Suzie VanValkenburg
Member
Breast Cancer Assist Group

In the course of the previous yr at the Augusta Wellness Breast Cancer Aid Team meetings, girls confidentially shared how they have been emotion in the early weeks of their diagnosis. A widespread theme emerged: 1 of experience susceptible, not understanding how cancer would effects them, specifically their overall look. Discussion about the Most cancers Center’s Appearances Boutique typically followed. Team leader and Oncology Breast Nurse Navigator, Donna Berdeaux, RN, BSN saw an possibility to boost these original prognosis thoughts.

Open for just about 10 yrs, the Boutique has served the local community by delivering one particular absolutely free wig to girls going through hair loss from chemotherapy. In 2016, bras and prosthetics [breast forms] had been additional to serve mastectomy clients.

Berdeaux’s eyesight was to reduce this helpless emotion by improving the Boutique to be a lot more welcoming and calming. Guidance Team members Patty Piccinino, Carol Cobb, and Suzie VanValkenburg worked with Berdeaux and Appearances Boutique Coordinator, Kim Glover.

Considering that most cancer patients at first go to the Boutique with their important other, spouse and children member, or female pals, building a great first impression issues. The initially move in maximizing the house was re-arranging inventory. Headcovers these kinds of as scarves, turbans, and hats ended up moved to the entrance walls creating them vibrant. Wigs have been moved even further again for a extra normal circulation. Given that every single patient doesn’t need a mastectomy, bras have been moved to the back to be a lot less scary.

The team labored with services to open the area by eliminating non-critical products such as a significant desk. A quiet place consisting of two chairs, a little desk, and a rug were added. It’s now an best placing for meaningful conversation about a woman’s impending adjust in her physical appearance.

Primarily based on Help Team tips, a wide range of head masking choices were extra to superior healthy various everyday living things to do. The Guidance Group lately began generating earrings to be specified free when a woman chooses a head covering. The beaded earrings will include a contact of glamor and fun to one’s new…