All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
-
Hi Crystal, I've continued to wear the Impressions most days, which surprises the heck out of me. They still seem to not get hot like the other forms I've had.
I think the biggest problem for others might be finding pocketed bras that fit the forms well. I tried it in all of my old 36A mastectomy bras and they don't fit, the bras are way too small. It kind of fits, have to work the bra cup over the form to make it work, in some 36B ones I had but those bras weren't comfortable. They don't fit to the bra like other silicone forms you kind of have to make the bra fit to them.
I also have found that I don't want to wear them pocketed. They hurt me and leave sore spots just like other forms have done when I tried wearing them pocketed.
They work very well in my Coobie bras, without the little removable privacy cups, I just tightened the lace in front a tiny bit. They also work really well in the Genie bras that I bought in an XL/1X - I don't use the cups in those either. I also bought a 2-pk of the Bali Crop Top Bras. A large would have covered the forms fine, but I'm very long waisted so had to buy an XL, which also seems to work.
I found some old stretchy fabric 36C bras that I had tossed in a bin to use the fabric for pockets in garments I wanted to convert, and never did, and they work with those old bras so if I need a regular bra I'll use those. In the bin was also a shaper top (only mild shaper) with a stretchy bust section and that also works. I've gone through my collection of tanks and they will also fit in the ones that have a shelf bra and they fit in many which are clingy enough even without a shelf bra.
I've found that getting them positioned well is key to the comfort factor. I also have had some mild truncal LE in the past during hot weather and so far that hasn't been an issue for me this summer. I actually think the way these forms fit is kind of like a little massage going on, I also don't have chest tightness when wearing the forms. Almost six years out and I still had to stretch every day but don't have to do so when wearing these forms.
All of my praise aside, I don't think they'd be worthwhile for anyone that didn't have problems with other forms. But for me, they have made a world of difference. I didn't think I'd ever wear forms again.
0 -
I should also mention that I don't think the Trulife Impressions would work with the Coobie bra in a size larger than the four I have. I think my Genie Bra XL/1X would accommodate a size five.
0 -
Thank you so much riverrat, "comfort" is my main goal, I don't own a mastectomy bra so I would just buy the coobie and things you suggest. Are you getting the forms into the cups coobie has, or wearing the silicon right against your skin?
I am so glad to read your positive report, thank you! I have a few more weeks for insurance to get straightened out, then I am going to get them.
0 -
Crystal, I'm wearing them against my skin as I don't find them comfortable in pockets. I don't have the privacy pads in the cups either. I just put the Coobie Bra on, them put the forms next to my skin and stretch the bra fabric up and over the forms. I also think that the size fours I have are as big a size as the Coobie fabric would stretch and cover the forms.
0 -
Thanks River!!!!! I appreciate this so very much!
I am getting 4's also. because the back looks to be fuller.
One problem I have with the memory foam forms is I am concave, so the breast form presses in against me and the edges pucker out, it is a real odd look. Most forms are slightly if not completely concave, so put that against my concave self, and there can be an inch between the form and me, so it collapse and the ends push out, much like if you put a concave form on a table, the edges would press very hard and eventually buckle out (up) on the table.
Who every thought it would be this hard, hurt this much and cost so much!!!
0 -
Whenever I wear the prosthetic for too long, the aching starts...I hope at some point this will feel better but for now, I have to be patient!!!!!
0 -
Had a fitting appointment Monday. I did get to look at the Trulife Impression, but not order one yet. No bras either. All I get is a pad to try to get the swelling under my arm to go down more, and a lymphedema sleeve for exercise etc. I am six weeks out for surgery, hope this swelling resolves soon.
0 -
Diana, the swelling will go down, the more you rush things, the longer it seemed to take for me. When I calmed down, got used to no breasts, it all fell into place. 6 weeks in general is early, my doctor had me wait 3 months each time for silicon.
Ok, it is 2 years on my one side and I still don't have silicon, but that will happen soon :-)
Barbicon, how long are you wearing it before it aches? What are you wearing? For me, I do not have breasts on today, just a sundress with lots of elastic in front, and it is not tight, and my one side hurts after 8 hours, it is frustrating. I feel each tiny bit of elastic...grrrrr.
Now I am getting further and further away from having breasts, I can't remember so well if a bra annoyed me too? I don't remember ever taking it off when I came home from work, so I just can't remember if it felt like heaven to take it off...before losing breasts.
