Support & Resources
A gift of support
Your friend is having surgery. Your immediate thought is to write a card, send flowers, bring a pan of lasagna to the house. While it’s heartfelt, there comes that point that they have enough food. An even more powerful and helpful gift? Helping her get ready for surgery. We see orders come through all the time from people sending a bra to someone else. It’s touching to see people share this gift and showing of support. That’s what got us to create our Comfort Bag. We considered everything a woman truly needs during recovery based on our mom’s experience, and hand-selected items that can help a patient during their hospital stay and as they make their way into recovery. That’s why we included a post-surgical bra too. It’s everything a woman needs to feel supported and on her way to the next stop in her journey.
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So…you’re having surgery
Planning ahead for surgery can be a daunting task. There’s the emotional preparation, building the network of family and friends, and the physical considerations. Knowing what you’ll need is not always easy—and you may not always get the guidance you need. Get all your questions answered by your doctor Pack all personal items, loose-fitting clothing and a post-surgical bra Make sure you have someone who can help you Attend all follow-up appointments Listen in to our What You Should Take to the Hospital Video for more helpful tips.
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But really, what’s my bra size??
I was reminded that it’s tough to buy a bra in person or online. That’s why we created our What’s My Size page. It all started when I was asked to be a bridesmaid in a wedding this summer and absolutely fell in love with the dress the bride picked! Tiny dress straps reminded me that my current strapless bra needed to be replaced. So I made the trip to the mall and went to pick out a new one. When wandering around the store, I was immediately stopped and asked if I knew my size. Of course I do! But…upon measuring since last year, I learned it had changed. Thinking, “no I haven’t changed at all,” I still pulled my current size from the rack and headed to the dressing room. After trying a few, I heard a knock at the door. “Did I need help?” Yes, I needed to try that size on after all, just to see. She brought me three bras. They fit like a glove. I brought them home and wore one that day and I felt amazing. It was so comfortable. And it reminded me, the band size and cup were just numbers, I really needed to know what fits so that I felt my best. We encourage you to visit the What’s My Size page to learn more about sizing for you or the woman you’re buying for, so that you can get the best, most comfortable fit in a post-surgical bra. And as always, please contact us with questions—we’re here to support you!
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A heartfelt thank you
“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou With our newest bra in hand and our favorite mannequin to show it off, we set up for our “reunion” at ISPAN 2018 in Chicago. The show has become a place to meet face-to-face with plastic surgery nurses from across the country who are committed to innovations in patient care. After seven years of exhibiting, it’s a mix of familiar faces and new friends, and we’re there to say our hellos, give hugs and thank this community for everything they do to push us forward in our vision. They’re the people who listen to patients, share frustrations and find solutions. They’re there to make the patient journey better. And they’ve become our partners. So we listen. Closely. Over the years they’ve not only inspired us to make refinements to our bras, talking through pain points for patients, but also to better understand the complete patient journey. This has inspired us to explore new ways of supporting the community. After understanding the process of providing bras—how tough it is for many practices to procure, stock and manage inventory, even when the nurses really love a product—we launched the heart&core Cares Program, providing each office with information and an exclusive discount code for their patients to order the bra they need post-surgery. We assist in sizing, in suggestions, in listening at the time of a customer’s purchase—that means there are no headaches or hassles added to a nurse’s busy days, just a simple solution that will add to their reputation for excellence. Because we’re committed to the same outcome: a healthy patient who is as comfortable as possible after breast, heart or lung surgery. And we continue to appreciate nurses for how they make us feel, and how they change the world, one patient at a time. So again, to all the nurses, we thank you for supporting us. And we’ll continue to try supporting you.
