Local Fijian women don't receive the same benefits as we do like the Federal governments Breast Prosthesis reimbursement program, the free Berlei bra from BCNA when they leave hospital, little if any health cover for bras and certainly nobody at the end of the phone to offer advice.....Here in Australia we get all of that and more!

Thats where we come into the picture! For 10 days starting in early May the team will be fitting over 250 Fijian ladies for breast prosthesis, mastectomy bras and regular lingerie.

Companies like Amoena have donated generous amounts of product but we still need more.
We are chasing donations of pre-loved Mastectomy bras from size 18 (or 40) upwards. On mothers day we will be fitting any lady who comes to  see us, mastectomy or not, so donations of any pre-loved bras will be appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off at either Tracey G store in Auchenflower or Maroochydore or possibly be picked up if you can't make it in to a store. If you live in a regional area please consider posting them to us.

Every little bit helps so please check the bra cupboard and see if you can help us help them!
For more information please call us on 0466 828 144

Coping with hair loss from chemotherapy wasn’t in my life plan. My hair was my personal identifier: I’m the short woman with glasses and curly brown hair. That’s how I always described myself, occasionally adding the colour of my shirt or coat. People always found me when we were meeting for the first time, so I guess the description worked.

People always knew I was Jewish, too, which I always ascribed to my hair, though come to think of it, it could have been my long nose, also a traditional Jewish attribute. Everyone assumed I was sister to my cousin, just because we had similar long, curly brown hair. My hair was my ethnicity, my family, my identity – and my best feature esthetically. I’ve never considered myself particularly attractive, but I’ve always loved my hair.

Then I had cancer. And chemotherapy. And that’s when I found myself coping with hair loss.  I lost every last wisp on my head and everywhere else, all but one oh-so-solitary eyelash. After all, chemotherapy is designed to go after fast-growing cells and, alas, both cancer cells and hair follicles fall into that category.

The consolation prize was the notion of ‘chemo curl’. Women who experience hair loss from chemotherapy often say their previously straight hair came back curly.  So, you never know, maybe my hair would come back even curlier, maybe even thicker? How exciting! I tried to focus on the possibilities of an even-curlier future and turn my eyes (and mind) away from the present baldness.
​

 finished chemo and my hair started to grow back. At first I looked like I’d just left the military, then it grew in more and more. For months, I was loathe to cut or even trim it. It was my hair, after all. Something occurring naturally on my head. It was all I could do to keep from tugging on it like those Chrissy dolls from way back when.

My hair grew back straighter, though, not curlier. But maybe, I hoped, that was because it was growing longer than before. Surely the weight of the longer tresses was pulling it taut, making it straight. Besides, this was my ‘first hair,’ my post-chemo baby hair. Once this grew out and got cut off, I was told, I’d have my ‘real’ permanent hair.


Of course, trying to predict what that might be was a risky undertaking. What if it got, God forbid, even straighter? I’d be wondering at mirrors for the rest of my life. My solution: keep away from hair salons. If I don’t go near one, my hair won’t change.

But, you know, ‘chemo curl’ is somewhat of a misnomer. What it really means is that after you’ve coped with hair loss, the hair that grows back after chemotherapy is typically different than the hair you had before. Straight becomes curly and – gasp – sometimes, just sometimes – curly hair comes in straight.

For altogether too long, I hid my silky locks by putting them up in a bun or pulling them back into a ponytail.
Finally, I made an appointment for a haircut. I walked into the salon, got my hair washed, sat in the chair and took off my glasses. I answered the awkward question: How long has it been since you had your hair cut? And heard the inevitable warning: the ends of your hair are dead; I’m going to have to cut off two or three inches.

Ok. Despite the trauma of coping with hair loss from chemotherapy, and even though I now gloried in having hair again, perhaps I could help my curls if I took a little weight out of this new hair. Perhaps curls that were hibernating right now would emerge. Hope springs eternal – and maybe the curls would, too. “What do you think?” she said, a half hour later. I put my glasses on and looked in the mirror.