0 -
after a few hours...but then even without the bra I still feel the tightness and soreness...very annoying but what can you do....hopefully as time goes on...it will get better!!!!
0 -
OK. here's another question -- will be traveling by air later this year, is there any problem going through security with a prosthesis ??
0 -
Lauri, I went to the US and back a month or two ago. I wear fiberfill foobs and I had no problems. On the way out, I was patted down, ut she did not note the foobs. On the way back I went through the xray scanner. They did have me wait a few extra seconds to parse the picture, but that was it.
0 -
My breast surgeon constantly trying to talk me into reconstruction. I think she gets a cut!!!!
0 -
Barbie, have you had surgery yet? Ask your surgeon how many MX without reconstruction she does in a month. Your surgeon might be used to having a PS there to pretty things up when she gets done with her part.
But yes, it is more money for the hospital.
Still no foobs or bras for me, my infection is back.
0 -
Since insurance did not cover the cost of reconstruction for so many years, and it finally became law that it was a disability and yes they had to pay, surgeons are obligated to ask several times if you wish to have reconstruction. I finally told my doctor to stop asking!! I even told him I would sign a statement but he said it wouldn't be necessary. He hasn't asked since.
0 -
MamaTaz - Seems to be a two-edged sword as I see it. Disclaimer: I am NOT an attorney, nor do I play one on TV.
Part of that law is the right to "recon" on the other side to achieve symmetry. So, in my world view, it should be a no brainer to approve a BMX, IF REQUESTED by the patient, with one side being a prophy. Yet as I sit on this board and read on the subject, it would seem to me that there is a tremendous push back by insurance who I personally think is legally obligated, and alot of teeth gnashing by the medical community whose only world view is traditional recon and who cannot seem to imagine flat, with or without forms, as a happy outcome.
As symmetry was paramount to me and the dangers of additional surgeries unacceptable, I was happy to have my demand for BMX without recon to be approved virtually without a fight. Actually my later demand for "recon" to remove the center dog ears was less of a fight than I expected. I only wish that every woman would have her wishes, whatever they may be, be respected and complied with without a fight and having to threaten to go to her Congress person.
Barbara
0 -
Thanks Ladies...so it is not just my BS that is pushing for reconstruction. Diane - you have an infection? From reconstruction??? Wishing you well....(((hugs))))
0 -
Barbiecorn - An article was published sometime around last December that was concerned about how many women were not choosing reconstruction. It is my impression that the "group think" in the medical community and some of the related groups is that women cannot truly be happy without reconstruction so therefore in their minds, this must mean that these women were not offered reconstruction or offered in the right way. Again my impression but I suspect there is alot of pressure on the professionals to "sell" reconstruction. I do think that they probably in their world view think they are doing what is best for us.
Cannot say that I have ever in my life run with the crowd. In fact, my social skillls are often so lacking that I have often wondered if I am a high functioning autistic. So it would not be surprising for me to be running outside of, and finding happiness outside of the social norms. Still, two years out with hindsight, I can still say that BMX without recon (except for the "recon" to remove the center dog ears) was not only the best decision for me medically but also mentally and emotionally.
I think what the "group think" fails to comprehend is that we are complex beings with a complex set of medical, emotional and social circumstances that all mesh together to lead us down different paths to happiness, no matter whether that end result is UMX or BMX with or without reconstruction, prosthetics all the time or sometimes, gloriously flat and fabulous all of the time, or any other variation. Might even be to exercise her woman's perogative to change her mind over time.
I hope with all my heart that every woman here finds her own true style and then stands her ground against anyone who would lead her astray from what she knows in her heart is right for her.
Back on the subject of this topic, I have the black and red Amoena Valetta camisoles. I have not traditionally been a cami girl but I really do like this one. I love the soft feel of the fabric and find it works well under the soft flowy cardigans that are so popular now but also covers well enough to work as a standalone top for my morning power walks. I wear ABC 1042 silicone size 4 or the ABC 916 First Forms in size 5 with the cami. Due to the weight I don't think I would use anything larger in silicone as it seems to pull a bit. These are the forms that I wear the most in the heat of summer and have come to wear the Genie bras more than anything else. I have mostly put away my larger silicone forms for the summer months.
Barbara
0 -
No, I didn't have reconstruction. My problem area is where my lymph nodes used to be, at the end of my incision. It's a mess under there.
