant may actually form a physical barrier that prevents nerves from growing through it to reach the skin.

However, with natural tissue breast reconstruction, microsurgeons can suture together nerves from a woman’s own tissue to create a new sensate breast.

In these cases, rejoining blood vessels and nerves allows them to grow through the transferred tissue to reach the skin and increase the potential return of sensation. There are different types of sensation – deep pressure, light touch, pain, and temperature – and they each come back at different rates.

Deep pressure sensation usually returns most quickly and temperature most slowly.

Moreover, regenerated nerves can take months or even years to reach the skin, and the quality of sensation is variable.

“Since nerve growth is slow and the return of sensation is not ensured, not all surgeons prioritize reconnecting the nerves to restore sensation,” Dr. Chen said. “However, taking the time in surgery to carefully repair the nerves can result in the return of feeling and improved sensation.”

Innovative microsurgical techniques that use neural tubes and nerve grafts have provided some patients with excellent sensation and even erectile function of the nipple. “Restoring sensation is on the frontline in breast reconstruction,” Dr. Chen concludes. “Sensory restoration can help a woman feel more normal after mastectomy. Each woman will have a unique experience and result, but it is important for surgeons to do their best to restore a woman’s body as fully as possible to help her regain her health and sense of self.”

Dr. Chen is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction. For more information visit constancechenmd.com.

STAFF PROFILES Business Development Coordinator Angela Calcano

Q: What do you look forward to in your role at Queens Chamber?

I’m looking forward to working with the members.

Q: What was your previous job before this?

Finance accountant for Waste Management of NY.

Q: What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Stay focused on the goal.

Q: What advice would you give a candidate who might consider joining a new team?

Seek out a nice working environment like this one.

Q: What’s your favorite music or movie genre?

I don’t have a favorite genre of music. I like to listen to a little of everything and I like all types of movies, especially comedy.

Q: Name one thing you hope to accomplish in 2022.

What I hope to accomplish in 2022 is to keep moving in a positive direction.

Q: What is the biggest take away from the coronavirus pandemic?

What I took away from surviving the coronavirus pandemic is that we could adapt to anything…

Angela Calcano is the Business Development Coordinator with the Queens Chamber of Commerce

Member

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QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL

ELMHURST OUTDOOR BUSINESS RESOURCES DAY

April 12, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Queens Chamber will provide info on workshops to improve your entrepreneurial and business skills; guidance and consultation to start your own business and what your options are; motivation for women and minority groups; new business connections so you can get to know the community better; specialized advisors to inform you of tax breaks and grants offered; foreign language experts to help you translate from English to your own language or vice-a-versa; legal expertise; advise to help you find your ideal employees; and recovery from natural disaster and crisis.

Centro Cultural Barco de Papel 40-03 80th St., Elmhurst

FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS WORKSHOP

April 12, 2022 @ 2 p.m.

This free workshop will serve as a guideline to help you begin your start-up or operating business on the right track. In recovering from the pandemic, it is important for entrepreneurs to be informed and prepared to deal with new challenges and opportunities. You will walk away with information about the importance of utilizing a business plan, various financing options, resources for startups, and an overall better understanding of the fundamentals for business.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

GOOGLE MY BUSINESS

April 13, 2022 @ 2 p.m.

If you’re serious about getting more clicks, sales, and profits without wasting time trying to do it yourself, register now for this special event. We’ll show you exactly how to create an amazing online presence for your business.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

BALANCING THE COMPETING DEMANDS OF WORK AND LIFE

April 15, 2022 @ 9:30 a.m.

Time is the most valuable resource known to mankind. It is finite and cannot be expanded. Once it’s used it’s gone forever.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

CONOZCA COMO ENFRENTAR NUEVOS DESAFÍOS

(“Learn how to face new challenges with this seminar”) Este seminario le servirá como guía para saber cuáles son los recursos disponibles para financiar un negocio. En los meses venideros durante la recuperación de la pandemia, es importante que los empresarios estén informados y preparados para enfrentar nuevos desafíos y oportunidades.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

COFFEE, DOUGHNUTS AND ORIENTATION

April 20, 2022 @ 10 a.m.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing your Membership. If you’re a new member, join us for this 45-minute orientation.

Queens Chamber 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140 Bulova Corporate Center, Jackson Heights

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF CYBER THREATS

April 20, 2022 @ 11 a.m.

A confluence of events have created one of the most threatening atmospheres toward technology infrastructure that we’ve ever experienced. Join the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Committee for this online presentation.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

ESTRATEGIAS PARA AFIANZAR RELACIONES EN EL COMERCIO GLOBAL

April 13, 2022 @ 2 p.m.

Participe, network y conozca hacedores de marcas en Queens. Espacio limitado, reserve su cupo hoy. “Strategies to strengthen relations in global trade”) Develop a unified strategy to best navigate cultural differences when doing business. Network with a group of business owners looking to expand markets post COVID-19. Space is limited, register today.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 64-06 Queens Blvd., Woodside

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

April 28, 2022 @ 11 a.m.

Queens Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration invites you to join this webinar and learn about how to do engage in business with the federal government. Learn about finding opportunities, what the federal government buys, certification qualifications, marketing to government agencies, subcontracting, resources, and assistance.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org

HOW TO CONDUCT AN EFFECTIVE JOB INTERVIEW

April 29, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

The program will offer tips for the human resource specialist on how to conduct an effective interview and make it possible to select the best candidate for the job vacancy. We go over all the ins and outs of preparing for and conducting an effective job interview. We will also focus on the challenges of conducting a remote interview. This complimentary webinar is presented by Professor Joshua Bienstock.

VIRTUAL To participate visit https://nyit.zoom. us/j/94366879811 or https://nyit.zoom.us/ join and enter meeting ID: 943 6687 9811

MAY

QUEENS DAY IN ALBANY

May 10, 2022 from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce invite you to participate in this annual event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the Queens Assembly and Senate delegation, tours of the majestic Capitol Building and Legislative Chambers, and a cocktail reception/food sampling of the finest Queens’ food and drink purveyors. Buses leave from the Bulova Corporate Center, 75-20 Astoria Blvd. in Jackson Heights at 6:30 a.m. sharp.

Empire State Plaza State St. and Washington Ave., Albany

COOP, CONDO, HOA, AND APARTMENT EXPO

May 11, 2022 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Meet face-to-face with board members, property managers and building owners. Maintain your presence in the industry. Buyers come on your turf. Network with your peers. Obtain leads for new business. Pre-shows leads for your category.

Hilton Midtown Hotel 1335 6th Ave., New York, NY

SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT AND GLOBAL MARKET

May 11, 2022 @ 1 p.m.

Queens Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration invites you to join this webinar and learn about selling to the government and the global market, certification for set aside, marketing to government agencies, subcontracting, and more.

VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org