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All things bras & prosthesis

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Comments

  • hotandcold
    hotandcold Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2012

    Hello to All,

    I have a brand new, never worn,  "Still You" XL  Jacquard Cotton White Lace Cami - 45% Cotton,40% Nylon,15% Spandex.  I would love to send it to someone for free, as it is too small for me. It's absolutely beautiful!  I bought it along with a couple of other things from a "certified" fitter. Hahaha.   Bought it in June '12. I am 5'9" and it is too short and tight on me. It is only 17" long. If you PM me your address I would love to send it to you for free ! I would like to give it to someone who could use it, not just donate it as it was expensive to buy.  You can see at www.womenspersonalhealth.com. 

  • hotandcold
    hotandcold Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2012

    Hello to All,

    I have a brand new, never worn,  "Still You" XL  Jacquard Cotton White Lace Cami - 45% Cotton,40% Nylon,15% Spandex.  I would love to send it to someone for free, as it is too small for me. It's absolutely beautiful!  I bought it along with a couple of other things from a "certified" fitter. Hahaha.   Bought it in June '12. I am 5'9" and it is too short and tight on me. It is only 17" long. If you PM me your address I would love to send it to you for free ! I would like to give it to someone who could use it, not just donate it as it was expensive to buy.  You can see at www.womenspersonalhealth.com. 

  • hotandcold
    hotandcold Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2012

    Hello to All,

    I have a brand new, never worn,  "Still You" XL  Jacquard Cotton White Lace Cami - 45% Cotton,40% Nylon,15% Spandex.  I would love to send it to someone for free, as it is too small for me. It's absolutely beautiful!  I bought it along with a couple of other things from a "certified" fitter. Hahaha.   Bought it in June '12. I am 5'9" and it is too short and tight on me. It is only 17" long. If you PM me your address I would love to send it to you for free ! I would like to give it to someone who could use it, not just donate it as it was expensive to buy.  You can see at www.womenspersonalhealth.com. 

  • hotandcold
    hotandcold Member Posts: 70
    edited September 2012

    Hello again, I have someone interested in the cami.  Trying to get all these accessories is a full time job.                       I apreciate all the above posters for the information they have shared. 

  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited October 2012

    Hi ladies, I wanted to share my recent find with you.  I stumbled across a very inexpensive, soft bra that has pockets.  It is sold with "shields" in the pockets.  You can remove the shields and insert your forms. I bought this bra at Walmart it is the "No Boundries Seamless Bra" for $4.96!!!!  Yes, that's right $4.96!!!

    I bought one yesterday in a larger than I would normally wear size. (Because that is how I had to buy the Ahh bra, which I am not crazy about.)  In the size bigger than I would usually wear, my foam forms work fine.  I went back today and bought two more in my normal size and I am able to wear my small silicon forms in them. If you have bigger forms then foam would work best in this bra.  I know that many of you have the ahh bra, so I can tell you that in comparison to the ahh bra this bra is much softer, less restrictive (so less supportive), the band is not nearly as binding. It has cute little spaghetti straps, with a hook in the back where you can hook it for a racer back style (optional). In the front it has soft lace trim along the top edge. It hugs nicely so that you can bend over without it gaping. In addition it comes in an array of colors...black, white, nude, hot pink, bright blue, red, and black/white print. And it is just $4.96!!!

    I tried to find it online to add a link so you could see it, but I am not able to locate it online.  In the store it is not with the sport bras is is over with the spanks type items.

  • fluff
    fluff Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2012

    Does anyone know of a bra like the Coobie or Genie (soft, no wires, pocket for a small soft form, minimal or no seams) that has a hook in the back? I really don't like having to pull a bra over my head--it just feels so awkward. Thank you!

  • Starak
    Starak Member Posts: 311
    edited October 2012

    Fluff,  If you haven't already done so, do visit Breastfree.org where you will find reviews of all manner of breast forms and bras, besides a wealth of other information and support.  