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5 steps to self breast-exam success
During October, the world is covered in pink. And we’re grateful. Because what’s the norm today has been a slow progression of awareness, fundraising and research for breast cancer prevention, treatment and awareness. It’s a color of hope for a cure and a sense of community. Of course, when the month ends, we still have to be mindful. My annual mammogram happened to hit in the middle of October. And a few days later I got a letter that brought a sigh of relief—my exam was negative for abnormalities, but also came with a set of bullet points about guidelines from the American College of Radiology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines: Annual screening mammography at the age of 40 Annual physical examination by your physician Monthly breast self-examination Self-examination. It comes back to me doing my part. And I know I’m not doing it regularly. I know should do better. Because women often are the first to find an abnormality. I did my research and learned that a woman should do her exam 7-10 days after her menstrual cycle starts. Now how to remind myself? Here are a few ideas: Download Keep a Breast’s Check Yourself! app and schedule a monthly reminder. Print out this Breast Self-Exam Shower Card from Healthy Women and keep it in a drawer you regularly use so it’s top of mind each day. More responsive to texts? Bright Pink will text you every month with a Breast Health Reminder. Another friend puts a bright pink fragrant sachet in her bra drawer. When she opens it each morning, she’s reminded that she should be checking her breasts regularly. Maybe it’s just scheduling an appointment with yourself on your calendar. It’s simple but it’s powerful. I’m starting this new healthy habit today. I hope you do too!
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Heart healthy—it’s more than just exercise and diet
In a sea of political conversations and emotions, a Facebook friend posted about the loss of her friend after heart surgery. Not someone I know. And I didn’t know all the details. But she was a young woman, a mother of a young child and a friend of my friend. It broke through the election haze, shedding a little light on life and the value of time and how we spend it. It was also a serious reminder about heart health at every age. While in our family we run a risk for breast cancer, we aren’t focused on heart ailments. If I’m being honest, for a long time, heart issues seemed completely removed from my life as a runner and balanced diet eater. It was during a physical at my last job that I realized I was on a dangerous path. I drove a stressful, brutally long drive to and from work, and based my life around the 2 to 3 hours I’d spend each day on the road. My test results were fantastic—except for high blood pressure. Like concerningly high blood pressure. That first day, I thought it was maybe because I’d fasted and had coffee. But for the next couple years, my tests kept coming back with that same high number. I was warned that consistently high blood pressure may not have symptoms for years but can be damaging to my blood vessels and heart, and increase my risk of heart attack and stroke. Silently it was working against me. And of course, according to the statistics, I’m not alone. Did you know… An estimated 44 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds.90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke. Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. 80% of heart disease and stroke events may be prevented by lifestyle changes and education. Source: goredforwomen.org I’ve since changed a lot of stress factors in my life—at least the ones I can control—but I’m more aware than ever before just what impact our lifestyles can have. Even if you go to the gym every day, eat perfectly, follow all the guides of healthy living. So as we approach a busy, festive and possibly chaotic holiday season, it’s a good time to remember to take a deep breath, focus on what’s important, know that what can’t be done today can be done tomorrow and just enjoy this time. It’s precious for so many reasons. And your heart is counting on you to take care of it so it can continue taking care of you.
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A sunnier disposition
A recent study on Vitamin D contradicted what’s long been believed: that taking it as a supplement was “a way to improve bone health and possibly ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in older adults.” While this was big news, reported everywhere as kind of a letdown (it’s nice to thinking popping a pill may protect us from bone fractures and breaks!), it’s key to remember that Vitamin D is still an essential nutrient. In researching women’s health as we age, I became well aware of the serious impact it has on our mood and our hormonal balance (for good and for bad!). So it was a wakeup call for me when my doctor told me that my Vitamin D levels were extremely low at my last appointment. And I’m not alone. Over 94 percent of the U.S. population is deficient in their vitamin D levels. I thought about what was happening. I’m a fair-skinned woman who believed I was doing the best thing to always wear sunscreen and long sleeves in the sun. And then I fell into a trap at work—working through my breaks or lunch hours meant I could get a lot more done and maybe even leave earlier—but my time in the daylight dwindled. My doctor said I could go on supplements to boost my levels, but the best way to get back on track was just to spend 10 minutes in the sun, no sunscreen, letting it sink in, not burn(!). It was also another reminder that there are benefits to taking a break, just a 10-minute walk outside, for mental and physical reasons. I know a daily walk isn’t possible for everyone. I live in Southern California and warm days full of sunshine are plentiful. In wintry weather, maybe it requires a different kind of plan. Sun when you can get it for 10 solid minutes or a regular supplement in drearier times of year? But it’s something that impact us now and into our future. So maybe Vitamin D is not the supplement that makes our bones unbreakable, but getting enough is important to keep us—and our bodies—happy. Start by finding out your levels, and determine how you can get more light in your life and enjoy a sunnier disposition!
