All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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New2bc, I am not one to sew and for the low price that Mary sells the microbeads for it would not be worth the effort to make them for me, I love them, have three sets and I am a UMX! I have different sizes, started a bit too small...then got an even bigger size for certain bras. I am currently having TE reconstruction and took out beads after each fill to match my native breast. Without my microbead forms I would be lost!
I use a genie bra or another one that I have from Walmart. Does the trick for me.
Good luck with your journey!
Karen0 -
I've had my silicone forms since last December, and I love them. After wearing foamies following surgery & through radiation, I was discouraged and didn't have much hope that I'd ever like wearing prosthesis, but the minute the bra fitter (at my local hospital) had me try them on - wow! I actually felt like myself again. They are heavy enough to keep my bra in place, while the foam forms moved around with my bra (size 5 - 34B)
My only problem/issue is the crease or valley between the outer top of the forms and my underarm. When you have breasts, there isn't any gap - it's all gradual and filled in. But with my forms, I have to constantly pull on my tops/shirts to smooth them out over that Grand Canyon between my underarm flesh and the silicone. (How's that for over dramatic? lol)
Does anyone (1) know what I'm talking about and (2) know a fix for this? Thanks!0 -
Yes, there is that grand canyon there LOl...good explanation. I have it too, and I decided for right now to not worry about it. So I wear tight fitted shirts and just don't worry about it, or pull a looser shirt on, and then it doesn't show. Eventually I will have all my clothing worked out to look right on me.
The way I think a. no one else notices and b. everyone knows I don't have breasts anyway so it doesn't matter so much.0 -
I would like to know how soon after surgery most of you had your first bra/form fitting. I am going next week for my fitting which will be 5+weeks after surgery. I am well healed but wondering if I am rushing things for sensitivity issues. Would like to read about your experiences.0 -
Hi Kale,
Just realized this is your first post! So sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us!
I was probably one of the worst here for going too early for a fitting. I was there a week after my Mx. I couldn't wait to get it all happening. LOL When the girls in the shop found out I had just had surgery they sent me home and said there was no way I could be fitted till at least 6 weeks after the surgery.
I was back there 6 weeks to the day. I was fitted for a Prosthesis, and two Amoena Bras, and my fave, the Amoena Valletta Camisole. They wouldn't entertain my interest in the "Contact". I couldn't get fitted for that one for 6 months!
I should mention that I am a Uni, so although I can go half flat, I really don't do it all that often because I have a "D" cup to contend with on the other side.
As to your question about sensitivity issues, we are all different. Some can't take the weight of the Silicone, and others can't handle the feeling of the fabric against them. You just have to try things on and increase your time in them till they are comfortable for you. I did, and still do, a lot of massage of my scars and whole chest to make it less sensitive, to make sure there was no adhesion, and the skin stayed supple.
I am almost 10 months out from surgery, and I can wear anything now. I still have a bit of numbness, pins and needles, and phantom itching, but I can wear just about anything now without it annoying me. It is all just trial and error.
We have a very different system here in Australia, we get reimbursed for one Prosthesis ever 2 years, and that is it!
I have bought lots of different Foobs because I really don't believe there is just one ideal Prosthesis. I have micro bead, a weighted foam, a Contact that attaches to your chest several light weight silicone ones and everything in between. I wear camisoles, shape wear with pockets, Ahh Bra, and sports bras that have pockets for modesty pads, as well as real mastectomy bras. Most of my real Mx stuff is Amoena, because that is really the only Mx company here in Australia, I am not complaining, I really like everything I have from that brand.
I hope some of this helps, sorry I didn't mean to write a novel here! Feel free to PM me if I can help with anything else.
I wish you all the best, and hope you find things that will be comfortable and will make you feel good!0 -
Hi GeorgiaRai!
So glad you are liking your silicone forms. I am very pleased with mine.
