All things bras & prosthesis
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I just was fitted for my prosthesis yesterday. I chose the ABC, as it fit better than the Anita (which I liked the looks of better). Once I switched to the ABC prosthesis in my mastectomy bras I was trying on, things started coming together. I was having no luck with the Anita with the bras. I was so excited to be wearing a bra again and honestly I can't even tell I have a foob in my bra! My out of pocket expense was $56.90.
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Which ABC did you get? I have the contact one which I really thought I would wear alot,(attached to me) but I really dont wear it like that alot.. but do wear it with the cloth back on it. I kinda think it is a little too big for me, but fitter said I needed to have something to fill in the concave at the top, It is nice to feel and forget we have a foob on isnt it? After the first of year I can get 2 new ones and some new bras as well, I love the Mona (amoena) bras, they are so soft and comfy. Thanks for posting this, very encouraging too.
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I am not sure which ABC I got? I like it!
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gtgirl,
So glad you're happy with your ABC breast form. Although going flat works for some women, there are many of us who would rather preserve the shape we had when we had both breasts. It sounds as if you found a good fitter who was able to match your existing breast and restore a natural look to your body. Having a well-fitted breast form and comfortable, attractive bras can really make a difference!
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It's been a while since I've read through this thread, but I was wondering if anyone has tried the "customized" bras offered by TLC Direct. I've gotten hats, headbands & foam forms from them in the past, and now I need some new BMX bras. I have silicone forms that I'm VERY happy with, but I'm intrigued by these bras that have the microbeads built in. I'm wondering if they're heavy enough to hold the bra in place. I haven't liked other foam or fluff forms because of the way they move around.
If anyone has worn one, I'd love to hear what you thought before spending the money on one.
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Great question, anyone try these?
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I have done heaps of research in the past year, but have never seen these ones.
I really like the idea, in theory, but would hope there is a bit of weight in them, just to keep the bra in place. As you said, the main downside of the micro bead, light weight forms is their ability to ride up or slide around. I wonder how well it would wash and dry, but my main concern with this bra, in the picture is that it looks a tad too plunging at the front for me. I need a little more cover with the bra cup. I would also prefer the option of black because even though it isn't a huge outlay, white can become well, less than white, fairly quickly, even when well taken care of.
I'd be very interested to hear what you think, if you go ahead with buying it.
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I placed an order, but didn't try the filled bras. Even with my silicone forms, I'm bothered by bands riding up.
I picked the "long line" bra that has a super wide band. I've never worn anything like that, but I'm hoping it works while still allowing me to take the occasional breath.
I also got the cami with a built-in mastectomy bra (not a shelf bra) because I wear camis or tanks over my bra ALL the time. And it was on clearance!
If/when anyone tries the pre-filled bras, I hope they give us their critique.
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I am just thinking about prosthetics now (still in chemo) and don't have a clue. I live in Jamaica where they don't have many options. I had only one breast removed, so I was thinking I will have to get one fake boob, which I can wear with regular bras? I think it's harder to fill in one side, so that it looks even, any hints on that? I received a camisole with two fake boobs, which were too big for me, so one side didn't match my actual small A cup, so I am looking for foobs that I can put in any bra/ camisole.
Can anyone recommend what I could buy online for an A cup? Or does it need to be fitted? This pre-filled bra looks like a great option, I too would be interested in anyone's opinion on this.
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Hi Deblc, I am a Uni too. I have found lots of different Foobs and Prosthesis since I started searching the internet about a year ago.
For me, I am a "d" cup so I have had to get the right fit to match my remaining side. I have everything from the softees that suit right after surgery through to Micro Beads made by Mary at Mastectomysolutions.com and my fave, the light weight foam which I wear in a sports crop top under a shirt or jacket.
I would usually suggest getting properly fitted for a Mx bra and a suitable prosthesis, usually about 6 weeks after surgery, but being a small A, you may just get by with say, an Ahh, or Genie type bra with a softee in it. You can look at what is available online and then go from there. I had to get rid of all my pre surgery bras because they had under wires and after hearing about someone getting stabbed by a wire and getting an infection, not knowing because her chest was numb, just scared me from ever wearing one again.
