P & H Services

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, we want to highlight 10-year breast cancer survivor and P&H Staff Member Laura. A double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, a recurrence, and a reconstruction surgery led Laura to where she is today: supporting other women with breast cancer by fitting them with custom prostheses.

“Every single day I’m told ‘I just want to feel normal,’" Laura said. “That’s what we do at P&H – we bring the normalcy back into a very unfortunate situation.”

Laura knows the emotions those women experience – she was one of them herself not too long ago. “In the hospital, you’re given the news, and it’s a fast-paced and overwhelming experience,” she said. “When I came to see Hilda eight weeks after my surgery, I was exhausted and overwhelmed. She knew exactly what to do. It was nice to be able to put myself in her hands and allow her to take care of me.”

Now, Laura gets to take care of women who are as overwhelmed as she was. One customer, she said, hadn’t left her house in four months because of the way she felt about herself. Laura helped fit her with custom prostheses. When the woman left, Laura said, “She said, ‘I’m going to call my daughter right now because I want to see my grandchildren.’ When you’re able to break those walls down and allow someone to see themselves better than when they came in, that’s an awesome experience.”

THANK YOU, Laura, for having the courage to let your own breast cancer journey fuel your passion for helping women heal.

Fall means celebrating Oktoberfest with friends from Germany 🍂

Today, we want to share the story of a breast cancer survivor in our community. Tracie had no family history and no symptoms of breast cancer when she was diagnosed at 49. The news shocked and overwhelmed her. After a whirlwind of information, (“It was like learning a new language”) tests, and treatment options, Tracie underwent a double mastectomy. She then had a breast reconstruction surgery, which failed. This led her to P&H Services, where received her first pair of custom breast prostheses.

“Hilda is meticulous,” Tracie said. “I literally sobbed in her office when I picked the prostheses up and put them on for the first time. It was as life-changing for me to put them on as it was for me to have my breasts removed during my mastectomy. They feel real, and I was no longer stuck on the feeling that I wasn’t a whole person because I’d had my breasts removed. With all of the uncertainty, you feel so helpless, and when I found something so concrete like these prostheses, I got a much better result than I thought I was going to. The end result is way more than I could have ever imagined.”

We are thrilled for Tracie's continued health and healing. Thank you, Tracie, for allowing us to be a small part of your journey.

Attention flat-knit compression wearers! Medi has released new colors for fall 🍂. Which one is your favorite?

https://bit.ly/3eqQy9c

Did you know? Today is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. Metastatic Breast Cancer refers to cancer that has spread from where it originated to a distant part of the body. In the US, 6% of women have metastatic breast cancer at the time of diagnosis.

In honor of National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day, we are giving away one “Valletta” top from Amoena.

To enter:
1. Like our page
2. Like this post
3. Tag a friend in the comments

The Valletta top features a built-in pocketed shelf bra so no bra is needed. It is made from a soft modal fabric for ultra-comfort day or night. The giveaway winner will have their choice of the color and size of their top.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the US behind skin cancer, with 1 in 8 women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the prevalence of breast cancer as well as the importance of early detection, treatment, and screening, which offer the best chances for successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to advances in screening, detection, and treatment.

Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis, but you are not alone. We are honored to support women and men who have undergone breast cancer treatment through mastectomy products.

We hope you will take a moment this month to acknowledge the impact of breast cancer through education, reaching out to a family member or friend who has received this diagnosis, or being kind to yourself in your own healing journey.

“I wish I knew when I was first given a pair of compression that it would get better and easier over time.” Morgan Ramos and other compression advocates shared their lessons learned in “Compression Advice from Juzo Champions."

https://bit.ly/3pQZ9nD

Lipedema impacts nearly 11% of women worldwide. There is no cure for lipedema, but the following interventions can help manage symptoms:

~compression
~manual lymphatic drainage
~exercise
~good skincare routine
~certain liposuction procedures such as water-assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction

Lymphedema - Assessment and Management FAQ

Want to learn more about surgery and lymphedema? Check out "Lymphedema Management & Assessment FAQ" with Alex K. Wong, MD, FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons).

Dr. Wong’s reconstructive practice focuses on microsurgical free tissue transfer for the management of complex radiated wounds, post-oncologic reconstruction, and lymphedema surgery.

https://bit.ly/3CDZiTg

Lymphedema - Assessment and Management FAQ Wound Care Basics Series Part 1 Pressure Ulcers/Injuries

Compression garments are effective for daytime wear. Overnight, however, they can apply too much pressure and be painful. Sometimes they can even cause additional damage to your arms or legs.

