Dickson County Source

We have loved serving you in each of our current locations, but we need room to grow. Our wonderful patients have asked for more space, a broader selection of sizes and colors in our offerings, more accessible parking, and a wider range of appointment times. That simply wasn’t possible in our already cramped spots. So, we took a big leap and are thrilled to announce the countdown to a new, consolidated Pretty in Pink Boutique! Thursday, August 3rd, our staff and owners toured our newly constructed, much larger central location. Looking “pretty in pink” in their construction hats as they explored the new space, our staff is confident that this new, bigger-and-better store design will provide you with an enhanced experience. The final day of appointments at the existing locations will be Wednesday, August 30th, so that we can move everything (and everyone). Beginning Wednesday, September 6th, all 4 Middle Tennessee locations will consolidate into our new, larger single location i...

Summer is the time we all let loose. We spend more time traveling, have more social engagements, and keep the kids entertained at the pool. As we start our back-to-school schedule, it’s a great time to plan ahead with wellness routines. Our customers who have completed breast cancer treatment will be understandably relieved to move beyond that stage of care, but there are still many regular checkups recommended as part of your wellness routine. And our customers currently undergoing treatment can also benefit from scheduling ahead when possible. Wellness Routine Schedule Here are some examples of appointments you should make for the following year based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society : Doctor visits: These visits typically occur every few months after finishing treatment. As time passes and you remain cancer-free, the appointments will be needed less frequently. Mammograms: Depending on your type of cancer and any surgeries you’ve had, the fr...

For breast cancer survivors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance to support their recovery and overall well-being. Engaging in outdoor exercise during the summer months can be a rewarding way to improve physical fitness, boost mental health, and enjoy the beautiful weather. However, it’s essential for survivors to exercise safety and take certain precautions to protect their health, especially in the hot Tennessee sun. Learn more about valuable outdoor exercise tips tailored specifically for breast cancer survivors during the summer season. Consult with Your Healthcare Team Before starting any new exercise routine, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare team, including your oncologist and primary care physician. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition, treatment history, and any potential limitations. Start Slowly and Gradually Increase Intensity If you’re new to exercise or have had a break during treatment, it’s ...

Breast cancer patients face numerous challenges during their treatment journey, and maintaining proper hydration is one critical aspect that requires special attention, particularly during the hot summer months. Adequate hydration plays a vital role in supporting overall health, managing treatment side effects, and ensuring the body’s optimal functioning. Pretty in Pink Boutique discusses the significance of hydration for breast cancer patients and provides essential tips for staying hydrated during the scorching summer season. The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment on Hydration Breast cancer treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy can lead to various side effects that increase the risk of dehydration. Chemotherapy, for instance, can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, resulting in fluid loss. Radiation therapy may cause skin reactions, fatigue, and increased perspiration, further exacerbating dehydration. Hormone therapy can also lead to h...

Coping with breast cancer treatment and its accompanying side effects can be challenging, especially during the summer months when the weather is warm and activities are in full swing. However, with proper planning and a few helpful strategies, you can navigate the summer season while managing your treatment and minimizing discomfort. This article provides practical tips and insights to help breast cancer patients cope with treatment and side effects during the summer. Protect Your Skin During cancer treatment, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun. It’s crucial to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to shield your skin. Opt for shade or plan outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s intensity is lower. Managing Fatigue Cancer treatments can cause fatigue, which may be exacerbated in hot weather. Stay cool by using fans, air conditioning, ...

Planning a summer vacation is an exciting endeavor, and for individuals navigating breast cancer, it’s essential to consider specific factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With careful preparation and consideration, traveling can still be possible for breast cancer patients and survivors. Pretty in Pink Boutique has tips and guidelines to help you plan and embark on a summer vacation while prioritizing your health and well-being. Consult with Your Healthcare Team Before embarking on any travel plans, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare team. Discuss your vacation plans, obtain necessary medical clearances, and seek advice tailored to your specific condition and treatment. They can provide valuable insights, ensure you have adequate medications, and address any concerns related to your travel destination. Plan Ahead and Research Your Destination Research and plan your trip well in advance. Consider factors such as travel distance, climate, availability of medic...