    But, more directly to your question, I like the Amoena Marlena #2167.  Very soft, smooth, wicking fabric, no wires and back closure.  Another advantage is this is a very popular bra that I have found is often carried by local mx stores.  Also fairly inexpensive as mx bras go and approved by many insurance plans.  If you have a Nordstrom in your area, they likely will have it.  Here it is online.

    http://www.metromedicalonline.com/amoena2167.html

    Another soft minimalist bra with no wires and back closure is the Classique #769.

    http://www.metromedicalonline.com/classique769.html

    I have found that this bra is also fairly widely available. 

    Both of these bras are reviewed on the Barbara's (Erica on BCO) Breastfree site. 

    Barbara

  • fluff
    fluff Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2012

    Thank you so much, Barbara. I had BMX a little over a year ago, have gone flat since. I'm just starting to think about wearing a soft bra with a light form for dressy occasions. Your advice is really helpful to me! I will also check out the breast-free website.

  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2012

    www.yesstyle.com/en/list.html?...

    Wow, I can't believe I was able to copy-paste this link. it is an interesting concept, padded cami's. I mostly go flatall the time, especially in winter...but I think a padded cami, even to make one myself woul "hide" the concave part of me, making me truly...flat. I would be ok with this.

    I copied this link from a woman named Hawksfan in a different thread, and wanted it to go in this discussion about bras and such.

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,931
    edited November 2012

    Crystal, I think a padded cami would be easy to make. Or if you have one of the ones with a shelf bra, you can use that to make pockets or add padding. I made a nylon net foob for my swim suit and just sewed it in.

  • anetnut
    anetnut Member Posts: 8
    edited December 2012

    Hi everyone. It has been a long time since I was here but I need to visit more often. The support is nice in here. :)

    I must say that I am allowed one mastectomy bra yearly with my insurance. I bought some Genie bras on black Friday on sale for $6 (regularly $10) at Walmart in hopes that they might work with my prothesis and be tight enough to hold them in place securely. To my surprise, the Genie bra I bought has pockets that they had put their own inserts in. Although the opening was a bit small, I have still been able to put my prothetic gel type inserts in there and it seems to hold them in place well along with it coming up higher than my other bras and so it covers that slightly concave area and it just makes me feel a whole lot better! It is very comfortable although putting it on over your head compared to one that hooks takes a bit of getting used to. But what a cheap alternative for those without insurance or for those that need more than one paid for a year....geesh. I had bought the medium which was true to my size or suppose to be, but it seemed a little tight so I went with the large and it is more comfortable. Not sure how well it will hold up with repeated washings/stretching or anything like that since I just got it, but give it a try!

    Looks like I'll have to figure out how to change my profile pic. I uploaded one that was turned vertical so not sure why it ended up sideways! LOL

  • river_rat
    river_rat Member Posts: 317
    edited December 2012

    Anetnut, I'm glad you tried the Genie bra and like it.  They recommend stepping into the bra and pulling it up over your hips instead of putting it on over your head.  I've found it to be more comfortable using their "step into it" method.

  • Frapp
    Frapp Member Posts: 343
    edited December 2012

    Well, I went to get my new accessories today. I mentioned that the bra felt like it was to close up my armpits but they all seemed to feel that way. I had some running around to do so didn't want to wear them in case they got uncomfortable while I was out. When I got home I put them on and realized I don't think it was the bra that was pushing on my armpit, I think it's the form. Do these triangles come in smaller triangles? I was only thinking about the cup size and didn't think to check out the size of the triangle. The form is what is pushing on that bit of fat just in front of the arm pit. Can you take these back for different a different size triangle?

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,931
    edited December 2012

    I ordered microbead forms and they were way too big. I copied the shape and decreased the size. Used the beads out of the too large one to fill the smaller one. The beads have static and cling to everything. I followed the advice to do it inside a big plastic bag, like blankets and pillows come in. It was a messy job, but the new one fits fine.