“Oh.” Pause. “I mean, it looks great, you did a wonderful job. I really like the bangs.” I was totally befuddled. I looked down at the rest of my body; had it transformed as well – was I taller and skinnier and maybe wearing a sapphire necklace? Oh well, a girl can dream.

Coping with hair growth, actually, after chemotherapy

My body hadn’t changed, but on my head there was some sort of alien transformation. My hair was straight, smooth, silky, hanging straight down. No bounce, not even much body. I looked down at my hands, then back into the mirror. Hair still straight. Wash, rinse, repeat.

So this wasn’t just about coping with hair loss from chemotherapy. And it wasn’t just about having hair again. All of a sudden, I don’t look Jewish, I don’t look like my cousin, I don’t even look like me. I mean, the person in the mirror is kind of cute – and I do like those bangs – but who is she?

I don’t think I said a word as I whipped out my credit card and signed the receipt. As I walked home, that woman kept popping in front of my face whenever I peeked in a reflective store window. I stopped for a quick errand, to pick up some toothpaste. But drugstores also sell mirrors. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that straight-haired lady again. Was she stalking me?

Straight hair is so direct, so clear. Honest and forthright, just like the word itself. We talk about staying on the straight and narrow, playing the straight man or woman, going straight to bed, thinking straight, even setting the record straight. Straight is so law-abiding and, well, straight-laced; it doesn’t do drugs, alcohol, inappropriate sex, or criminal activity.

The next morning I woke up, put my glasses on, and there she was, Ms. Straight Hair. But she had my face shape, the bags under my eyes, the forehead wrinkles. I looked away, then looked back. Still there, all bags and wrinkles.

The only bit of curl left in my hair now peeks out of those bangs on damp or humid days. Damned if I know what to do about it. Do I want to straighten it – how? – or do I want to encourage it, hoping those few locks will do a PR job on their compatriots and encourage more curls?

As time goes on, though, I find it’s sort of growing on me. It’s a way of banishing the horror of losing my hair to chemotherapy. A new look for a new life. Besides, I do like those bangs.

Beth Leibson lives and writes in New York City. She is the author of I’m Too Young to Have Breast Cancer! (2004) and The Cancer Survivor Handbook (2014).

​Don’t get too close for comfort: 

​A bra designed to beat the heat: ​

​The unique Bianca mastectomy bra is made with spacer foam that has tiny air pockets to let air flow through the cup. It provides lightweight comfort.  Of course, all Amoena bras are pocketed, and made of highest quality breathable fabric.

​Wish you could go braless in the heat?

You can thanks to the built-in pocketed shelf bra in our hugely popular Valletta Camisole top.  The Valletta, with modest rounded neckline, is so flattering, soft and comfortable, it may be all you’ll ever want to wear in a heat wave.

​Breast forms with a cooling effect:

​Most Amoena breast forms, and all Amoena Breast Shapers, include the revolutionary patented Comfort + technology. When you perspire, microcapsules in the form absorb your excess heat. It’s integrated in the Amoena Contact adhesive form, Natura, and Energy forms.

​The coolest form of all:

​Great for active women and hot flushes, the Amoena Energy breast form has a unique three dimensional pearl surface on the back of the breast form which allows air to flow freely behind the form, increasing ventilation and moisture evaporation. The Energy has 30% more Comfort+ material than the Natura. 

​Hydrate and dive:

​The Amoena Aqua Wave breast form is made for swimming.  This form has a hollowed back so water flows through without accumulating.  It’s very light and quick drying, and gives you a lovely shape.  You can even keep it in your Amoena swimsuit so you can get into the water faster. 

​Give hugs, even to yourself:  Hugging calms us, decreases our blood pressure, and increases the release of feel-good hormones. A study out of the UK says even hugging ourselves sends a positive message to the brain and is found to “significantly” relieve pain.  
 
Amoena breast forms pass the hug test:  Of course, you’ll want to share the hugs, with family, friends … and perhaps your fitter. Hug tight in complete confidence with Amoena’s breast forms that feel and look so natural.