Breast cancer treatment can significantly impact a person’s mental health , often leading to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. Taking care of your mental well-being during this time is crucial for your overall quality of life. This article aims to provide practical strategies and coping mechanisms to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges that may arise during breast cancer treatment. Seek and Accept Support Dealing with breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to your support network , including family, friends, and breast cancer support groups. Allow others to provide comfort, understanding, and practical assistance, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Knowing that you have a reliable support system can significantly alleviate the burden on your mental health. Open Communicate with Your Healthcare Team Maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare team throu...

Losing a breast due to a mastectomy can be a difficult and emotional experience, and it can take time to adjust to the changes in your body. One common issue that many women face after their mastectomy is uneven breasts, with one side being larger or smaller than the other. Pretty in Pink Boutique has tips on how you can adjust to life after your mastectomy or lumpectomy and help you learn to cope with your uneven breasts. Talk To Your Doctor If you are experiencing uneven breasts after your surgery, talk to your doctor or a certified fitter at Pretty in Pink Boutique. They may be able to recommend specific bras or prostheses to help balance out your shape. Consider a Breast Prosthesis A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast that can be worn inside your bra to create a more symmetrical appearance. These are available in a range of sizes and shapes and can be made from silicone, foam, or other materials. Experiment With Different Bra Styles Some bra styles are better s...

Getting ready for summer can be an exciting time, but for women who have undergone a mastectomy, it can also be a time of uncertainty and insecurity. The good news is that with the proper planning and preparation, it is possible to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, and Pretty in Pink Boutique is here to help. Here are some tips and tricks for getting ready for summer after your mastectomy. Breast Prothesis Breast prostheses can help restore the shape and weight of your breast tissue, giving you a more natural look and feel. There are many different types of prostheses available, including lightweight foam options for swimming and exercise and silicone options that can be worn under clothing. Talk to your doctor or a certified fitter at Pretty in Pink Boutique to find the best options for you. Choose Comfortable Swimwear There are many options for swimwear that can help you feel confident and comfortable after a mastectomy. Look for swimsuits with built-in pockets...

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Claudia Dixon: My name is Claudia, and I am a Certified Compression and Mastectomy fitter for Pretty in Pink Boutique and I’ve been with the company for six years now. Was lymphedema part of your breast cancer journey? CD: I do not have lymphedema, thankfully. With my breast cancer, I only had to have one lymph node removed, which is the sentinel node, which is common. I do use a preventative sleeve when I’m exercising or flying, that sort of thing. What have you noticed in changes to how lymphedema has been treated over the year? What’s better? What’s the same? CD: There’s a lot more doctors that have a lot more knowledge about it now than they did six years ago when I started. They’re learning more and more about lymphedema and how to treat it, and that lymphedema therapy is vital, is a vital role in treating lymphedema. What do you love about helping people with lymphedema? CD: I like helping people regardl...

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Pam Ludwig: I’m Pam Ludwig. I’m the owner of Pretty in Pink Boutique, founded in 2005. We have four locations in the Middle Tennessee area: Franklin, One Hundred Oaks, Hendersonville, and Murfreesboro. We are a combined business. We are a breast cancer boutique providing all necessary post-surgery items after breast cancer and then also a compression garment and lymphedema specialist. What inspired you to start offering compression garments? PL: We started as a breast cancer boutique in 2005, if you’ve heard this story before, as a love letter to my mom who did pass away from breast cancer. My mom did not have lymphedema–she did not develop lymphedema after her breast surgery. My mom, unfortunately, only was with us for 10 months after her diagnosis. I don’t know if she didn’t have enough time to develop lymphedema or maybe she just was one of those lucky ones who was not going to get lymphedema. As I learned as we launched ...

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Jennifer Kirkpatrick: My name is Jennifer Kirkpatrick and I am a physical therapist and a certified lymphedema therapist. I graduated from physical therapy school in 1996 and I obtained my lymphedema certification in 2001 so I’ve been treating lymphedema patients for over 20 years. I’m currently working with our team of lymphedema experts at the Vanderbilt Dayani Center. What inspired you to become a physical therapist and work in the lymphedema field? JK: I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare but was a little unsure in what field specifically. When I went to college I was exposed to various professions in the healthcare field and spent some time observing and volunteering in various PT (physical therapy) settings and decided that was exactly what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I was out of physical therapy school and moved to the Nashville area that I was exposed to the lymphedema population and lymphedema trea...

