I have been marinating in my own armpit stink c/o the ONE post-op bra I was put in immediately after surgery.
My mom and I had gone through the whole debacle of washing it ONCE so I was itching <literally itching> for a fresh one.
Thankfully, my homecare RN had contacted the breast care boutique that SLUHN just opened at their Upper Bucks campus. I had thought I was only supposed to go there post healing but...no ma'am!
What a fabulous little shining star this place was!
To quote from their website:
St. Luke's Cancer Center unveiled its new Center for Hope & Healing at the St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus... the only facility of its kind in Bucks County and the greater Lehigh Valley area.
The Center for Hope & Healing will use an integrative, patient-centric approach to support patients, families and the community, providing space to the Mastectomy bra boutique, American Hairlines and LuxCare Clothing.
“These services reflect our commitment to ensuring every patient receives comprehensive care that addresses their physical needs, their emotional needs, and their sense of self,” said Mary-Kate Cellmer, St. Luke’s Vice President Department of Oncology. “We understand that healing is a holistic process, and we are here to provide all-encompassing support.”
- The Mastectomy bra boutique in partnership with Adapt Health, empowers women on their journey to recovery by offering a wide range of post-op bras, mastectomy bras, prosthetics and specialized garments designed for comfort and symmetry.
- American Hairlines offers patients hair/wigs, makeup and nails services. The team at American Hairlines uses advanced customization, precise sizing, and tailored cutting techniques.
- The LuxCare Clothing, founded by a survivor, creates stylish, medically adaptive clothing and headscarves for cancer patients. Its scan-friendly garments provide chest port and vein access, while our custom print headscarves, made from soft organic fabrics, offer comfort and confidence.
Wow. Just WOW.
My mom and I were immediately impressed by the calm, welcoming atmosphere. The two individuals that work out of that space are a Physical Therapist and a Physical Therapy Assistant - so clearly - all biases aside - I knew they would be awesome. Because, well, PT's are just awesome.
The specialist (Kate, a PTA) we met with was fabulous - super knowledgeable about my diagnosis and the process to follow. She actually informed me I should have come PRIOR to my surgery to get fitted and such...but no one told me!
I told her not to worry, I would be forever advocating to the surgeons and their staff the use of the boutique BEFORE as well as AFTER surgery.
AND GUESS WHAT?!?!
I CAN GET NIPPLES!!!!!! I test drove a nipple on my hand. Silicone nipples! Who whadda thunk!? Steve baby, you're welcome.
Also, they had drawers in there like Sasha's Secret (Victoria's younger sister). So many bras to choose from! Who knew a girl without actual boobs at this time would be so excited to see boob holders! And you know what else?! I can get 6-8 bras FO LIFE!
<I honestly think that right there may be more than I have ever purchased in my life.>
Wooo - mom and I left on a high!
She took me to HoneyGrow (her first time and yes of course I hooked her...never been? GO!!) and we were able to sit outside in the sun and soak up some good ol' Vitamin D.
Later in the day I received this text,
"Thank you for being your brave & bold & beautiful self- I’ve been reading the Behind the Diagnosis entries - I have moments of smiles mixed with tears reading what you are experiencing. Thank you for sharing & inspiring us to be better providers and to prioritize our own health. I got my mammogram today, no more delays. I wanted you to know I continue to think of you daily & sending all good, healing vibes up to you. 🙏🏻"
☝️This right here.
This is why I continue to come here and write.
If my story helps even one more person...then one more person can be spared having to travel down these same roads.
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