What's New in Home Medical Equipment?

New items or types of care are common in this special field of care. Here you can learn about the latest products and advancements in home care.

October Newsletter

Caring for You After Breast Cancer Surgery

Women facing breast cancer have several treatment options they can discuss with their doctors, each with unique considerations before, during and after the treatment.

For those women who undergo breast cancer surgery, Avera Home Medical Equipment offers a professional staff and a wide variety of products to help women cope with the physical and emotional changes they experience.

A breast prosthesis, or breast form, is a common, non-surgical option for many women following mastectomy. It is worn externally, usually in a special post-mastectomy bra with a pocket to hold the form in place. These “off-the-shelf” breast forms come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to meet women’s body types, breast shapes, surgeries and lifestyles.

In recent months, custom-fit breast forms have also become available. These breast forms are lightweight and waterproof, and they fit snugly to the dimensions of a woman’s surgery site. This provides women the option of wearing their choice of bras or swimsuits. A variety of skin tones are available as well, so the woman receives a breast form that is customized to imitate her exact breast size and features.

The custom breast form fitting process, which includes two castings of the woman’s upper body, can take up to two hours. During much of this time, the woman is required to stand. While this is an option for women undergoing any type of breast cancer surgery, women who have had a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy may find it especially beneficial because it is form fit to the body. An off-the-shelf prosthesis may not have the same fit.

Avera Home Medical Equipment offers five certified custom fitters in Sioux Falls, where they perform the fittings in a private space in their store at 41st Street and Kiwanis Avenue. Avera Home Medical Equipment has 12 locations and more than 20 caring, professional certified fitters to fit women with bras and ready-to-wear breast forms.

It is important for woman to carefully consider the options available during and after cancer treatment, working with their physician and their family and friends to consider the right options for them. Women also need to be aware of their insurance coverage for breast forms. Medicare typically pays for four mastectomy bras each year, and most insurance providers also cover products such as prostheses and mastectomy bras. Women need to ask their providers specifically about coverage for these items.

Avera Home Medical Equipment carries other products in addition to the off-the-shelf and custom breast forms to support women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

A new post-surgery camisole can be worn immediately following surgery. It is lightweight and comes with a polyester filled breast form for a softer touch. It also has two drainage pouches that can be repositioned according to the woman’s needs. For comfort, it allows the woman who may have limited range of motion in the upper body to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it over her head.

Avera Home Medical also offers Headliner products for women undergoing any type of cancer treatment. This comfortable, natural looking and fashionable collection of headwear has been developed for women experiencing hair loss or who are seeking hair illusion alternatives. The collection includes headbands, scarves and turbans, as well as the new “hoop of hair,” that provides a soft, expandable band of hair that offers the look of a full head of hair when worn under one of the other head-covers.

It is natural for women to feel like they are not in control when they are facing breast cancer treatment or surgery. But, Avera Home Medical Equipment is here to help you take control by anticipating and planning for your needs both before, and after your treatment.

For more information, please call (605) 322-1800 or (800) 888-8311.

Rehabilitation Services

Avera Home Medical Equipment's Rehab Environmental Service Program allows people to enhance their mobility and enjoy a more independent lifestyle. They offer installation and service on the following products:

• Porch Lifts
• Stairway Lifts
• Wheelchair Ramps
• Vehicle Lifts/Trunk Lifts
• Patient Lifts
• Bathroom Safety Bars
• Scooters

This program can also adapt homes to meet customers' needs, allowing individuals to stay in their homes even with limited mobility. Certified technicians are available for consultation.

 

Please call us at 605-322-1881 or contact Avera McKennan for more information. View our different locations in the area by following the link.