  • Erica
    Erica Member Posts: 237
    edited December 2012

    Hi Frapp,

    Most breast forms come in many sizes, often starting with size 1 (AA or so) and going up to size 12 or 13. So, yes, you should be able to exchange your forms for smaller ones. The fitters I had kept pushing me to go larger, but I wanted smaller than they suggested. The larger ones definitely put more pressure on sensitive spots. If you check online sellers of mastectomy products, you can see the range of sizes and shapes available. That might help you to be better informed when you return to your fitter.

    Since my BMX, I've found it hard to wear bras that come up high under my arms (or forms that impinge on that area). I'm glad a lot of women find the Genie and Ahhh bras comfortable, but they don't work for me for that reason. There are some nice mastectomy bras that don't come up high, but they're often only available online (ABC makes a nice one that stores seem to carry, and Amoena now has a few nice ones, like the Marlena). Last night, I wore my Anita Gloria bra. I wear a 34A but use a bra extender so it's not at all constricting. It's like a pretty regular bra and really gives me a nice shape. I couldn't get the link to work to show you what it looks like, but if you google Anita Gloria mastectomy bra, you should be able to find it.

    It's hard to recommend specific bras, though, since our shapes are all so different. It took me a lot of trial and error to find things that worked. Luckily, most stores (online and brick and mortar) will allow returns. 

    Barbara

  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited December 2012

    It would be good if you check the stores return policy as soon as possible.  The store that I got my form from had a 3 day return policy.  Not much time to figure out if it will work.  And I ended up not being happy with it, but I am stuck with it.  Good luck to you!

  • Erica
    Erica Member Posts: 237
    edited December 2012

    That's terrible, FLwarrior. The store where I bought my first forms had a 30 day return policy, which seemed reasonable. After a week, I was able to exchange them for a smaller size. Did you try to get them to at least exchange the form for another? It seems in their own interest that you be a satisfied customer. I can't imagine you'd go back there after this experience. 

  • Frapp
    Frapp Member Posts: 343
    edited December 2012

    I tried wearing the forms again today. I really think they are too big. And I thing I might be better trying the asymmetrical shape. The points in the front cross or bunch up and the side that is near my arm is very close to my armpit. So close that every time I move my arms forward the food cups out leaving a gap between the food and me. What's with these people? I thought I was going to a fitter that was experienced. I'm certainly not experienced in this. Mine is the first mastectomy I've ever seen and I don't know all the products. It fit fine standing straight in a room in front of a mirror, but trying to move around normally it just feels too big. I'm going back tomorrow and have a conversation.

  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited December 2012

    Erica they were very adamant about the 3 day return/exchange policy (on bras and forms). Not only did they tell me, they circled it on the receipt and asked me to initial next to it acknowledging that I understood.  It was NOT a good experience. They insisted that the bras HAD to be SNUG. She insisted that I would get used to it.  I was very underweight after chemo. I am still slender, but at a more normal weight now. (1 1/2 years PFC.) Of course the bras became even more binding and uncomfortable and unfortunately caused truncal swelling.  I just recently bought extenders at Walmart and wear them with those bras. You are very correct in the fact that I won't go back there.  They lost me as a customer.

    Frapp there is also a tear drop shape that you might ask to try in addition to the asymmetrical shape.  Good luck. I hope you find something you are happy with.

    Wren did you pack the microbead forms you made as tight/full as the ones you bought?  I tried on microbead forms a year ago (it was probably to soon after mx).  They felt so hard and hurt.  I am wondering about trying them again. The bra that I had on was a soft cup (the only thing I had at the time).  I am wondering if they might work better in a molded cup?    

