The Vivo Health Boutique has opened inside the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, offering both male and female patients a range of cancer support products in a convenient location and comfortable atmosphere.
The boutique features products designed for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation along with those recovering from lumpectomy, mastectomy and breast reconstruction. For example, patients receiving radiation therapy may experience skin irritations. To help with relief, the boutique offers natural skin care products, including lotions, as well as T-shirts made of soft fabric with minimal seams. The store also carries bras and camisoles without elastic that do not aggravate the skin. A range of compression garments for lymphedema (swelling) and vascular edema is available.
Vivo Health Pharmacy teamed up with A Personal Touch Boutiques who has expertise in helping women undergoing the transition from cancer diagnosis to survivorship. For breast cancer patients, the store carries a full line of bras with prosthesis pockets, bras designed for a custom fit after breast reconstruction surgery and robes that accommodate drains. Other items include bathing suits, active wear, scarves and hats. All major insurance plans are accepted.
“The boutique is a more relaxed and private environment and feels less medical than a traditional retail store,” said Gelene Graham, a certified mastectomy fitter at Vivo Health Boutique, who has 20 years of experience in the prosthetics and orthotics field. “We try to make the cancer journey as easy as possible for patients, providing a high-level of customer service and one-stop shopping.”
The boutique is inside the Vivo Health Pharmacy, another convenience for patients at Monter Cancer Center or undergoing treatment in the Department of Radiation Medicine.
“The boutique is filling a real niche for our patients,” said Jane Carleton, MD, breast medical oncologist and associate chief of clinical affairs in the Don Monti Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology of Northwell Health Cancer Institute. “There is so much stress with cancer and the boutique makes it easier for patients to do more than one thing during a visit.
“Oncologists are prescribing mastectomy bras and prostheses and we trust the quality of the products being carried in the store because doctors and nurses, as well as patients were involved in the planning of the facility,” Dr. Carleton said. “We are putting patients first, supporting people as much as possible, knowing there will be no mistakes or glitches.”
The Vivo Health Boutique is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Center for Advanced Medicine, 450 Lakeville Road in Lake Success, New York. For more information, please call 855-202-2502.