Which is why I suggest asking the surgeon how many Mastectomies with NO recon they do in a month. I think my surgeon is a lumpectomy specialist.
0 -
TRUE IMPRESSIONS: For those of you who have these forms, or have tried them, how do you rate the "huggability" factor compared to other lightweight silicone such as the ABC 1042 forms?
Barbara
0 -
Barbara, I have the Trulife Impressions forms currently and had the ABC 1042 forms for a couple of years about four years ago. If I remember correctly the ABC forms perform somewhat better on the "huggability" factor, but the Impressions seem to be better than any foam and microbead forms that I had.
0 -
I would love some help from anyone who has had a single MX and has a very large breast remaining. I just got my prosthesis yesterday, size 13 Amoena. I had a hard time getting bras to work but ended up with one Amoena bra with pockets and one other bra without. I must have tried on 15 full coverage bras yesterday and none of them were big enough to cover the prosthesis. I must say it was pretty discouraging as I was excited to get my prosthesis. I wore it today for a few hours but then it got too heavy and I was sore. Anyone have any help or bra styles that might work for a large prosthesis that doesn't have big seams across the middle and might even look a bit sexy?
0 -
Stepmic--have you tried Nordstroms? They are a preferred provider for many insurance plans plus they have bras in sizes like JJ that I didn't even know existed. They will surely have something that will cover the prosthesis and look normal and maybe even sexy at the same time. I have been very happy with the bras I got there. They will pocket any bra for you.
0 -
Stepmic: The curiosity is getting the best of me, having been even larger than you pre-BC . When everything happened, were you given alot of choices such as UMX, BMX, lumpectomy, recon, no recon, reduction, you thought it all out and then gave them your decision and their marching orders OR they announced the game plan to you and expected that you get onboard. Again just curious.
Back to your question - I think it would be helpful to know what bra size you need as some combinations of band and cup size can be fairly easy to find and others more difficult. It will make it easier for people to give suggestions if they are able to determine if a specific bra comes in your size.
Barbara
0 -
Mary, thanks for your advice on Nordstroms. I live it Canada and we don't have them here. I will look for a store if I am in the US sometime.
Starak, I certainly don't mind your curiosity at all. I live in a small province in Canada. Due to the multi-focal nature of my IDC the surgeon did not consider lumpectomy as a possible choice, only a mastectomy. My right breast showed nothing at all on the MRI. I have no family history so to opt for a BMX wasn't a consideration for me. My surgeon does not do recon at the same time as surgery for many reasons. As I am multi-focal, she was not sure if rads would be recommended. I see so many women on this site who have reconstruction at the same time as their surgery, they just don't do it here very often and not with my unknown pathology. This isn't an option here. The BS and I discussed reconstruction for about a half an hour the day I saw her. I plan to do this after my treatments are all done along with reduction but I just have to be patient in living with what I have now, one large breast and one large prosthesis...
Unfortunately we are not where you are in the US when it comes to BC. When I met with the oncologist on Wednesday she recommended chemo and I asked her about having an oncotype dx test which seems to be done almost automatically in the US and is covered by 90% of health care providers in the US. Here in my province it isn't covered. It is covered in a few Canadian provinces. I will pay the $4000 out of pocket to get it done to see if I really do need to have chemo. My oncologist was very supportive of the test and will go with the result of my test.
I am a 38F bra size but as you know not all 38F bras are the same. But that is a starting point for anyone who might have a specific bra type to suggest.
0 -
Hi, I'm rather new to all of this - having just had a mastectomy on June 26. I don't think I'm healed enough to go shopping for a 'good' fake boob since my surgery site is still pretty lumpy and tender in spots. I've learned a lot from reading this thread though. I'm getting close to 4 weeks out from surgery which is about the earliest they mentioned getting fitted but since I only get coverage for one prosthesis every two years, I'd like to be sure on my first one that I get one I can live with for two years.
My issues are one good sized slightly saggy boob to 'match', still extremely sensitive skin in the area between my collarbone and my incision, a sore (slightly swollen?) lump which may be the remnants of the fat roll that extended from my cancer boob to under my arm. I am looking for ideas for something to use until I'm sure my incision area is as finished healing as possible that is also comfortable to wear and supportive to my good boob while mainly sitting and walking around at work.
