What to look for in a Wig Shop

Look for a wig provider that has experience with women undergoing chemotherapy. They will be able to offer guidance from experience and help you:

• Select the right wig for you prior to chemotherapy. Your stylist will be able to match a wig to your hair style and color. You will be able to walk in with hair and walk out with hair. We have had women say they get wonderful comments on their new haircut!
• Have your hair clipped (about 14 days after the start of treatment.) Note: do not use a razor, it may cause folliculitis. Leave hair approximately 1/4".
• Put your wig on after your hair clipping
• You will be in a wig or head covering for typically 6 to 12 months

Feel free to call us 800.497.7005 http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Experience the Susan's Special Needs Difference

For many people, hair loss is one of the most trying aspects of cancer treatment. When hair falls out, it affects our self-image and our quality of life. But you don't have to despair - you can go a long way towards boosting your own self-confidence with an educated attitude and some advance perparation. Everyone's experience is different, so it's important to become well informed about how your particular treatment affects hair loss. Talk to your doctor or nurse about what to expect. For those who can't make it into the store ask us about a home visit. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Losing Your Hair from Chemotherapy

I have been thinking today of all of us who have gone through chemo and anticipating hair loss. As a survivor I can share with you that when it happened to me I grieved over my hair as it was thick and naturally curly. Now in reflection, I can say that I liked my hair, it was one of the great things about me and the stylists who worked with me prior to chemo loved working with it. I think when the hair loss occurs that we all have to grieve of days in the past. We remember specifically how our hair looked on memorable special occasions. It is those fine details, that as females, we think about and remember fondly. My hair grew back grey and then there were 7 years of tamoxifen that changed my hair, its texture and throwing in menopause did not help things either. Although, I still long for the lost hair and the great pictures of me in better days, I think I am most grateful to be here. You see our youngest daughter was only 3 at the time of chemo days and she is now 21! How fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to parent her, to be her mom, to love her unconditionally and to drive her crazy. My husband said to me at the time, if you are going to lose your hair, you will lose it in style, so he booked a room at a wonderful hotel, we sat in a marble tub, pulled my hair out and drank champagne. How fortunate I am to have had my husband and girls around me to love me in spite of my imperfections. I am blessed to be a survivor and a thriver. Endurance and hope are the keys.

Therefore, at the store when I see each woman here clip off their hair, I shall never forget the feelings that I experienced and it comes back to me each time I am in the room with a client just beginning this process. However, once the event is over, there are of course tears but a sigh of relief that the anticipatory moment is over. Now it is on to looking at the finish line, meaning the end of treatment and new hair growth coming back.

Thank you to all of you who have given me the opportunity to spend time with you, to cry with you, to hold your hands and to offer the privacy and respect that you deserve during this time. I am most grateful. Susan http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Wig Purchase and Insurance Coverage

OK so here is the story for the day. We know historically that wigs typically are not covered by an insurance company. Many people think that with a Doctor's script that anything is covered. That is actually not true. Unless we, as the subscriber, have a wig included under the durable medical benefit package , wigs are never covered. Medicare does not cover for a wig and oft time BCBS will follow suit. It is best that you call your insurance company, ask to speak to a supervisor just to be certain and record your conversation as you go along. Many insurance company reps do not understand this end of the business and can often give you misinformation.

Remember, however, a wig is typically considered a retail purchase, there are typically no net work providers who will bill for a wig. Therefore, my message today is be proactive, call and state your case, get a hold of someone on the phone who is knowledgeable and make sure you understand the ins and outs of your personal policy. Bottom line our experience shows that it never hurts to submit your receipt showing a necessary cranial prosthesis with a claim form and see what happens. Be courageous, be strong and don't give up. Susan http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Get Balanced to Look and Feel Your Best

Most women would agree the key ingredients for a satisfying daily life is finding the right balance. Naturally one thinks of work-life balance as vital - but did you know your physical sense of balance and symmetry is also important? When you're well balanced physically, you maintain better posture and breathe more easily, giving you more energy and contributing significantly to your overall sense of wellness.

