When most women undergo breast surgery and/or chemotherapy, they are unsure of what to expect or what they will need during and after their treatment.  During this period of physical and emotional turmoil, shopping for post-operative garments or wigs can be extremely overwhelming.  After her first breast reconstruction, Nancy Singleton said, “No one told me about the drains, and as I left the hospital, they pinned them to my shirt.  Trying to move around with the pins was a nightmare.  I finally heard about the surgical camisole from a patient on a hotline, but I had a hard time finding one.”  Patients may also find it difficult to travel to shops that carry the products they need, and many of the locations that do carry these products are exceptionally intimidating. “Many women walk into a surgical store to buy a prostheses or bra,” Nancy added, “and after they walk past the limbs and wheelchairs, they find that no one there can fit them properly.”

Underneath it All, a one stop shopping service for women who have had any form of breast surgery or who are undergoing chemotherapy, is an exception.  Located on E. 75^th street, Underneath it All is committed to understanding each woman’s needs and assists and advises each customer on purchase decisions in a warm, compassionate, and private environment.  Christina Faraj, a fitter from Underneath it All, noted that women are initially hesitant to visit the shop because they don’t know what to expect and feel like they are going to yet another appointment. “But soon,” she said, “When they take a look around and we fit them in a fabulous bra, their spirits are instantly uplifted, and by the time they leave, there is a hug involved.”  Their range of products include breast forms in a variety of shapes, sizes, contours, and skin tones,  mastectomy bras, mastectomy swimwear with matching cover-ups, post-surgery camisoles, and an entire feminine lingerie collection.  The store’s proprietors, Carol and Christina, are both certified fitters and will meet with women individually to help fit breast forms and bras.

For women experiencing hair loss, Underneath it All also carries a complete line of wigs, and patients can be seen by a hairstylist to recreate the hairstyle they’re familiar with or to try something new.  Hats, turbans, scarves, and other accessories are also available.

In November, Christina from Underneath it All visited the Women At Risk Breast Cancer Support Group at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.  Armed with a bag of mastectomy bras, breast forms, and lingerie, she explained Underneath it All’s available services, and women were amazed by the quality and range of products.  They were especially shocked by the range of products their insurance would likely cover.  Although there are always exceptions, most insurance companies now cover the costs of breast forms, mastectomy bras, and most wigs for cancer clients.  The coverage does not stop at the first fitting but extends beyond and often covers replacements as well.  “The women at the support group were thrilled to hear about the insurance coverage,” Christina commented, “ It was really fun to see their reaction to the fun bras in colors, lace, and styles updated from what they know of as the more ‘matronly’ looking bras that were available in the past.  They were also thrilled to see the variety of lighter-weight breast forms available to them now.”

Starting in January of 2009, these women will not have to go across town to gain access to these services.  As a result of the need demonstrated at the Women At Risk support group, Underneath it All’s certified fitters will now be holding fittings and shopping services in the Women At Risk Resource Library at Columbia University Medical Center.  The Resource Library is located on the 10^th floor (Room 1035) of the Herbert Irving Pavilion at 161 Fort Washington Ave.  The services will be offered on select Fridays once a month, and women are welcome to stop by the Resource Library to browse available products, receive personalized fittings, and inquire about insurance coverage.  Underneath it All will also make surgical camisoles available at all times through Women At Risk’s Patient Navigator, Nancy Singleton.  For exact dates or times or for more information, contact Nancy Singleton at nsingleton@womenatrisknyc.org or 212-342-0297.  For information on specific products or insurance coverage, contact Christina Faraj at Underneath it All at 212-717-1976.