I'm currently wearing my post-surgical cami which is very soft but just does not provide any support for what's left of my former 42Dish chest (not positive on the proper size since I haven't been measured for a bra for quite some time). The puffy foob that came with the cami sits up too high on my chest when it's in the pocket to match my good boob so I've resorted to pinning it inside the cami in a better position. The look is 'okay' but my real boob does jiggle some when walking and I get the sweat under it from the sag against my belly. The way the seams of the foob rub against my tender area above the incision on my chest however is uncomfortable at best and somewhat painful at times. Even in the pocket, the edges feel like hard cardboard even though to my hands and anywhere else they feel soft and 'normal'.
Oh - and to feed Barbara's (Starak) curiosity - I was initially told that all I needed was a lumpectomy for the Paget's followed by radiation therapy. After they found the DCIS with the MRI, my BS told me that I had a choice between lumpectomy/radiation and a mastectomy both with the promise of full recon afterwards. She told me to go home and think about it and hopefully tell her the next week. I did a lot of reading and thinking over that week and when I came back for the next visit, I told her that despite my earlier insistance on keeping as much breast as possible, I felt uncomfortable with the side effects of radiation and that I wanted to go with the mastectomy and no recon because I didn't want to have to have the extra surgery at this time and didn't want to mess with my good boob trying to lift it or whatever. She didn't try to argue or change my mind and even said as soon as she looked at me that she could tell I had made up my mind. She did ask if I wanted to talk to a PS just to be sure but didn't push the point when I declined. She has just said that should I ever change my mind, the recon will still be covered.
0 -
Jinkala - I had my mastectomy on June 8th. I took the underwire out of a older stretched bra on my left side and have worn it since surgery for support when I was up and about in the early days. Without a bra on for some of the time my back was so sore! I cut pieces of pads to go under the bottom edge and another up the side of the bra near my swollen area to soften the bra's impact. I also ordered a microbead foob online and it is so soft, lightweight and lovely compared to the hard cotton one they gave me at the hospital. I will message you the info. I try to go for parts of the day without any bra and just a cami if I am more swollen. I do seem to swell more when it is hot and humid as it has been. My BS said I healed so well so said I could be measured for a prosthesis after four weeks. I just got it this week, my six week anniversary is today! Now I am breaking in my new bras and the prosthesis. But the good news is that I managed to be out and about whenever I wanted to with no noticeable differences between my foob and my remaining breast. I also wear prints almost all the time as they hide the uneveness that might be there.
Hope this helps a bit.
0 -
Jinkala, If you can wear any of your old bras, it's really easy to sew a pocket to put a foob in. I think I'm going to try Stepmic's suggestion to remove wires from an old bra.
0 -
Thanks, stepmic.
I have considered using one of my old bras but the comfy one is terribly worn out. I had been thinking of doing some bra shopping back in February but once they started talking about cancer, I figured there wasn't any point. I did try on one of my bras but the band was just too tight near where my drain was.
The microbead foob does sound pretty good though. There have been some inexpensive stretchy bras mentioned in this thread that might be worth trying out at least until I get something better. I am just not sure how well something like that Aah Bra or the Bandini holds up to a saggy D. LoL
I have been leaning more towards prints when I am out. I dress in pretty loose clothing anyways and my boyfriend says that it's not that noticeable. Of course I notice and so it bugs me. :P
0 -
Jinkala - I hear you re how you feel you look. I guess it is all part of this. Not a lot of fun at times anda lot of work for things that used to be so easy!
I sent you a private message with the microbead foob info as I don't think I am supposed to endorse things on discussion boards.0 -
I agree with the microbead foob. That was very comfortable for me in the first two months post-mastectomies. I would say that the stretchy bras like the Aah bra would be too tight at this point after surgery. I'm not sure I could wear one even now, and it's been 5 months. I bought two and they are just sitting in the drawer. Also, it would be a problem even now to get it on and off over my head with arm range of motion limitations.
I don't have a suggestion from my own experience since I was a BMX, but I'm wondering if you could try one of those Spanx-type of tank tops/camisoles that would have enough support for the remaining breast, as well as enough elasticity to hold the microbead or other form. It still could be difficult to get off and on, but maybe you could step into it. Although it may be as elasticized as the Aah bras, at least you'd get even compression instead of the bands cutting across you. One of my worst places for swelling has been down my sides under my arms, and I can't take something cutting into me there.
Please know this should all be very short-term. It won't be long until you're in regular bras again. I've found all of my forms to be very comfortable, and I wear them most of the time.0
