All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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ndgirl, you are so sweet, I have loved every moment of our friendship!
I also love that we have explored and discovered all kinds of stuff, to make the road a bit easier and have kept our confidence, in dressing as we choose. We sure have had some laughs along the way, not the least being our hysterics over foobs migrating up under our chins, before we learned how to anchor them properly! LOL
I agree, finding these boards was a great thing for me, everyone is so helpful and supportive. I love to get up each morning, to find interesting information from friends scattered all over the world and they all understand! M x
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I agree with you ndgirl!
Ariom is a gem!
So here is an awful selfie(the kids look so good in them!) to show a type of tank that I bought called Luisaluisa style t-100. A few vendors of that brand on the web. It is different from the amoena Valletta in that it is cottony and more casual but still has the pockets. Great to put a light foob in and do errands or around the house. I hope this helps someone out there!
Best,
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Bettyboops, great picture, you look fantastic! I felt exactly the same way, selfies are for kids, but this was done in the name of "research" LOL
I will be checking out that Tank too, it isn't often you find them with a neckline that sits high enough and this brand is new to me.
Thanks for that! M x
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Oh Betty, I like your picture and I love that tank, I like how high it is, I have not heard of this brand... see we learn so many new things from the great gals here. I will look into this one for sure. I posted on another thread that I received my Amoena pjs and I like them, would never pay the regular price but 20 with free shipping is in my price range. The nightie and long legged pjs are cut a little lower in the front than i would like, the capri style is perfect in front for me. Good buys on ebay. But think I have enough sleepwear now!! or that is what the hubby is saying!
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so glad you found this pic helpful. It is for research and the common good as Ariom said! It is a horrid pic of me. I sleep flat and am happy with that. Do the pjs you are speaking of have pockets for foobs? Good to have the option if that is true?
Best,
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yes, research. I guess I'm at a point where passing information on about the shirt is more important to me the look of the model!
Best,
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Hi Bettyboops, we never see ourselves in a picture like others do. I hate having pictures taken too.
The pajamas we are talking about, do have pockets in them, but I don't wear a foob to bed either. These pajamas are more of a leisure wear type of garment, that you could wear if you had guests staying or you are on Holidays etc and you don't want to get up and dress immediately. I have a lot of guests who stay over and I like to be casual, for breakfast, but there are some people I wouldn't go half flat in front of, in my dressing gown.LOL
These pajamas are wonderful quality and we bought them from a seller on ebay who has them at fabulous prices.
I am a nut for clothing that has pockets and this range is spot on. M x
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Yes Betty, they have pockets for foobs, I usually dont sleep with a foob, but I took these along with me this weekend and wore my knitted knocker in them as my little granddaughters can appear in my room at any moment and I still dont go half flat in front of anyone except hubby, love these jammies!!
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ndgirl,
Thanks, I'll check out the Amoena pjs.
Best,
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Ariom, thanks. I will check out the pajamas/leisure wear.
Best,
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Oh my goodness, such wonderful things to learn and see! I need a Foobmoire!!! I love it! And thank you for the cami photos, they help so much.
I do think my next purchase will be the cami's. But I wanted to ask a question. Is there anyone else who seems to need a different bra/cami at different times? I feel awesome in a very loose fitting cami like TLC's ordered a size bigger.... but then sometimes compression like a Genie Cami Shaper feels best.
I have come to the conclusion that there is no 1 perfect answer even for myself. I need to keep changing according to how I feel, if I have any swelling, or some days compression drives me nuts and some days loose drives me nuts. Then I go for the Flat and Fab. look....but it sure did take me a long time to accept I need a different feel for different days.
Anyone else?
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Crystal, You are not alone. I switch between microbead and silicone, between 3 styles of bras and some days go without. I'm a uni, so I try to look sort of matched when I leave the house. I'm planning to get a cami for the times when the bra band crosses the muscle that spasms.
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Me too, Crystal. The FoobMoire, is testament to that! LOL
I swap and change all the time. There isn't much, I can't wear these days. I have found pretty well, all the different things I need in Prosthesis and Camis etc, I can tell with a glance now, if a neckline will work, or not and as you said, sometimes one type of clothing or Foob, will irritate and drive you mad, so you simply change to another.
I knew straight away that one Prosthesis would never be enough for me, but I never imagined I'd collect as many as I have!