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Providing Real Help for Real Stress
I recently quit working full time for the first time in 20 years to focus on life outside of my day job. A big part of that is building heart&core to be a company that my sister and I are proud to represent. Supporting women in need of a better bra, delivering exceptional customer service, helping doctors, nurses and care providers provide the most positive post-surgery experience for patients, and giving back in the spirit of all the support we’ve received over the years. That begins with mentors, experts, family and friends who brought energy, ideas and excitement to conversations about our work, as well as women who’ve shared their stories and helped us better understand many perspectives. It helps us to keep improving and to remember why we’re working so hard. Leaving a steady paycheck and benefits was quite daunting. My husband and I discussed it, and he’s been overwhelmingly supportive, but it comes with more thought around money spent, less impulse buys, an awakening of insurance costs and sometimes that feeling of being a kid who can’t just get what I want when I want it. It’s been adjustment, to say the least. And it feels…stressful. This change got me thinking about the significant changes, discomfort and decisions that a cancer patient faces. Beyond the diagnosis, the treatments and the emotions, many are paying out of pocket expenses and going into debt to pay for their treatment. According to a survey by The Pink Fund, 27% of patients under 40 incurred expenses of $10,000 or more, so it’s no surprise that 46% depleted their savings accounts. And of those who are working during treatment, 20–30% will lose their jobs. With stats like these, I realize how truly financially devastating cancer can be. And how insignificant my financial change really is. This one of the many reasons that we made a commitment to give back to an organization working to help women through this time: The Pink Fund provides financial support to help meet basic needs, decrease stress levels and allow breast cancer patients in active treatment to focus on healing while improving survivorship outcomes. Their 90-day grant program allows us to meet their critical expenses for housing, transportation, utilities and insurance. We’ve committed a portion of profits from the sale of our Comfort Bag to The Pink Fund’s efforts. Designed to add comfort to the hospital stay and recovery afterward, we packed it with all the essentials and a gift certificate for a Larissa Bra. And now through December 31, we’re offering it for just $100 with code PINKFUND. It’s a chance to give a gift (to yourself or others) and give back in the process. And it’s my reminder to count my blessings.
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Why Are We “Going Red”?
February 1st, 2019 Fox 5 San Diego recently reported: According to the AHA, coronary heart disease affects roughly 6.6 million women. Women also suffer strokes more often than men, with 55,000 more women than men having a stroke each year. As women, daughters, sisters, friends, heart disease impacts us all. Knowing the Signs Can Save Your Life “Awareness of heart disease in women and knowing the signs that aren’t always obvious is an important and life-saving message to communicate to the public,” said Dr. Michael Madani, the executive director of surgery at UCSD’s Cardiovascular Institute. Protecting Yourself with Good Habits We know what we’re supposed to do—but it’s up to us to start good habits and end the unhealthy ones. As the Heart Foundation says, “Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, yet it is 80% preventable by making healthy lifestyles choices such as not smoking, exercising and eating right.” The situation calls for everyone to be alert, which is why the American Heart Association designated the first Friday of February as “Go Red For Women Day.” (The Villager) Healing After Heart Surgery When we started this venture of making post-surgical bras, we were focused on breast-related surgeries. Then we got the comments… “My mom had open heart surgery and she loves this bra!”“Very comfortable. Has really helped me post open heart surgery.”“Worked so well after open heart surgery – well worth the price – Highly recommended”“Held breast up so incision does not hurt after open heart surgery.”“Bought this for my future mother in-law after her open heart surgery and it has helped so much with easing her sternum pain.”“Gave me much needed support following VATs surgery… well worth the $$” …and it got us thinking about just how important it is for women to have the right bra after heart surgery. And it makes sense—when you have your sternum cracked or even less invasive surgeries, you’re not going to jump back in your favorite lacy bra. With this knowledge, we continue to listen to feedback to better serve this market, as we work to help women stay healthy to prevent disease and surgery! Going red is about awareness, making changes and making a difference. And that’s why we support this effort—and we support you. Keep talking to us. We’re listening.