I am wondering what shape yours are? I have several different silicone forms. They are different shapes, one is called Energy, and it can be rotated inside the bra to fill in my concave spot, which is a different issue to yours. I don't have the Grand Canyon you speak of, but I wonder if rotating the form might help at all. The other thing that may help is going for a different shape in a Mx bra. Perhaps a higher or wider side that will hold tighter against your side, under your arm.
As Crystal says, she can go flat and fabulous, and people really don't notice. I have actually run out to the supermarket half flat, with a shape wear camisole under a shirt, and I don't think anyone notices that either.
Take care!0 -
Hi Ladies, though I would jump in on this wagon a bit. How soon to get measured for forms depends upon your healing process. I was told that I could not get measured for bras and prostheses until all my surgical wounds were healed. For me that took quite a while because I had drains in for quite a few weeks post-op. I would say it was nearly 8 weeks before I got fitted. Even since then I am continuing to notice changes in the contour of my chest wall and underarm areas. The swelling has gone down, the seromas that I was continually battling finally seem to have resolved, and the lymphedema therapist is working on stretching my pectoral muscles and flattening my surgical scars (the one on the right still has pretty deep pucker in it). Ariom, to your comment about getting one prosthesis every two years--that is also what my insurance allows. In the US most insurance companies follow the Medicare guidelines. So I can get one form per MX (I did BMX) per two years unless my size changes significantly due to weight loss or weight gain. I am continually trying to lose weight, so maybe I will get some new ones before the two years is up!). The point to that story is that you must make sure you take care of the prostheses. Watch the long finger nails, etc. Poke holes will void any warranty. I always try to make sure that I wash mine every day, and store them in the cases they came in. We spend a lot of time away from home at our boat, so I just ordered two more cases that I can leave there so I don't have to truck them back and forth. I think bra coverage varies quite a bit with insurances. Some only cover one or two per year, others are unlimited. My policy was unlimited until July and then it went to four (of course my surgery was in June and I could not get measured until after the change over). Mastectomy bras are quite expensive, and the ones that I can get covered are more utilitarian than attractive. I have to sports bras from Amoena that I absolutely love....they are so comfortable. I wear them the most, and they seem to be the most sturdy too. The others don't look like they have a very long life expectancy. I have to keep reminding my husband to hang them to dry after washing rather than put them in the dryer (he does he laundry at home.....YAY!)
My forms are a teardrop shape I think. They are bilateral forms so they can go on either size. I have gotten quite used to them. Although they feel heavy when I put them on, I feel much more put together when they are on. They were a bit warm during some of the really hot summer days, but we are in for a major weather change today and maybe they will keep me warm! I must admit, though, that it is quite comfy going commando around the house. Funny story....I had to go for some scans before I started my chemo. With all the new technology, you don't even have to get undressed for some of them. The tech asked me if I had surgery, and I told her BMX. She asked if I had reconstruction, I said no. She looked quite confused......I laughed and said "oh those are my foobs!" She laughed. I am sure I was the topic of her dinner conversation that night!
Good luck to all of you. Find things that make you feel pretty and most importantly, make you feel good about yourself! I am having fun with other external items....hats, scarves, earrings, etc. Bought a couple of new clothing items that are not my typical style...but they are fun!
