Stages of Grief from Hair Loss from Mastectomy

Losing your breast or hair due to cancer and subsequent chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment can cause similar symptoms of the Stages of Grief and Loss.

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

Many times we see women in the store after diagnosis and following surgery and/or treatment in denial that they have lost a breast due to mastectomy. Then losing their hair from subsequent chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. To begin with, the entire experience is extremely traumatic and each of us handles this experience in our own way.

We help women as they are living the experience and trying to make those hard decisions regarding hair loss and selecting a wig to help them for the 6 to 9 months they will be without hair. We help explain this process and to make an Action Plan so they understand what's in front of them and plan for the products they will need. Just understanding the process with someone who has also had a similar experience helps to come to a realization of their situation and how to better deal with it internally and with their friends and family. Call us to discuss your needs. 800.497.7005 www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Mastectomy Sports Bra. The Perfect Fit.

Soft. Comfortable. Supportive. Talk to us about your Perfect Fit.

Soft fabric molded cups feature frame construction at the side and lower cup and reinforced side panels provide ultimate support.

Cups and pockets made from a soft microfiber fabric with wicking properties to manage perspiration.

Offered in bra sizes with a back, 3-way adjustable closure and adjustable straps for a great fit.

Bottom elastic band provides comfort with a plush backing and features a sporty double stripe design in white.

Sports inspired bra design feature includes breathable mesh panels on center, side and back.Hook and eyes: — 3 rows on all sizes

www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

MASTECTOMY AND THE NEXT BEST THING TO GOING BRALESS

WoW. We finally found the perfect solution for our mastectomy clients. The ABC Massage Breast Form. It works. It's wonderful. And, our clients are happy.

Comfort Comes First. This is the Next Best Thing to Going BraLess. This breast form feels like you have nothing on!

- Soft

- Firm footprint that doesn't collapse

- Supple

- Cool ... on your chest wall

- Natural Drape ... like your own breast

Visit Susan's April 2 & 3 to discover a New Level of Comfort Never Found Before in a Breast Form. 800.497.7005

www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

10% Discount on Bandana Turbans and Braided Band Turbans for Chemotherapy Hair Loss

MARCH 29 - APRIL 2 - ONLINE ONLY GET A 10% DISCOUNT on Bandana Turbans and Braided Band Turbans. Select from the wonderful colors on our Web site http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/cgi-bin/store/agora.cgi?product=Turbans


These turbans are perfect for around town or home. CALL US TO PLACE YOUR ORDER AT 800.497.7005 FOR YOUR DISCOUNT.

Feeling good about yourself is all about your self esteem

I can't tell you how many women come back into the store telling us how good they feel. They have been complimented on their new hairstyle by friends and co-workers not realizing they have a wig. You feel good about socializing and going about your daily activities. Cancer is such a devastating diagnosis. It is easy to withdraw from life and fall into the depths of depression. Tears come too easily and the natural feeling is to pull away from the people you love and lock yourself in your own world. It was not supposed to happen to me. Now what am I going to do. How will I be able to interact with my family and friends. And, what am I going to do at work when I lose my hair from the side effects of chemotherapy.


Your appearance is most important and your outward reflection of who you are and how you feel. Addressing your diagnosis up front, selecting a wonderful wig to wear for those nine, or so, months during hair loss. Managing your skin care from the side effects of the chemotherapy drugs. Taking a positive, winning attitude and adjusting to living through and defining your new needs ongoing after treatment. 


At Susan's we help our clients define an Action Plan by looking at the process and stages of treatment they will be experiencing. Our clients now can identify their needs and know there are products available to them in each phase of their journey. And, they are not alone. They can feel good about themselves, get to work and involved with their normal activities with their family, friends and co-workers. Call us to discuss your needs. (800.497.7005)   We can help.  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 

Menopause induced from Chemotherapy

Hot Flashes. Steamers. The Night Sweats. Phew. Chemotherapy caused me to experience menopause with ensuing Hot Flashes years earlier than the normal physical process. Women who have poor nighttime sleep are also more likely to suffer from depression, memory loss, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Now there are wonderful lingerie choices to help that are made of fabric with Moisture Wicking properties that wicks the moisture away from the skin and forces the moisture to the surface of the fabric. Then it rapidly evaporates, almost vaporizes. The result? You stay dry and comfortable. Give us a call toll-free 800.497.7005 to talk about how Hot Flash Pajamas can help you. They keep you cool when you're hot and warm when you are not. www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Massage Breast Form Event

THE MAIN EVENT – Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3, 2010

Please call us today (800.497.7005) to come in and to see the new Massage Breast Form. We successfully launched this product last spring and I am happy to say that this lymphedema breast form has been well received. The close fit of the form allows a “snug to the chest wall feel” and will continue to massage the chest wall area as we are wearing it. Our ladies love it!!! The fit of the original form is asymmetrical and offers nice balance and symmetry. However, the ladies who had a softer remaining breast were not candidates for this form till now.