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,931
    edited December 2012

    FLwarrior, I think I packed it less tight than the one I bought. They ended up not working well for me because I had a UMX. When I wear the microbead foob my bra rides up on that side. The silicone foob is heavy enough to keep the bra down. If I had a BMX I would wear cami's with lightweight foobs. Actually, the cami might work now because the length would prevent it from riding up. But I do need serious uplift for the remainder.

  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 154
    edited February 2013

    I've been searching this thread but not finding the info I'm looking for. A few months or so, maybe even 6 months, someone recommended a strapless or tube bra. I thought I bookmarked it but didn't. Anyone remember it? I need something for evening wear. Thanks.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited February 2013

    Hi Mary, I don't know if this is what you are talking about, I didn't see the post you are looking for, but I bought a bandeau tube bra from The Womens Personal health Resource Inc. I think it is in California.

    This one has pockets and small fillers inside. It won't take a heavy silicone prosthesis, just the light forms.

  • LakeLady1916
    LakeLady1916 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2013
    ohio Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 39

    LakeLady1916 wrote:

    Hi - I don't know if my comment is in the right spot - but here goes:   Does anyone want one, or two breast prosthesis?  I had bilateral reconstruction with expanders.  Early on I got 2 Anita Care Equitex 1057x size small prosthesis.  These are the type where you can adjust the size by adding polyfill to the back of them.  I only used them a few times and not even for a full day.  I don't think the small is actually that small.  I am 5 feet 4 inches and was a 36B before surgery.  I suspect that if you google them, you could see what they look like.  They are so darned expensive I hate to just toss them and I am afraid of just sending them to the good will - Lord knows who will wind up with them there!  Please let me know if you are interested in them and I will send them to you.

  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 614
    edited March 2013

    Hi LakeLady, I sent you a PM.

  • MRSROCKYTOP55
    MRSROCKYTOP55 Member Posts: 61
    edited March 2013

    Hi LakeLady,  I am a missionary in Costa Rica and have been treated for breast cancer here.  I found there was a great need for prosthesis, bras, wigs, scarves, etc here.  When we return home for a visit we collect donations and bring them to the hospital here.  If you would like to donate your items to the ladies here in Costa Rica, please let me know and I will send you my sister's address in MN.  We will be going home for a visit in May.  Thank you and God Bless,  Kathy

  • LakeLady1916
    LakeLady1916 Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2013

    Hi - I have already made arrangements to give them to someone.  This might be a good thread to start if other people have things they want to recycle.

  • anamerty
    anamerty Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2013

    I am wanting to make my own foobs made from the 100% polystyrene micro beads . I tried some foam type beads from a foam shop and they dont work they make a lot of noise and just are not the right product. Ive tried michaels and walmart and my 2 fabric stores that dont carry that also I live in vancouver canada so I need to find some one who sells them in british columbia so any of you ladies ever come across this stuff? It wont work to order from the states for a couple reasons 1) the duty is too much 2) if wrong itrm is sent it is a pain in the butt to try to send back.the fosm balls I have now are used to fill bean bag chairs etc but not the right stuff I hope somebody csn help me thank-you...Brenda

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited March 2013

    Hi anamerty, I had a wonderful email conversation with Mary La Caze from mastectomysolutions.com, the other day. She has the patterns for the foobs, and she also makes them for non sewers. She has all the information on what type of beads, and fabric to use, to create your own foobs.

    She's a lovely lady who is only too happy to help. She has a great website with many great ideas.

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,931
    edited March 2013

    Anamerty, They use the same beads in little travel pillows. You can squish them and feel the beads. Do read the mastectomy solutions instructions. And she's not kidding about doing it inside a plastic bag. I found they tended to clog up whatever I used to transfer them to the foob. I finally ended up enlarging the hold and spooning them in.

  • anamerty
    anamerty Member Posts: 33
    edited March 2013

    Thanks for the info I actually heard about the travel pillows but I checked one out and I could hear the little balls swishing around so I thought they were the same beads I have already, but I guess I could buy one and cut it open to see.just wish I could find a store here that sells them