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Things We Love in February
February 13th, 2019 In this month bursting with the color red, hearts and candy, we want to celebrate some amazing things we’ve learned and loved. Of course, we’re still on the path to raise awareness about women and heart disease, risks and prevention, so we’re focused on positive stories and special resources around “going red.” Here are our favorites for the month: Free Heart Health Screenings We can’t say it enough—knowing your numbers is crucial. Unchecked high blood pressure can sneak up on the healthiest people, and it’s due to a lot of causes. This month, CVS Health is offering no cost heart health screenings in support of women’s heart health. We encourage you to take advantage of this free resource to check your numbers now so you can manage and change your habits as needed. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Survival Stories With no risk factors for a heart attack, a 47-year-old mother of three saw no red flags before her heart attack in 2018. She did battle long-term heartburn (see above!) but never any chest pain. She’s shared her story with Middletown Press in hopes of letting women know exactly what she experienced—and the hopefulness that comes with knowing and advocating for yourself. Critical Information According to the Cleveland Clinic, only a minority of heart attack patients experience the symptoms we associate with it, like sudden, squeezing, intense chest pain. Prevention magazine echoes similar symptoms, like heartburn-like pain and shortness of breath. It’s scary to think everyday feelings like these can signal something so significant, but noting this information can be a lifesaver. Benefits of Dark Chocolate It’s a real treat when we hear that something sweet and tasty is actually good for us. And dark chocolate is exactly that! According to this Healthline article, “Many controlled studies show that cocoa and dark chocolate can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure, though the effects are usually mild.” So it may not be perfect, but if you get a craving it’s a good go-to—better than the alternatives! Lifesaving Changes The risks associated with smoking are well-documented, but what about the benefits of quitting? Did you know that “Only 20 minutes after quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure will drop closer to normal levels.” Or “About one year after quitting, the risk of getting coronary heart disease is only half as high as smokers.” Check out this LiveWell with UnityPoint Health article for the full scoop on the power of quitting.
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Things We Love in March
Things We Love in March March 18th, 2019 As we approach the first day of spring, it’s a perfect time to look at renewal and hope. We’re always watching for what’s positive in the world, and here are our favorite recent events and findings to remind us that every day there are so many reasons to be thankful: We hear a lot about the challenge and discomfort lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Even when a patient does everything ‘right,’ they can still develop this condition. However, two recent microsurgical options are presenting a solution to this painful problem. We’re hopeful that more surgeons will consider these options in treatment. Learn more about how some doctors are now treating lymphedema. When faced with chemo, this patient had a little fun with costumes to stay positive and put a smile on other people’s faces. We love her spirit! Read the inspirational story of this survivor and fighter. Out of the the 36th AnnualMiami Breast Cancer Conference® comes positive news: “If there is a theme for this year’s conference, it’s a move away from a one-size-fits all approach to breast cancer in favor of a very targeted one. We are treating breast cancer much more specifically then we ever have,” said Patrick I. Borgen, MD. This includes major developments in diagnostics, new and emerging targeted therapies, immunotherapy, imaging, and surgery, Borgen noted in an interview in advance of the event. And there’s more progress on the breast cancer front: a new drug has been approved in Australia for women with early stage HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer. This significant development may reduce risk of recurrence, and we are grateful for the new hope that it gives women battling this type of cancer—and we hope it become accessible for more women around the globe. We wish you a beautiful spring!
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Giving Back to Gilda’s Club
October 5th, 2019 When we think about cancer, it’s about understanding symptoms, hearing the diagnosis or enduring the treatment. But the experience, of course, goes beyond that. There is intense stress on the family as well as emotional stress as a person with the diagnosis feeling like life is on hold. Gilda’s Club provides a unique support system. “No one should face cancer alone. These simple words sum up the Gilda’s Club Twin Cities’ philosophy.” This goes for everyone impacted by cancer—people living with it, as well as their friends, families and even caregivers. Those affected receive social, emotional and psychological support from licensed mental health professionals. This unique and important perspective is why we’re supporting Gilda’s Club with a donation of 5% of purchases on our site during October and learn more about this community of hope. Please join us in supporting this worthy cause.
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