Being unbalanced can have the opposite effect. In fact, when your breasts are noticeably uneven, it may affect how you hold your shoulders and even the curve of your spine. Some possible causes of asymmetry include:

• Naturally uneven breasts
• Surgery/radiation (radiated breasts typically change shape with time)
• Breast reconstruction process (expander phase)
• Weight gain or loss after reconstruction and/or treatments
• The natural aging process

Gaining a smooth, balanced look can help you square those shoulders, and ultimately make you feel more confident and feminine.

Symmetry shapers like Amoena's Balance line are perfect for all of these situations, to create an even silhouette, improve your balance, and maximize your curves. There are a variety of shapes and options - your Certified Fit Specialist can help you find the one that works best for you.

After reconstruction balance can be challenging. Shapers can be placed wherever there is missing tissue: on the top, rotated to either side or underneath the breast. When placed underneath and lifts the remaining breast tissue, filling the bra cup completely and even providing a bit of cleavage. Like all Amoena shapers thickness is in the middle of the shape and tapers to thin edges so that it is virtually invisible when worn, even in a seamless bra.

Amoena also offers comfortable attachable shapers, and just this year, introduced the first partial shapers with Comfort+ technology, which equalizes the temperature between the chest wall and the form to prevent overheating and perspiration.

Health insurance will sometimes cover partial forms for those with medical conditions resulting in uneven breasts.

All Amoena partials look naturally soft and feel like cashmere. Try one and experience the balancing effects of perfect symmetry, better posture and self-confidence -- to look and feel your best, every day.

Amoena/Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine by Lee Thrash http://www.amoena.com/global/

http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

FREE Cleaning Service for Chemo Patients

We recently received this message that we thought was worth passing on. "Cleaning for a Reason" ... If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. "Cleaning for a Reason" will have a participating maid service in her zip code arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire U.S. and currently has 547 partners to help these women. http://cleaningforareason.org/The message was from the Oakland County Community Health Authority. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Skin Care and Chemotherapy

Just a quick note today about skin care while undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation. Most of the chemotherapy drugs are metalic based which leave our skin compromised and extremely dry. We see it here at the store daily and I am most concerned about getting the right information out to all chemotherapy patients. Most over-the-counter products contain ingredients which further dries out the skin. We have a variety of products in different price ranges that will alleviate the problems with dry skin, discoloration of the skin, chemo acne and folliculitis. We have women visit us with an itchy, acne-like scalp. We have a variety of products that are perfect to sooth and moisturize your skin.

Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized during treatment is just as important as hair loss, wigs and turbans. Skin care and scalp care are paramount. Please give us a call to discuss our skin care solutions.

Have a good night,talk to you tommorrow.
Susan
http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/
800.497.7005

Purchased Prior to Surgery

When I left the hospital my drain tubes were hanging out of my chest wall. As an oncology nurse I certainly should have known what to do. But, hey, this was about ME. My husband found a fanny pack to put my drain tubes in and the path was set to figure out how to meet all of the new needs I would now have. I had to create my own solutions.

There are many decisions that have to be made prior to surgery. I know this all can be overwhelming and complicated. To help make your post surgery experience more comfortable visit your Board Certified and Accredited mastectomy shop and talk with them regarding those products designed to address your immediate needs just after surgery.

• Camisole with Kangaroo Pouch - There a wonderful camisoles with a built-in pouch designed to hold drainage tubes. They are appropriate for unilateral or bilateral mastectomy patients. They also have soft filler forms to provide projection and shape until you have healed to the point you are ready for breast forms or reconstruction.
• Daily Planner - I purchased an inexpensive daily planner to keep track of my doctor appointments, chemo treatments, etc. This helped me stay on track and focused on healing. This in combination with a journal was the perfect combination for me.
• Contact your insurance company to verify your coverage assisting in payment for your products.
• Know your rights after a mastectomy. Call the Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration toll free at 1.866.444.3272 or visit online www.dol.gov/ebsa for a free pamphlet regarding Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Mastectomy Fittings for Bras and Breast Forms

Often women will ask me, how do you know which breast form to use and which one to not use. I believe it is important to know that as a Certified Mastectomy Fitter (CMF) and as an Oncology Nurse Clinician (OCN) that I always assess the chest wall of the surgery, speak to the client regarding her surgery and the details of why the surgeon performed the surgery in the fashion they did. Did they have an implant that became infected, was the tumor deep and the margins unclear. In my assessment of this surgical site, I determine how the breast form I choose will sit on the surgical site. Is it important to know that the direction of the incision site will also determine how this breast form will sit on the chest wall. Diagonal scars versus horizontal scars will also determine the comfort and choice of bras. What I mean by that is ofttimes the sides of the bra may rub on that surgical site and cause discomfort. You are the only one who knows if you are comfortable. Work with your CMF to find product that works for you.

