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Topic: My daughter got a hold of my prothesis...HELP!

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  • Posted on: Oct 18, 2009 11:15 am
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
lexislove wrote:

SO, I went down to my cancer centre and got a breast prothesis. They have a program for donation. My last prothesis did not fit well. I was so happy that I found one that looks soooooo natural.

Anyways, I was cleaning the house yesterday and it looks like my 4 yr old got a hold of it. Now there is a rip on the flat side of the prothesis (not the nipple side).

I can feel the gel material inside slightly, but nothing comes out.

My questionis...is it still ok? I can not afford a new one. Also my exchnage surgery will be happening in the Spring, so I just need something for 6-8 months. I do not wear it in the house only when I step out.

Can the rip some how be fixed or glued?

Sorry if the questions sound dumb...I have NO CLUE!

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
Posts 1 - 14 (14 total)
leftyAKAnan…
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,872
Oct 18, 2009 11:49 am leftyAKAnancy wrote:

Doesn't Duct Tape fix most anything?   I might contact the place that provided it and see what they recommend or maybe they have another one.  


Diagnosis: 5/2/2008, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 18, 2009 11:54 am lexislove wrote:

lefty,

it was donated to me. I have no idea who made it. I was thinking tape..wasn't sure if scotch tape would be sufficient or duct tape..lol.

The jelly inside is not oozing out and when its in my bra the prothesis is kind of slouched ...so the ripped side is not stretched.

I want it to be able to last me untill my surgery...im hoping.

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
AnnNYC
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,074
Oct 18, 2009 11:58 am AnnNYC wrote:

Lexi, I googled "repair tear silicone breast prosthesis" and found this site:
http://www.eskimo.com/~bloo/bformfaq/retirement.html

In case the link doesn't work, I'm copying some of what it said (all the rest is quoted from that site -- I hope blooberry doesn't mind!):

Even if you take constant delicate care of your breast forms, accidents, friction or just plain age may take its toll. Breast forms may get punctured, their outer envelope seams may split, or other unforeseen damage can occur. Can a breast form be "repaired"? It definitely depends on the degree of the damage, but there might be some things you can do. I originally created this section and left it blank, asking for ideas and suggestions from readers - and I have received some (if you have other suggestions, please send them to me.)

What follows are some of the more interesting and useful suggestions, but remember: if you use special materials in your repair, you need to make sure that they, too, are safe to be used in contact with your skin. Just be careful. A painful mistake can often be more costly than a new form.

  1. Make the repair as soon as possible after it is found.
    Material may continue to leak out if this is not done, and the material in the form may break down over time with air contact.
  2. Find a suitable adhesive material to use on the silicone form.
    Many materials may not stick or stick well to the materials in silicone breast forms, but here are some suggested patching materials:
    • Smooth surface tape used for gauze bandages
    • Clear silicone glue
    • The ends of Band-aid adhesive bandages
    • Gaffer/Duct tape, if you can find a suitable color (some "duct tapes" do not have the right adhesive properties though)
    • Tegaderm dermal adhesive patches (medical grade - from 3M) can be found in most drug stores in the first aid department with other bandages or adhesives
  3. Make the repair.
    Probably only small seam splits or punctures can be repaired with a patch. You may need to use your imagination for larger damage or just give in and purchase a new form.


A reader named Sarah recently sent me a thorough set of possible instructions that I am including here with her permission:

  1. Go to a well stocked automotive store (Auto Zone worked for me), and get some "3M Clear repair tape", (part #03405NA.) It's described as "Clear poly backing, extra stretchy, holds firmly", and is used to repair torn vinyl.
  2. Gently wipe all traces of leaking silicone goo off of the urethane covering. An old clean cotton tee shirt works reasonably well.
  3. Clean the urethane with paint thinner. Let it dry, then wipe off any dull film with a clean cotton tee shirt. These 2 steps must be done very gently, or more silicone is likely to squeeze out. I wouldn't try any stronger solvents. My first instinct was to use acetone, and it instantly dissolved a hole in the urethane without warning. (Even that hole got repaired successfully!)
  4. If you have a puncture or tear, stretch the urethane out nice and smooth, and simply tape over the damaged area.
  5. If the seams are split, so that the front and back are both affected, first tape the back, letting a half inch of tape extend past the form. Do this wherever there are splits. Then tape the front, again letting a half inch of tape extend past the form. Where the tape on the top and bottom meet, press the sticky sides together very firmly, and you have just created a new seam. Trim the excess tape, but allow 1/8" to remain past the old seam. And that does it!

