News and Information

Centerpoint Summer 2010 (PDF)

Cancer Boutique Open at Smilow

This spring the Boutique at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven opened as a new resource for cancer patients to find a helping hand moving forward.  The boutique makes life easier for patients facing a diagnosis of cancer, and the side effects of treatment, by giving them a convenient place to find items such as breast prostheses, canes, scarves, fashion advice, and educational information.

Located on the first floor of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, the boutique is designed to be an open and welcoming spot where patients can feel comfortable no matter what stage of treatment they are in.  Linda Secher was asked to come on as a consultant during the planning phase of the boutique, and she remains the driving force behind the boutique. 

Bonnie Indeck, Director of Patient and Family Services at Yale Cancer Center, is one of the many people responsible for referring patients to the boutique.  She commented that for patients, feeling confident in their appearance is an important step in the cancer journey and that the new boutique allows them to do just that.

During her career, Linda has opened 24 cancer boutiques, or ‘appearance centers,’ across the country, including at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and so she knows what it takes to make a cancer boutique work for patients.  In addition to treatment-related items, such as for women undergoing breast surgery and wigs, the boutique also carries gift items, including slippers, purses, and hats. 

“What this boutique does for Smilow is make it a truly comprehensive hospital.  In addition to providing patients with top medical care, the resources available in this boutique ensure that the whole body is being cared for,” Linda explained.  “Being a part of this boutique is very rewarding for me personally as well.  If I can help take a little stress away from someone undergoing cancer treatment, then I know I have done a good job.”

Lymphedema, an abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling most often in the arms or legs is a side effect that can occur after treatment for breast cancer.  The boutique offers products such as ‘lymphedema sleeves’ to help manage these symptoms.  For patients losing their hair during treatment, they can receive a free ‘buzz cut’ as well.

“This boutique is one-stop-shopping for patients and supplies them with many of the things they will need to begin down the road of recovery.  From sun-protective clothing to motivational items, patients have access to products that will encourage them to feel good about themselves,” Bonnie said.

The boutique is certified to do fittings for breast prostheses and can assist with billing insurance companies for their services and products.  Bathing suit prostheses are also available. The boutique is open Monday-Friday, and Saturday by appointment.  “We will try to accommodate our patient’s needs and be flexible over the coming months,” Linda said.  The boutique is open to all patients in the region, not just those being treated at Smilow Cancer Hospital.