For instance, I saw a gal in the shop this weekend that was fitted with a beautiful bra and breast form elsewhere. The choice of product was incorrect. The bottom part of the form was too wide. When placed into the pocket of the bra the form had to be forced into the pocket. Thus she was most uneven. Was the breast form size correct? Yes, but the shape was not and caused her to look most uneven. Thus she was very unhappy and selfconscious regarding how she looked. She was leaving on a trip this week and we were able to show her the difference when using the correct form.

The business of mastectomy bras and breast forms is not just giving out product and hoping it works. It has to be the correct product for the client considering all of the client's needs. Susan's Special Needs is the place for the correct fitting of mastectomy bras and breast forms, please call us to discuss your personal circumstances and special needs. We are here for you. We are listening. 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

3 Year ABC Accreditation Award

Susan's Special Needs has been awarded a Three-Year Accreditation. We have been working on this process for over 2 years so it's an honor and relief to finally be professionally recognized for our efforts. Our mission is to provide education and compassion in a secure environment ensuring client privacy while gaining knowledge of their new needs. It is our mission to help women find solutions.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: july 9, 2009, Pleasant Ridge, MI - Susan's Special Needs, a provider of mastectomy prosthetics, wigs, skin care, hats and turbans proudly announces a Three-Year Accreditation award in Mastectomy by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC).

Susan's Special Needs is recognized for achievements in the areas of Organizational Management, Patient Care Standards, Quality Assurance, Supplier Compliance and Facility and Safety Management. This award represents the highest level of accreditation achievable in the profession of orthotics and prosthetics.

"Susan's Special Needs has demonstrated its commitment to the provision of quality patient care services by seeking and attaining ABC accreditation," said Catherine Carter, ABC's Executive Director. "ABC has developed the highest standards for accreditation in the industry and is proud to include Susan's Special Needs among our over 1,400 accredited patient care facilities.

Susan's Special Needs has been offering mastectomy prosthetics, bras, whigs, skin care, swimwear, hats and turbans in the Detroit area since 1992.

Susan's Special Needs is a unique store helping women who are experiencing medical treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, lumpectomy or mastectomy. The store carries over 2,000 wigs, bras, breast forms, all natural skin care products, hot flash lingerie, fashionable hearwear and scarves. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

The American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. has been credentialing practitioners and organizations since 1948 in accordance with established standards of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient care. A not-for-profit organizaton headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, ABC's mission is to encourage and promote the highest standards of professionalism in the delivery of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthics services. ABC advances the competency of practitioners, promotes the quality and effectiveness of orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic care, and maintains the integrity of the profession.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid that backs up within our system typically in the affected arm of the mastectomy site. This pertains to all of us who have had a mastectomy, mastecotmy with reconstruction or lumpectomy. All of us who have had lymph node dissection are subject to its occurrence as lymphedema is caused by the rearrangement or absence of lymph nodes. Lymphedema can occur at any time from immediately after surgery, to many years after. This problem can often occur due to an injury to the arm or for no reason whatsoever. Lymphedema presents itself with swelling in any part of the arm from upper arm to hand. Often women notice tightness in the arm of their shirt, blazers or sweaters. Sometimes our rings and wathces will feel tight and/or leave significant marks on our wrists, hands and fingers. This swelling can come and go. Be there one and not the next.

At Susan's Special Needs we have become specialists in the treatment of lymphedema and can direct you to appropriate health professionals for a formal evaluation. Please allow us to check your arms and hands for swelling.

We know from our own experience that all of us should wear a basic compression sleeve garment while we travel by car or plane. Specifically the change of the atmospheric pressure in a plane can bring on, or exacerbate, an occurrence of lymphedema. We recommend now that you wear this garment not only for travel, but for exercise, or while playing golf, tennis and even weight lifting. We should also consider wearing it when we carry anything over 10 pounds such as during grocery shopping or moving furniture while cleaning.

