How to re-purpose a scarf you already own at home into a beautiful headscarf! Two simple techniques that Mary recommends for women.
October Updates At The Women's Image Center
Wow! I can’t believe we are in October and nearing the end of the year already. As you know October is #breastcancerawareness month but we like to think of it as #breastcanceraction month! We are asking for support on a very important campaign to support a bill that would allow women on Medicare to receive coverage for the custom breast prosthesis. The campaign is called Let Her Decide and we would greatly appreciate your support!
Lastly, we would like to give a gentle reminder for women who have yet to take advantage of their bra and prosthesis benefits for the year. If you would like to order product we are offering free shipping to your doorstep! Or if you need to be seen because of changes we offer in-person and virtual appointments. Please contact us so we can get you your products!
Wishing you well and stay safe,
Mary
Support Services and Networks
Support during a diagnosis looks different for all women but having a support system that suits your needs is what matters! Below, we have compiled a list of organizations that we have found that vary on the type of support that they offer but all have the common goal of serving women and caregivers. If you have an organization that you have used or are currently using that you would like to recommend please contact us.
The Warrior Revolution
Offers women who have been affected by cancer a chance to receive wellness tips and support from fellow survivors through retreats and workshops.
The Breasties
Nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young women affected by breast and reproductive cancers through community and friendship.
Cancer Hope Network
Offers free one-on-one support to adult cancer patients and their loved ones.
The Caringbridge
Offering free websites to keep friends and family updated on your or a loved one’s journey.
I Had Cancer
A powerful platform that connects the stories and support of those who have experienced a similar cancer.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers in-person experiences and on-demand emotional, practical and evidence-based content that is meaningful to those newly diagnosed, in-treatment, post-treatment and living with metastatic disease.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation
Providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.
For Local Massachusetts Residents
Pink Revolution
Pink Revolution is an alliance of dedicated individuals banding together with a commitment to institute fundamental change in the lives of those touched by breast cancer – during and after treatment.
The Breastfriends Connection
Support group started by two survivors with the focus of bringing women together to support their individual journey of diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond.
Pink Hippy
Holistic services and support for breast cancer patients, caregivers and families.
The 15-40 Connection
Educating and empowering people for early cancer detection.
The Healing Garden
If you have experienced cancer and have found a resource helpful, please let us know in the comments below
Resources For Young Families Dealing With Cancer
For many young families facing a cancer diagnosis means explaining to your child what cancer even is. It may seem like a daunting task but there are so many resources out there for families! Rethink Breast Cancer is one just one of the several sites that offer some amazing digital resources completely free for young families. If you or someone you know has been through the process of explaining cancer to their little ones, please share your resources below! We would love to hear from you.
RELATED RESOURCES
From New Baby To Breast Cancer To Mastectomy And Now Acceptance
How My Kids Got Me Through A Breast Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment
Parenthood & Cancer by Rethink Breast Cancer
A Book About Hairloss - “No Where Hair”
Please share helpful resources, websites, books, videos etc that you have found helpful, below! Thank you
News: Target Releases A Post-Mastectomy Swimwear Line All Under $40
Wow! Just in time for summer, Target has released post-mastectomy swimwear by their in-house brand Kona Sol. Sizing starts at XS-XL and the bust area is pocketed on both sides for prosthesis wear. This is a new release we wanted to bring to your attention, as a low-cost option to try this summer. If you try any styles included in this release please comment below or let us know by contacting us what you think!
In The News: Mary On Talk Of The Commonwealth
Popular radio show Talk Of The Commonwealth has been shining a spotlight on local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, our founder Mary spoke with host Hank Stolz regarding the changes The Women’s Image Center has implemented to still reach our community. Take a listen below!
five tips for radiation treatment
1. Moisturize your skin.
Start using a water-based moisturizer after each treatment right away, even before any redness or dryness appears. Check with your radiation oncologist to see if there is a specific type or brand of moisturizer they prefer you use, but it’s best to stick to something mild and fragrance-free. Aquaphor and Glaxal Base are popular choices for people undergoing radiation, but go with whatever works for you.
