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    0 Supporting Breast Cancer Recovery

    At Pisces Healthcare, we understand the unique challenges that veterans face during and after breast cancer treatment. Our mission is to provide supportive products that enhance comfort, aid in recovery, and improve quality of life. We offer a wide range of breast forms, bras, post-operative padding, rehab tools, and comfort aids tailored to meet your needs. Below, you'll find a selection of products designed to support recovery and well-being through every stage of the journey.

    Bras for Comfort and Support

    We provide a variety of bras designed specifically for post-surgical needs. Our range includes styles that facilitate ease of use and comfort during recovery:

    • Drain Management Bra
      Helps manage post-surgical drains with ease. This bra includes 2 modesty pouches and 4 rings, that are repositionable, to support the drain bulb and anchor it to the band, which reduces motion and pressure on the incision sites. The FlexFit cups accommodate breast volume variations due to swelling. Additional features include a combined padded hook-&-eye/zipper front closure for ease of donning and high-back coverage for additional support. Our proprietary TriFlex fabric has superior stretch to prevent binding, provides moisture-wicking and cooling, and active silver antimicrobial protection

    • Front Zip, Sports Bra Style
      Ideal for easy access and comfort, offering gentle compression. Pre-formed and flexible seamless cups ensure optimal stabilization of the post-surgical breast area with even, all-over pressure (no fixation ring around the cup). Adjustable, wide straps with hook and loop fasteners for easy dressing and undressing while providing exceptional comfort, immobilization, and stabilization of the operated breast.
    • Padded Wire-Free Bra
      Offers gentle support and comfort for everyday wear. The perfect bra for every day, Mara is smooth under T-shirts and comfortable against the skin. The breathable COOLMAX fabric cup pockets help wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry, the pockets can hold a breast form or shaper securely in place. A nice wide under band ensures comfortable breast support every day.

    • Front Closure, Pocketed Bra
      Designed with pockets to hold breast forms or pads securely. Ultra-soft fabric offers a snug and non-restrictive fit. Post-surgery front closure bra for easy access during treatment with cut and sewn cotton pockets and smooth interior side seams for comfort to sensitive skin. Padded, stretch fabric straps with front fasteners.

    • Post-Surgical Puff
      Provides symmetry immediately after surgery.  Post Surgical Puff is a specialized breast form that offers immediate symmetry following surgery. This unique post-surgical Puff can be easily customized to achieve the desired fullness by simply adding or removing fiberfill, and it comes with extra fiberfill included. It is specifically designed to address the unique requirements of women during the critical phases following breast surgery, whether in the hospital or upon returning home. Can be used with post-mastectomy bras

     

    Post-Intervention Tools

    Post-Surgical Pads
    Our post-surgical pads are crafted to provide gentle compression and support after lumpectomy or mastectomy, helping reduce swelling and promote healing. This tapeless option is comfortable compression to help lymphatic flow after breast surgery.

    • Jobst Post-Lumpectomy Pad The Post-Lumpectomy Pad features a posterior extension that, in combination with a compression garment, addresses edema and/or radiation fibrosis of the breast and serratus anterior. This pad covers the affected breast completely and extends to the spine.
    • Jobst Double Mastectomy Pad This Double Mastectomy Pad is a wrap-around torso pad and is secured with Velcro. It is indicated for patients with edema on the anterior chest wall as well as the lateral and posterior chest wall areas
    • BSN Jobst JoViPak Axilla Pad The flat channel pad is placed against the chest wall and held in place by a post-surgery bra after axillary node dissection.

    Lymphedema Arm sleeve with Gauntlet

    • Arm sleeve with Gauntlet is the answer to your lymphatic discomfort! Contains edema with our stylish and conspicuous 20-30 mmHg firm compression arm sleeve with gauntlet!

    Recovery Aids for Comfort

    Our range of recovery aids provides essential comfort and support for day-to-day activities following breast cancer treatment:

    • Chest Ice Pack
      • Provides pain relief after mastectomy. Comfortable and discrete design and can be easily inserted into bra or placed on breast. These reusable packs deliver comfortable cooling at approximately 58 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Comes with one soft cover and one cooling pack

    • Seat Belt Pillow
      • The seat belt pillow provides a comfortable barrier to protect sensitive areas from the pressure of a seat belt. Adjustable Velcro straps to adjust for your size and comfort. There is an added pocket for a gel pack to promote healing through hot or cold therapy while traveling.