Compression garments are a necessity for many people. Whether you are born with lymphedema or receive a diagnosis later in life, compression garments are a large part of your life. As your compression garments are medical grade, you will need to wear them as often as prescribed, and they are something you have to think about while going through your daily routine. Rather than looking at compression garments as a hassle and something that might make you feel discouraged, you should think of them as another accessory that can be used to express yourself and your style in your everyday life. Keep It Simple Many people prefer to opt for a compression garment that doesn’t draw attention to itself, which might be the perfect option for you. You can opt for a skin tone compression garment or a neutral color like black or white. It’s functional and allows the focus to stay on your outfit rather than your compression garments. Be Bold Rather than opt for a skin tone compression garm...

With 2023 in full swing, people are starting to work on their resolutions. For those who just got diagnosed with breast cancer, resolutions may not be at the top of their mind. But, it’s important to focus on keeping your body both physically and mentally healthy on your journey. Pretty in Pink Boutique has put together some fun and entertaining resolutions that can help you prioritize yourself and your health this year. Spend Time with Loved Ones Make sure you are getting in plenty of time with your friends and family. They are there to help you along your journey and spending time with them can help you improve your mood. It’s important to be in good spirits when you can and the ones that care about you are the best people to surround yourself with. Eat Healthier Many people try and work out more going into the new year. Don’t try to accomplish difficult goals if they end up putting unnecessary stress on yourself. Focus on goals that may be easier to accomplish and makes y...

Compression garments are becoming increasingly popular among the general public, especially athletes, because of the health benefits they can give to your body. Whether you are using over-the-counter compression garments or ones that are prescribed to you, it’s important you take care of them and know when to replace them for your safety. Pretty in Pink Boutique is here to inform you about how often you should replace your compression garments and tips to help elongate their use. Replacing Compression Garments A very common question is how often should you replace your compression garments. Usually, they need to be replaced every 3-6 months, which depends on certain factors. Rather than just guessing when it is time to replace them, there are signs you should look out for. Over time, the fibers within the compression garments break down and don’t provide the proper compression they should. If they become easy to put on, it’s time to replace them. If you lose or gain a sig...

Many women go in for their regularly scheduled mammogram as another part of their day and come out with a shocking new reality – that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This can be a scary, life-changing diagnosis, and you may not know where to start or what to do next. Pretty in Pink Boutique is here to help you through this experience. Check out these tips to keep in mind after your diagnosis and know you are not alone. Handling Your Emotions Everyone deals with their diagnosis differently, and it’s hard to know exactly how you’ll react. Your feelings may change by the hour and can be hard to process. The hardest part for you may be right after you receive your diagnosis before your treatment plan is laid out or later on while going through your treatment. Try thinking back on how you handled difficult situations in the past. While it may not be the same feeling as a breast cancer diagnosis, you may feel similar emotions and be able to cope with them in similar ways...

Breast cancer can affect any woman, from your local hairdresser to a popular celebrity. There are many household names that have gone through or are currently experiencing breast cancer. Many celebrities choose to keep their health private, but there are others that are very outspoken about their experience and choose to use their condition to raise awareness and show us that we can be impacted by the same things. Check out the experiences of these celebrities who have gone through the same thing you have! Wanda Sykes In 2011, Sykes opted to have breast reduction surgery. It was this surgery that spotted her cancer, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). With a long history of breast cancer in her family, she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy, removing both breasts in order to prevent any future risk of breast cancer. Sheryl Crow The now 60-year-old musician almost skipped her routine mammogram that diagnosed her with breast cancer at age 44. Crow was diagnosed with stage one b...

From Pretty in Pink Boutique Pam Ludwig is the founder and owner of Pretty in Pink Boutique. The business was started in April 2004 to help a few women in the Nashville area who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and might need post-breast surgery products. It quickly evolved into something much larger and now there are four locations in Middle Tennessee. Pretty in Pink Boutique no longer serves just breast cancer patients but also patients that have needs for compression garments, including burn patients and pediatric patients. Why did you start Pretty in Pink? Pam Ludwig: I started Pretty in Pink Boutique because I lost my mother to breast cancer in 1994. After she passed away I decided to go back to school to become a nurse. I was really moved by the whole experience my mom had with her breast cancer journey. It was a short journey, she was stage 4 when was diagnosed. All during that process, I was with her along the way, I was with her the moment we lost her to...