Martha0 -
Thank you Ariom and RhoddyMMM for sharing your experiences. Your advice is appreciated! I had a bilateral mx. I have just been wearing the mastectomy camis I purchased before surgery with the cute fiber fill 'puffs' that came with them when I go out.I tried a sport bra I wore before surgery but it is just too rough and irritating. I am tolerating the feel of a soft t-shirt better this week than last so maybe sensitivity is lessening. Yea! The Amoena Valletta Camisole is on my list to try. Going to check out some of the soft, stretchy bras other posters have mentioned. Plan to try out various options of forms in addition to silicone which my insurance will cover. Oh, this is a whole new world - not glad to be a part of - but happy there are so many options!0 -
Hi Kale, I agree with the other posters and I also like the ABC form, it is a contact one. I like the amoena cami and I have a breast form from amoena as well. The abc bras are soft and comfy too. Just adding my opinion! Best of luck with your fittings, I was 7 week out before I got mine, but the fitter told me I could have come sooner.. but I wanted to make sure I was healed properly because I am a long distance from the fitters and shops.0 -
Hi new2bc,
I'm not sure anyone answered the part of your question about the ABC Massage Form. I tried it a couple of years ago. I found it very comfortable and I liked the shape, but unfortunately found that it didn't alleviate the problem of perspiration behind the form for me. The best silicone forms I've found for that are the Amoena Energy and the Anita TriTex. The TriTex has a soft fabric backing so can be worn directly against the skin. But more and more, when it's warm outside I tend to wear non-silicone forms.0 -
Thanks, Crystal & Ariom! I'm sure you're right and that most people would never notice this. Funny, the things we focus on sometimes!
I only have 1 set of forms so far, Ariom; they are TruLife Impressions, asymmetrical. I tried switching them around, but I didn't see much difference, and I wasn't as comfortable. I think my issue is the roll of skin / fat / whatever it is that I now have under each arm, so your suggestion,about trying a different bra style might be just the thing.
LOL, Martha, at the thought of a family discussing your foobs over dinner!
Kale, I didn't have my fitting until about 5 months after my BMX, but only because I wanted to finish rads first, just in case I had skin issues and couldn't tolerate the forms and/or bras. Once I went, I wished I'd gone sooner!0 -
Hi GeorgiaRai!
I am just wondering if you have "Dog Ears". Lovely thought, isn't it! Don't panic, they are very common! I have a single one, from my single Mx. Mine was much larger and more of an issue, months ago. It has definitely reduced in size. I spoke to my Surgeon about it, and he said he could remove it if it really bothered me. His explanation was that it is something that was always there, but the weight of the breast used to pull it forward, after the breast is gone this fatty thing becomes a bit more perky and gets in the way. The surgeons are loathe to remove too much in case it is too tight and restricts range of movement.
I decided to see how it goes this Summer when I am wearing sleeveless tops. If it's an issue, I'll have it off!
If that is your issue, then the wide side bra is the go. I have bought lots because I was having to tuck this ugly thing in when I was wearing the narrower bras uuggghhh, not a good look!:)
The other bra that I have found, and love, that addresses this problem is the Marika Sports Bra. It is the one that is more like a crop top. It has pockets that you can fit a prosthesis in and can be worn under a zip front jacket, slightly exposed, or under a shirt that lets you see the color of it. It sits very flat to the chest so there is no fall forward, which is my absolute biggest annoyance. I can't bear it when I lean forward and the prosthesis pulls the bra forward exposing my flat side right through to my waist.0 -
I am a bit over 8 weeks post my BMX surgery. I have been going every where flat, shopping, dr appts, where ever. I wear a tank or lacy cami with a button up shirt over it or a sweater and a scarf. I think the only person I caught trying to catch a peek at my chest was the clerk at the grocery store. She knew I had the surgery, we had talked about it prior. I think she just wanted to see how flat I was. But she looked away as soon as she realized I saw her..... I don't really care what anyone thinks, I am quite comfortable being flat!! (I was a C cup before.)
That said, I am going to go for a fitting sometime next month. I have amazing insurance and they will cover as many garments/prosthetics as I want. So I am really going to stock up on anything I like when I go. I've met my out of pocket expense so ins will be paying for everything for the rest of this year!! Next year I go into medicare and I think they have limits so I want to stock up now!
I haven't read all this thread yet, but I will look it over later. I am really enjoying learning of everyone's experiences with different forms and bras. I don't want to totally have to rely on the fitter for advice.0 -
Ariom, I'd always pictured "dog ears" as something else when I read about them, but what you described is exactly what I have! Now I shall name them Fido and Rover.
