All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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No problem esklader, If you go to another store to try on some styles of Mx bra, you can then source them on the internet at low prices during sale time, or as I do on Ebay. In Australia, we only get our Prosthesis covered once every 2 years, so we have to buy everything else, even if we have private health cover.
I bought my first Amoena camisole and a couple of bras with my first Prosthesis, at my initial fitting. I then knew how things fit and started to buy more items on the net and on Ebay. I have a great range of items now, not too many failures!
For me, one Prosthesis was never going to cover all the different ways I like to dress, so I have collected a range of different types and weights that cover everything!
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Crystalphm, here's a link to what Mary from mastectomysolutions.com has to say about the Genie cami:
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I tried one of these and liked it a lot. But it's pretty hot. I don't think I could wear it in the summer. I used to always wear a tank under everything in the winter for warmth, anyway, and this works just as well. Warmer than cotton. I haven't worn it since the weather turned hot. Don't think it would be good when the hot flashes hit. I got one size bigger than the chart on the box suggests and it fits perfectly.
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For those of you that have or have tried the Trulife Lightly Weighted breast forms,did you find their size chart accurate? My Amoena Natura set is a size 4, which is like a B, and they fit into a 34C bra. On the Metro Medical site, the size for a 34B or C is a 7 or 8, which just worries me a bit.....
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Esklader, my first TruLife is a size 9, my other Prosthesis are mostly a size 8, I am between a 38C/D and I bought the suggested size from the TruLife chart,which was a 10, but it is a little on the large side for me, not huge, but not a size I'd buy again. I have since bought another size 9 which is right for me.
A 7or 8 is considerably different to a 4, isn't it? I am not sure, perhaps call and speak to someone at Metromedical for some advice.
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I called MetroMedical and to be honest, they didn't know any more than I did - in fact, less. They looked at the chart on their website like I did. BUT I went to Trulife's site, and it's a little different. It seems to recommend a 6 (for a 34B) or a 7 (for a 34C). So I think I'm just going to order the lightly weighted and unweighted versions in a 6 and 7 each and see if anything works. They seem to have a decent return policy.
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I am thin, was a 34A/B before BMX & I weigh 119 & I have always bought the Large. But then again I don't want it tight or confining. Good luck!
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I have a question for you ladies with experience. I have a somewhat unusual situation and am going for a fitting tomorrow. I exchanged to 650cc round high profile implants early in 2012. Had a repair to the allograft in March 2014 and due to some skin issues have had to have the left implant removed. It will be out until probably October. I previously lost the expander on this same side, so I have some experience with this but I was only trying to even out 220cc the last time. I am asking for any thoughts in trying to match that immovable 650cc right implant - it is hot and sticky here in FL in the summer, so I am looking for something light. I look like a full C cup but measure 34DD in an underwire bra. I have a lot of upper pole fullness due to fat grafting. I have a prescription for bras and prosthesis, and don't want anything with an underwire if I can avoid it.
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Hi SpecialK, I think the only way for you to get a really good match would be to go to a good fitter and try on a range of Prosthesis and bras to get the size and weight, as well as the drape right for you.
I have a couple of the silicone prosthesis with the heat transfer back on them. It gets really hot where I am in Australia but I found them really quite comfortable to wear, they come in different projections, but aren't very lightweight.
There are some new lighter types that have come onto the market, some with a silicone shell and micro beads inside. I haven't tried them on and I don't know about the heat issue. I have mentioned how I love the Try Life lightweight foam, I don't have an issue with heat when I wear it, but it is a fairly dense foam, so guess it could be warm .
It is all about a personal preference, but with such a huge range available now, you should be able to find something that works well for you. I never wear anything with an underwire any more and have found that Amoena Bras and Camisoles suit me better than most other brands, for comfort.
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ariom - thanks for the reply and suggestions! I go to the fitter tomorrow and will take my existing silicone prosthesis that I used last time, and the cotton puff that you can add/subtract the fluff to from the mastectomy camisole from my original surgery. I have been making do with those, but neither is quite right and the bras I have don't sit correctly - they all twist. Hoping that I find some things that work tomorrow!
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Hi SpecialK~ you know me, I am always praising TLC for many choices on foobs at decent prices.
Soft, light weight, weighted, silicone like, beads, fiberfill, they have quite a selection.
And I tell everyone about the stretchy bralette at WalMart by No Boundaries. And of course the Genie bras.
Good luck! Hope you are doing ok!!!!
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vintage - thanks - I am doing just fine. How are you? I already wear the Genie and Coobie bras - have since exchange in 2012. They are very comfortable for me, but the lopsidedness is the issue now and trying to match the large implant with a silicone form that is big enough weighs down the stretchy bras. I am hoping to find a lighter weight form. I have been using the woolly puff from the mastectomy cami with the Genie - looks fine in clothes. I will continue that if I don't find anything today at the fitter that is better.
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You're welcome SpecialK, I know it is difficult to get just the right fit as a Uni, but with all that is out there, you'll find the right weight and the right bra.
Although not perfect, I can and do, sometimes wear a Genie Bra with the lightweight foam form, so you may well get by with the knit style bra, if you find the right weight Foob to balance your other side and it isn't a long term thing.
I'd be interested to hear how you get on and what you find.......Good Luck with the fitting!
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Thanks River Rat for the advice on the genie. I am going to buy 1 to try. I am still amazed by how much I learn here, thanks Ladies!