The compression garment should be looked at as preventative if you do ont have this condition. Our standard products are soft, easy to wear and a must for all of us. Be proactive and ask us for a fitting to meet your specific needs. Most insurance companies will offer some reimbursement for these products and we will be happy to assist you in submitting the medical billing with a doctor's prescription. A compression sleeve is quite durable and can last, with good care, about 9 months to a year.http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Radiation

Many women receive radiation therapy to the chest wall or to the affected site of the breast as treatment for breast cancer. Your doctor will review the reasons for this treatment with you and all radiation therapy departments have a nurse coordinator who will go over the standards of care for that particular hospital setting. What I have learned from my own experience is that every Radiation Oncologist has his/her own protocol for skin care during the treatment cycle.

What I know for sure

• Radiation to the chest wall and/or breast will be a treatment cycle for 5 -7 weeks. Your individual needs will determine the extent of the radiation therapy. A specific map of your affected body area will be sketched (on your body) so that the radiation itself will be directed to a certain site.
• Each doctor will have their own specific care instructions. Check with them first and they will provide specific instructions on what is allowed and not allowed
• We often see women who will be in their 4-5 week of treatment and their skin will become compromised, sometime tender, itchy and red. As the treatment progresses these symptoms may continue and become worse
• As a nurse, I instruct my clients to talk with their doctor or nurse regarding what they can use for their skin during treatment. You may be directed not to wear your regular bra. We suggest wearing either a camisole or an undershirt of lightweight material and texture to protect your chest wall. You can even buy a cotton tank top to have under your outer clothing.
• We use Radia-Guard products that offer a Ratiation Treatment Cream to use daily at night and a Restructure Cream to be used once the therapy is completed. These products are miraculous and provide the moisture and soothing elements to help the skin heal after treatment. We have also found great success with Norske Skin Therapy.
• Lindi Skin Cooler Pad captures the natural cooling and moisturizing effects of water and aloe vera.
• There are many products to help you during this time that will provide soothing relief for tense and compromised skin. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Chemotherapy

Your oncologist has determined whether you will need chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of both. Your doctor and nurse navigator will be involved in your treatment management. You will have to learn to understand your white cell count which will determine your treatment scheduling.

Chemotherapy

You have been told that you will need chemotherapy. The first questions are:

• What kind of chemotherapy and what are the names of the drugs that I will be taking?
• What is the treatment cycle and how often will I take these drugs?
• Should I use a Port?
• What side effects can I anticipate?

The Importance of a Port

When your chemotherapy regime is outlined and a starting point is suggested, your medical team could suggest a Port to be inserted into your chest wall to be the receptacle to deliver the drugs themselves. The insertion of the port ensures your comfort and freedom of being picked with endless needles, trying to find a suitable vein to receive the drugs. This line will serve as the vehicle to receive the chemotherapy and to distribute it systemically throughout your body. Your nursing team will review the directions on how to take care of the port, the procedures they will follow to insert the needle for chemotherapy delivery and the procedure she will use to flush the line and keep it from plugging up. The port option was not a well known option while I was going through my treatment. If your doctor is suggesting a port ... go for it. The discomfort will be lessened and you will feel more comfortable.

Every doctor who inserts a port hs a different procedure and a different site for placement. Inserting the port is done typically as an outpatient and is done with quick-acting general anesthesia. Afterwords, the port site can be painful but the discomfort lasts only a short time. Sometimes the placement of the port will interfere with your bra strap. Please see your mastectomy specialist in your area and she will guide you to the appropriate bras and post-operative bras to help you. There is always a solution for comfort with many different bras availale to you today. You just have to try them on until you find one that suits your situation.

Ask Questions

• Will it hurt when you insert the needle for treatment?
• Will this interfere with my bra strap?
• Will it be uncomfortable when I sleep?
• Can I take a bath and soak with a port?
• How do I keep that area clean?