Diagnosis: 3/9/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 18, 2009 12:10 pm lexislove wrote:

Ann..

THANK YOU!!!!!!! Kiss

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
billiegirl
Born & Bred in Seattle; lived in Boise since 2006, Id
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 68
Oct 18, 2009 03:45 pm billiegirl wrote:

I have repaired mine numberous times with TEGADERM. I ordered a supply from E-bay and would be happy to share/send you some if you PM me your address. I have had the same prosthesis for 5 years and it has seen better days! Mine actually SPLIT open in several places but the tegaderm worked great and they were pretty cheap. Worth it to keep in your wallet, for an emergency situation.

Billiegirl
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 18, 2009 05:23 pm lexislove wrote:

billiegirl I PM;d you!!

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
KerryMac
North York, ON
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,699
Oct 18, 2009 06:03 pm KerryMac wrote:

The Canadian Cancer Society will also send you a fiber-filled one for free - not as natural as a silicon one, but they work OK.

Kerry - Mx, Chemo, Rads, Ooph, Arimidex, Zometa
Diagnosis: 11/2008, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 6/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 18, 2009 06:06 pm lexislove wrote:

Kerry is that right?

Do I just call and ask them...do you have a number?

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
KerryMac
North York, ON
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,699
Oct 18, 2009 08:21 pm KerryMac wrote:

Yep, just call, they will send you one.

I have only just upgraded to a "proper" one - I used the fiber one for nearly a year. It was fine, I got some of that clothing tape, and taped it into a normal bra.

OK, call 1 888 939 3333, that is the general number, they will direct you to the right place. 

Kerry - Mx, Chemo, Rads, Ooph, Arimidex, Zometa
Diagnosis: 11/2008, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 6/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 18, 2009 08:38 pm lexislove wrote:

Thanks Kerry......I feel like its XMAS!

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
lexislove
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,942
Oct 19, 2009 02:20 pm lexislove wrote:

So I called Canadian Cancer Society...long story short, they don't have a contract with the company that makes the foam prothesis... BUT.....

They are mailing me a silicone prothesis FREE!  I should get it early next week

Thank you!

Dx: Sep 2007, IDC 8cm, 0/6 nodes, ACT Chemo, R Mastectomy, 1 yr Herceptin, 28 Rads,Currently on Lupron, Tamox & Zometa. Exchange Sx Fall 2009, BRCA -
AzKim
Az
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 82
Oct 19, 2009 03:32 pm AzKim wrote:

Like KerryMac said,..those fiber-filled ones work pretty good. I have the fancy silcone forms but,.I prefer my little light pillows,.lol. Good luck with your fix.


Diagnosis: 12/27/2007, ILC, 6cm+, Stage IIIc, Grade 3, 25/28 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
Leah_S
Israel
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 667
Oct 19, 2009 04:39 pm Leah_S wrote:

OK, so once you get it are you giving the ripped on to your daughter? Mommy and me foobs?

Sorry but I just couldn't resist.(yes I also use a foob).

Leah


Diagnosis: 11/3/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage IIb, Grade 3, 6/17 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
KerryMac
North York, ON
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,699
Oct 20, 2009 08:24 am KerryMac wrote:

Hey, great! They sent me a whole bag filled with stuff.

Kerry - Mx, Chemo, Rads, Ooph, Arimidex, Zometa
Diagnosis: 11/2008, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 6/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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