    • Mastectomy Post-Op Pillow
      • Chest pillows maximize comfort for sleeping, resting, or driving to keep your arms, seat belts, and more away from your ribcage. This is a must have chest pillow for any breast surgery. Very soft with underarm support and comes with a hidden pocket for a cell phone or other items to keep within reach.

    • Seat Belt Extender for External Rotation
      • Reduces strain when twisting or reaching. Offering a convenient handle to allow the user to put on their seatbelt with minimal discomfort. The rubber handle is small, lightweight, and attaches to the seatbelt strap.
    • Bed Wedge Pillow
      • Helps reduce strain while getting up and ensures comfort throughout the night. 4-in-1 design bed wedge offers versatile elevation for the upper and lower body. Customize the level of support and incline to sit comfortably in bed.

    • Personal Lubricant Balm
      • For vaginal dryness following cancer treatment. This all-natural vaginal cream and moisturizer offers a unique blend of organic and natural ingredients to relieve and treat vaginal skin irritation, redness, and dryness for soothing relief.. Enchanted Rose Organic Personal Lubricant Balm
    • Hair Dryer Stand
      • Hands-free option for easy drying and styling. Allows effortless, strain-free styling and drying for those with limited mobility after a mastectomy or for energy conservation during treatments.

    • Long Handled Comb/Brush
      • For easy grooming without straining. Extra-long, ergonomic curved handles, make it easy to style hair from front to back with minimal shoulder and upper arm movement, providing less strain and discomfort.

     

    Tools to Improve Range of Motion (ROM)

    For many patients, regaining range of motion in the upper extremities is a key part of post-surgical recovery. Our products help facilitate this process:

    • Overdoor Pink Pulley for ROM : This over-the-door shoulder pulley will help to improve the range of motion with easy adjustable line length.
      Overdoor Pink Pulley for Post-Mastectomy Range of Motion
    • UE Ranger for Upper Extremities : Enhances recovery after mastectomy by promoting neuromuscular strengthening and coordination for optimal healing.
      UE Ranger Orthopedic
    • Shoulder Wand : Collapsable stretching bar to outward stretch the shoulder area scar tissue and increase range of motion for greater mobility and comfort.

     

    Swimwear

    We offer stylish, post-mastectomy swimwear that provides comfort, support, and confidence:

    • Manila Post-Mastectomy Swimwear High neckline to discreetly hide skin irritation or scars, providing a stylish and confident swimwear solution. Supportive shelf bra featuring integrated pockets and soft, padded cups to securely hold breast forms and shapers in place, effectively concealing any unevenness. Swimwear with excellent UV protection (50+) for optimal safeguarding of sensitive skin and scars.

     

    To view the rest of our breast cancer care products, visit www.pisceshealth.com/breast-cancer-care.

    Contact Us

    For more information about our products or to place an order, please contact us:

    Pisces Healthcare Solutions
    Phone: 1-888-505-3627
    Email:  customerservice@pisceshealth.com
    Website: Pisces Healthcare Solutions

     

    0 Overcoming Breast Cancer: Employee Stories That Inspire

     

    Pisces Employees Breast Cancer Stories:

    Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of those who have faced this challenging journey. At Pisces Healthcare, we believe that sharing personal stories can provide comfort, inspiration, and support to others going through similar experiences. This month, we're proud to share personal stories from our team members, who have opened up about their own experiences with breast cancer. By sharing these stories, we hope to remind everyone that they are not alone in their battle and that there is always hope.

     

    Heather’s story:

    My Story….and Breast Cancer

    “My grandmother, Ruth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1976.  By the time they found the cancer, it had spread to both of her breasts.  She underwent treatment and had a double mastectomy in 1978.  She continued to live a wonderfully filled life until December 22, 2007.

