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Aleta Williams
Aleta Williams owns Aleta’s Bras and Lingerie, located at 5601 E. Central (SE Corner of Central & Edgemoor) in East Wichita, offers almost 50-years of experience fitting bras and giving the very best customer service. Aleta’s carries several lines of fashionable swimwear including Gottex, Miracle Suit, and Carol Woir. Aleta also works with ladies who have had breast surgeries, mastectomies, and lumpectomies. You can contact Aleta by phone at (316) 682-0132.
Intimate Apparel
2011-11-22 12:55:30
I’ve got breast cancer – series
Question: I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m frightened. I have lots of questions and concerns. If I ever needed a “coach,” I need one now. Can you help me?
Answer: As you might recall from my previous articles in this series, most women, like you, have dozens of questions. Some of these questions might deal with a second opinion, method of treatment, alternative treatments, radiation, chemotherapy, stigmas, depression support groups, going out in public, clothes, wigs, bras, swimsuits…and a host of other topics. To know that they all fit in one of five areas, is part of the organization that will help you go about handling this challenge. These areas are: physical, mental, social, spiritual and material. This month, we will begin to deal with the material side of being diagnosed with breast cancer, after treatment. First, let’s talk about bras. The process should begin the same as if there was no breast cancer surgery…a complete and total dedication to comfort and appearance. Oprah Winfrey said it best, “The right bra will make you look 10 pounds lighter and can reverse the aging process by 10-20 years.” Don’t feel bad, you’re not alone in your quest for the perfect bra. 85% (nine out of ten) women are currently wearing the wrong bra. An ill-fitting bra displaces breast tissue, pushing it over the chest wall or allowing it to become drooping and pendulous. Repositioning and supporting the breasts is the key. When the breast’s tissue is where it’s supposed to be, the breasts will look more natural and attractive. A properly-fitted bra will give you a waistline and will make you look thinner, but it will also increase your comfort and is vital to your overall breast care. Because an ill-fitting bra does not provide adequate support, it prevents proper circulation within the breast tissue. In severe cases, poor-fitting bras can cause breast tissue to separate into glandular masses. When shopping for a bra remember, the bra should not rise up in the back or be pulled down in the front. A properly-fitted bra will provide suspension, eliminating pressure on shoulders and pain in the diaphragm area. It is imperative to be properly fitted by an expert. This fitting includes determining the proper midriff size as well as cup size. It takes at least three measurements and sometimes five to six measurements to ensure an accurate fit. A well fitted bra of good quality provides support from beneath the breasts, rather than being supported by the shoulder straps. It will encompass all the breast tissue within the cup, not by using wires that may gouge or bruise the breast. The fabric bra holds the breasts forward and high enough so the apex of the breast is midway between the shoulder and the elbow. There is no pressure to flatten the breast tissue or restrict circulation, and the support is firm enough to take out almost all of the motion of the breast during walking. Whether you’ve had a mastectomy or breast conserving surgery, you might be struggling to regain your confidence and accept your new body image. What to Expect At A Post-Mastectomy Fitting. About four to six weeks after breast surgery it will be time to see a certified mastectomy fitter. In most cases you should be able to wear a weighted prosthesis at that time. If you experienced breast conserving surgery you will also benefit from a certified mastectomy fitting as there are partial prostheses to help fill in the missing portion of your breast and provide symmetry. Medicare and most private insurance plans have coverage for breast prostheses and bras. If you are in doubt about your coverage, call the number on your insurance card and inquire. Who does the fitting? Choosing a fitter who has been trained with manufacturer based education programs to fit bras and prostheses is very important. They are taught which products do best with different surgery types, and how to handle special circumstances. The Fitting Process. The fitting should be conducted with dignity and privacy. The fitter will first assess the condition of the skin at the mastectomy site. There should be no drainage or open wounds at the surgery site, or incision. Either of these conditions would require permission from your physician before proceeding. The fitter will determine the proper bra size by taking measurements at strategic points. The fit of the bra is crucial to how well the prosthesis will fit and how natural the fit will be. Mastectomy bras today are pretty and feminine while providing the support needed to keep the prosthesis in the correct position. Although it is not mandatory to use a mastectomy bra with a breast prosthesis, it is recommended. Next is the prosthesis recommendation. Prostheses come in many shapes such as teardrop, triangle, heart shaped and more. Some prostheses are symmetrical, meaning they can be worn on either side, while others are asymmetrical and are side specific. For women who have lost both breasts, the fitter will make suggestions for prostheses that are flattering to the patient’s body dimensions. A unilateral mastectomy needs to have an equal amount of weight as to the remaining breast. Otherwise, the shoulder will rise and your equilibrium will be affected. With the proper breast prosthesis your clothing will fit much better and you will feel better about your situation. The proper mastectomy bra will have a pocket in the side where the breast has been removed. The prosthesis will fit comfortably in that pocket and the remaining breast will also be supported. All bras should be worn above the solar plexus in the front and just above the waist in the back. Shoulder straps do not need to be tight because with the proper cup support you will not have any cutting or binding of the shoulder straps. Just as we do when we fit non-mastectomy customers, each breast needs to be encompassed for maximum support and comfort. Periodic visits to your fitter are beneficial. Your body may change in response to hormonal and weight fluctuations. The natural breast will also change in response to these factors, and a different prosthesis may be needed to maintain symmetry. Before leaving, instructions on use and care should be given to you. Next month we will talk about the social, casual and professional “dress” side of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
 
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