Chemotherapy and Skin Care

Feeling better now. Client was in this morning and her head itched after she wore her wig. She loves her wig but the itch drives her crazy. Our Lindi Skin regime took care of the itch and she can wear her wig in comfort. Call us to explore your needs.  800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Dorothy Deir Cosmetic Clinic Today April 29.2010

Today is Dorothy Deir, Independent Beauty Consultant day at Susan's. Dorothy is helping women to look at cosmetics to uplift their day and make them feel good with a fresh new look. Dorothy is displaying and inviting our clients to sample super hydrating products for hands, feet, body and lips helping to overcome the harsh chemical effects of chemotherapy.  


Brighten up your day with a wide selection of mineral powder foundations, mineral cheek colors, and mineral eye colors. Your selection can also be customized just for you. Stop by to talk with Dorothy regarding your cosmetic solutions.  800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Shapers provide solutions for Lumpectomy. Reconstruction. Imbalance.

Shapers are the wonderful solution to imbalance and can add symmetry and equalize your look after mastectomy, reconstruction, lumpectomy or implantation.  In many cases both breasts are not alike and create imbalance. There are a wide variety of breast forms and shapers available to allow you and your certified fitter to create symmetry and balance. 

• Mastectomy - Breast forms and shapers (Uni-Lateral or Bi-Lateral)
• Reconstruction - Shapers to provide balance, fill bra cup and to help with uneven breast size or position
• Implant - Shapers can help to fill or accommodate an imbalance in breast size or position
• Lumpectomy - Shapers can help to fill depressions or other anomalies after lumpectomy
• Weight Gain - Breast Form or shapers can help to provide balance. For example, in a Uni-Lateral situation a new breast form may be needed to balance with the natural breast.

Remember be certain your provider is certified fitter whom can help select the proper breast forms, bras and shapers to help you find the solution that is right for you. We carry a wide variety of breast forms and shapers to accommodate the needs of our clients. Give us a call to discuss your specific need.   800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com 

Breast Cancer and Living a New Normal Life

What a wonderful article on April 26, 2010 in the New York Times. "17 Years Later, Stage 4 Survivor is Savoring a Life Well Lived" by Katherine Russell Rich.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/health/27case.html?tntemail1=y&emc=tnt&pagewanted=print

I can't help but share in the joy with Ms. Rich and my experience with breast cancer. I was an Oncology Nurse working with a team developing a new concept in home care in Michigan. And,our oldest daughter was just recovering from a near drowning accident and our family was focused on her rehabilitation. Then, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 1992 and elected to have a mastectomy and full course of chemotherapy.  Welcome to reality.

As a medical practitioner my specialty was pain control and death and dying. I was treating patients in extremely serious condition. My compassion and concern for my patients well being was all consuming. But I couldn't see cancer from their point of view.  It was truly a strange experience finding myself on the other side. I quickly discovered, first hand, the trials experienced with the initial diagnosis and ensuing treatment. My family pulled itself together and worked to get through this difficult period of time. I just wanted my life to get back to normal. Not. I had lost a breast, lost my hair, and went into peri-menopause. Inside I was a wreck. I was under therapy with a spiritual counselor and just trying to keep everything glued together.

I was surprised to find how few products were available for women undergoing chemotherapy. In fact, I had been discharged from the hospital with my drain tubes hanging out of my chest. My husband was in marketing at the time and found a fanny pack from one of his programs and we put the drain tubes in the fanny pack. It was primitive but worked. I went to a wig store to purchase a wig. My hair was falling out and they had no experience how to deal with me. I was frustrated. I hurt. I was looking for solutions. I wanted to be normal. I wanted to look normal going out with friends, shopping or taking the girls to the pool.

If there wasn't enough change in my life, my husband said why don't you find a designer and create a hat you can wear that will give you the freedom to cover a bald head and not look frumpy. 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 in a whole new direction helping women experiencing cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment. Now I combine my nursing skills with my breast cancer experience to give back and provide support for other women with special needs. Now I can see both sides of the diagnosis of cancer and have a wonderful perspective to help women see through this frightening journey with a vision of living with a new normal.  800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Mastectomy Bra ... Bra and Form working together for you

Bra too loose. Bra too tight. Bra for you to feel good must be just right. This is even more important if you are balancing a mastectomy bra and breast form. Talk with your professional certified fitter to discuss.  800.497.7005   www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Lindi Skin for Chemotherapy at Susan's Special Needs

We love Lindi Skin  http://www.lindiskin.com/Articles.asp?ID=138   Our clients love Lindi Skin too.  Lindi Skin helps with Folliculitis and extremely dry skin. It was developed by a group of Oncologists and Dermatologists for chemotherapy patients and to address their unique skin needs.  80.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Post Mastectomy Breast Forms, Bras and Lingerie