That’s why many clients choose a nighttime garment. Nighttime garments apply gentler pressure that still assists in draining lymph fluid.

Not every client needs to wear nighttime garments, but if you experience “refilling” of your affected areas overnight, it may be beneficial for you.

Which knit style is best for you?

If you have health insurance and want to see if it covers your medical device, it’s important to do your research! First, check with us to see if your device is covered by your insurance plan.

Then, order your device or product, and we will bill your insurance company directly.

The price you pay for your device will depend on your plan, your in-network deductible, and whether you have met your in-network deductible.

It’s a good idea to plan what products covered by insurance you plan to purchase within the year before your health plan resets, along with your deductible.

Trial of Acebilustat for the Treatment of Upper Arm Lymphedema - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

Three professors in Lymphatic Research and Medicine at Stanford University are conducting a clinical trial of an anti-inflammatory drug for individuals with upper extremity lymphedema. Results are expected in August 2025.

As a team that serves hundreds of patients with lymphedema, we love to share research being done in the community.

Please note P&H Services is a medical device and compression product company. This research is being shared for education purposes only.

https://bit.ly/3cWmVLK

Trial of Acebilustat for the Treatment of Upper Arm Lymphedema - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov Trial of Acebilustat for the Treatment of Upper Arm Lymphedema - Full Text View.

You’re wearing compression. But should you wear it while you exercise?

Yes!

If your lymphatic system is compromised, exercise will help boost the movement of your lymph fluid. Because the lymph system does not have its own pump, it takes our own movement to “rebound” against the skin and stimulate lymph fluid to flow through our lymphatic vessels.

To get the most benefit from your exercise without putting more stress on your lymphatic system, wearing compression is key.

Low-impact exercises such as walking 🚶, swimming 🏊‍♀️, biking 🚴‍♂️ or light weight training are best for those who suffer from lymphedema and other autoimmune conditions. However, if you have recently undergone medical treatments, it’s best to consult with your physician to determine the best exercise for you.

It may feel overwhelming, but when off-the-shelf garments are no longer managing your swelling, custom compression makes a world of difference.

You may need custom compression if:
1. Your garments crease at the ankle, knee or wrist, which restricts circulation

2. Your garment doesn’t contain your swelling/your swelling is progressing over time

3. You are developing fibrotic areas despite wearing daily compression

In addition to higher grade compression, custom compression add-ons like pads in your feet, ankles, hands or other affected areas can help apply a “gradient effect” that simply isn’t possible with off-the-shelf compression!

If you have or are at risk of developing lymphedema, flying is one of the most important places to wear compression.

There are a couple reasons for this:

✈️ The reduced cabin pressure in the plane causes decreased movement of your lymph fluid

✈️ Sitting in a constricted area for long periods of time causes lymph fluid to become stagnant, which can exacerbate swelling

Promoting circulation as best you can during a flight will pay off! Because compression garments promote circulation, they are a necessity for flying. You can also stimulate lymph movement by pumping your ankles every 30 minutes or by getting up and walking around the cabin when possible.

If you need to place a Juzo product order and want to avoid the new fee, please call us as soon as possible! Expired prescriptions and authorizations could delay your order if these are needed.

What you need to know about venous disease - medi USA

Our friends at put together a quiz to check your risk for vein disease. With over 30 million Americans suffering from chronic venous disease, we hope you’ll check your risk level and consider the benefits of compression therapy for venous disease prevention.



https://bit.ly/39MF8d2

What you need to know about venous disease - medi USA It is estimated that over 40% of the population will suffer from venous health conditions in their lifetime with over 30 million Americans with chronic vein

While receiving a lymphedema diagnosis can feel scary, confusing and saddening, proper management and lifestyle changes have a huge impact on how the condition presents. The lymphedema “gold standard” of wearing compression, bandaging, undergoing manual lymphatic drainage, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise should not be taken lightly.

Taking good care of your compression garments is almost as important as wearing them! You can extend or shorten the life of your garments depending on how you care for them.

Do: Hand or machine-wash your garment according to the instructions with a mild or hypoallergenic detergent.

Don’t: Use Woolite or fabric softener, which will reduce the elasticity of the garment.

Do: Air-dry your garment, making sure they lay flat and any wrinkles are smoothed out.

Don’t: Wring dry OR dry your garment in a dryer (the excessive heat will damage and weaken its elastic fibers).

Do: Wash your garment after each use to help restore its benefits. Otherwise, wash as often as possible.

Whether choosing an off-the-shelf or custom compression garment, there are many details that go into the effectiveness of compression in controlling your swelling.