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hi crystal and ladies,
Yes I agree, so many different options for different situations! I am almost 5 weeks out of double mastectomy(implants removed) surgery and I am still discovering my options. Today, I have the microbead forms in a soft, stretchy bra with pockets, amoena, Marlena. Very comfortable and I'm wearing a regular old sleeveless tee shirt that I have worn for years. Doc said some pressure, on the surgical area would help flatten the scar area so I'm trying to wear a bra with a foob for part of every day.
My favorite find is the camisole and tanks with a pocket so you can go flat and put a light foob in the shirt pockets. Very comfortable. I have to say, I'm impressed with all the comfortable options. As a patient, the surgeons don't present this information up- front. All focus is on reconstruction, at least it was for me. How about everyone else? Wish I had not done that in the first place. It's actually fun having all the new clothing options and comfortable not having implants!
Best,
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Ok hope I'm not rehashing earlier discussions but I'm about 18 days post surgery, my BS gave me the prescription for prosthesis, I have just been wearing my hospital sports bra. At what point did you guys get other bras like the ones you've mentioned from Target, start wearing the poofy foob the hospital provided, and when should I seriously think about a fitting appointment? This plain old sports bra feels fine but sure ain't pretty, just not sure what I should be doing now. The few times I've gone out in public so far I just had on my hospital sports bra, cami with drains, and a patterned shirt, since I'm petite anyway my husband said you don't even notice with all those stripes, flowers, etc unless you are really looking, and then I really don't care if someone notices. ( newbie lesson needed )
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I just went back a few posts and saw Ariom's FoobMoire!! That is so awesome, what a beautiful way to feel so special getting dressed everyday!
I probably just need to slow down and heal some more, it is just so exciting seeing you guys pretty selflies, hearing about all the great bargains you are finding, etc.
ndgirl I agree that the one good thing about bc is all the wonderful sisters here who we otherwise would never have had the opportunity to connect with.
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Helenna
I had a BMX in March. I was never given any kind of bra in the hospital or anything at all. I wasn't told what to wear or what not to wear. (I had all my info from forums & groups LOL)
I think I was about 10 days post op when I wore a cami with the knitted knockers pinned in. The camis are cheapies from WalMart & have a shelf *bra*, which comes with two thin cup liners, might be just enough to start with, it worked for me.
I already wore, before bmx, the Genie bras (9.98) & the No Boundaries bralette. ($4.96) So that was what I wore & still do. The No Bo bralettes are more comfy, especially the ones with the lace edge. No constriction at all, & a soft fabric. They come with thin foam cup liners, you can use those, add to them, remove them, add soft foobs, whatever.
The foobs I have are from TLC. But I find that a little handful of fiberfill in the liner bra cup works fine. I am thin, was flat chested before so not any difference now when I am dressed.
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Helenna, My BS said no bras for 6 weeks. Definitely wait that long to get fitted. Your shape changes a little as you heal and you'll still have sore spots which aren't noticeable until something hits them. I'm a uni, so I just wore loose shirts until I could wear a bra.
Bettyboops, I love the Marlena also. It's the most comfortable one I have. Before I lost weight and went down on cup size, I liked the truelife Naturalwear Claire. It has a decorate lace overlay and is pretty. I recently bought an Amoena Rita and I absolutely hate it. The elastic is a mesh which irritates my skin. I often have problems with lace, but this isn't lace.
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Hi Helenna, I am so pleased you liked the FoobMoire! It does make getting ready a bit easier when everything is laid out in front of you.
I agree with Wren, 6 weeks is the standard time before getting a fitting. I was too enthusiastic and turned up at the fitter after 1 week, only to be shooed away and told I had to wait for the full 6 weeks.
I was pretty creative with home made Foobs, it was the height of our Summer and was getting into the high 30'sC and low 40'sC, being a Uni too, like Wrenn, I felt I had to have matching sides. I mostly wore a sarong with a modesty pad from a Genie Bra pinned into it, which worked really well for me.
The type of bra that will work best for you depends a lot on the size of the Foob or Prosthesis you decide to wear. I have the Genie's and the knits that Vintage loves too, but for me they can only be worn with my light weight Foobs, the Silicone prosthesis in the size 8 that I have to wear, just drags them down and forward.
If you are planning to wear a Silicone Prosthesis that is on the larger size, and that is now, absolutely your choice, I would suggest you at least try on, some of the Mastectomy specific bras. There is a huge range out there, and with the styling and cut, which is completely different from a normal or department store bra, you may just find that this is what you need for comfort. Mastectomy bras are cut lower under the arms and are cut in, with the straps sitting further in on the shoulders, so that the straps never fall down and give you the fall forward that will expose all your chest. The pockets, also make it easy to insert and remove the Foob or Prosthesis.