On the first day of chemotherapy your nurse will guide you through the process. She will explain everything she is doing and why she is doing it. Once the chemotherapy has been instilled or if there are several drugs that she is working with, you may have some down time between infusions. Create your own "Chemo Kit" so you have everything you need:

• Large comfy bag
• Bottle of water
• Your favorite non-perishable such as crackers with peanut butter, breakfast bar, salted peanuts, pack of cookies. Something dry to munch on.
• Good book - something inspirational or short chapters. Easy to read and digest from nerves on chemo day
• Good magazine, crossword puzzle or note games
• Your current medications, in case someone wants to talk about what you are taking and you just can't remember
• Cozy cap - you may want to take your wig off and wear a cozy cap. If you doze off you won't have to worry about your wig being straight
• Bible, prayers and prayer cards if appropriate
• Tape player, iPod or other electronic device to listen to your music or book to tune the world out
• Pillow for your eyes in case you want to take a snooze
• Blanket to keep you cozy
• Extra set of underwear - just in case
• Tissues or handkerchief
• Pack a sense of humor and good hope

Most chemotherapy treatment centers treat multiple people in one big room at one time. Typically there are recliner chairs which are comfy and accessible. In most hospital systems there are a few private rooms, so if you wish to be private talk to your nurse and request some tme alone in one of those rooms. Although, I felt OK at treatment there were a couple of times when I definitely wanted to be by myself and wanted to cry by myself, not in front of everyone.

There are many questions needed to be asked:

• Will I get sick and what happens if the nausea continues while I am at home?
• What other side effects can I anticipate?
• White cell count. What does it mean and how will it affect my treatment scheduling

Years ago, anti-nausea drugs were not as affective as they are today. Patients became so violently ill that they could not stomach the consequences of chemo and stayed in bed with the shades turned down for the entire month. With the advent of new synthetic anti-nausea drugs recommended by your doctor you will find that the nausea is more under control than ever before. Some patients may still have a great deal of trouble. Doctors and nurses are very sensitive to this issue and the combination and dosages of these drugs need to be manipulated and adjusted in order to gain control of nausea. Please keep in mind that most people going through chemotherapy work full time and do not have significant problems. Work with your nurse navigator to find the right balance for you.

Ideas to Keep You Up and Your Stomach Down

• Drink plenty of fluids, water preferably. However juice, Smart Water, tea, ginger ale, Gatorade, etc. All these products are appropriate and will keep you hydrated.
• The morning of your treatment eat a simple and easy breakfast - a bowl of cereal such as oatmeal with a banana, hard boiled egg and a slice of toast of breakfast bar
• Do not focus on eating 3 meals a day while going through treatment. Eat more often, a little at a time, and keep drinking fluids
• For me the night of treatment I ate pizza ... go figure. I guess I just needed something like that to sit on my tummy. Find your own special trick and keep using it
• Follow your doctor's orders for guidance with anti-nausea medications. Be aware of the side effects of those medications and discuss with your nurse and/or doctor what the doses of the medications to decrease related side effects. Talk with your treatment life coach for information as well.
• Your body needs encouragement with fluids, proteins, minerals and constant nourishment. Talk with a trained professional and discuss what you have found that works. Talk to your doctor about any health supplements you are taking or wish to take. During chemotherapy your body will metablolize differently and it will be important that you check things out with your oncologist to get his/her blessing
• Mints, chewing gum, lifesavers will help resolve the metallic taste in your mouth caused by chemotherapy. There is also a product called Quesy Drops that are all natural and formulated to quell the nausea, help keep your tummy from barking back and diminish the metallic taste
• Initially, after chemotherapy is infused, especially with Adriamycin (which is red in color) your urine may be red tinged. Please continue to drink fluids. If your urine continues to be discolored for several days after chemotherapy, contact your doctor or nurse and let them know

Other Side Effects

• Hair Loss: My first question was - will I lose all my hair? Talk to your doctor or nurse regarding your course of treatment and whether it will cause hair loss. Chemotherapy typically cause hairloss around the 14th day after your first treatment. Your hair will begin to come out in clumps. See your wig specialist to clip your hair and obtain your wig. We recommend selecting your wig prior to treatment so you and your stylist can select a wig that is right for you. You will be ready when your hair starts falling out

- If your treatment will cause hair loss, yes you will lose all of your hair - head, pubic, arm pits, legs, arms and eye brows. That took some getting used to. I bought a wig, designed some hats that would cover my bald head and focused on my treatment and getting better.