Here are some signs your compression is not fitting correctly:

~The garment slides down or rolls at the top

~The garment doesn’t lay flat and smooth against the skin

~You cannot walk or squat comfortably

~The garment leaves lines around your ankle, which restricts circulation

~The garment is uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time

~The garment has lost its elasticity (their shelf life is about 6 months!)

~The garment causes numbness or pain

Compression garments should be tight enough that you feel held without being overly restrictive. They are meant to support the body with gentle pressure.

New Trend Colors for 2022 - 2023 | Juzo USA

What an exciting time for our customers! Juzo has released their NEW TREND COLORS for 2022! Call our office during regular business hours to place your order!

New Trend Colors for 2022 - 2023 | Juzo USA Our Print Series arm sleeves & gauntlets are the perfect way to make a fashion statement while moving freely from the benefits of therapeutic medical compression.

circaid profile foam nighttime garments

NEW PRODUCT ALERT‼️

Backed by "The New You Guarantee", Medi's new and improved nighttime garment is HERE! Check out what all the talk is about in the video below!

If you are interested, give our office a call and one of our certified compression specialists will be happy to assist you!

circaid profile foam nighttime garments new circaid profile from medi helps make lymphedema treatment simple. The skin-friendly Brrr° material helps keep patients cool and comfortable. The high-den...

Whatever you’re doing, happy weekend!

See something you like? Take a class online or in-person.

Did you catch this week's wellness classes from Moving Beyond Cancer Collaborative ?

Our own Healing/Grief Circle + Sound Bath with Eden is on the calendar for this week! Check out the offerings and RSVP here!

http://ow.ly/MbyW50Iz0J6

Lymphedema in Legs Strikes 1 in 3 Female Cancer Survivors

Lower extremity lymphedema and female cancer survivors: findings in a new study.

Lymphedema in Legs Strikes 1 in 3 Female Cancer Survivors US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education.

Bedroom makeover underway for local woman battling breast cancer

It’s great to read about communities coming together to help their own. ❤️

Bedroom makeover underway for local woman battling breast cancer CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (WJW) – It’s been a labor of love for Cuyahoga Falls design company Decor by Morr. Owners Kaitlyn and Stephen Morr, along with their team, have been hard at work on…

This week’s wellness classes! Online and in-person options.

Check out this week's line up of our sister org MBCC Wellness Classes!
Browse class descriptions and RSVP here! https://www.mbccollaborative.org/classes-seminars?loxi_pathname=%2Flist%2Ffuture%2F2

To learn more about the benefits of oncology massage therapy, contact Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine.

Bodies moving through cancer and cancer treatments need more support.

Oncology Massage Therapy is a very important component to caring for your whole vessel while going through cancer, in treatment or in recovery. (read more about oncology massage in this article http://ow.ly/nqWG50IkRsU )

Theresa is a massage therapist specializing in gentle and highly effective techniques that assist oncology patients receiving cancer treatment, or after treatment, to heal and thrive. As a two time cancer survivor, stem cell transplant recipient, and registered nurse, she has the unique perspective of oncology massage from both sides of the bedrails. During her cancer treatment, she relied on massage and other complementary medicine practices to relieve her pain, lessen the side effects of chemotherapy and heal her body.

She is accustomed to working with clients with medically complex health issues, and is experienced with clients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Each session is individualized to meet her client’s specific needs and treatment goals. Her approach is collaborative, as she empowers her clients to actively participate in their health and wellbeing, with compassion, understanding and generosity of spirit.

Theresa specializes in the following modalities
Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle technique that applies light pressure to the cranial bones, spine and sacrum to balance the nervous system and to relieve restrictions between the fascia and the craniosacral system. Those with headaches, migraines, chronic pain and insomnia will especially benefit from this modality.

Swedish Massage
Myofascial Release
Infant and Pediatric massage
Structural Integration
Reiki and Energy Balancing
Contact Theresa to book today https://www.cancerrehabaustin.com/theresa-attea

Benjamin Bratt shares wife Talisa Soto’s breast cancer diagnosis

The “Law & Order” alum added that Soto, 54, asked him to share the diagnosis to remind other women “that it’s important to get your screenings yearly, that you have to self-advocate for yourself and take care of yourself. Not just eating well, but you have to get to the doctor and make these exams a part of your regular life.”

Benjamin Bratt shares wife Talisa Soto’s breast cancer diagnosis “Through the pandemic, through self-exam and then by going to her yearly mammogram, she discovered that she was positive for breast cancer,” the “Law & Order” star revea…

For all the women in our lives, this day is for you! ❤️