    My mother, Virginia often referred to as “Ginni”, was diagnosed in May of 2016.  I will never forget that phone call….it was rough.  When the “lump” was discovered, it was very small, so the doctors had a very good prognosis for her.  She had the lump surgically removed in July of that year.  After the surgery, she underwent both chemo and radiation.  She has been celebrating recovery and a “clean bill of health” now for the last eight years and will be turning a nice, young 72 years next April.

    I have always been behind supporting breast cancer awareness, but in 2016 I trained up and completed the October Walk of 60 miles in 3 days with the Susan G Komen Foundation.  The walk is no longer in Atlanta, but my daughters and I fundraise and walk together at all the local breast cancer events.  If I can get to do another 60 miles in 3 days in honor of my mother and memory of my grandmother…. I will be there.”

     

    Colleen’s story:

    “My mom is a breast cancer survivor & thyroid cancer 2x survivor. She is the strongest person I know! I know from her experience, argan oil really helped with her surgical scars, but compression garments helped with the lymphedema and heat therapy/thermal wraps helped with pain management! She is my best friend ever & I'm so thankful for her!” 

    Lauren’s story:

    “One of my high school girlfriends was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when she was 33. She had a young child and knew her treatments would leave her unable to have more children once she had recovered and survived! She is now married with her son in addition to 3 bonus sons so everything worked out, but she had to go through so much, at such a young age. I was fortunate to support her through our friendship, a fundraiser her family put on and participating in the Susan B Komen, run for the cure 5k! One year she was so sick she couldn’t even make it which made it all the more important for us to be there, honoring and supporting Team Tera!”

     

    Early Detection Saves Lives:

    The importance of staying proactive in the fight against breast cancer can be lifesaving. Here are some key steps to help you stay aware and maintain your breast health:

    • Perform Regular Self-Examinations: Regular breast self-exams can help you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect any changes. Aim to perform a self-exam once a month.
    • Schedule Regular Mammograms: Follow your doctor's recommendations for mammogram screenings based on your age and risk factors. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
    • Know Your Family History: Be aware of any family history of breast cancer or genetic factors that may increase your risk. Discuss your family history with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
    • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to overall health and may help lower your risk of breast cancer.
    • Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and recommendations regarding breast cancer prevention and screening. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing your health.

    Source: American Cancer Society “Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer”

     

    Sharing Stories Helps to Spread Hope

    We’re deeply touched by these stories and the resilience shown by our colleagues and their loved ones. Breast cancer is a journey that no one should have to face alone. It’s through sharing these experiences that we can bring hope, understanding, and support to others who are on a similar path. Whether it’s through participating in awareness walks, providing care and comfort to a loved one, or discovering products that can ease the process, every action counts. If you or someone you know is facing breast cancer, we encourage you to reach out, lean on your community, and find strength in the stories shared this month.

     

    To view the rest of our breast cancer care products visit www.pisceshealth.com/breast-cancer-care.

    0 Enhancing Customer Satisfaction from Solutions Consultants to Client Relations

    At Pisces Healthcare Solutions, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for all our customers. Our focus on customer satisfaction starts with our clinical partners selecting healthcare products for Veterans, extends to our prosthetics customers placing orders, and culminates in the delivery of products that enhance the quality of life for Veterans. 

    We achieve this by leveraging multiple departments to address various needs and provide tailored solutions. Our solutions consultants serve as the “boots on the ground,” working directly with customers. They handle immediate needs by troubleshooting issues, offering education, and demonstrating innovative products to VA clinical staff. 

    Behind the scenes, our Client Relations, Purchasing, Logistics and Clinical teams play a crucial role in enhancing the overall customer experience. These teams manage customer inquiries, process orders, stock our three distribution centers, and provide clinical expertise on new, updated, or discontinued products. Their contributions are essential in building systems and support structures that our customers rely on. 

    We deeply value our customers’ feedback and continuously seek to learn from their experiences. This blog is dedicated to showcasing customer insights, highlighting their feedback, and illustrating how we use this information to improve and grow. Let’s explore some of our recent customer reviews and see how they are shaping our approach. 

    What our Customers Love About our Team 

    “Our Solutions Consultant is extremely punctual, thorough, and helpful.” 

