Pink Clothes Hangers
Hi all,
I had a mastectomy 2 months ago and was fitted for my prosthesis at a lovely shop in Mornington (Michelle-Ann). The service was wonderful.
But being a girl I have checked out a few other shops too however it becomes a little frustrating when you have to ask where things are, particulalrly bathers.
Last week I was in Hervey Bay on holiday and popped into a store that had a great idea ... all mastectomy products were on pink hangers. This made it easy to browse without having to ask the assistants what items were suitable. I give this a big thumbs up!
Sheila
Comments
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The pink hanger idea would be really appreciated in the larger stores also (Myer and David Jones, etc). It would make browsing easier and more "everyday", rather than having to ask and maybe explain. All I wanted to do when I first started going out wearing my scarf or wig was to be just myself, not a breast cancer person. And re the cup of tea comment from FD: I also felt just so appreciative of the offer of tea and a number of other small kindnesses, particularly when the nurses were so busy, and I was feeling so vulnerable.
best wishes as always to everyone from beautiful sunny Brisbane!
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I had my tissue expanders replaced with implants last Wednesday. How long before it 'settles in', swelling goes etc? I am also having further surgery for replacement nipples and tattoos. What has the experience been like for others? I had bilateral mastectomies 12 months ago and 6 months of chemo, it's been a long haul.0
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I had my tissue expanders replaced with implants last Wednesday. How long before it 'settles in', swelling goes etc? I am also having further surgery for replacement nipples and tattoos. What has the experience been like for others? I had bilateral mastectomies 12 months ago and 6 months of chemo, it's been a long haul.0
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What a GREAT Idea, maybe if we ALL mentioned it (or dropped a note) to our local stores as an idea, the idea would take off nationally.
How much more normal would it make us feel if we didn't have to ask where the mastectomy items were, thus making it obvious we are berast cancer patients.
How nice to walk into a store and be able to see without askin which bra's and bathers etc are suitable for those who have had mastectomy surgery.
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There is a common theme here ... it IS the little things that count. The normality of being able to browse and look at sizes and colours and styles and prices without having to be guided by a sales assistant is so normal.
Of course it's also essential to have well trained sales staff, but being able to make some initial choices and then seek guidance makes shopping so much more pleasurable.
I hate feeling like I'm taking up too much staff time or that I'm being railroaded into something I'm not sure about. I much prefer to be able to wander and compare and then be advised.
It would be wonderful if the practice was more widespread.
Sheila
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Good to hear you have been emailing. Keep us posted about any replies.
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Great work ... let's hope we get a positive outcome!
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Great work ... let's hope we get a positive outcome!
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Great work ... let's hope we get a positive outcome!
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You are a wonder! You must write very persuasively! I haven't yet had the time to contact DJs and Myer myself, so thanks for taking the time to do so.
More power to you!
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I got some responses - Here they are...
From DAVID JONES...
"Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your suggestion regarding the display of the mastectomy products available in our Intimate Apparel departments in store.
At David Jones, we recognise that we are stewards of a great brand and that we need to ensure the range we offer is in-line with our company vision of being the best branded multi-channel department store.
Our Buyers continuously work in partnership with our suppliers and our Marketing Team to ensure the best range and brands are promoted and available to our customers. With this in mind I was disappointed to learn that you were less than satisfied with the current display of our mastectomy products.
May I kindly advise that I have passed your feedback onto the Buying Office and Merchandising team for their consideration.
Once again thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback.
If you have any further feedback or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
Customer Relations AssistantAnd from MYER...
"Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns relating to the availability and display of mastectomy products in our stores.
We acknowledge your concerns, and we respect your opinion on this subject. Please be assured that we have forwarded your communication to our Intimate Apparel Team who will consider your comments.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us.
Yours Sincerely,
Customer Service Representative MYER "0 -
You have done brilliantly ... I wonder if you might be able to post a copy of your original email on this thread so that others of us may be able to send it on to our retailers?
If you'd prefer not to, that's fine.
ta ... Sheila
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Here is a copy of what I sent to Myer and DJ's...
"I have a suggestion for you. Have you ever thought about putting all mastectomy products on say pink coat hangers and advertise this so that those who have had mastectomy surgery can come in and choose bra's and swimwear etc, without the embarrassment of having to ask staff where these products are, if it was something simple like pink coat hangers then people could shop for what they like and then get help if they need it. I am a member of a couple of breast cancer support groups and all of the women find it embarrassing especially in the beginning to have to ask for mastectomy products, it was suggested that if there was some kind of easy difference like pink coat hangers (pink being the breast cancer colour of course), this would make us breast cancer ladies much more comfortable when purchasing products. I just thought I would suggest this to you, as it would make a HUGE difference to many ladies with breast cancer who have had mastectomies and other breast cancer surgeries as well."
I am not sure if it even makes sense, as I wrote it with chemo brain (which I still suffer from
) badly). Maybe someone else could read it through and edit it better and post it here for others, to copy and send to other stores.0 -
As a woman who has had a mastectomy I would like to put forward a suggestion to you. Since my operation I have become somewhat frustrated that I cannot simply walk into a store and easily find garments that are suitable. This is particularly the case with swimwear but also to a lesser extent with bras. As a woman I love to browse, and whilst your sales staff are always extremely helpful, I sometimes feel like I’m taking up too much of their time or have to make a decision about a garment without due consideration.
My suggestion is to put all mastectomy products on pink coat hangers, and advertise this, so that those who have had mastectomy surgery can come in and choose bras, swimwear etc. without the embarrassment of having to ask staff where suitable products are located. Pink would seem a good choice as it is internationally known as the colour for breast cancer research and support. I feel something as simple as this would make shopping a more enjoyable experience for many women.
I am a member of a couple of breast cancer support groups and have found that many women find it embarrassing, especially in the beginning, to have to ask for mastectomy products, Many women are sensitive to their changed shape and this would allow more anonymity for them. And even for those of us who do not feel particularly sensitive, it does afford us more of an opportunity to browse and have some ideas of what we like before approaching staff for their expert opinion. I really do feel such a simple measure would make a huge difference to the life of a breast cancer patient.
I hope you don’t mind me suggesting this to you and I do hope you will take time to consider it.
Thanking you in advance.
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LOVE IT, love it, love it...
Mine was the best I could come up with, and chemo brain makes it hard - I LOVE your letter and will be copying it and sending it to my local stores as well. The more we get this out the better, the more stores hear about it the more they might want to do it.
Thank YOU SO MUCH so your letter, it is beautiffuly written and so very true.
Sharon xx
ps Is it OK if I share a copy of your letter with another online breast cancer ladies group I am a member of, so that they can also send it to their stores? to get this started and out in the world, to make life easier for us all.
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