2. Get rid of the itch!
After a few weeks, you may develop some itching. If the itching is fairly mild, try aloe vera or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. If the itching worsens, talk to your doctor who should be able to prescribe something more effective.
3. Ditch the bra.
If possible, go braless whenever you can to prevent irritation around the breast area, and definitely try to avoid underwires. It’s also a good idea to stick to loose clothes and t-shirts. Use this time as an excuse to be comfy and casual — you’ll be glad you did.
4. Become a shade-worshipper.
Stay out of the sun while you’re undergoing radiation. If you can’t avoid exposure, make sure to cover up the area where you’re receiving your radiation. It’s best to keep this up even after treatment has ended, because your radiated skin will be more sensitive to the sun. If you are outside, use sunblock. You can also purchase a rash guard/cover-up to wear when you go swimming, which will give you full coverage protection. Lands’ End has tons of cute cover-ups so you don’t have to sacrifice style.
5. Rest!
Radiation treatments typically come with less severe side effects than chemotherapy, and as a result many people find it easier. However, the cumulative effects of radiation paired with other treatments you’ve gone through can add up to some major fatigue by the time you’re finished. Remember to take it easy and practice self-care. Schedule some downtime throughout and after your treatments (Netflix, anyone?), and make sure to get ample rest.
Want more tips for during radiation treatment? Click here.
In the comments below, let us know if there was something that you found helpful during radiation.
Tips For Coping With Chemotherapy
Stephanie Gilman shares her best advice on the little things that helped her get through chemotherapy in this video by Rethink Breast Cancer, part of the LiveLaughLearn series. Video courtesy of: Rethink Breast Cancer
Other Helpful Articles + Videos:
7 Things That Surprised Me About Going Through Chemotherapy
12 Tips & Tricks For Chemotherapy
20 Things To Pack In Your Chemo Bag
5 Beauty Tips During Chemo
What’s In My Chemo Care Bag?
Breast Cancer Survivor Spreading Hope Through A Podcast
Breast cancer survivor, Tina Conrad is the voice behind the popular podcast “DJBreastcancer” which serves as a platform for women with breast cancer. Her goal is “to help one person along the way on their breast cancer journey,” especially for women who may not have a support system around them. Women share their unique stories from initial diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. Every story is different! Which is a sobering reminder that everyone and their journey is different…
I encourage you to “tune in” (click button below) and listen to Tina and these incredible women. Whether you’re in the car, doing dishes or just relaxing you can listen to empowering stories and feel a greater sense of community with Tina and these women.
Tina's inspirational journey through breast cancer, with episodes on diagnosis, chemo, radiation and life after cancer. A girlfriend's guide to breast cancer for those facing breast cancer or adversity. As a 5 year cancer survivor, Tina describes the challenges and beauty from a life altering diagnosis. DJBreastcancer is dedicated with love to the memory of Sandy Clausen, a beautiful pink sister, who never stopped fighting!
Video Consultation Information: Now Booking
During this time, we are pleased to announce that our founder Mary Walsh-Aframe is currently booking FREE video consultations for post-mastectomy, lymphadema and wig products. If you are currently going through treatment or due for products please reach out to us today to book your appointment! You can call us at 508-754-8705 or simply fill out the form below to get started.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I re-book an appointment that I had previously had made for a video consultation?
Absolutely! If you would like to receive your products sooner we can re-book your appointment for a video conference call. Please contact us to re-book by following the prompt above.
I am not very tech-savvy but I would like to take advantage of my yearly benefits now, can you still assist?
We are here for you! Our mission is to help you look and feel your best and we will work with you however we can to get you to feel good during this time. Reach out to us by phone or filling out the prompt above to get started and we will be in touch.
I was seen in the last year and I am due for my bra benefit. How can I receive product?
At this time, we are drop shipping all products directly to our patients for their convenience. If you love your current products and would like to re-order we can assist you in that process. Or if you would like to book some time with Mary to see new styles and colors, please reach out to us to book an appointment! We will also include a “Proof Of Delivery” where we will ask you to sign and date and mail back to us to verify your receipt of product.
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns, we are here for you!