​Ask yourself for a dance:  Dance at home to your favourite music, or take a dance class. It’s good for your heart—literally. Dancing increases physical health and overall happiness. And it’s also shown to keep our brains younger, and improve memory.
 
What to wear to the dance studio? You can’t go wrong with the long lasting Amoena sports top, with integrated shelf bra.  It gives you security and support to move in confidence (and can hold a partial or breast form).  We love the flattering fit that’s not too tight, and wonderful performance fabric. 

​Wear bras that feel good:  Being kind to yourself means refusing to wear a bra that doesn’t fit properly and that can hurt your back, your neck, chaff your skin, and make you irritable.
 
 Breathe better in a bra that comforts: The Amy Seamless mastectomy bra is a perfect example. Ultra soft, it feels like a smooth second skin. All the pocketed bras in the Amoena comfort collection have special features so you’ll feel care-free, confident, at ease.
 
Look up: Wellness experts say taking time regularly to cloud gaze is like a mini-meditation that uplifts our spirit, and activates our creativity. Intrigued? Learn more at www.cloudappreciation society.org. 
 
Cloud watching fashion?:  Anything goes, but we like the versatile Amoena Valletta.  This flattering and comfortable strappy pocketed top with built-in shelf bra will take you from work, to workout, to watching the clouds go by.  

Torn between loving to shop the January sales and overwhelmed at the idea of it?  If so, you’re not alone.
Research shows even the most enthusiastic Australian shopper can feel stressed by the crowds, the barrage of bargain offers, the fear of missing out on deals, and the pressure to make fast buying decisions before the sales are over.
And all of the above can interfere with our ability to make decisions calmly, and wisely.
The solution?  Follow these expert tips to make this January’s shopping easier on the body and mind. 

• Never leave home without…your water bottle. We often don’t realize it, but we easily become dehydrated while shopping.  Dehydration decreases our energy, and our judgment.

 

• Eat, before you go out: Shopping pros urge eating well before shopping.  And have some healthy protein snacks on you. When hungry while shopping, we tend to make impulsive buying decisions.

 

• Take breaks, often: Stepping away from shopping gives us perspective. It’s recommended to intersperse bargain hunting with time in the fresh air, or tea breaks. A little time-out from the racks can save you from buyer’s remorse.

 

• Consult.  Research confirms that we save heaps of money, time if we have a personalised shopping experience, like the one your Amoena fitter offers.  We help you choose only items that make you feel confident, look wonderful and that you’ll be sure to wear. 

 

• Dress in an Amoena Valletta top to the shops: Exceptionally comfortable, with a fantastic built-in shelf, the popular strappy Amoena Valletta top is so versatile and flattering; it’s a perfect match for those skirts and pants you’re trying on.  Layers beautifully under shirts, V-necks and jackets too.

 

• Wear a well-fitted Amoena Mastectomy bra:  A bra that doesn’t fit properly can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, even headaches. The right support is a boost to your look, and your energy.  Just as you need comfy shoes to keep going, you need the best bra support. 

 
Now you’re ready to shop.  Enjoy.

​Did you know that every human body is a bit of mismatch? Our right side does not perfectly match our left.
 
That’s not a flaw, that’s a fact of nature.  So if you wonder whether other women also have one breast that’s somewhat different in size and shape than the other, the answer is definitely yes.
 
It’s not surprising when you consider we have one foot that’s bigger and even the two sides of our face are slightly different. Movie stars are famously fussy for demanding that photographers capture their preferred side.  
​

 ​There are several reasons why a woman may have significantly uneven breasts – it could be due to natural development or as a result of a lumpectomy or reconstruction. Still, many women don’t talk about this common issue, and just try to make do.  They either tolerate bras that fit only one breast properly or they use bulky, generic fillers.
 
It’s 2018!  We have far more advanced solutions available.  Let’s talk about it.
 
Thanks to revolutionary technology, the Amoena Balance Breast Shapers actually mould to your own breast tissue to fill out your bra cup perfectly.
 