    “Our Solutions Consultant arranges to bring in equipment to demo with Vets on specific days/times. Often, if appropriate, she will bring extra props/items from home to complement her demonstrations/trials. As well as even researched and printed appropriate pre-/post- assessment tools to demonstrate the measurable benefit to the Veteran.” 

    “When I reach out with a question, assistance is prompt and extremely helpful with responses, often providing direct links in e-mail, which is extremely considerate given time limitations as a therapist.” 

    “Caring, compassionate, and helpful towards any and all Veterans and their family members.” 

    “We thoroughly enjoy our representative that has come to our facility. She has always been fantastic, knowledgeable, and has great presentations so that we are knowledgeable about the products we order from Pisces. Her presence has helped us provide better care and education to our patients here and I just wanted you all to know she is appreciated, as well as the rest of your team that supports your process and company.” 

    “With Pisces help we are improving our Veterans quality of life after undergoing lifelong changes and allowing them to be more independent in their care!” 

    “Extremely helpful in brainstorming and demoing multiple different devices to help our Veterans be able to be more independent.” 

    “Enjoy talking to your customer relations. It’s like a breath of fresh air and always in happy spirit” 

    “Helpful in finding an old item the VA ordered for our accounting team” 

    How We Incorporated Customer Feedback to Shape Our Processes and Systems! 

    Enhanced Communication: We’ve streamlined our communication through the website messaging system, enabling us to quickly respond to inquiries about order status, potential delays, and available product substitutions. Additionally, our self-service portal provides real-time access to order updates, communication history, tracking details, and final invoices. 

    Boosting Delivery Efficiency: To reduce delivery times nationwide, we’ve expanded the size of our distribution centers and added a third location in Fort Myers, FL. We also introduced the Quick Ship collection, designed to provide a comprehensive range of clinical products, ensuring Veterans receive their necessary items as quickly as possible. 

    Improving Our Website: Our website is updated daily by both our clinical and web teams to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate when shopping for healthcare products. Key features include clinical filters, weight capacity labels, and grouping of products with their accessories and replacement parts for a smoother shopping experience. 

    We welcome our customers to continue sharing their thoughts with us. Your feedback is invaluable and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our company. Whether it’s a compliment, a suggestion, or a concern, we want to hear from you. Please send your feedback through the Contact Us page on our website or through email to customerservice@pisceshealth.com 

    0 World Brain Day

    Neurological disorders remain significant contributors to disability-adjusted life years. Conditions such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, meningitis, and epilepsy globally impact the health of billions. The World Health reported in 2021 that more than 3 billion people worldwide were living with some type of neurological condition (WHO, 2024).  

    Encouragingly, a substantial proportion of neurological cases can be prevented. Notably, 90% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsies are preventable with effective preventive measures available for conditions like migraine, headache disorders, and neurological infections. To bring awareness to these proactive measures, World Brain Day was created. 

    World Brain Day is dedicated to brain health and prevention measures. This is a global campaign, reaching an unprecedented scale and elevating awareness about disabilities across 123 countries. The active participation of the World Health Organization (WHO) lends momentum to this year's campaign, shedding light on the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) with a focus on epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Brain health is crucial for overall well-being and cognitive function throughout life. Here are some important strategies and tips for preventing cognitive decline and maintaining brain health: 

     

    1. Healthy Diet: 

    • Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. 
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these are beneficial for brain health. 
    • Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, help protect the brain from damage.
    • Products

    2. Physical Activity:

    3. Mental Stimulation:

    4. Quality Sleep: 

    5. Stress Management: 

    6. Avoid Harmful Substances:

    • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol can damage brain cells. 
    • Avoid Smoking: Smoking is harmful to brain health and overall well-being. 

    7. Regular Check-ups: 

    8. Brain Injury Prevention:

    9. Hydration:

    10. Manage Chronic Conditions:

    By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can significantly improve their brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Promoting awareness about these practices is vital for community health and well-being. 

