Mastectomy Bras & Breast Forms - The Perfect Fit.

I am reminded today as I am doing breast form fittings how important our jobs are. As I look at women walking in with misfit bras and breast forms done by inexperienced people I am pleased that we are who we are and we have great passion for this business. In actuality we are architects. We are fitting solid products on an uncertain profile. Thus, we use the experience of nearly 30 years collectively in this business to choose the correct bra that works and then choose the breast form based on the needs of the client. Is the chest wall concave, smooth, does it have ups and downs and valleys due to the placement of the scar? We then have to fill in the are with a breast forms designed to provide a complete and natural look. We are not just giving someone a bra or breast form off the shelf. We want to meet the needs of each individual client and choose bras and breast forms that creates balance, symmetry, comfort and fashion. We want our clients to be fit correctly and feel good about themselves. Call or visit us to discuss your specific mastectomy needs. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Skin Care and Cancer Treatment for African American Women

Just a word about skin care. We recently had several women clients who are African American and being treated for cancer. In their chemotherapy regime they are receiving 5FU in conjunction with other drugs. The skin on their faces was darkened from the 5FU and considerably so around the lips , mouth and chin area. This darkening effect made them feel most uncomfortable and very self conscious. LINDI SKIN to the rescue, with only 3 days use of the face serum and soothing balm, the area became much lighter and somewhat softer. Such good news. Lindi skin is incredible and makes miracles. Call us to discuss how we can help you. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Medicare, Mastectomy and You.

We find that many women coming to the store are confused about their Medicare coverage after a mastectomy. Visit the National Government Services Web site for their guidelines on External Breast Prostheses Local Coverage Determination-Reminders.
http://www.ngsmedicare.com/content.aspx?CatID=6&DOCID=577

If this does not directly link you to the site simply copy and paste this url into your browser. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

We can see spring through the snowflakes

Our new hats and turbans are just beginning to arrive. Even though the snowflakes are still falling and we have a snow storm coming - spring is in the air. We received our first box of new spring arrivals and are we excited. New colors and styles to brighten our spirits after a long and cold winter. Stop by to check out our new fashions. Or give us a call. We will be updating our Web site with the new fashions as we go along. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

A Touch Can Mean So Much

I read a Bill Weir ABC tweet this morning referring to a New York Times article "Evidence That Little Touches Do Mean So Much." http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/23mind.html?em We find a touch on the arm or a hug can mean so much to a woman who just was diagnosed with cancer, making those tough decisions moving forward with treatment or just coming to grips buying a first wig and denying that your hair will fall out. (It does around the 14th day after the first chemo treatment). So much of our service to clients is listening, touching and counseling the client, family and friends. We live first hand the importance of what a little touch can mean and how significant that can be in the life of another. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Breast Cancer. The things you don't think about

Come visit our store to discuss our Breast Cancer Action Plan. Many times when you get out of the hospital or doctor's office you are overwhelmed and don't know where to turn next. We have developed a Breast Cancer Action plan to help you put a plan together as you move forward. We help you understand the process and aware of the wonderful products available to you after your treatment and ongoing with your new needs.

It seems like everyday we have someone come into the store frightened with no idea what they were going to be experiencing and what products are available to them. Call us we can help

http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Susan's Chemotherapy Milkshake

Years ago, when I was a home care nurse, I developed a milkshake I call the Susan's Chemo Shake. I created this milkshake when my patients complained of not being able to eat great amounts of food while undergoing chemotherapy. In those days the anti-nausea drugs were not as good and many suffered with nausea. However, this milkshake was used throughout the entire hospital system with great success.

Today with nausea this shake is still effective and soothing for chemotherapy patients.

• 1 can Ensure (your choice of flavor)
• 1 scoop ice cream or frozen yogurt (your choice of flavor but keep it simple. No nuts, candies or added ingredients).
• 4-5 ice cubes
• 1 raw egg
• 1/2 banana
• Flavoring of your choice such as chocolate syrup or vanilla, etc.
• Put all ingredients in the blender and blend until it becomes frothy. Pour and serve immediately into a 6 oz. juice glass. Put the container in the refrigerator and continue to serve as the patient requests throughout the day. Do not store for longer than one day.

The shake has a crunch, slushy texture and will be cool and soothing. The ingredients will not be thick and will be easy to swallow and digest. This shake is filled with vitamins, minerals, protein and calories. Note: show this recipe to your doctor prior for his/her approval in your situation.

http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Itchy scalp from chemotherapy?

Typically called folliculitis, an itchy rash can be uncomfortable and irritating. Chemotherapy can be extremely harsh on your skin and it is not uncommon to develop a skin rash. We have wonderful skin care products manufactured by a group of Oncologists and Dermatologists to help. Give us a call. 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Quesy from Chemotherapy

What do Ginger, Green Tea with Lemon, Sour Rasberry, Cola have in common. They are specially formulated candy drops formulated to help alleviate quesiness. Call us to see how we can help you. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

After Cancer Diagnosis and Living with a New Norm

A client came in yesterday after going through the dizzying list of Durable Medical Equipment stores, Wig Shops and assorted other places to go after her diagnosis and subsequent surgery. She found one of our fliers at the hospital on a recent visit and exclaimed, Why didn't they tell me to come to you. As an Oncology Nurse and Breast Cancer Survivor our store is extremely sensitive to the post-diagnosis and new needs of a cancer patient. She was relieved to share her story and find others who have also been there.

