11661 Preston Rd #154 (Right above Rock Fish)

Dallas Tx 75230

214-692-8893

My name is Laura Gambill and this is my story!!!

Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer one of the most aggressive forms.  I called upon all of the possible resources to benefit  my healing.   Which lead to my position today.  I found that a positive attitude along with the holistic and conventional approaches to treating the cancer opened a whole new world of health and healing now termed integrative medicine.  I flourished through my treatment and with a clean bill of health pursued my studies to allow me to help others in what I learned and utilized for my health.  I  hold a doctorate in holistic integrative medicine.  Please call me with questions.  Each week I will share information that will enable you in making healthy choices that boost your immune system.

Dr. Laura Gambill  214-592-3530 

What is a prosthesis?

There are various types of post-mastectomy and lumpectomy prostheses, also called breast forms. Manufacturers make a wide selection of types, shapes, sizes, and colors.

The type of prosthesis required is determined by the amount of breast tissue that is removed. A prosthesis can be worn against the skin, inside the pocket of a mastectomy bra, or attached to the chest wall. Prosthetic devices are designed to look feminine while ensuring comfort.

What are the various types of prosthetic devices?

External silicone breast prosthesis

An external silicone breast prosthesis is a weighted prosthesis, made of silicone, which is designed to simulate natural breast tissue. Because this type of breast prosthesis is weighted, it may help your posture, prevent shoulder drop, and problems with balance.

Non-silicone breast prosthesis

A non-silicone breast prosthesis is a light-weight breast form, made of foam or fiberfill, which may be worn following a mastectomy. Non-silicone breast prostheses may be worn during exercise, swimming, and hot weather.

Attachable breast

An attachable breast is a self-adhesive breast form that attaches securely to the chest wall with adhesive strips.

Post-surgical soft form in camisole

A post-surgical soft form in camisole is a light-weight, removable breast form that fits into a camisole garment (a soft, stretchy garment with lace elastic straps that can be pulled up over the hips if raising the arms is difficult). Post-surgical camisole is often worn immediately following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation therapy, or during reconstruction breast surgery.

Partial breast prosthesis, also called a shaper or shell

Partial breast prosthesis, also called shaper or shell is a breast form made of foam, fiberfill, or silicone. This type of breast prosthesis is designed to be worn over your own breast tissue to enhance the overall size of the breast and to create a fuller appearance. A partial breast prosthesis can be worn with a regular bra or a post-mastectomy bra.

What is a post-mastectomy bra?

Post-mastectomy (or simply mastectomy) bras resemble regular bras but with one important difference – they have spandex stretch pockets on the inside which help hold and keep the breast prosthesis in place. Mastectomy bras can be purchased at specialty shops or mastectomy boutiques. A certified mastectomy fitter, who is trained and experienced, can assist you in selecting and fitting the appropriate prosthesis and mastectomy bra that meets your individual needs.

Some mastectomy shops, upon request, will sew in pockets to your regular bras, swimsuits, and nightgowns.

Frequently asked questions about prostheses:

Q: Where do I go to be fitted for a prosthesis and a post-mastectomy bra?

A: There are many mastectomy boutiques and specialty shops that carry all types of prostheses and post-mastectomy garments. Most specialty shops employ certified fitters who are specially-trained to fit women for breast prostheses. Many mastectomy shops are owned by women who have had breast cancer themselves.

At your first fitting appointment, remember to wear a garment that fits properly (possibly a knit top), so that you can see the shape of your breast when trying on your new prosthesis.

Your physician, oncology nurse, local American Cancer Society Reach for Recovery program, or other breast cancer organization can recommend specialty shops and boutiques in your area that carry prosthetic devices and garments.

Q: How soon can I be fitted for a breast prosthesis after a mastectomy?

A: After surgery, your surgeon will recommend the appropriate time for you to start wearing a prosthesis. This will depend upon your medical condition, the post-operative healing process, and the type of mastectomy that was performed.
A physician’s prescription for your breast prosthesis and mastectomy bras is necessary for insurance purposes.
Q: Will my insurance pay for my prosthesis and mastectomy bras?

A: There is some variance among insurance companies regarding coverage of prosthetic devices and mastectomy bras. Medicare, and some other insurance plans, will pay for one breast prosthesis per year. Most insurance companies will cover 2 to 4 mastectomy bras per year, provided that you submit a prescription from your physician.

During the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many mastectomy shops have sales on mastectomy bras and other items.

Always check with your insurance company to determine which post-mastectomy products are covered under your plan. Mastectomy bathing suits are generally not covered by insurance companies.

Q: Will people be able to tell that I am wearing a prosthesis?

A: No. With a proper fit, no one will be able to tell you are wearing a prosthesis.

Q: How long does a breast prosthesis last?

A: Always check first, as this will vary with the type of breast prosthesis and by the manufacturer. However, most breast prostheses have a two-year warranty.

Q: What happens if my body changes in size and my prosthesis no longer fits properly? Can I get a replacement, and is it covered by my insurance?

A: Most insurance companies will cover breast prosthesis replacements for this reason, provided there is a prescription from your doctor stating the reason for the replacement. Always check with your insurance company to determine what is covered under your plan.

On May 25^th a stakeholder’s meeting took place at the DC office of
Congressman Larry Kissell, our bill sponsor, to review a recently completed
draft of our bill.  Since the start of the new Congress in January, his office
has been working with the professional bill writers of Legislative Counsel to
revise last year’s bill based on stakeholder input.

The organizations
represented were: the American Cancer Society, American Physical Therapy
Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, Oncology Nursing
Society, National Breast Cancer Coalition, Lymphatic Research Foundation,
National Lymphedema Network, Lymphology Association of North America, American
Lymphedema Framework Project, North American Lymphedema Education Association
and patient advocates from the Lymphedema Advocacy
Group.

The draft will now be sent back to the bill writers for a
final round of revision.  There was excellent consensus amongst the stakeholders
and Congressman Kissell plans to reintroduce the bill no later than July 1st.
Although this process has been more time consuming than expected, the result
will be a much stronger bill!

Attention….   Attention please…

This news just in…  Close To You is having an Amoena Day on June 23,2011.  Come see the latest in the Amoena line. Please call the store and make an appointment. We will have an Amoena representative to show you the new Mastectomy Bras, Prosthesis, Camisoles, and more. Please call or send email for appointment.

susan@closetoyouonline.com
214-692-8893
 

CLOSE TO YOU INC.
Dedicated to Patient Care

Susan McMahan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
President
Close to You Inc.
214-692-8893
susan@ctyonline.com
http://www.ctyonline.com
http://www.closetoyoustore.com
11661 Preston Rd. #154
Dallas TX 75230

Close to You Inc. has been a partner in the breast cancer community for over 26 years bringing our survivors quality products with genuine loving patient care. Close to You Inc. offers quality patient care in the following categories mastectomy products, compression therapy, burn garments, lymphedema garments, plastic surgery garments, and maternity garments.

Please call and schedule a time to spend one on one with our certified fitters and our Amoena representative.

We now return you to your normally scheduled internet site.  Thank you.