We have been getting calls from around the country looking for mastectomy shops near them to get mastectomy breast forms, bras and comfortable lingerie that is feminine and contemporary. That is our specialty helping women to find solutions to their new needs after a mastectomy. You will have to search the Web to find a store in your area. Make sure the store has been awarded their accreditation and their fitters are board certified. Talk to them first to make sure they have experience with breast cancer patients and they have a wide selection of products so you can make a knowledgeable decision. That will ensure the best service to you.   We have women visiting us from our home state as well as from surrounding states. We also have a number of clients living overseas and stop by when they are in town. That's always a treat to catch up and to show them our exciting new products. We have new products coming in all the time.  Give us a call to discuss your needs. Toll-Free 800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Surrendering to the Role, Not to the Illness. New York Times

I read an uplifting article today in The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/theater/21maura.html?tntemail1=y&emc=tnt&pagewanted=print We all have to keep going and not let our circumstances control us. It's a nice read. www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Breast Cancer. Chemotherapy. Every day magic happens.

Magic happens in our store every day. Newly diagnosed women talk with women who have been "Survivors" for years and share experiences. Today heard in the Living Room ... 


Newly Diagnosed Client "How long before you can call yourself a "Survivor?"


Client a couple of years out "One Day!"


It's wonderful to see clients sharing experiences and helping each other.  800.497.7005 www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Chemotherapy and Cosmetics

Dorothy Dier will be here in the store as a representative of the Mary Kay Cosmetic Line on April 29, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  She will work with women undergoing chemotherapy and assist them in choosing the correct cosmetic products for them. She will assist women with foundation, bronzer, blush and lipstick choices. Come and meet Dorothy and discuss with her your special needs and choose some new products for a new look while undergoing treatment. Looking good will make you feel special and offers you a finished look.  800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Mastectomy. Wearing a breast form is important for your posture.

We see women wearing the incorrect size mastectomy bras and breast forms all the time. They are uncomfortable and, in some cases, look imbalanced. It's worth the time to find a certified fitter in your area and to take the time to be fitted correctly. This will affect your balance, posture as indicated in Advances in Medical Sciences Vol. 51, 2006


"Body posture in women after mastectomy and its changes as a result of rehabilitation."


Mastectomy is an operation which causes many changes in a woman's body. Its consequences are, among other things, lymphatic edemas, limitation of movements and strength of the upper limb of the patient, experiences in the emotional sphere, difficulties related to the postoperative scar and the results of supplementing treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Significant complications after mastectomy are changes in body posture caused both by disorders in body static as a result of amputation and limitation of movements and soreness of the spine.


The body posture of women after mastectomy compared to healthy women is characterized by the following, statistically significant alterations:

• Greater trunk inclination angle
• Greater symmetry of scapula position
• Higher position in the frontal plane of the scapula on the operated side
• Women operated at an older age more frequently have their trunks deviated to the right, and the right side of their pelvis is moved backwards
• Recent operation is related to forward leaning of the trunk, and operation  a long time ago with backward leaning of the trunk; it should be assumed that leaning of the trunk forward a short time after the operation is an analgesic and protective position which passes with time

Call us toll-free number at 800.497.7005 or visit our Web site: www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Strides of Hope Breast Cancer Charitable Walk

We had our table set up at the Strides of Hope Event this morning. Brrrrrr. 41 degrees with the wind blowing. It was cold but a lot of people showed up for the walk. The Strides of Hope is A Shades of Pink Foundation Event www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org supporting Dr. Pamela Benitez and her efforts to provide financial help to women with breast cancer.  All of the volunteers did a great job. There was plenty of coffee, fruit and juice to get everyone energized for the short and long walk events touring through the Detroit Zoo. It's a perfect venue and a chance for family and friends to support a great cause.  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

WIGS - Even her hairdresser didn't know

We are always excited when a client has received great compliments on her wig. This morning a client came in beaming. She went to her stylist to discuss her hair growing out. The stylist couldn't understand what she was talking about. She didn't realize that her client was wearing a wig and thought that she had gone somewhere else because she hadn't been in recently. That is always great news for us. Our goal is for you to walk in with your hair and walk out with your new hair (wig).  Our client's come in all the time telling us how they get complimented on their new haircuts.  Visit us to see how we can help.  800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Helping women with breast cancer

We are excited about this weekend. We will be at the Strides of Hope walk at the Detroit Zoo this Saturday, April 17. The Strides of Hope Walk is a Shades of Pink Foundation Event with the proceeds helping to provide financial help to women with breast cancer. For more information you can visit  www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org   or call 248.551.8890.  See you there. www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

A Whole New Concept in Beautiful Bras - Temperature Equalizing Technology

Fashionable support from C to G. We are announcing the world's first lingerie line with temperature equalizing technology. Understanding a woman's needs at the core, Amoena applied its "Comfort+" technology to the Amoena Mia line, making it the world's first bra with temperature regulation. Amoena integrated the temperature equalizing material into the center, sides and slings of each style to maximize its benefits. The "Comfort+" technology transfers heat away from the body as needed, absorbing excess body heat during a rise in temperature and warming the body during a drop in temperature.  By incorporating "Comfort+" into Amoena Mia, the bra literally pulls heat away from the body to reduce perspiration.