On April 2 and 3, 2010 we are launching the new version of this form. It is triangular shape and is super soft and super light weight. It will continue to massage the chest wall area and is cooler to wear than most forms because of its unique gel back. The starburst design on the back of the form helps to maintain it shape while wearing it and will offer a snug fit with the proper bra. I am so excited about this one, due to its softer drape and less projection in a bra. I take my breast form on and off all day depending on what I have to do and this is the first form I have worn in many years that I did not want to take off. There was no drawing sensation of the chest wall and I loved the shape and softness of it. Please make reference to the enclosed invitation and receive your free gift with purchase. You will love the Caren Originals products!

P.S. Don’t forget as patients we are allowed one leisure form every 6 months or 2 per year from most insurance companies. We love our bean bag forms as they continue to have shape and offer us light weight. Now, we also have a new form that is triangular in shape with a fluff inside, a foam front with the extra benefit of a silver ion treatment in the back fabric providing a antimicrobial effect. These are perfect for newly post operative, reconstruction or for those of us who like wearing the form right against the skin. This form is FDA approved and the fabric prohibits bacterial invasions onto the chest wall. They are convenient, comfortable and come with additional fiberfill. www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Ageless Living ... A Wonderful Perspective

I went to a great seminar the other evening to listen to Kelly Ferrin www.kellyferrin.com. Kelly is a Gerontologist with a great perspective on living and aging. The two major points that impacted me were:

• Live Well, Be Independent, Great Quality of Life
• Ageless Living

Her Web site has wonderful information and her book "What's Age Got to Do With It? ... Secrets To Aging in Extraordinary Ways" is well worth the read. I think it's a good perspective for all of us.

www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Mastectomy induced Lymphedema and Exercise

I found this wonderful article explaining exercises that can help those women with mastectomy induced lymphedema. http://breastcancer.about.com/od/lifeaftertreatment/ss/arm-lymphedema-exercises.htm

Call us on our toll-free number 800.497.7005

www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

The Importance of Certified Mastectomy Fitting

Mastectomy Fitting Certification ensures that you will be professionally fit by a person who has accumulated a minimum of 500 hours of patient care experience and have been trained in:

• Understanding the types of Breast Cancer
• Evaluation and Fit
• Fitting Room Etiquette
• Ethical Considerations

At Susan's Special Needs many of our fitters are Breast Cancer survivors and Susan is an RN Oncology Nurse Clinician as well. Be sure you are fitted properly. Only you know what is comfortable so be sure to communicate with your fitter to ensure you are comfortable with the breast form and bra combination. Call us to discuss toll-free at 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

The Original Bandana Turban for Chemotherapy Hair Loss

When I started Susan's Special Needs I worked with a designer to create a Bandana Turban that would be comfortably soft, fashionable and cover the head of after hair loss. We worked hard to create a turban that would meet my new hair loss needs due to chemotherapy.

We created a combination turban, appearing like a typical bandana turban, the secret is the comfortable inner cap to keep your head covered. This worked so well for me we sold this turban to boutiques around the world. We are still offering the original design and it is available in a wide variety of prints and colors. Choose from our selection online or give us a call to check out our new colors. 800.497.7005 http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Chemotherapy and Dry Feet and Hands

We have the perfect products for Dry Feet and Hands caused by the chemotherapy drug - Taxol. These wonderful skin care products are botanically based and beautifully packaged. They are naturally rich with a healing blend of thirteen botanical extracts each product contains antioxidants, Aloe Vera and glycerine to provide ultimate hydration enhancing your skin's appearance with a radiant and youthful glow. These fragrance free products contain no mineral oil and are not tested on animals. Call us on our toll-free line: 800.497.7005 http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Lymphedema - On a long car ride

Mastectomy related lymphedema. Usually you think about wearing a lymphedema sleeve when you are taking on trip on a plane. You should also consider wearing a lymphedema sleeve while driving in a car. You will have long periods of inactivity and your arm can get sore and lack of your normal movement leads to compromised circulation. Give us a call to discuss. 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Hair Bang is for Everyone

A client visited the store this morning and said "I wish I knew about your hair bang. Even if I wasn't going through treatment this would be great in the summer around the pool or shopping. I can use it with a baseball cap, turban or a scarf." Call us to discuss our bang alternatives. Easy and Fun. 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Cancer. Chemotherapy. Hair Loss. = Traumatic

Cancer is such an individual journey. Even though you may have a host of friends standing by you as you go through this experience the reality is the first days: Diagnosis; Surgery; Chemotherapy and/or Radiation; Hair Loss; Chemotherapy Skin Rash; First Wig; Breast Prosthesis; Mastectomy Bra; Mastectomy Swimsuit and living with your newly defined needs. Everyone handles the experience differently. Not better or worse. Just different. No one else can make the hard decisions.