I am sure there will be others who will give advice on your question...I wish you all the very best!
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I saw your post yesterday, deblc, but knew someone with better info would respond and be more helpful! I had BMX and I haven't purchased a lot of forms or bras yet.
So really I just wanted to say good luck as you finish chemo and move toward surgery. For me, compared to chemo, everything else was fairly easy to handle.
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Thanks for this forum! I will be having a BMX on Thursday. I know I don't need any foobs right away but after looking through my TLC catalog, and the silicone inserts at Target I just did a search on Amazon & now am totally unsure what to try/buy. (& I will be having radiation too)
I am (right now for a couple more days) small breasted...pretty much flat chested. So I don't feel I will need much to fill after BMX in to look the same as before.
I will have time to go through your posts, see what you all prefer, suggest & what has & hasn't worked for you. Thanks.
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Best of luck, Vintage! I'm hoping to get my BMX scheduled next month. I, too am thankful for this forum. So much to learn. I haven't been flat chested since the late 70's!!
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cdelv66 thanks!
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Hi VintageGal,
Just to mention, if you have insurance, you should be covered for breast forms and bras every year or two. That means you can go to a certified fitter and select silicone or non-silicone breast forms and mastectomy or regular bras. Silicone forms are normally quite expensive but with insurance covering, that can give you the opportunity to try them out. They feel more lifelike than other forms, though they can also be hotter to wear. They come in very lightweight versions these days, so heaviness isn't usually a factor. Hope you have that option.
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Just a reminder - do not go off of pictures to order pros and bras. Go to a Certified Fitter amd try them on.
I've been dealing with the same fitter for 4 yrs and she always orders in several different styles and and sizes based on how she knows they fit and what I like. (I'm on the smaller side so they don't keep a lot on hand.) Yesterday, I went to try them on and there was only one that really fit right though all the same size - actually my favorite one from last year. So I got 2 of that one. Though our measurements may be the same by the tape measure, we are not all exactly the same in how we are 'built' sp there is no "One Size Fits All".
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Two things, TLC catalog will send you information as to submitting your purchase to your insurance company.
And secondly, I have not heard this mentioned before, but being a uni (when I was one for 18 months), my bra always rode up on the missing breast side. After the double, I buy the bra a little bigger, and really, it just does not ride up. I wear the shapes from Handfull which just don't ride up on me. And I am flat, no skin no ridges.
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I do not have any issues with 'riding up' at all np matter what I do or how active I am. Probably has to do with having the right fit and a pros. that matches the other side.
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Vintage...Thinking of you and hoping your surgery went well. Looking forward to hearing from you. I got my BMX scheduled for April 3rd
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Thanks Ariom. I was hoping someone could direct me to an online site , but it seems like the best thing is to get fitted properly. As I said, not many options where I live.
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Hi Deblc, There are probably quite a lot of options for you on the internet, I buy almost everything I have from the internet, but I went and got fitted first, just to make sure I knew what size I needed. There isn't a huge range here in Australia either. I have to be more careful with the size because I have a largish remaining breast. As I said, you could probably do fine, at least in the early days with a knot bra and a soft fiber filled foob that can be ordered from lots of different sites. If you google lightweight or soft mastectomy forms you'll find lots. Mary at mastetomysolutions.com has a great site that is really helpful as is Erica's site Breastfree. Have a look around, and if you don't find anything that suits you let us know and I will give you the names of some of the sites I go to. Don't forget Ebay, I have bough lots of bras and foobs and Prosthesis on there at ridiculously low prices and they are brand new.
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Thanks Ariom, I will try the sites you suggested
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Hi Debic,
Ariom just kindly mentioned my non-profit website, BreastFree.org. If you go to the website, you can check out the Breast Forms section and Bras and Camisoles section to get some idea of what other women have found comfortable and attractive. We're all so individual, though, that this is just a starting point. I agree that trying things on is helpful. And I agree with Ariom that, if possible, it's good to go to a fitter at first, to get a better idea of what works.
