Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump occurring almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer too. (story continues below)
Did you know that about one in eight US women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime?
The launch of the Women’s Health Boutique in Longview followed the loss of Vicki Jones’ and Crystal Jones Tipton’s mother, Billie Marie Dortch, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1987. Dortch’s daughters, Vicki Jones and Crystal Jones Tipton made it their mission to create a place where women could have their special needs met with respect and sensitivity and sometimes a hug or two.
The store began as a corner store with medical equipment for women recovering from cancer in 1988, but the flagship location in Longview opened in 1992 and now has spread to a nationwide system of boutiques to serve women from coast to coast.
Breast cancer is personal, and the products you are fitted with are personal. That’s why each woman is treated with dignity through every fitting. When you’re there, you’re the most important woman in the world, and your comfort is what matters most. They will take this journey with you, from diagnosis through treatment, and beyond.
When you face health challenges such as breast surgery, hair loss, or lymphedema you deserve a provider that understands and cares about your special needs. Whether you are visiting one of the beautiful Women’s Health Boutiques or shopping online, their goal is to meet your needs with sensitivity and respect.
Whether you have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, implant removal, breast augmentation, breast reconstruction or reduction, the certified fitters will help determine what is best for you. They offer the most innovative products on the market, including silicone, foam, partial and custom prostheses. Products include post surgery camisoles, compression garments, breast prosthetics, mastectomy bras, custom breast forms, hats, wigs and turbans. Fashion Bras include strapless and special occasion bras and high impact sports bras.
They also offer a variety of hats, scarves and turbans, as well as synthetic wigs and accessories. Their extensive inventory includes machine-tied, monofilament (hand-tied), and lace front, as well as heat-friendly fibers. All will come in a variety of colors and styles.
For the pregnant and nursing Moms, there are nursing bras, support bras and sleep. Women’s Health Boutique may be best known for their mastectomy and lymphedema products but whether you are looking for that perfect fashion bra fit, a cute and sassy wig, or are a mother-to-be needing a maternity bra or breast pump, they are there to help you. From expecting mothers to breast cancer survivors to women with hair loss, to anyone with edema or lymphedema, professional fitters and staff will take the time to learn what you need and meet your needs with passion.
The Certified Fitters have a genuine concern about you and will treat you with the utmost respect, continuing to follow their mission: To help meet your special health care needs by making a positive difference in the way you look and feel about yourself.
A little about the certified fitters: Rosie has owned Women’s Health Boutique for sixteen years. She has a passion for helping people and is thankful to be able to invest in peoples lives.
Victoria has worked here for fifteen years and has discovered this is more than just a job, it is a ministry. “My passion is to make sure that each woman that comes through our doors is treated with kindness, compassion and empathy, that somehow we touch her life in a lasting way,” she commented.
Brittany has been here for eight years. She left a career impacting children’s lives to start working here to impact women’s lives and to help them restore something that has been lost.
Women’s Health Boutique is conveniently located at the corner of 122nd and North May Ave in Oklahoma City, in the Shoppes at Northpark.