Also known as symmetry shapers, bra inserts or breast enhancers, they are truly the most easy, comfortable way to have a gorgeous, balanced, silhouette.
​

​

• These Amoena breast shapers feel and look entirely natural. That’s because they are made of the very highest quality soft lifelike silicone.

 

• They’re totally invisible under clothing.

 
These Amoena breast shapers are curved to match the body shape, and have specially designed thin tapered edges so you can’t spot them, even under the tightest tops.

• You can wear them in complete confidence, for every activity.

 
Just slip into any bra as they adhere gently to the breast, or slip into the pocket of a mastectomy bra. In less than a minute, you’re ready to go to work, to the gym, for a jog, and out dancing.

• They give a sizzling extra “boost” when wearing an evening gown or lower cut top.

 
You can place Amoena Breast Shapers anywhere in your bra cup to fill out exactly where you need it – underneath to lift up, or on the side to enhance a décolleté.

• They are important confidence boosters for teens too.

 
It’s natural for teens to have one breast develop faster than the other. But we know that imbalance can be upsetting to this painfully self-conscious age group. These invisible shapers make them feel confident about how they look in their clothes. And because of their lifelike feel, they relax knowing they are hug-safe.

• Your fitter can fit you with the exact Amoena Balance Breast Shaper that is uniquely right for you.

 
Amoena has the largest variety of Balance Breast Shapers.  They come in so many different sizes, shapes, and thickness so that your fitter can make sure you wear the one that is perfect for you. 

• Some include Amoena’s patented Comfort+ temperature-equalising technology.

 
Some models feature Amoena Comfort+ technology that absorbs when your body temperature rises and release it back to the body when your temperature lowers. 

​Right now, Amoena Balancers are mostly a little secret between you and your fitter.  But spread the word to the women in your life. All it takes is a small thing to make a huge difference to someone’s confidence and comfort.

With Christmas suddenly upon us we thought that we should let you know when we'll be available to serve you. 

Tracey G Maroochydore will be opened every day excluding Sundays and public holidays. Tracey G Auchenflower will open until Christmas eve then remain closed until 6th January 2019.

Even though we will have been busy, we will still have available for you the largest range of post mastectomy bras, mastectomy swimsuits, breast forms and mastectomy sportswear in QLD.  In case you didn't know, we also specialise in larger cup sizes and stock a range of maternity bras.

Thank your for shopping with Tracey G Prosthetics and Lingerie in 2018...We look forward to serving you next year.

The Lara Mastectomy bra by Amoena is our most popular bra ever and its no wonder!

The lightly padded Lara Non Wired t-shirt bra has moulded cups for a smooth look.
Lara is soft and completely wire free, yet it supports you, and of course its hidden pockets can accommodate your breast form securely and invisibly.

Choose a favourite style you'll be wearing for years to come.

​For the next 2 weeks in-store or on-line, buy your new Amoena Breast Prosthesis and we will give you a Lara Mastectomy Bra absolutely FREE!

Partial and Swim Breast forms are excluded from this offer. Breast form purchased to qualify for the free Lara mastectomy bra of your choice must have a RRP of $400 or more. Online purchasers need to provide size, style and colour requirements in the online comments section when placing their order. Promotion starts November 30th 2018 and concludes December 14th 2018. 

Summer seems to have started early...again..so there's no better time to drop in to Tracey G Prosthetics and Lingerie Maroochydore or Auchenflower and try on a brand new mastectomy swimsuit from Amoena. 

We stock a great range of Mastectomy swimwear in tankinis, bikinis, swimdress and one piece swimsuits in a beautiful range of summer colours. Many of the mastectomy swimsuits in stock are seasonal items so once they're sold thats it till next season.

Call us on 0466 828 143 or call in to one of our 2 great locations. Tracey G Auchenflower is located in the Choices building on the grounds of the Wesley hospital and Tracey G Maroochydore is directly across from the Maroochy RSL....Just look for the big pink poles! 

Directions to Tracey G Auchenflower can be found by watching the video at the bottom of the screen.

​Look forward to seeing you soon!

Tracey G