Over 20 years as an Oncology Home Care Nurse I have helped to support women in their journey. Our focus at Susan's Special Needs is provide a warm and comforting environment for women to help create an action plan and discuss the many options available. It truly helps to discuss their new needs with someone who has walked the walk.  Call us to discuss your needs.  800.497.7005   http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Chemotherapy Hair Loss - Stay warm at night

Your head gets cold when you've lost your hair due to chemotherapy. We have the best sleep cap that resembles a babies knit cap. It is 97% cotton with a little spandex for a little stretch to keep the sleep cap on while you sleep. There are no pleats or folds to cause discomfort. The cap is available in 20 different colors and can be worn alone, used in layering with other head wear or add a scarf or Turban Tie to jazz it up. It's the best. Check out the colors online. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Turbans, Hats and Fashionable Scarves at Susan's

Spring is in the air and we have a great selection of new colors, styles and patterns of Turbans, Hats and Fashionable Scarves. Our custom designed Bandana Turbans are always popular for shopping, around town, we had a gal in the other day to get a bandana turban to wear riding her motorcycle. Check out our selection online or give us a call (toll free 800.497.7005) and we will be happy to help you. We get orders from all over the country. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Starting Chemotherapy? Use ALRA Shampoo.

ALRA shampoo is the best! This is a shampoo that is used from the first date of chemotherapy forward and is very soothing to the scalp. Our normal reaction is to not wash our heads and scalps when bald, but just the opposite is true. It is imperative that you keep the scalp clean and moisturized. Often times we reach for the shampoo in our shower, but over-the-counter shampoos frequently have wax that leaves a film of wax on a bald scalp. Therefore, use ALRA, it is soothing and can relieve the tenderness that hair loss can cause. Use it from the first date of chemotherapy and while you are bald. We use it in conjunction here with soothing balm. The combination of products really gets the job done. It's soothing and provides emotional and physical comfort. Feel free to call us to discuss your needs. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Properly fitting bra

I'm with Oprah, that the majority of women we see are in the wrong size bra. Most of us hate to go bra shopping - it's hard to find someone experienced in bra fittings in the general department stores. We see quite a few women at the store who have chosen bands around their chest that are too loose and cups that are too big. The bra provides very little, if any, support and only provides coverage for the average breast. What do I look for as a certified bra fitter:

• Band needs to be snug
• Breast needs to fit into the complete bra cup.
• Straps need to be adjusted
• Back of the band needs to be sitting in the middle of the back

Please stop by the store for a professional fit. You will feel like a million bucks with the right size bra. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

All about lymphedema resource

One of our clients told us about this Web site. It's a great resource.
http://www.stepup-speakout.org This Web site has resources, support and advocacy for women and men with breast cancer-related lymphedema. We address lymphedema and educate women regarding the importance of addressing lymphedema. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Cancer: Diagnosis. Treatment. Life.

Diagnosis - CANCER. "You're not talking about me/Denial. Your first reaction. How do I come to grips with my diagnosis. The most important aspect is to research, learn and plan. Call us to discuss your support network. We can help put your action plan together regarding timing of your new needs, products that are available to you throughout this process. Take hold of your situation and be your own best advocate. http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/ 800.497.7005

Synthetic wigs and heat - Be Very Careful

More often than we would like to be, we are reminded that synthetic wigs are extremely sensitive to heat. The problem is that women get accustomed to wearing their wig and forget they have it on when cooking. The latest reminder was a boiling pot of pasta. Steam heat damaged the wig. We were able to save it, but many we are not and women have to purchase a new wig. A simple reminder and word of caution remember to wear a hat or turban when cooking. http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 800.497.7005

Chemotherapy and its toxic effects on your skin

Now it's proven that skin-related side effects from cancer treatment can have an emotional, physical, and psychological impact on a patient. While newer targeted therapies have increased the survival rate among cancer a patients, "Patients treated with EGFRIs frequently experience toxic effects such as eruptions of the face, dry, itchy skin and nail inflammation."

"The results of this breakthrough study released by Supportive Care in Cancer articulate that cancer survivors reported an increased concern regarding dermatologic toxicities, including irritated and dry skin, after receiving their cancer treatment. These events had a negative effect on their lives. This survey breaks new ground in understanding not only the physical but also the psychological impact of these side effects from the patient's perspective, and what can be done to help alleviate them."

I have wonderful news. I have developed our protocol to combat the skin reaction to chemotherapy using Lindi Skin products. This protocol has been extremely successful in combating these changes such as skin rashes and acne. Lindi Skin is the only full line of skin care products developed to improve the lives of individuals undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Call us to discuss how we can help you. 800.497.7005 http://www.susansspecialneeds.com/

Massage Breast Forms - Comfortable and Cool

April 2 & 3, 2010 we are introducing a new Massage Breast Form that massages the chest wall. The close fit of the form allow a "snug to the chest wall" feel and will continue to massage the chest wall area as it is worn. This unique breast form is triangular in shape and is super soft and super light weight. It will continue to massage the chest wall area and is cool and comfortable due to its gel back. The starburst design on the back of the form helps to maintain its shape while you are wearing it. Call us to schedule your appointment. 800.497.7005 http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com