| One has just gone through a mastectomy, the doctor comes into your room and discharges you, now what do you do, where do you go for mastectomy needs, information, and support in North Central WV? This has been a concern for many ladies who have had to go through a mastectomy.
Beverly Slagle, American Board Certified Fitter of Mastectomy has opened the Breast Cancer Mastectomy Boutique out of Rider Pharmacy in Fairmont.
"Rider Pharmacy is the best in the business when it comes to serving the ladies of North Central WV and surrounding areas for mastectomy fittings," said Slagle.
Slagle says, "I can take care of a ladies' needs from the time they are diagnosed with breast cancer, through their entire journey. Once a lady has been diagnosed, one of the first things they should do is come in to the boutique for a pre-op measurement." The consultation and fitting is always free. This is the only way one can tell what the patient is going to need post-op.
"I can recommend a compression garment that will be so beneficial to them after the removal of the breast and will make them feel so much better and more comfortable. I can also recommend a soft fiber filled form they can wear until the surgical site is healed and the swelling is gone. Once they are 6-8 weeks post-op, I can fit them with the proper silicone form and mastectomy bra. My mission is to get the word out that there is a place close by that can help these ladies with mastectomy products," says Slagle. The boutique also carries swimwear, swim forms, clothing, turbans, scarves, jewelry and much more. It is a full service boutique."
There are no fitters in Harrison, Wetzel, Tyler, Taylor, Preston, Upsher, Gilmer, Calhoun, or Lewis counties. Rider Pharmacy can serve any lady who needs mastectomy supplies. "It doesn't matter where they are from, what matters is they get the best service possible, and I can give them a very caring atmosphere, and the attention that they need. They deserve the best," Slagle said.
Some ladies have been ordering their products from catalogues. Of course, this isn't going to be a good fit as the body really changes after surgery. One really needs to be measured and measured properly. You can't go to a retail store and purchase the same bra you did before you had the surgery. To have a good fit, the fitting process usually last about an hour. there are several measurements that need to be taken and adjustments that need to be made. This gives the patient every chance to look and feel their best and gives them a sense of security once again.
With insurance, they can receive up to 6 bras per year, and a new silicone form every 2 years or 2 fiber filled forms every year.
The only thing that is required from the patient is to have a written Rx from their doctor. Most insurances will pay 80% of the form and the bras. If they have a secondary insurance, the cost is usually covered 100%.
Slagle has obtained the highest achievement there is in the field of prosthesis. She has over 1700 hours as a trained Certified Fitter of Mastectomy, mastered the Prometrics National Board of Certified Fitters, has fitter credentials from Airway and Amoena, and is a member of the ABC CFm in the USA. She has had fitter training in Columbus Ohio and WVU Prometrics.
If you or anyone you know is in need of mastectomy products, they can call Beverly at Rider Pharmacy in Fairmont, WV. At the present time the boutique is opened on Thursdays from 9-4. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment only.
You can join Slagles' facebook page, Mastectomy Specialist simply by asking to be a friend, check out mastectomyboutiquewv Â
or call Rider Pharmacy 304-366-2710 to schedule a free consultation and fitting.
The boutique is located at 303 Merchant Street in Fairmont, right off the New Gateway Connector.
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