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All things bras & prosthesis

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Comments

  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2014

    Hi Ariom, can you give me some sites you go to for the lighter breast forms that can possibly fit in a regular bra? I think maybe I will try those first as I am small, a 36A, and don't think I need/can deal with the heavier silicone ones.  If I can get away without buying a special mastectomy bra, I would be very happy. (Why are they so expensive??????!!!!!!!!!!!!)

  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 126
    edited March 2014

    cdelv & Ladies,

     surgery went fine, (BMX no recon) got in early, no issues. But I did have two pretty bad bleeds that afternoon. Surgeon came in saw one & redid all dressings. No leakage all night BUT! there I was pretty much ready to be released next day, sitting in chair & the bleeding started. Didn't let up then I told the nurse my chest was swelling. Well I grew a foob in 20 minutes, couldn't believe it! They called dr back & he said we were going back to OR for re incision & *evacuation*. I guess it was all filled with clots. That went alright. Though unexpected like the way most things go in this journey! So I stayed an extra night. 

     Got home yesterday & am doing ok today. VNA is due in at 1 to change bandages etc.

  • cdelv66
    cdelv66 Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2014

    Though unexpected like the way most things go in this journey!

    Vintage …  You got that statement right!  Glad you are home and doing ok.  Remember not to over do things!  Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you a speedy recovery.  Thanks for keeping us posted :)

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited March 2014

    Hi deblc, take a look at mastectomysolutions.com for micro bead foobs, also Erica, one of our members has a site called breastfree.com, another great site for information on foobs of all kinds.

    Just google mastectomy breast forms in your country and you will find many stores that can supply most of the well known brands.

    My favorite, slightly weighted foam foob is a Trulife foam with a weighted center, but as an "A" cup you may just be able to get by with a Genie, or similar bra, and just an enhancer, or "chicken filet" as they are known, which can just be bought at a department store.

    For me, I much prefer to buy a real Mx bra, but I have a heavy "D" cup on the other side so a really good fit is important to me. These bras are cut quite differently to normal bras, with shoulder straps that don't fall down, good front coverage and a pocket that fits the foob properly. They really do make a difference if you are wearing a heavier prosthesis. Target, and the other low cost department stores make their own generic type Mx bras for little cost. It is also worth taking a look at Ebay if cost is a problem. I have purchased many very expensive Mx bras, new with tags,  for very little, on Ebay, and there seems to be a lot of smaller sizes available. If you can get to a shop that does fitting first, I would advise you to get fitted, just to know what is right for you, you can then research and seek out the cheaper options.

    I hope this helps!  

  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 154
    edited March 2014

    Thanks I have been in touch with mastectomysolutions. Was trying to get by without a fitting, but looks like that's the best way to go about this first.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited March 2014

    For me, I think having a fitting is a good idea. This is new for all of us, so since it is something we will be living with, why not get some information from someone who is trained in what will suit our individual needs. Once you know that, you can go on and find your own things.

    I look at it, as just a new way of dressing, which takes a bit of getting used to, then it becomes the norm. I like to have a wardrobe of forms and bras, camis and tanks, that fit all kinds of different occasions. I have found the necklines that work for me too, so dressing isn't at all difficult now. It doesn't bother me that there is one extra step to dressing now, putting a form into a bra only takes a moment. 

    I hope you find what works for you! 

  • georgiarai
    georgiarai Member Posts: 60
    edited March 2014

    I don't know if this is true everywhere, but at the end of my fitting, it was MY option to purchase the forms and bras from them or not.  I did, because I'd met my deductible that year meaning it was covered 100%.  If I'd had to pay the $1,800 out of pocket, I would've said no, thank you.  At least I would've left knowing what size/shape of forms and band/cup size I needed so I could shop elsewhere.

    So it may be worthwhile to make the fitting appointment, get the info you need, and tell them you need time to think about it and will get back to them.  They're selling, but that dosen't mean you have to buy!

    Good luck!

  • kicks
    kicks Member Posts: 319
    edited March 2014

    Georgia - as far as I know no one is obligated to buy anything from a fitter.  In my case, my fitter knows that I will be getting what I like that she has gotten in for me to try on as she already has the Purchase Order for them.  The extras she orders for me to try that I don't like will be sent back.  

  • kicks
    kicks Member Posts: 319
    edited March 2014

    Deblc - Check out the uplift/padded bras at WalMart.  Some/many of them have the pads in pockets that have an opening in the side (like a mastectomy bra) so they are very easy to take out the pad and slide your pros. in.  I've gotten several of them and they work great for me.  I don't know how they would work for larger sizes but for 34A me they work. So as a 36A, they might work for you - worth a try as they are quite inexpensive.  Other stores should have some too - just have look

  • RhodyMMM
    RhodyMMM Member Posts: 278
    edited March 2014

    VintageGal, you are fortunate that your bleeding happened while you were still in the hospital. I had the same problem but it was after I went home and in the middle of the night. Passed out in the bathroom, incision opened up, when the paramedics got there my blood pressure was 60/40. Off to the ER where they sutured me back together, then shipped me back to Pittsburgh to the hospital where I had my BMX, then back in the OR at 4am. Not fun! Glad things worked out for you.

    cdelv66, my daughter and my money went to Penn State! Winking. I live in Westmoreland County, just about 2 hours from you. Small world, too bad we all have to meet this way!

