A few weeks after my surgery, I went out
to play catch with my golden retriever. When I bent over to pick up the
ball, my prosthesis fell out. The dog snatched it, and I found myself
chasing him down the road yelling "Hey, come back here with my breast!"
~
Linda Ellerbee, actor & breast cancer survivor
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BFF*
(*Breast Friends Forever When a woman has to make the choice to have a mastectomy, or the choice is made for her by her prognosis and physician, then another choice will have to be made at some point - that of choosing whether or not to have reconstructive surgery, to wear a prosthetic breast, or simply to go "au natural". Unfortunately, sometimes the lack of insurance or adequate finances will dictate which choice (meaning NO reconstruction OR prosthesis) - and that's simply not acceptable to us at DORCAS. Breast cancer is challenging enough without demanding that a woman present her physical self in a manner she wouldn't otherwise choose simply because she can't afford another solution. The American Cancer Society (ACS) operates locations in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area as well as Tulsa where they will provide free of charge to breast cancer patients one (1) bra and prosthesis, as well as two (2) wigs. If a patient is able to travel to either of those locations on the specific days they are open, then that's great! Please see our Links of Interest for the locations of their facilities. But if for some reason they are unable to make that trip, DORCAS will endeavor to do one of two things: first, our volunteer program (Bosom Buddies) will attempt to provide the transportation to visit the ACS facility and obtain whatever is needed. Failing that, as funds are available (and we are attempting to build a fund specifically for this goal) we will partner with local medical suppliers to provide a woman with the bra and prosthesis she needs. Some women prefer to not opt for reconstruction OR prosthesis - and to them we applaud you and support your decision fully! But if that is not your personal choice, then we want to help as best we can. And it's our hope that one day insurance companies will recognize the importance of treating the whole person, and will cover ALL expenses associated with any type of cancer and its treatment.
For more information and to obtain an application,
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