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The size chart did not work for me. It said I needed a 9 or 10. And I have an Amoena 5. So I ordered down to a size 8. Still too big!! I'm sending it back for a 6, hopefully that will work.0 -
Ariom - I found two bras and one form - A Royce Caress bra called Chloe, an Amoena Lara Comfort bra, and a StillYou lightweight form. I needed a relatively large form to look even with the implant, an 8. I feel so much more secure with a real mastectomy pocketed bra and form, rather than the cobbled together stuff I had been using.
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Excellent, SpecialK. Do you have a good fitter in Tampa? I'm in Gainesville, and I'm not thrilled with the one here.
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Great news SpecialK, I agree that the purpose built bras, Prosthesis and camisoles are far better than the cobbled together ones. I think the ladies who are a smaller size can wear the light knot bras etc without any problems, but as soon as you get up in size, it is a different story. I love that the Mx bras are a different cut, the straps never fall off your shoulder and if you get the right fit, they become so comfortable you don't feel them. I have the Lara, in 3 different colors and really like it because it looks more like the bras I used to wear. I also have the Mona by Amoena which is a good every day bra.
I should have mentioned the Valetta Camisole to you, so you could have tried that at the fitting. I wear these a lot and have them in a lot of colors. They are great to wear, so comfy and can be dressed up or down. Your Summer isn't unlike ours here and I wear these all Summer. The pockets in this one are a great Mx bra, not tight, but fits well.
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glennie - I went here. They were great and had a nice selection, really spent a great deal of time with me and were so nice. They also participate with some insurance.
Just a heads up though - their phone should be 876, it is wrong on the web site. Here is another link with the correct phone:
Ariom - thanks for the camisole suggestion - I asked about them, and they do stock them, but after fitting me she didn't think they would work for me. I'm thinking the upper pole fullness on the implant side is the problem. I may still try next time I'm in that area though!
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Thanks, SpecialK. If I get to the Tampa area, I'll check them out!
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Special K - they all fit so differently you really need to go try them on. I fell in love with the feel of one, but the "footprint" was way to small compared to my natural breast, so it looked pretty silly. I'm amazed every time, how different each style, is. It doesn't get hot where I am, but I've traveled to quite warm areas, and the prosthesis doesn't make a difference for me. I'm no sweatier there than any other part of my body.
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Hi SpecialK, I am glad you asked about the Camisole, but sorry they wouldn't work for you. As we keep finding, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I have been wearing the Amoena TShirt with the built in bra since the weather has become colder here and I find this really comfy too. I hunted around to find some deals on price and found MetroMedical had a good deal, the only down side is they only come in Black or White. Since I am such a klutz with food when I am wearing white, I stick mainly to the black, but I did buy 1 white one for dressier occasions.
I am like Linda, I don't really feel that I get much hotter with a Prosthesis either.
Glennie, I am sorry you are having so much trouble with the fit of the foam form. I had a 9 originally, which I was fitted for, and then I went online to buy another. The chart said 10, so I bought 2 size 10 thinking maybe the size had changed, but they are too big. They aren't too bad if I put them in a structured sports bra. I bought another 9 and it was the right size. I wear an 8 in Silicone Amoena Prosthesis and am a 38 C/D bra.
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no worries! It's all trial and error. MetroMedical is great with returns so I just sent it back for an exchange.
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Ok, so I had it figured out-- Coobie bras, on their own with the pads, and I look like a small A cup, and they were comfy....until it got above 90 degrees. Are the Genie bras cotton? Is there anything like the Coobie bras that come in cotton? I'm also still not sweating normally in the radiated side. Thoughts?
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Lojo, I am in Australia and I have found cotton or bamboo, sports bras with the little pads in pockets, but the overall coverage of the chest is more in these, than the Coobie, so may dereat the purpose of trying to keep cooler. I have found that all those cheaper knit bras are synthetic. You may want to check out the cotton camisoles from Target and other Department stores that have the shelf bra inside. If you are a sewer, there are instructions on how to sew in a pocket, on Mary's website mastectomysolutions.com. I have found a few different tanks and camis that have pockets and pads in them over here. So they are out there, you just have to hunt them down! LOL
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Thanks Ariom,
I have some cotton tank tops with pockets, but even they are too hot if I want to layer. I might have to learn to sew.
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Hi all !! Just wanted to check in after our vacation & tell you that when it came to the TSA there were no problems. Walked right through the metal detector (not the one where you hold your hands above your head) at both Houston & Indianapolis going & coming without a problem. The only problem was wearing the foobs all day long while we were there. Whew!! sure was glad to relieve myself once back at hotel.
The highlight was when we picked up the rental car........a 2014 Black Camaro!! I drove the whole time and relived many memories of being in my 20's driving around my '67 red Camaro I bought brand new the first year GM made them. Everyone at home was shocked to see us roll up in the black rental.
Hope all has been well and I haven't missed too much.
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I'm in FL and I do find I sweat a lot if I walk outside with my pros. That wouldn't be so bad, but I get a bit of heat rash and since I have truncal LE, it freaks me out.
Does any one use powder or something else to help prevent heat rash?
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So I went and bought a cotton bralet today, with two layers of fabric on the front and a seam in the middle. I just cut a small hole in the inner layer and put the Coobie pads in it, and it looks just the same, and feels better because it's cotton! I don't think I could get my foam prostheses in, but this will work for being outside in the summer with just a tshirt. I might see if I can stich up the edge of the cut so it will hold up in the wash, but at 2 for $11, I can't complain.
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Lojo, I did a similar thing when it was in the height of our summer right after my surgery, but I found the little pad slid around inside. It ended up migrating to the other side, in a bunch because there isn't an actual pocket in the bra. I made sure the pad was anchored with a few stitches.
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