    World Brain Day 2024 serves as a rally point for global efforts to prioritize and safeguard brain health. By spreading awareness, fostering collaboration, and advocating for prevention measures, we can collectively pave the way for a healthier future for all. Pisces Healthcare Solutions is the largest distributor in Veterans Affairs, and we are here to provide solutions to all your daily life roles through our large catalog offering. 

    Beyond Words: Raising Awareness for Aphasia This June
    0 Beyond Words: Raising Awareness for Aphasia This June

    June is #AphasiaAwarenessMonth. Despite affecting millions of Americans, most people are not familiar with aphasia. During June, recognized nationally as Aphasia Awareness Month, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is encouraging the public to learn more about the language disorder—and the effective, often life-altering, treatment provided by speech-language pathologists. 

    What is Aphasia? 

    affected areas of aphasia brain

    Aphasia is a language disorder that affects how you communicate. It is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain, usually in the left side of the brain, that control understanding, speaking, and using signed languages. Aphasia may also impact one’s ability to reador write. People often think that those with aphasia have cognitive issues because they struggle to communicate. This is not true: Aphasia is not associated with cognitive deficits. However, word-finding difficulty—a hallmark symptom of aphasia—may be an early symptom of other neurological conditions, such as primary progressive aphasia (a form of dementia), that are accompanied by cognitive impairments. 

    According to the National Aphasia Association (NAA), more than 2 million people in the United States have aphasia. One third of all strokes result in the language disorder. Despite its prevalence, nearly 85% of adults over age 25 have never heard the term "aphasia." This highlights a significant gap in awareness about a condition that impacts so many lives. 

    Causes of Aphasia 

    Aphasia is most often caused by a stroke. However, any change to the brain can cause aphasia. This may include traumatic brain injury. Other causes may include brain infections, brain tumors, and other neurologic disorders that may worsen over time. 

    Treatment Approaches 

    speech pathologist

    Aphasia can be addressed in a variety of ways. Speech-language pathologists aim to use a person’s specific goals and priorities to determine a treatment plan, for example going back to work or resuming a specific hobby such as gardening, fishing, or attending card games with family and friends  

    The goal of intervention is to help people with aphasia reestablish their communication skills and to work with family members and other communication partners to identify and train strategies that can support communication with their loved ones. Speech-language pathologists may also help people with aphasia find alternative ways to share ideas when they have trouble communicating. This may include drawing, writing, pointing, using gestures, and using other visual supports—these alternative methods are called augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC.  

    We asked our in-house Speech-Language Pathologist what her favorite Pisces Healthcare products for aphasia are. This is what Stephani Luhrsen, MS CCC-SLP, Clinical Education Specialist, was most excited to share: 

    Talking Photo Album with Personalized Voice Recorded Messages 

    Talking Photo Album with Personalized Voice Recorded Messages

    This is a motivating, patient specific,communication and intervention tool that can be utilized across the continuum of care. The album has 20 pages with pictures and audible captions and allows you to record personalized messages of up to 18 seconds per page. 

    7 Level Communication Builder

    7 Level Communication Builder

    I love this customizable lower-tech AAC option that allows the user to record and play back from 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 different messages per level. There are 7 levels for recordings for a total of 112 messages. Depending on the veteran’s level of function and communication priorities, this communication builder can be set up to suit each individual’s specific needs throughout their treatment path. 

    SyncPen2 - 2nd Generation Smart Pen 

    SyncPen2 - 2nd Generation Smart Pen

    The pen digitally records all your notes onto your smartphone, allowing you to seamlessly transition between digital and physical timekeeping. This tool is a great option for patients with high level receptive aphasia who are transitioning back in to work or a learning environment to be able to support their comprehension and make sure that no information is missed! 

    #AphasiaAwarenessMonth

    RESOURCES: 

    Free downloadable low-tech communication boards to help you communicate in your community, including boards for aphasia awareness, speaking with a doctor or pharmacist, or going to places like the airport or grocery and more.  

    Talk Tools | Aphasia Recovery Connection 

    7 Communication Tips for Talking with Someone with Aphasia from the National Aphasia Association 

    https://youtu.be/zkhlMrjsnyo 

    General Information from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) 

    What is Aphasia (with Michael Settles) - ASHA Stream