The explanation from your surgeon makes perfect sense. It's good to know it was always there, but now just doesn't have anywhere else to go. I'll definitely look keep it in mind when I look for my next bra. Thanks so much!
And oh yes, I've done the "I can see clear though to my belt buckle" before - ACK!! I have perfected the fine art of the discreet-hand-on-the-chest when I bend over now.
Happy Weekend, everyone!
Rachel0 -
Hi Rachel! How funny, Fido and Rover! I had two duodenal ulcers years ago and named them Heckle and Jeckle!
I think you may be surprised at how they alter over time. Mine was dreadful in the beginning, but it's barely there now. I had no idea how long the swelling would take to finally go away. Same with my chest, it is flat and smooth now, not for want of trying, I have to say. I have massaged my chest a couple of times a day, every day, and do stretching exercises too. I think it is as good as it will get now.
I am quite happy with the end result. I can't believe I am saying that about a flat side, with a rogue "D" cup puppy on the other side! Amazing what we become used to! Take care!0 -
I know about the dog ears, but my surgeon calls them "angels wings." She told me I earned them! Like that better! And I will say that 4 months after surgery they have diminished quite a bit. I think part of that is from the physical therapy I am having.....the therapist is really working on stretching out my chest and pectoral muscles to really try to smooth my chest wall (I did BMX). It really seems to be helping now that the swelling has improved.0
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Does anyone know how the breast forms stand up in salt water? The gym I go to (will get back to!!) has a salt water pool which tends to eat suits in a fairly short time so I am thinking maybe no forms when swimming? I'm only 3 weeks post surgery but am trying to think ahead a bit.
Nice to know about the dog ears/angel wings. I have a pair myself. I think I will be reading a lot of these forums. Still under a bit of mind freeze from the diagnosis, etc. Getting bone density tomorrow prior to Arimidex.0 -
Welcome Bikegirl,
You can get special swim forms, but another option could be micro-bead forms. They are extremely light and they say they can go in the water. I got a set from TLCdirect.org. I used them when we went to the beach for a couple of days and just washed them with gently soap when I was done.
I know what you mean about the mind freeze.....mine went from the initial diagnosis, then decision about double mastectomy, then several weeks later finding out there was another diagnosis they missed and suddenly thrown into chemo. This is a great site with lots of really helpful forum threads. What will your treatment plan be going forward?
Best wishes,
Martha0 -
The difference between chemo/radiation and not having it was minimal so Dr decided on Arimidex only for now. Recheck in December.
Thanks for the micro-bead info. Will definitely check into that.0 -
A new question. I have been paying very close attention as to *why* my foobs always leave me hurting. And I think I have the answer. over the course of the day, the band needed below breasts (foobs) rides up and down over this thin fleshy place which used to be the bottom of each breast, and these places not only are VERY sensitive on me, but over the whole long day, my chest muscles begin to contract (tighten) making me sore.
I know, it is all too much to think about, but I wish I could be comfortable in foobs. Any one else feel this bra/cami slippage and the resulting soreness and pec flexing?0 -
Crystasl, I have that issue too. :-(0 -
LInda, I am sorry this happens to you too...so if you don't mind me asking, what do you do? Go flat like me or deal with the 'discomfort" which can be pain when my pecs start clenching....0 -
Crystal and Linda, maybe something like one of these links would be helpful for the problem you mention.
This link is a way of fastening the bottom of your bra to your pants/skirt to keep it down:
http://mastectomysolutions.com/bra-band-ouch-fix.php
And this link shows you how to convert a slip to a mastectomy camisole - no painful band:
http://mastectomysolutions.com/making-a-mastectomy-camisole.php
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YES, the band riding up on the scar hurts! Someone needs to redesign mastectomy bras and camis. I mean, really they shouldn't hurt and we shouldn't need to worry about the foobs moving around. The website riverat posted is great. Mary did a great service creating her website. Just bought some microbead foobs from her. She should sell the clips she invented. She is an angel.