We feel so privileged to be here for those women experiencing cancer and helping them with products and guidance learning to live with a new normal and introducing them to all of those wonderful products that are now available to them. We are here to listen and help. Susan http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Your Rights After A Mastectomy

"If you have had a mastectomy or expect to have one, you may be entitled to special rights under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA). WHCRA is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and Health and Human Services. For questions contact the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration toll-free at 1-866-444-3272 or visit http://www.dol.gov/ebsa and click on Contact Us to request a copy of Your Health Plan and HIPAA ... Making the Law Work for You." http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Help during cancer treatment

We have clients come to Susan's right after they have been diagnosed and sent to us by their doctor. They are frightened of their immediate future looking at a mastectomy, or other surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Their life has been disrupted, their family is concerned and afraid.

We invite them into a private room to discuss their diagnosis and share with them that we are here t0 help them as they proceed through the process. We share what their new needs will be and that all of the support products they will need are available to them. We help them understand that even though life will be different, they will have new "norm." Many of us on our staff are breast cancer survivors. And my history as an oncology nurse helps provide a knowledge to share with our clients that we can comfort them and help them as they move forward. Call us to discuss your needs. Susan http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Wigs for Thinning Hair and Chemotherapy

The Egyptians started the wig craze 4,000 years ago to provide beautiful choices for women for all of their different activities. Now you can have fun and choose a wig for your every lifestyle. Whether it's a formal evening, boating, running or just kicking back.

We have women come into the store freaked out and in tears that they have to wear a wig. Once we show them the wonderful selection of contemporary wigs they see that nobody will be able to tell they actually are wearing a wig. We have women come back to the store all the time telling us how their friends compliment them on their new hair style.

One of the most difficult parts of this process is the anticipation of having your hair cut off. So women bring friends and family members to help support them during this process. After they are much relieved and it wasn't as bad as they had anticipated. The wig looks and feels great so they can be out shopping and continue their daily activities feeling confident and secure. Give us a call if you need someone to talk to about going through the process or come to the store and we would be happy to help. Susan http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Anti-Aging Skin Care - Do the TIGHTEN UP

WoW. I just discovered a fabulous line of skin care products that work great. They are all botanically based and beautifully packaged. In fact, they offer a Wrinkle Repair Cream that works wonders on wrinkles at 1/4 the price. So now, as a baby boomer watching my face react to the stress of time I can use Wrinkle Repair Cream and watch my face do the Tighten Up. I love it.

We keep going deeper into skin care management. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are extremely hard on your skin. The products that work for medically compromised skin also work great for those who are not experiencing medical treatment. These skin care products contain:

• Aloe Vera
• Glycerine - a natural moisturizer
• Antioxidant - vitamins are added to fight environmental damage
• Either fragrance-free or lightly fragranced / Your preference
• Do not contain mineral oil and are not tested on animals

Give us a call at 800.497.7005 to discuss our Skin Care Discoveries to help with severe dryness that can lead to cracking of the skin, pain, inflamation and infection. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Thoughts for a snowy afternoon

Just thinking as we are watching tons of snow coming down here in Michigan. We are grateful that we do not have 30 inches on the ground and are thinking of all of our friends and families elsewhere who are dealing with these unusual weather conditions. We pray for their safety and for quick resolution to easing their discomfort. I am thinking how different we are in talking and presenting information to our clients. They are just not the next number. We acknowledge them emotionally and try our best to reach out, to reassure, to educate and to serve their special needs. I appreciate the opprtunity to serve and pledge to all of you out there our continued passsion to be the best in the business and to listen and thus to guide. These are difficult times and knowing we are here ready to help. The fire going, the coffee is brewing....talk to us, we are listening, we are here.

Synthetic Wig CAUTION

Synthetic wig wearers. CAUTION. Synthetic wigs are extremely sensitive to heat. So be careful cooking, turning on/off a gas fire, grilling, even opening your dishwasher with hot steam can disfigure your synthetic wit. Discuss with your stylist. Also, have a selection of turbans and hats on hand for those occasions. After you have worn your wig for awhile you can forget you have it on...that is when you are most susceptible to open the oven. I found wearing a hat, turban or scarf is good prevention. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Tips for wearing your first wig after Cancer Treatment

Wearing your first wig can be a new adventure for you. It will feel different than your own hair. However, once you have worn it, you and your wig will become fast friends. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Your stylist will help you put your wig on. She will help you use the wig ear tabs and teach you how to correctly position them on your temples so you will know your wig is in the right position
• What to do if it feels like your wig is slipping? See your stylist for her guidance on products to help
• How do I keep my wig fresh between washing? Use Wig Freshener
• How often should I wash my wig? Your stylist will provide care products and instructions
• Use a teasing brush or styling comb to brush your wig. Review proper technique with your stylist

http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Chemotherapy or Radiation induced hair loss

Depending on the type of treatment you receive, hair loss may start around the 14th day after your first treatment. Your hair will start to grow back when you are finished with chemotherapy but it may take 6 to 12 months to grow back completely. It may even have a different texture or color. Curly hair can grow back straight and dark hair can become lighter. These changes are usually temporary. Radiation to the head or scalp can cause permanent hair loss. Hair follicles are weakened by chemotherapy which causes your hair to fall out much more quickly than it would normally. And, you will lose your hair on your head, pubic area, eyebrows, arms and legs. Radiation treatment will cause you to lose your hair where the radiation is directed.

http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005