My favorite bra is the Amoena Mona, or if I want a really dressy bra, I love the Amoena Lara, it comes in a lot of different colors, but we are all different and have different needs from our bras.
In saying all this, it is all trial and error, what works for one will not feel right to another and there will possibly be spots on your chest or under arm that could stay tender for a while. I still have to be careful with the cut of the underarm of all my lingerie.
All I can say, is have some fun with it. If you enjoy the "Hunt" as I do, check out Ebay, but first it is a good idea to go and be fitted, try on lots of stuff and make notes about what you like and the size that fits. I have bought so many bargains from Ebay, all new, but someone else has bought them and for whatever reason they haven't been right. I also check the online stores for their sales and because everything here that is mastectomy related, is so over priced, I get bargains that are a fraction of the cost I can get them here in Aus.
Take it easy and enjoy your shopping, it won't be long and you'll be feeling great in whatever you choose. We will always be here to help if you need us!
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Hi all -
I have a pair of Amoena silicone Comfort Lite foobs that I like the feel of, but the weight gets to me after a while. I tried the microbead set that mastectomysolutions makes, and I found the backing sort of uncomfortable.
After reading your suggestions, I ordered the Trulife Featherweights and Tri-Leisure lightly weighted forms. Unfortunately, even conservatively basing the size on their size chart, they were way too big so I had to return them. I just got the Amoena lightly weighted forms since my insurance company will pay for those through Nordstrom. With all of the lighter weight ones, I am finding the backing very stiff and uncomfortable, although I like the lighter weight. Any thoughts on others out there with a softer or more flexible backing?
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Hi esklander, I love the TruLife weighted form I was fitted for mine, so didn't have the size issue, however, I did make the mistake of buying more and instead of taking the size I had been fitted for, I went with their fitting chart, thinking they may have changed their sizing since I bought mine, but they were too big. That size chart does err on the large side.
I have just bought 2 more for a good price, to have in reserve. I like the removable cover aspect of this foam form, some of the others I have tried were just weird feeling, as you described.
Although I haven't tried them yet, I believe the Amoena weighted leisure form is excellent.
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hi Helenna,
I went for a fitting for light foam prosthesis and heavier silicon one at 4 weeks. I know you can get everything on-line, but I have to say that for newbies it may be good to go to a fitter because they have all the samples for you to try and see how they feel and look. The sizing is different than typical bras. The foobs are single numbers. I would have not had any idea what I was doing.
I was anxious and I had healed enough when I went a 4 weeks but 6 weeks might be better for you. The fitter told me that they only do custom forms after about 4-6 months. I don't know if I'll even need a custom one. I'm happy with the standard forms that I have. Your stitches must be healed and no drains in before a fitting. You can ask your ps if you are wondering. Mine thought it was good too have some pressure on the incision area at 4 weeks so he was fine with me going. Everyone is different.
Best,
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hi esklader,
How do you get insurance to pay through nordstroms? I've been going through a fitter who has her own biz and bills insurance directly. I was wondering how I would buy stuff on my own in the future with the insurance. How do you handle the insurance with a retailer?
Thanks,
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hi vintage gal,
Pretty bra!
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hi Ariom!
I love the look of the Lara bra! Funny, I took a 36B in the Angela bra and a 34B in the Marlena bra. I was glad I was able to try them at a fitter but do all the Amoena bras seem standard size to you? I was disappointed that they were not because my fitter does not carry all the styles and I know eventually I'll want to buy on my own.
Thanks,
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Bettyboops, Check with your insurance company about Nordstrom's. My guess is that you'll pay up front and they'll reimburse. It's always a good idea to make sure they're covered. Mine limits me to 1 foob every 2 years (or a swim foob every 6 months) and 2 bras every 6 months.
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Hi Bettyboops, I agree with you about always going to be fitted first, for items you like, but then, to source the best price on the internet. It is easy to get burned with sizes that don't correspond.
I have found that some of the Amoena bras are way out, size wise. I have made that error, a couple of times, by taking a chance and buying online, because of great price, without having tried that style on. I don't know how you get around that, other than trying to find an alternate supplier where you can try things on first.
I have my favorite bras which I have bought in multiples, in different colors. I really like the Lara! I also wear sports bra/crop tops as my casual wear, with yoga pants, capris and an athletic zip jacket, my favorite Valetta camis and T shirts with the bras fitted inside and the Genie bras and shape wear camisoles that I wear with a lightly weighted form with jeans or pants.