Georgie0 -
I recently went in for a fitting and the gal was a real ditz. I had told her what I measured around my chest and she just took that number and ran with it. She explained how the measurements were done, middle of front to middle of back then X2 and add some inches. But she didn't do it. The shop had limited selection and even more limited sizes to try. Most of what I tried on were too small and she added an expander to the hooks, the rest were too big so I really don't know how things will fit. For any sort of selection, you had to order from a catalog photo. I ordered a set of contact forms and a set of silicon forms and 4 bras. They have yet to arrive and I am worried if it is all going to end up a big waste of time except for the forms.
The biggest problem is this woman is leaving the job on the 29th and doesn't even know if they will hire another fitter. (It is a small room in a PT clinic.) It looks to me that they are phasing out the mastectomy items. I am worried that there won't be any sort of professional there when my items come in. Looks like the receptionist will be handling things. I live in MT and this is the only shop around where I live. Next choice is Spokane, WA!!
I will go to Spokane for any further fittings/purchases as this place is not helpful at all. Any one have any good recommendations for shops in Spokane?? Thanks!0 -
Those mastectomy solutions are simply amazing! I am not sure at all I am up to the task of all that sewing, but I am going to look at this website more. And come to think about it, even when I had boobs, I remember that band slipping ever-so-slightly up and causing discomfort...so now it is just 1000 times worse.
I must say I was surprised to see that site say shapewear is a terrible thing for us to do, as it is painful and leads to LE...anyone else have an opinion on this? I don't wear spanx. but was thinking it could help tame this buddah belly of mine. Guess I will have to do it by eating one less cookie at a time.0 -
crystalphm, I have the microbead foobs from Mary and really like them. I do wear shape wear, and really like it. I am a Uni and it is the way I can go without a bra or foob, keeping the other "D" cup in check. I don't have LE and only had the SNB, so can't speak for anyone who has LE. I even wore a light shape wear tank to bed for months while I was using the ScarFX strips on my incision to keep it in place. I am careful not to wear any tight fitting shape wear that comes too far up under the arm, but have found some great shape wear camis that are really firm around the stomach and have the bra part knitted into the garment. I can pin a micro bead foob into these and they are really comfy because they can't ride up. I bought these through an online sale and don't have a name for them. I think they are from and American company called Venus Active wear. There are similar types of cami/shape wear in dept stores. I know I have mentioned it before, but another thing is the sports bra that is more like a crop top. Marika have one with modesty pads inside it that can be replaced with, or left in with, foobs. My favourite is the "Seamless Mesh" I find it doesn't ride up, but sits flat down further on the ribs with a racerback so the straps stay in place too. They have great sales, I bought these $45.00 ones on sale for $9.00 each in every color. They can be worn under an active wear jacket which is zipped up but the bra is left showing, or under a sleeveless t shirt, or shirt. They sit flat to the chest and for me, are really comfortable.0 -
I bought the micro-bead forms...I have not worn them because when I tried them on they did not hold a rounded boob shape. If I were to pick some thing up and hold it against my chest or hug someone the forms would go flat on the front and look very odd. Can't imagine being in public and having to cup and squish the forms to get them back in the correct shape. What am I doing wrong? Does this happen to anyone else that wears the micro-bead type forms?0 -
FLWarrior, I found that for me the micro-bead forms only hold their shape in a cup that holds its shape. They work well in the Coobie and Genie bras and I imagine they'd work in T-shirt bras very well. Another thing that I've done is I've taken the modesty pads from the Coobie bra and put that and the micro-bead forms into form covers that I had from some foam forms. When I did that I was able to tuck that into pretty much any bra I have and it worked.0 -
Thanks River Rat! Very good ideas. I will try them and I am sure it will be better than just putting the micro bead straight into the bra pocket.0
