FAQ
Information about Second Act
Q: What does Second Act do?
A: Currently, Second Act's primary focus is on women who have had cancer surgery and/or are experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
We offer breast forms and bras to help women who have had a mastectomy, more limited breast conserving surgery or reconstruction. Our trained and certified mastectomy fitters can help you achieve your ideal shape and symmetry whether your surgery was recent or many years ago.
But Second Act is not only for cancer survivors. If you are experiencing hair loss or are looking for a wig or hairpiece for any reason, our experienced stylists will help you select the right solution from our extensive inventory of styles and colors.
Q: Does Second Act hold any special certifications, accreditations or associations?
A: Yes.
Second Act is accredited by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc.; www.abcop.org.
Pattie Cagney Sheehan is a Certified Mastectomy Fitter by the Board of Certification/Accreditation International; www.bocusa.org.
Second Act is a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau.
In 2009 Second Act was named New Venture of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Chicago chapter.
Pattie Cagney Sheehan is a member of the Healthcare and Wellness committee of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce as well as many other professional organizations.
Q: Where are you located and how do I get there?
A: We are located within Flourish Studios® at 3020 North Lincoln Avenue, in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Nearby CTA bus routes, including the #76/Diversey, #77/Belmont, #9 Ashland, stop within blocks of Second Act and the #11/Lincoln bus stops right on our corner. There is also ample street parking and there are several parking lots within one-to-two blocks of Second Act.
Q: What are your hours?
A: At Second Act we give each individual our undivided attention. For this reason we work by appointment and cannot guarantee that someone will be available to meet with you if you arrive without one. Please also note that while our general hours are 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, we do serve our clients up until 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and on Saturday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, by pre-arranged appointment. For these reasons, we encourage you to call in advance for an appointment so we can give you the attention you deserve.
Q: What is your phone number?
A: 773.525.2228
Taking charge
Questions you should ask your physician before your surgery:What type of procedure am I having?
How long is my hospital stay?
How long will I be in surgery?
When will we get results from pathology?
What are the possible side effects to my surgery and treatment?
Where will my incisions be and what will they look like?
Will I have a surgical drain?
Do I need to bring a post-surgery camisole or bra to wear home from the hospital or will one be provided?
What kind of post-surgery products will I want to consider?
Do you have a list of local retail stores that can provide me with post-breast surgery products?
How soon after my discharge will I have a follow-up appointment?
What are some of the signs/symptoms I should watch for that indicate I should see you before my scheduled appointment?
Will I be given written instructions on home care before I leave the hospital?
What pain medications will I be taking?
Other things to consider when planning your hospital stay:
In advance of your surgery coordinate with friends and family to help with things such as arranging transportation home from the hospital. You may also need help with child or pet care.
On the day of your surgery don't forget to bring your identification and insurance cards, a list of medications and supplements your are taking, and a list of any drugs or foods to which your are allergic. Leave any valuables, such as jewelry, at home.
Helpful hints to ease the effects of treatment and get you back to your daily routine:
Be gentle.
Bathe in tepid water, not hot.
Check with your physician or nurse before using any medicines, powders, creams, perfumes, ointments, lotions or home remedies during treatment and for several weeks afterward.
Report any skin changes to your physician or nurse.
Ease back into your routine slowly. Try to maintain some level of regular activity but do not exhaust yourself.
Rest during the day and try to get more sleep at night.
Seek out others who have shared your experience. Consider joining a support group. Our "Resources" section of this web site can direct you to many such groups and sources of information.