One problem, though, is that some mastectomy shops don't carry a big selection and the fitter may try to steer you toward something she has in stock, rather than what really would work best for you. So, it's also worth checking out the online sites. That way, you'll have a better idea of what's out there and can at least ask a fitter about specific brands and styles, which she may be able to order. Make sure, though, that you're not committing to buying what she orders. That happened to me once and was very upsetting.
If you go to the Helpful Links section at BreastFree.org, you'll find, under the "Post-Mastectomy Products Online" heading, links to some good online retailers. I personally particularly like MetroMedicalOnline, which has a great selection, a good website, and a good return policy. They frequently feature free shipping promotions. A good return policy is key -- I've had to return forms and bras on several occasions because they didn't fit right, but I've also found forms and bras that weren't available at my local mastectomy shop. Unfortunately, I've had to pay return shipping, but I'm not sure what they'd do for an exchange. And it's worth noting that online prices for breast forms are usually lower than what you'd pay at a mastectomy shop, so even with shipping costs they can be less expensive. With an online purchase, you'd have to submit to insurance yourself, whereas certified fitters at mastectomy shops will usually handle all that.
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Thank you so much Erica, this has been very helpful.
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Just coming back to report on my order from TLC.
The cami with built-in mastectomy bra. Just...no. The fabric was nice, and the adjustable bra band was good. But maybe I'm just not broad enough because it tented outward right in the middle of my chest. I got the "see straight through to your waist" effect without even bending over! I'll be returning that sucker.
On the other hand, the "long line" bra is wonderful! My forms fill the pockets perfectly; the band is wide (4 hook closure) and snug; and the front comes up just high enough to lay flat on my skin. No more tugging and no more hand on the chest to hold things in place! Granted, it's a little like putting on a straight jacket, and it's not all that pretty, but I don't mind. Actually, it probably fits a lot like a firm sports bra but with cups, an adjustable band & straps & no racer back.
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Ariom mentioned that she had gone to a fitter so knew what was the correct size to order. Knowing the correct size does not guarantee a good fit. Different manufacturers have slightly different construction. Different styles within the same manufacturer but the same 'size' are cut differently thus fitting (or not fitting) differently. As I said, the other day I tried on several different bras-all the same size amd correct for me - that only one really fit right. I could have worn the others but were clearly not an ideal fit. I've found this to be true all my life -different bras fitted dofferently. Whem dealing with both 'natural' breast it was seldom an issue other than some being better than others but with having a pros and a natural -to me anyway- it's more important to have a good/even fit.
Deblc - I live where there are no Mastectomy Salons/Boutiques at all. The only Certified Fitter within 350 miles is here at one of the medical supply houses. They do have a fairly well supplied room but I'm on the smaller side (34 A) they have to order inomes for me as there is basically not enough call for them to be kept on hand. A year or 2 ago, I heard that one of the prosthesis places was thinking about getting into mastectomy supplies but the last I heard was that didn't happen. So check in your area at the medical supply houses or the prosthesis places.
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I went for one in-person fitting and got my silicone forms & first 2 mastectomy bras, but that is something I absolutely hate to do. The lady was nice and helpful, a real "people person," but it's just not an experience I enjoy or would do again when there are alternatives. Besides that, the Women's Shop is part of the hospital gift shop and is only open 4 days a week, from 9 to 5; and it's nowhere near my office. The convenience of shopping online and not having to take off work to buy bras is very important to me.
I see the necessity for a first-time fitting, and will probably go back for new silicone forms when the time comes. But otherwise, I'm good shopping online and simply returning anything that doesn't work for me (i.e. crazy tent-shaped cami-bra)!
