Staying Sew Connected
When Erica created the FemPower Belt, she did not intend to lay the groundwork for a simple product that has helped countless patients. She was simply looking for a way to channel some presurgical jitters and shield her two young children from the sight of postsurgical drains. “My son was in the threes, and my […]
Just Bring a Chicken!
One topic that surfaces at almost every Sisterhood of Support (SOS) group is how friends respond after one has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Our patients are often overwhelmed by the kindness and support they receive from mere acquaintances and—occasionally—disappointed by those closest to them. It is not unusual for friends, family members, and other […]
Mammography Facilities Are Now Required to Share Information on Breast Tissue Density
Self-advocacy among patients is largely based on access to both information on health in general and information about a patient’s own body. It is vital for healthcare facilities and providers to share detailed, quality information on test results, physical exams, and any other type of assessment. Moreover, providers must contextualize that information, so that patients […]
An Opportunity Worth Keeping Your Ears Open For
“They just care. I feel like with their cancer patients, they really take the time,” Dr. Randall Feingold’s patient, Nancy, reflected on her experience with the NYBRA team. Nancy was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in 2017 at the age of 57. She underwent bilateral mastectomies with DIEP flap breast reconstruction with Dr. Feingold. As she […]
Dr. Jonathan Bank Joins The Breasties for a Conversation on Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome
Dr. Jonathan Bank joined The Breasties on Instagram on March 6th, 2023, for a discussion on Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS). This underserved condition involves chronic pain after mastectomy. Dr. Bank and the entire NYBRA team is committed to treating patients with this issue and educating both patients and other physicians on this chronic, underserved […]
Join Us for: “Living Well Despite Adversity: Inspiration for Finding Renewed Meaning and Joy in Your Life” on April 3rd
Join us on for our next lecture as part of our Be Informed Lecture Series. Our guest speaker is: Harriet Cabelly, LCSW Monday, April 3rd at 9:30AM EST Please join us for this educational session on “Living Well Despite Adversity: Inspiration for Finding Renewed Meaning and Joy in Your Life” *Registration is […]
This Little Pocket: Hey, It Works!
“I’ve sewn for them before; this was the fifth time. One other time I did something on my own. Another time we made safety belt cushions—we had a bunch of people in a workroom,” Pat recalled, reflecting on the times she’s used her love of sewing to help our practice community. Pat was one of […]
Observing the Effects of the Patient Empowerment Program
When I first began to develop the Patient Empowerment Program (PEP) that now stands as a cornerstone to our practice, I knew it needed to be extensive, layered, and long-lasting. My mind works very visually. When I think about the PEP as it stands now, I see an image of a set of nesting dolls. […]
Embracing the Power of Choice: Michelle’s Choice to Protect Her Family and Mind
“Breast cancer awareness was always something I was passionate about even before anyone in my family was affected,” Michelle explained. As Michelle’s life unfolded, her family was, in fact, affected. Her 35-year-old aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Michelle began screening mammograms at the age of 34. Michelle herself had already had a benign lump […]
Patients Paying it Forward: NYBRA and Full Circle Physical Therapy’s FemPower Belt Workshop
On February 5, 2023, 29 generous individuals gathered together at Full Circle Physical Therapy to help our practice restock a key, handmade item: the FemPower Belt. FemPower Belts were originally designed by Erica Misorek, a breast reconstruction patient who was looking for a way to manage her Jackson-Pratt drains after surgery. These helpful, drain-holding belts […]