-You will need to wear a wig or head covering for 6 to 9 months until your own hair grows back. Your hair may grow back with a different texture and color.

- Use Alra Shampoo, formulated to hydrate your scalp, before, during and after hair loss to keep you comfortable

• Numbness or tingling: Some chemotherapy drugs can cause a neruopathy occurring in your hands and/or feet. Contact your doctor or nurse for their direction. Be aware of how you are picking up things and make sure that you are using appropriate oven mitts in the kitchen for the oven and stove. If the sensation/s continue to progress, your doctor may prescribe medications for you and/or decrease your dose of chemotherapy.
• Mouth sores: Good oral hygiene is always a good standard to use. If sores do occur, contact your doctor or nurse. They may offer some medication for relief or suggest an over-the-counter preparation that will be effective. It is best to drink cool liquids, refer to my Oncology Milk Shake (below) that can be served in small amounts and give you the proteins and vitamins needed to aid in healing.
• Diarrhea: Either of these things may occur with chemotherapy. I had intense abdominal gas due to the Cytoxan that I took orally. My doctor then changed the protocol and gave it to me intravenously which helped. If diarrhea occurs, contact your doctor or nurse for guidance. Avoid spicy foods, alcohol and a diet high in fiber and vegetables which may increase diarrhea.
• Constipation: Can occur with some chemotherapy drugs and also is associated with pain medications. Consult your doctor or nurse immediately for a recommendation for a laxative or stool softener. Avoid using enemas and/or using suppositories. Check with your medical team first before doing anything. Increase your fluid intake and increase the amount of fiber in your diet as necssary and with guidance from your medical team.

Susan's Oncology Milkshake

Years ago, when I was a homecare nurse, I developed a milkshake I call the "Susan's Oncology Milkshake." I created this shake when my patients complained of not being able to eat great amounts of food while undergoing chemotherapy. Today with nausea this shake still is effective and soothing for chemotherapy patients:

• 1 can Ensure (Your choice of flavor)
• 1 scoop ice cream or forzen yogurt (Your choice of flavor/no nuts)
• 4 - 5 ice cubes
• 1 raw egg
• 1/2 banana
• Flavoring of your choice such as chocolate syrup or vanilla flavoring
• Put all ingredients in the blender andblend until it becomes frothy
• Pour and serve into a 6 oz. juice glass. Put the container in the refrigerator and serve as the patient requests throughout the day
• Show this recipe to your doctor before you use to make sure all ingredients are approved by your doctor or nursehttp://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Surgery

My choice was a mastectomy. For others the choice may be lumpectomy,unilateral or bilateral mastectomy (as your personal situation may require) and then for some reconstruction. Phew. Stuff we sure didn't know we would have to contemplate. Now that you are in the process there are products that will hellp you through. Talk with your mastectomy experts to help you determine which products are best for you during this part of the process. You need to be comfortable and keep a positive attitude moving forward. You also need products that will help you look and feel like yourself again.

• Lumpectomy: There are wonderful shapers and soft forms to fill-in and balance
• Unilateral and Bilateral Mastectomy: A wide variety of breast forms are available for you to find the one most comfortable for you and to provide a natural look and feel. (Fluff Forms, Soft Forms, Silicone Forms, Leisure Forms, Swim Forms)
• Reconstruction: Typically you will need something for comfort, look and continued healing after surgery and before reconstruction. Talk iwth your local mastectomy shop for the right choice for you (Fluff Forms, Soft Forms)
• Contact your insurance company to verify your coverage assisting in payment for your products
• Know your rights after a mastectomy. Call the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Administration toll free at 1-866-444-3272 or visit online www.dol.gov/ebsa for a free pamphlet regarding "Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Diagnosis: Biopsy Positive

When you hear your doctor say you have cancer, what can I say - It stinks. I was not ready to die and I wanted to live to see my girls grow up. It took a couple of days to get my arms around the reality of ME having cancer. Then I had an epiphany with the realization that I had early disease and that I better get my act together to be able to see my dreams come true. Get real I told myself, you need to pull yourself together, storm the gates of heaven with prayer and get going. Put an action plan in place and move forward, make a checklist, understand what my new needs will be and get on with life.

