After 29 years in business, Diane Thomson owner, president and all-around den mother of Dianes Lingerie in South Granville has seen it all, and then some.
Shes seen big ones and small ones; perky ones and droopy ones; symmetrical ones and lopsided ones; dark-skinned and pale-skinned. Shes seen them squashed and squeezed into mis-fitting cups, or strapped into conical Marilyn Monroes.
Thomson has helped fit the foundation undergarments (and in particular brassieres, as they call them in France) of probably half of the women in Vancouver at one time or another.
But if you ask Thomson what really, truly inspires her to assist women of all shapes and sizes to present their best appearance and feel great about themselves, it is her 20 years experience providing fitting and support for women, post-mastectomy.
For women who have chosen not to (or cant) have breast implants after a mastectomy for breast cancer, we are here to help those women look and feel better, says Thomson.
Many who come to us for the first time are nervous; they may be intimidated by the process, and they may not have shared this very emotional and sensitive part of themselves with anyone but a spouse and close friends, she says.
At Dianes Lingerie, we have well-trained female staff whom a customer can talk safely and discreetly with. Well suggest the perfect breast form and bra that will under clothing allow her to present herself with a shape that is symmetrical and attractive.
Dianes was accredited as a medical store in 1992, and as such is able to fit, and sell, prosthesis forms as well as bras, to women after mastectomy (one side) or bilateral (both sides) to enhance both confidence and femininity.
The breast prostheses, or forms, we recommend are made in Germany by Amoena. As they are designed and weighted to resemble a real breast, and fit snugly inside the pocket of the specialty bras, they are fairly expensive, says Thomson. BC Medical and/or your extended health plan will cover some or all of the cost, and that information is provided to women post-surgery by the Canadian Cancer Society.
A beneficiary of Thomsons eagle eye for sizing up a womans requirements is Vancouver lawyer / university instructor, Laura. When Laura had a mastectomy in 2006, she also endured radiation treatments, which left her unable to utilize the implant option at the time.
A few weeks after healing she visited Dianes Lingerie, having done so in the past. But this time it was to take advantage of Dianes special expertise. She left the store confidently, with two bras and one form, fitted to her exact specifications.
So, what does Thomson do with last years styles and older stock? She generously donates these pieces to the Canadian Cancer Societys Breast Bank, where volunteers can distribute them to those of lesser means.
For Diane Thomson, helping women put their best front forward is the ultimate in support.
Dianes Lingerie is hosting a special event on Oct. 2 at 5 pm for friends and customers alike to hear from BCs medical experts on breast cancer. Call the store for further details: 604-738-5121.
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Vancouver Whitecaps FC goes pink
On Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 pm, come out and cheer on your Vancouver Whitecaps and support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation BC/Yukon Region (cbcf.org) as the side take on Chivas USA and battle for a playoff spot.
Players, coaches and staff will all be showing their support for a future without the fear of breast cancer by wearing pink. A silent auction will also be taking place on the concourse level of BC Place Stadium.
For more information on how you can pitch in, or buy tix, go to whitecapsfc.com.