    I have begun to learn that it is very difficult to buy mastectomy bras and forms online. The sizes vary based upon manufacturer, and even within the same manufacturer! I was able to get 4 mastectomy bras and two silicone forms last summer (I had BMX so needed two forms). Each bra is a different size for the same forms and the same body! I went back to the fitter two weeks ago because I needed a bathing suit, and while I was there said I wanted info about swim forms (I know they are not covered by insurance). I was going to buy them online, but wanted to get sizing info. The fitter was great...explained to me that in the off year from the silicone forms I am eligible for "leisure forms," and there are some that can be used for swimming. Since it is a new calendar year, I could get the leisure forms through my insurance...now I have the forms to use for things like exercising, weekends, swimming, as well as the heavier silicone forms to wear out in the real world. There is definitely a value to going to the fitter! Happy St. Patty's Day to all of you! ("Erin Go Bragh-less!" Loopy  )

  • cdelv66
    cdelv66 Member Posts: 76
    edited March 2014

    RhodyMMM~  We Are!!!  lol :)  Love the "Erin Go Bragh-less".  Looks like you are a couple months shy of your one year dx - How are you holding up?  I'm only two months out and it's been a whirlwind!!!

  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 126
    edited March 2014

    Oh wow Rhody

     scary! 

    I've had no issues since. VNA said everything looked excellent yesterday when she changed the bandages. Today I have to go to the cancer center for my herceptin infusion. I will need a nap later!

  • ndgirl
    ndgirl Member Posts: 950
    edited March 2014

    Vintage.. good luck with first treatment/

  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 126
    edited March 2014

    Hi ndgirl How you doing?

     I had Herceptin infusion today....started back in Nov, every week with Taxol now every three weeks. 

    I did get an appointment to see the rad dr on the 26th.

    So BMX done & on to the next battle in this war!

  • clickchick
    clickchick Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2014

     Hi Ladies,

    I'm 4 weeks post UMX and started wearing an Amoena bra and weighted form a couple of days ago. I've noticed the last 2 days that I'm developing a rash above the suture line. It's light pink and bumpy, but not itchy. I've put some moisturizing lotion on, which doesn't seem to help. I'm thinking the bra is rubbing me somehow, but not sure. My skin is supersensitive and, at this rate, I don't see how I'm going to make it thru rads.

    Anyone else run into this?

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited March 2014

    Hi Clickchick! I am not sure what could be causing the bumps, other than you are having a reaction to either the fabric or maybe the whatever the form is made of, maybe even your washing powder.

    You say you are just 4 weeks out from surgery, I wonder if that may have anything to do with it. I went to be fitted for bras and a Prosthesis a week after my Mx and was sent away by the fitter, who said it had to be at least 6 weeks and totally healed before I could be fitted for anything. In the mean time, I could use a knitted Genie bra with a "softee" in it. I actually made the mistake of trying on a bra, before I was completely healed, that I hadn't washed first and I actually got an infection in my incision line. I am not certain it was the cause, but I assume it was.

    Now that I think about it, I also had a few small lumps that surfaced above my incision line which just turned out to be stitches that hadn't dissolved. My Surgeon removed them easily. 

    I hope someone else may have more answers for you and you can get this resolved soon, take care! 

  • kicks
    kicks Member Posts: 319
    edited March 2014

    We are all different!  It was winter (well late Fall/Oct) when I went  through surgery so wearing very bulky warm clothes.   The local ACS sent me a 'care package' that included a 'fluff' that I used in my old bras until Jan til I got my pros and bras.  I don't know what your surgeon did but I had no external situres.  I did have a couple of the internal ones that were supposed to disolve that didn't but worked their out  to the surface and were sort of like a small 'pimple' and what was left of it had to be pulled out.  

    Just a thought.

  • clickchick
    clickchick Member Posts: 49
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, Ariom & Kicks. This bra and prosthesis are temporary until my swelling goes down completely and I can be measured for a proper form. At first, I tried to use the soft form that came with my post-op camisole, but that was really lumpy. I'm sure I've got an allergic reaction to something and hopefully it won't last long. I had a skin reaction to chemo on my hands that didn't go away for a month and I'm sure I'll have some kind of reaction from rads, too. I love my body ;)

  • susanhg123
    susanhg123 Member Posts: 257
    edited March 2014

    Hi Ladies,

    Need some help and advice. I have Nearly Me forms and I hate them. Each weighs 2.5 pounds. The bras lack support for the weight. I live in a small town-and locally that is the only option. But-am willing and ready to travel for something different. My surgeon told me about some that have something like suction cups on the back that can be worn with regular bras-which I would love. Prior to surgeries I wore a 36 C or with gravity a 36 long! 

    Suggestions? 

    Thanks in advance.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited March 2014

    Ha, I like that...36 long!