Take Control

What I know now is that every woman and their family does things differently. There is no right or wrong way - there is only your way. The way you see things, your past experience with crisis, your current relationships, these are all factors that influence how you will act, react and recover.There is no one right solution. But, this I know, the more information you have and the more support you have the better. Information is power and power translates into action.

At Susan's Special Needs our entire team is geared to providing our clients with information. This is so exciting to me, because year's ago, no one had the answers and no one wanted to talk about it. We can help devise your plan to move forward and living with your new norm.

Treatment Coach

Our objective is to provide an understanding of the process you will typically experience and as a coach referring you to products and services that you will need in the different stages of your journey through cancer.

I recommend when you visit your doctor in the early stages you take along your spouse, sister, significant other or friend to help you listen to the information and record notes. In your initial doctors visit. Your doctor will be very specific as to the findings of your biopsy. The following questions will help get you started to bridge the gap and begin to put your situation in perspective:

• What kind of cancer do I have?
• Where is it located? Is it isolated or has it spread?
• If your diagnosis is breast cancer, what is the status of the lymph nodes.
• What tests have been performed and concluded regarding the stage of this cancer?
• What is the typical treatment for my site of disease and how quickly do we begin?
• Can you refer me to someone who will guide me through my journey such as a treatment life coach?

It's Confusing and Frightening

Most hospitals and doctors can provide a list of places to look for wigs and/or breast forms. If a list is not offered it's easy to overlook this step. Women are typically frightened and confused just beginning the process. Contact your nurse navigator, your local American Cancer Society and, of course, the Internet is a wealth of information. Search for your local mastectomy shop that is certified with Board Certified Fitters. (Board Certification means that the shop has been accredited by a certified practitioner with years of client experience.) This shop will provide the experience necessary to help guide you at each stage of your journey and help you with the products you need for your comfort and self image. At Susan's we use my Needs Action Plan to discuss each phase you will experience and help prepare your for your journey. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Helping educate women about choices

We have had the most interesting day and God knows that is why I am here in a position to help women who are undergoing chemtherapy and losing their hair. You see, to me it is more than just selling a wig. A wig purchase has to have a purpose and a reason. Do you choose synthetic or human hair? It's all about your needs and your lifestyle. It really does not mean just another retail sale. It means that I have an opportunity, as does my staff, to educate women about their choices, to gently bring them to a place of peace in their hearts regarding losing their hair they have coveted all of their life. It is about coming to grips being diagnosed with cancer and how could that possibly happen to me?

Today, we helped a young woman who had the most gorgeous, long hair come to grips that she was not only in the process of losing her hair but that if she did not develop a plan now, next week she would be faced with cutting her beautiful hair filled with mats that just can't be brushed out. It would have to be cut off. And, in my opinion, would be much more traumatic that not. Making a plan, taking control over what you can and seeing it through is - yes, difficult at best, yest it sucks! - but the only way to move forward is to pull within and find the courage to keep moving forward.

Yes, we developed a plan and yes I hope and know that we have helped her find her way in an overwhelming situation. This is Susan's Special Needs and this is what we do. We make a difference. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to women who need our help. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Oncology Nurse, Breast Cancer Survivor's Solutions

I am an oncology nurse and breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed in 1992 and elected to have a mastectomy and full course of chemotherapy. It was a strange experience find myself on the other side. I had been working with cancer patients my entire career. I quickly discovered the trials experienced with the initial diagnosis and ensuing treatment. My entire family was engaged and we all worked together to get through this period.

As typically experienced I lost my hair and went into menopause during chemotherapy. I was surprised to find how few products were available for women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I found a local designer to create hats that I could wear in my normal activities. I received so many positive comments that I offered these hats to boutiques across the country.

This new journey that began with the heart wrenching diagnosis of breast cancer has led me and my family to a whole new direction. I now have a business helping women undergoing chemotherapy, radiation treatment. I combine my nursing skills with my breast cancer experience to give back and provide support for other women with special needs.

My store, Susan's Special Needs, carries a wide range of products including more than 2,000 wigs, turbans, hats, many different styles of breast forms, bras and swimsuits with mastectomy pockets and a line of products to accommodate the needs of women experience hot flashes from menopause, skin care products for chemotherapy and radiation treatment compromised skin, non-metallic deodorant and specially formulated shampoo. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/