Beautiful Support from 32C to 44H. Call or Visit us to experience the rEvolutionary new bras.  Toll-Free 800.497.7005  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Mastectomy Pajamas ... Perfect

We just received beautiful mastectomy pajamas that work perfectly when matched to soft leisure forms. Now you can maintain your feminine shape and sleep comfortably. Perfect for lounging and watching TV. 


Designed for women to wear after breast or chest surgery. A feminine and “An easy to wear” pajama that feels so soft against your skin, with matching lace, cap sleeves and matching Capri length pants. Constructed of quality cotton/spandex with a pocketed Coolmax® bra built-in to comfortably hold lightweight breast forms. Wear them to sleep or any time you want a little comfort. These are pieces you will love to live in. 

• Fine, no-pill combed cotton
• Built in bra and pockets for prosthesis

Content and Care: 92% combed cotton, 8% spandex jersey.Washing Instructions: Machine wash gentle cold, use non-chlorine bleach if needed. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. 

After Mastectomy ... Look and Feel Beautiful

So the issue is ... now you've had a mastectomy and have a bunch of new needs you never thought you'd have. What do you do and where do you go to find products and services to meet your new needs. The good news is that there are mastectomy shops located around the country. Some of the things you need to ask to make sure you will get the best products and service with a shop are:

• Are have been Accredited in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics
• Have they had experience with cancer patients
• How much stock do they have. And, do they have up-to-date, innovative products
• Are their mastectomy fitters Board Certified with how many years of experience
• Are they familiar with fitting more than one company's products
• Do they have a wide variety of products suited to meet the needs of a mastectomy patient such as wigs, skin care products, hat, turbans, camisoles, swimsuits, mastectomy breast forms and bras
• Are they familiar with Lumpectomy needs, if necessary
• Can they address your need, if required, for Lymphedema
• Can they perform your medical billing

There are wonderful products available for women who have experienced mastectomy and subsequent treatment. You can still look and feel beautiful for work, shopping or dressing up for a party.

Please feel free to contact us for any questions toll-free at 800.497.7005.  www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Folliculitis induced from chemotherapy

Hair loss induced by chemotherapy treatment can often cause Folliculitis - an inflammation of the hair follicle. The symptons will be an extremely inflamed and sensitive scalp that is tender to the touch. It can also be very uncomfortable when wearing a wig. In most cases we are fitting women with their first wig. We help them find the right wig for them and then through the trauma of clipping their hair approximately 14 days after their first chemotherapy treatment.

All women do not experience Folliculitis. However, if you do we have found that using special products formulated for the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment including Moisturizing Shampoo, Face Serum and Soothing Balm can be very soothing for patients with acneiform rash induced by certain types of chemotherapy and helps relieve itching and redness. Give us a call to discuss how we can help you. 800.497.7005. www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Skin care and chemotherapy

We see the effects of chemotherapy on skin every day. Therefore, we continue to get deeper into skin care management and continue to find new products. Caren Original products are great for those people undergoing chemotherapy as well as those who are not. This beautifully packaged line of skin products are not tested on animals and are mineral oil free and contain:

• Aloe Vera
• Glycerin (a natural moisturizer)
• Antioxidant (vitamins are added to help fight environmental damage)
• Either fragrance-free or lightly scented (your preference)

We can help with severe dryness that can lead to cracking of the skin, pain, inflammation and infection. Call us to discuss your specific skin care concern and we can help with our wide variety of skin care products. 800.497.7005 www. SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Itchy scalp after chemotherapy hair loss

Your scalp can become itchy after your hair has been clipped and it is either still falling out or starting to grow back. There are wonderful products to help resolve the itchyness and help with folliculitis. Give us a call to discuss your specific symptom and we can help recommend the right shampoo and/or skin care product to help. 800.497.7005 www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

SuperSoft ABC massaging breast form - It's Cool!

Well, it's an exciting day at Susan's. The first day of our American Breast Care "SuperSoft Massage Breast Form. This morning was busy with clients and this afternoon will be extremely busy as well. Sue Blue, our ABC rep, is spending the better part of the day with us after her recent back surgery. We are all happy to have her with us. She has even been helping with our fittings and making our clients happy with her years of experience providing women with a perfect fitting bra and breast form.

The SuperSoft Massage Breast Form has a softer front and hugs the chest wall. Its unique design and manufacturing provides a cool, massaging and hugging breast form. Call or visit us to see for yourself. 800.497.7005 www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com

Choosing the right wig is the answer when you are going through chemotherapy

Well we have had an interesting day. It's so exciting to hear our clients tell us how well their wigs have worked out for them. Today one of our clients said that her friends never new she had a wig. The hair style was perfect for her and our custom tailoring helps to make the wig fit close to the head so it doesn't look like a wig. 


You will be wearing a wig from 6 to 9 months so selecting the right wig for you is critical. Finding the right style, shape and color will pay great dividends for you in making you feel comfortable going back to work, going out with friends or shopping. We are here to help.  800.497.7005  


http://www.SusansSpecialNeeds.com