Monday, 3 September 2012

The other side of the Pink ribbons

In my journey with Breast Cancer , so far, I had some lovely ladies contact me , women who have experienced breast cancer offering me emotional support & advice ; (including other women who had a mastectomy because they were at risk of breast cancer) and others with more practical offers.

I feel blessed to have crossed paths with them only due to the challenging circumstances in which I now find myself. A silver lining in the haze of stormy clouds and fog.

One of my readers, Meli sent me an email about 7 weeks ago, regarding her sister, Lily De Santis

who runs a mobile breast prosthesis and bra fitting service. She has also read your blog and was very moved. As I help her promote her business, she wanted me to ask you if you would be interested in receiving a free home visit , along with some complimentary products of your choice - she has terrific bras, swimwear and other lovely and practical items. Lily established this business on her own and is dedicated to making women feel great about themselves. She believes a personal, in-home service is the best way for her to provide this.



I have only spoken to Lily by phone and through emails. Lily, after reading my blog post last week , sent me some lovely head scarves to try.

Our first planned meeting , a few weeks ago, was postponed as Lily was unwell and I was at high risk of infections (due to a low white cell count from chemotherapy).

When I get to Sydney, next , she is going to fit me with my new prostheses ( . ) ( . ) and some lovely bras. She even popped some temporary gym ( . Y . ) in the post. I'll need a special swimsuit too that my prostheses will fit into.


Last week , Lily, shared with me her nomination, by one of her clients, for a special outstanding service award via American express Great service quest .They have been searching all over Australia for the most outstanding service professionals. Lily was very excited last week to be advised she was a finalist - 1 of 3 in home services.

Lily's 'kind' of personal home service is very unique and special to women who have or are going through breast cancer , especially after surgery. Imagine how daunting it is to bare your scarred body in front of a stranger ... just the thought of going into a store and ask for a fitting was very emotional for me. 

There was no expectation that I blog about Lily and her services. I am due to have a home visit soon.(at my Mum's home). Firstly , because I live out west and also because they recommend you wait 6-10 after double mastectomy surgery for a proper fitting.

I can't yet share my own battle scars here.They lie across my at chest , from the base my sternum at 45 ° angle one about 17cm long , the other 15cms - extending just below and into my armpits.

Another Breast Cancer friend sent me a link to The Scar project : just to give you an idea of what we are confronted with everyday.

The SCAR Project is a shockingly raw, yet strikingly beautiful, photo series that shows a side of breast cancer we're not used to seeing: the reality."
-Forbes


 Lily's services are also listed on the Breast Cancer Network Australia here: http://www.bcna.org.au/ldirectory/listing/lilybliss-you-bra-fitting-service-nsw


Comments (21)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
What a beautiful & sensitive service! I went through & voted for Lily. Thank you for continuing to talk about your recovery. Breast cancer is not an issue to be swept under the carpet. All the best for your fitting!
What a fabulous service she is providing.
Hi Trish,
Thank you for writing about my sister Lily. I can genuinely say she always puts the women she works with first, and she has found her true calling with this work. I think becoming a finalist in the awards has really taken her by surprise. She really deserves the recognition she is getting for doing this important work, and a huge thanks to you for supporting her. I admire how you can write about your experiences with breast cancer with such clarity and insight - I am sure you are helping many other women on their own journeys. x
My recent post It can't always be bittersweet
I've voted for her and do hope she wins. She's providing such an amazing service for a lot of women in need of this. I love how personalised her services are and discreet too.
Done. And I'm off to share your post too. Big Luv Trish xox :-)
My recent post Day 1 of 20 Days To Organise & Clean Your Home – The Organised Housewife.
What a remarkable woman. I'm more than happy to vote for her. There ought to be more people like her in the world.
That's a great idea! Home service has to be a more comfortable experience than going into a big store and asking for help with so many other people around.
What a great service Lily provides. I hope she wins the award. Even if she doesn't she has already won in many peoples eyes.
My recent post Shhh – We Found A Special Place
OH Trish this brought tears to my eyes.. such generosity such beautiful caring work.. my vote is there.. I hope you get your fitting soon!! xxx sending our prayers as always xxx
My recent post {review} food babies love + giveaway
What a wonderful service she offers- have voted :)
What a wonderful service. Wishing Lily all the best in the finals.
My recent post Planning to plan
Beautiful post about an amazing woman. I hope Lily wins this award!
She has my vote! I love how you keep coming up with so many inspiring stories throughout this journey, Trish. Big hugs xxx
My recent post I got involved in local politics…and I liked it…
What a great initiative and such a worthy cause. Off to vote for her right now
What a wonderful service. I can't imagine anything being easy after breast surgery, but the adjustment to a new body must be particularly difficult. Thank God for angels like Lily xx
Great service Trish and I hope she wins too.
A wonderful post about an amazing person helping others, I will definitely vote for Lily and share this post. And thank you for sharing your journey too, I don't know you personally but your posts show a lot of strength, courage and positivity and I admire you for that.
My recent post Wordless Wednesday - I've got my gardening boots on!
What an amazing service she's providing. Too often significant human experiences can seem so far removed until we either experience them, or meet people who have. I see it as putting a face to these things which immediately personalises it, (I've a draft post about this idea on the topic of racism). Thank you for sharing your journey which has you both as "student" and "teacher". xxoo
My recent post Wordless Wednesday – August Snapshots
this sounds like an incredible service that would give so many women a sigh of relief I am sure. It is so humbling to know there are such people out there as well. Thankyou for all your inspiration xx
My recent post play time: edible necklace
I have voted and I'm so pleased there is an amazing service out for there people in need of some tender loving care. Just buying lingerie from a department store is a vile enough experience for people who aren't dealing with trauma from illness and post-surgery, so I can't imagine how difficult it must be.
My recent post Thankful Thursday : Homesick

Post a new comment

Comments by