Friends Place
Services and Programs for Cancer Patients
Fittings with certified fitters for:
- Breast prostheses and bras
- Compression garments
- Hair prostheses (wigs)
- Wig and haircuts
Fashion Advice
- Head-wrap and scarf-tying techniques
- On-site cosmetologists providing skincare
and nail care advice
Billing services for major insurance companies
The Friends Place provides private individualized consultations for:
The Friends Place has camisoles, nightwear, and swimwear for women who have had breast surgery.
- Hair loss alternatives, including wigs, hats, scarves, head coverings, detachable hair pieces and wig styling
- Hair and buzz cuts
- Hair loss consultation and cutting on request provided at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston
- Post-breast surgery needs, including breast prostheses, custom breast prostheses, prosthetic bras, camisoles, swimwear and nightwear
- Post-breast surgery visits to Brigham and Women's Hospital and complimentary gift bags provided to aid in the recovery process (Breast Surgery Program)
- Compression garments to manage symptoms of lymphedema
If you're interested in a wig fitting, haircut, breast prostheses, prosthetic bra or compression garment fitting, please call (617) 632-2211 to schedule an appointment.
Other services offered at the Friends Place include:
- Alterations on wigs, swimsuits, bras (pockets can be sewn into your non-mastectomy bras and swimsuits)
- Financial assistance for patients experiencing hair loss or in need of post-breast surgery items
- Prosthetic banks: donated wigs and breast forms that are available free of charge to our patients.
- Complimentary sleepcaps for men and women inpatients at BWH through our Team Andy Fund
Support programs
Lymphedema Talks
Alicia Scott shows a customer how to tie a headscarf.
- Lymphedema talks – Talks on lymphedema are provided by Brigham and Women's and Faulkner Hospital physical therapists discussing tips for risk prevention and therapy maintenance options. Lymphedema resource packets are also available.
- Look Good … Feel Better sessions – Look Good … Feel Better is a free, non-medical, national public service program founded in 1989 by the American Cancer Society and supported by corporate donors to help women and teens offset appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. Each two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care/make-up application lesson, demonstration of options for dealing with hair loss, and nail care techniques.
- Puff Program for post-breast surgery – The Puff Program includes complimentary bags for women having a biopsy, lumpectomy, or mastectomy. They are designed especially to provide support after breast surgery. Included in the gift bags are important resources and items for personal comfort. These bags are generously provided by the Lapman Family.
- Scarf tying and recreating eyebrows – Stop by our drop-in sessions, which take place every Monday.
Care Bags
- Andy Pack – The Andy Pack is a complimentary gift to patients going through cancer treatment. It addresses issues specific to men undergoing chemotherapy. Andy Durmis never quite realized the impact his cancer journey would have on others. Through the love and support of family and friends, combined with compassionate care Andy received at Dana-Farber, he was able to valiantly and courageously face his disease. Andy was a simple man, full of life and love. He has a special way of touching the hearts of those he met. His spirit lives on in this gift pack for other men and their families.
- Jimmy Pack – The Jimmy Pack is a complimentary gift specialized for infants, pre-school/school age, and teens. It addresses issues specific to children undergoing chemotherapy. It includes great gifts, such as sunglasses, soft teddy bear, bubbles, playing cards, sunblock, and a childhood cancer awareness pin.
- Hope Bag – The Hope Bag is a complimentary gift to patients while undergoing cancer treatment. It addresses issues specific to women undergoing chemotherapy. The Hope Bag is funded by Team Andy-Friends Place. Team Andy was created in memory of Andy Durmis to provide funding for Friends Place support programs to help others facing cancer.