I have recently bought the Amoena leisure wear range for 2014 which has tops and dresses with the fitted pocket bras, just like the Valetta. They also come with the matching pants or skirt and cardigans in a few colors to mix and match, which would be the best travel wear, ever. All of these items can be worn with either the light weight form or the heavy silicone and are so comfortable and super easy care, I don't even notice I'm wearing a foob!
I even found a Mx convertible bra that can be strapless, or several other configurations, for different tops. There are leisure pajamas with the pockets for a foob which are comfortable and beautiful, if you want to relax around guests, or you're on holiday, and aren't ready to get completely dressed. I keep a micro-bead permanently in the pocket of these, for convenience.
I know, all this, is not for everyone, but all this great stuff is out there, if you want it. I spent time messing about with shape wear and knit bras etc, which really didn't work all that well, for my size, which is a heavy, size 8 Prosthesis.
Ladies who are smaller, can get away with so much more ready made lingerie, even inexpensive, small, easy to source "chicken filet" forms, are available, because they don't have the weight in the bra to contend with.
Since discovering all of these items, which suit the weight of the Prosthesis without dragging, or falling forward, dressing is simple and fast
Unless I see something that really appeals to me, I feel I have everything covered and don't need any more, but it has taken 18 months for me to source all this. Obviously, not everyone would want, or need, to go to this extent, but I have enjoyed hunting and sourcing everything I feel, I need, to cover pretty much everything, I might want to wear.
The 6 month custom fittings are the same, I believe, as fitting for a Contact Prosthesis, because they attach to the chest. The internal healing has to have finished before you can attach that weight to your chest. When I got my Contact, I had to learn to get used to wearing it, at just a few hours at a time.
I didn't intend to write a novel, Bettyboops! LOL
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bettyboops: My insurance company is Cigna and they partner with Nordstrom for prostheses and bras. In fact, Nordstrom is the only store considered in-network in my area, which is good in some respects, as they let you pick regular bras and will sew pockets into them, but on the other hand, they only carry Amoena and it would be nice to have a wider choice. They also have to order many sizes and styles before you can even try them, which takes time. My plan pays 100% as long as it's in-network and the folks at Nordstrom handle everything so I don't have to pay or file anything.
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Hi eskader,
I really like the light-weight non-silicone forms made by a small company called Still You. I wore mine all day yesterday (outside in warm summer weather) and was comfortable. Plus, they feel soft and squishy, so when my 2-year-old granddaughter hugged me, she didn't feel stiff forms on my chest. The forms are called Illusions (sizes A - D). They have a truly soft filling, and feel the most natural of anything I've found other than silicone, but are much lighter in weight and less likely to cause perspiration behind the form (for me, at least). I wear a 34A bra and find the A size works well. It's an ovoid shape. I wear it in an unstructured bra and in my Still You camisole.
Still You also makes the Illusion form in a triangle shape, called the Tri Form Illusion, but I tried it and found the footprint of the form was too big for my rather small chest, even in the A size (it's available in A,B, and C sizes). But it could work well if you have a wider chest. The Tri Form also comes in D and DD sizes.
Still You is a very small company that makes innovative quality products, IMHO. I discovered them shortly after my bilateral mastectomy (in late 2006). Their products are expensive (though the breast forms aren't nearly as costly as silicone forms), but I've found that they hold up extremely well. The forms and camisoles I purchased over seven years ago are still in excellent condition and I continue to use them. I also like supporting a small cottage industry such as this one, started and still run by two friends, one of whom had breast cancer.
I've recommended Still You products on my non-profit BreastFree.org website, but have absolutely no connection to the company, other than the fact that I like their products. I first saw the camisole at the Dana Farber Hospital Friend's Place Boutique, but have since found that they're rarely sold in local stores. I just checked and, in addition to their own website, you can buy the forms and camisoles online at the Women's Personal Health Resource or the Underneath It All website. Make sure about their return policies though. I think Women's Personal Health Resource charges a restocking fee if you need to return.
Edited to add that I just learned that Women's Personal Health Resource will no longer be in business after August (the woman who runs it is retiring).
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thanks esklader
I do have a nordstroms within 20 miles so I'll have to check that out at some point. That is great that they take care of the insurance hassle! Does your insurance let you order on- line too or only in person.
I will have to check To see if I can just submit receipts to my insurance or not.
Best,
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