    Susan, there are a few different types of Contact Breast Forms available, and I am sure others will give you feedback on the types they have. I have the Amoena Contact which has a very sticky back which adheres to your chest and it can be worn in a conventional bra without pockets. It does however have the same kind of weight as most of the silicone Prosthesis. I couldn't wait to get mine, but I rarely wear it. With this one, you need to prep the skin before you attach it and then really scrub it well, after you've worn it. It can be worn in a Mx bra with a cover over the sticky side, there are also tabs you can buy, to attach your regular Prosthesis to your chest in a similar way.

    I have recently had some revision surgery to remove my Dog Ear at the end of my incision and have been wearing a weighted foam form, in a knitted sports bra while I healed. I really have liked the lesser weight of the foam form in the more casual bra. 

    It is unfortunate when we live far from the big cities, where we can source a lot of different things. I live in a small coastal town, but have managed to buy a lot of what I need online or on Ebay. There have been a few mistakes, but on the whole I have been really happy with both the prices and the products. 

    Good luck!

  • ndgirl
    ndgirl Member Posts: 950
    edited March 2014

    Hi Susan, I am like Ariom, couldnt wait to get the contact foob, I have the ABC brand which doesnt need to have the skin prepped before using, but of course it should be cleaned after use, just a little liquid soap on the side that is on your skin,and rinse lightly with water. I did not use it like I thought I would at first, but lately I have been using it more. Can use my regular bras with it, that is one nice thing. I even put it on with a sports bra and went to Zumba Dance and it worked just fine. Ariom has great advice about prosthesis and bras, both of us are kinda addicted to trying new bras and foobs, I have bought some great bras on Ebay for not much money, but you need a good fitting before doing that. Next month I go back and will see if the fitters have any new advice or products. I had left breast removed and they said it weighed 2.5 # and I am 38D so I feel I need some weight to balance out and I really dont mind the 2 silicone prosthesis I have Good luck with your search.

  • susanhg123
    susanhg123 Member Posts: 257
    edited March 2014

    Thank you so much for your advice. I had not thought about eBay. Will look there. Mine are both gone-at separate times-but gone. 

  • jkbrca2
    jkbrca2 Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2014

    Barbara, this is a great topic. I'm learning so much about what choices there are reading all the posts!  It's nice to see so many tips and solutions. I think you are a lovely lady and admire your joie de vivre in this post and other things you've written. I'm considering prophalytic BMX (BRCA2 positive) and hope to dress as well as you!  Thank you for thinking of this idea!

  • laurie2025
    laurie2025 Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2014

    Question for those of you with more experience than I.  I am in the process of losing weight and have lost 20 pounds so far.  My bras, carefully fitted with prosthesis , are now too large, and are sliding around my chest.  :(:(

    Can I get these "taken in" or am I better off just getting a prescription for new bras?  Seems like a waste, since I am having reconstruction in the fall, but maybe not.

    I have no idea what size I would buy, otherwise I'd just get something from TLC.  How do you determine the size of the prosthesis?  I think the ones I have now look and feel too large.

    Thank you for any information you can share.

  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 126
    edited May 2014

    Laurie

     I had a BMX in March & no recon. I am thin & found that the stretchy bralettes from WalMart (No Boundaries) & the Genie bras work great. I bought the soft foobs from TLC. Both styles come with thin foam liners that can be left in or removed. If you get the light weight soft foobs they can be slid right into the side of the cup, there is an opening.  It may be worth the $5 to pick up one of the stretchy bras, very comfortable. and the Genie bras are $20 for a 2 pack in most stores.

  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 2,604
    edited May 2014

    Just popping in: Been here for awhile, but don't post often. I , too, use the genie bra, but i have a big belly since umx; so i wear the camisole, and LOVE it!!I started with the "ahh" bras, but love these genie shapers. comfortable, and trendy!!

     Good luck girls: this is one of the BIG challenges!

    3jaysmom

  • river_rat
    river_rat Member Posts: 317
    edited May 2014

    3jaysmom, I have been wondering about the Genie camisole. In the Genie bra I order up a couple of sizes just because I can't stand a tight band. With the camisole is there a band? If the tightness is spread out over a wide area it doesn't bother me. Also did you order the size their size chart indicates?

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited May 2014

    RR, I have the Genie firm tanks and there is no band on them, just a firm body. I made the mistake of getting a bigger size in the beginning and find that the bra part sags down a bit when it has a Prosthesis in it. I bought the right size and it is fine, sits where it should. I find the best foob in this type of tank, or indeed the knit bras, is the weighted TruLife form.

  • river_rat
    river_rat Member Posts: 317
    edited May 2014

    Thanks, Ariom. Do you find the Genie tanks to be hot? I haven't worn a bra in ages, thought maybe I'd be more inclined to wear something like this. Plus it doesn't cost so much that I'd feel bad if it spent most of its time in a drawer.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited May 2014

    Hi RR, they aren't the coolest thing you could wear. I tend to wear them in the cooler weather with zip up jacket over them or with jeans and a waterfall cardigan. They would be ok on their own, if you are super slim, but I find them too tight to wear without something over the top to hide the bulges! It may be worth your while to try one on, they can be a bit of a struggle to get in to, as well. They are available at our department stores for a pretty low cost. M   

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