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Hi Kicks! I am sorry I should have clarified that I was really talking more about the Foobs or Prosthesis fitting, than bras. I have lots of bras that I have taken a chance on and have discovered they just don't fit. I have since discovered that Amoena has styles that suit me really well, so I have bought several of each of the best styles for me. Just as a guide, I have to pay about $85.00 here for a "Mona", but can often get 2 for about $70.00 US online. I love to wear a light weight foam foob in a crop top sports bra and have found a couple of styles made by Marika suit me really well. They have unbelievable sales online where I can get a $60.00 sports bra for $9.00! I have also found some great camis online with removable pads, that have a pocket which holds a weighted foam foob really well. They are great under a button up shirt or a zip front athletic jacket.
My absolute pet hate is the dreaded "Fall Forward" that GeorgiaRai describes as seeing straight through to your waist...uggghh, I hate that, so I am always on the search for the right coverage in everything, to avoid that.
The Foobs and Prosthesis are, in my opinion, easier to buy online after you have been fitted properly and you've found what shape, and fill suits you best. I got my original Prosthesis through the fitter and claimed my refund from Australian insurance, but every other prosthesis and light weight foob I have, have come from the internet. The Prosthesis Manufacturers usually state bra sizes, as the guide for the fit, and I have had little, or no problem, with all my purchases using those guides.
The prices in Australia, through the stores, for anything Mastectomy related are exorbitant, so I can buy from the US, for a fraction of the cost here, pay the postage and still be ahead by a long way.
The more research I do, the more options I find. I have bought a couple of duds, which were something different I wanted to try, but fortunately, I have been happy with most of my purchases. The duds, I have passed on to other ladies at my BC group meetings.
Another member here, named my Prosthesis and bra cupboard the "FoobMoire"!
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Ariom - I'm not an online shopper usually. I have one pros. and it works great in anything I wear or doing anything I do and is so comfy that it's just 'there'.
I'm in a bit different situtation than most for getting my 'stuff' (LE garments included) as my care is not through insurance but through VA (Veterans Affairs) so they either order direct with some things but with bras and pros. they send a Purchase Order directly to the place I go to so I walk in, get, sign name and walk out with. I have found a few really 'pretty', bright colors REAL cheap ($4-$5) ones at WalMart that aren't bad at all for occasional wear. These are 'up lift' ones with pads but usually have pockets that you can take the pads out of and put your pros. in easily. Don't know how they might work for larger sizes. I do have to say they aren't quite as comfy at times but as I said they are real cheap and can be a bit of 'fun'. Bye the Bye - my favorite is an Amoena -Lea. It fits me great and is so comfy. The straps can be change and it comes with clear ones also for use with other style tops.
Georgia - I can understand it could be 'uncomfortable' dealing with a fitter if you haven't in the past. Until I was on my own and buying my own clothes, Mom and/or my Grandmother always took me to a very high end department store for all my bras from the first and a fitter was alwaus involved. So to me, a fitter is not an issue at all. No - I have not always dealt with a fitter in all the years but it does not seem umusual to me to deal with one nut I can see how it could be for some.
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Hi Kicks, yes I know the department store bras you're talking about, I like them for the colors too, but there is no way I can put a size 8 silicone Prosthesis in those. That is why I use the weighted foam foobs. For larger breasted Uni's like myself, this is a great option for a comfortable relaxation outfit rather than wearing the heavier Silicone in a more structured bra, all the time. I also like some of the Micro bead options, and got my very first set of these from Mary at Mastectomysolutions.com, Mary is wonderful, and a great help if you contact her direct. There are a few options out there in this type of Foob, with some being weighted for those who have the problem of the super light ones riding up. Interestingly, most have been designed by women who have been unable to find anything that suited their needs.
I have an Amoena Lea convertible, great idea, and really great looking bra, but unfortunately it is a bit too low cut for me and although I can use a Contact Prosthesis with it, it still shows a bit.
As with everything to do with this journey, there are many many options because nothing is ever going to suit everyone. I am just so please that I wasn't doing this back in the days when women had to sew a cloth bag and fill it with birdseed or rice!
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