All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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Wren, I wear an 8 in a silicone Amoena, but when I bought my first TruLife, leisure form, it was from the fitter and she sold me a 9 which was supposed to be the right size for a 38D, on their size chart. It was a little large, but not too bad and then it wore in and became just right for me. I have ordered another couple of them in that size, because I am scared they will discontinue them and none of the other Leisure Forms I have tried, come close to this one, for me. They feel slightly large, or more "proud", but I am sure they will soften down with wear too like the other one.
I would look at the TruLife size chart and go with the form for the bra size you fell fits right for you. You say the silicone feels a bit larger now, have you lost some weight? Is the cup size too big for you, in the bra you are wearing now.
I can't remember if you have a fitter near you, Wren, if you do, I would suggest you try one first, just so you don't end up buying something that needs to be sent back. These leisure forms do wear in and become a bit softer, over time, unlike the silicone that remains the same.
Metromedicalonline is the best value I have found anywhere and it is worth looking in their Mastectomy Sale area too. I have picked up some real bargains in bras I like and they have my fave Valletta T shirts and Camisoles much cheaper than I can find them anywhere else. Although of no benefit to me, they always have a form in the box for claiming insurance on these items. They didn't charge postage on Mx items either, but not sure if that still stands.
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Thanks Momine.
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Maybe some of you remember me from my early posts. I had a terrible painful time wearing any sort of forms. I just could not take the pain more than 3 hours at best.
And now I know why. The "fleshy ridge" sort of all around where my breast used to be was not a fleshy ridge left behind. It is lymphedema. The therapist has been working on my arm and chest wall for 3 weeks now, and suddenly half of it is gone. I can't believe I spent 4 years looking for comfort, thought something was wrong with my brain for not adapting like the rest of you...and here there is a medical reason. I honestly thought I was less of a woman because the forms hurt so much.
I am used to being flat and fabulous after 4 years, but how nice to be able to have the option again!
Erica, what sort of trulife weighted?
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crystaphm, I am so sorry it took all this time to find out what that was, but what a difference it must be for you. I am so pleased you are getting relief from that.
I am pretty sure Erica is wearing the same TruLife weighted form, that is also my favorite. It is the Truelife 611 and is available for the best price I have found anywhere at www.meromedicalonline.com .
They sell them for $40.00 each or $72.00 for 2. I know many women here, have tried them and their insurance has paid for them. I receive an insurance form in my parcel each time I have bought from this place, even though I am in Australia. They also post for free if you spend over $50.00 and have a great range of Mx products and bras if you need them. They have a sale on at the moment that has Amoena bras in limited sizes for just $9.00 and my favorite Valletta camisoles in a couple of colors for $27.00 and Valletta T shirt for just $30.00. These are all great, comfortable items that may suit you now. The bands in the Tshirts and Camisoles are very soft, as is the actual bra inside them, but the pockets are very secure. I find I am wearing these forms and these items of clothing most of the time now, either on their own or with a jacket, shirt or cardigan over them because they are so comfortable and easy to care for.
I wish you all the best and hope it continues to improve for you!
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Crystal!! So sorry that you have LE!! I got that damn truncal LE too. Isn't it "fun"? Glad you are getting it taken care of.
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Crystal, that makes perfect sense! I am so glad that you found a therapist who can help you. I keep telling my onc that ALL women who have had breast surgery, especially with nodes removed, should automatically be seen at intervals by an LE therapist for timely DX and TX. I am convinced that mine saved me from having a permanently swollen arm, by intervening early and systematically.
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Hi crystalphm,
Sorry to hear you have lymphedema, but so glad you finally figured it out and can now get it under control and alleviate the pain you've been feeling when wearing breast forms. Ariom is right, the forms I referred to are the Trulife 611s. I've been wearing them quite a lot lately in my Still You camisoles. If I remember correctly, you wear that camisole, too, so you might really enjoy trying the 611s out in it. But it can also work in either a mastectomy or a regular bra. I like the shape of it a lot and another bonus is that it's softer and more "huggable" than other non-silicone forms I've tried.
I hope now that you've identified the lymphedema, you can keep it at bay and enjoy wearing breast forms when and if you wish.
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Hi all,
Thank you all for the good information/suggestions regarding Lymphedema and prostheses.
I have been dealing with Truncal Lymphedema since my BMX a year ago - right side where ALND done. I did get a referral for a PT and saw a young woman who supposedly had been trained to treat Lymphedema. She ordered me a sleeve (no arm issues yet - thankfully) and had me do lots of weight training (light weights). I asked for assistance with the tightness and swelling in my side and back of shoulder - the reason that I got the referral. She suggested that I find a light compression garment. I live outside of Boston and would really like to see someone who would focus on making my side less uncomfortable. Does anyone know someone in the Boston area?
Crystal, I can totally relate. It is encouraging that you are having successful TX. I am glad that you posted and are getting so many reponses - I ordered those Trulife 611's recommended to you by Ariom and Erica hoping for a more comfortable prosthetic. I wear some light compression tanks by Shimera from Nordstrom (over bra) that help some with Truncal Lymphedema.
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Daisy, I have truncal LE too. I have found these breast binders to be very helpful for my issues. Not sure if they will hit the spots you need, but here's the link. Oh, and I recommend the LINED ones. http://www.eabmedical.com/index.php?cPath=1http://www.eabmedical.com/index.php?cPath=1&osCsid=3rii5fpmm6qbetit87739eaec7
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Glennie,
Thanks for the link. Those look super comfortable for sleeping. Looks like they would hit the right spots. I have been buying my light compression tanks (not made for this purpose) a size smaller than I usually wear - do you buy these true to size? I wear a 38B bra, which puts me in the middle of the range given for L. Does the company exchange easily?
Thanks again,
Martha
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Measure your chest and use that measurement. It's the circumfence of the largest part of your chest. Bit challenging for me since I'm a Uni MX. My chest measures 34" so I got a medium and it works fine for me. I haven't actually needed an exchange with them, but perhaps call them and see what they say. I bought only one the first time, to see if it would work, and it did, so I bought more.0 -
Hi daisylover,
I do have a wonderful physical therapist who works in Wellesley, but people travel from all over the Boston area to see her. I've sent you a private message with her info.
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Erica,
Thank you so much for the link for a therapist. After all this time with discomfort, it is very exciting to have an option. I should have posted months ago. I appreciate your generosity in sharing - I also benefited from your recommendation of the Trulife 611's.
Much appreciation,
Martha
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Hi Erica, do you live in or near Wellesley? That's where I grew up (many moons ago!)
Martha
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Hi Daisy and everyone!
I thought I would chime in. My office is in a Wellness Center in Central MA. I work with lymphadema massage therapists. Maybe they could help you? I will message you privately and you'll have yet another option!
Erica, I had my BMX implant surgeries at Newton Wellesley and my implants removed at Faulkner-Brigham. Small world, eh !?
Hi Ariom, momine, glennie and rhody!
I'm still waiting on my custom prosthetics. I'll let you know....
Best,
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Hi Bettyboops, good to see you!
Looking forward to hearing about your new custom when you get it! Take care! M x
Gosh, double posting and spelling errors!
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Hi Bettyboops, good too see you!
Looking forward to hearing about your new custom when you get it! Take care! M x
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I live in Newton, MA and raised my kids there, though in recent years my DH and I spend part of the year in Miami. It does seem like a small world on this thread! I had my surgeries/radiation at Beth Israel Deaconess. My wonderful breast surgeon, Susan Troyan, has since moved to Brigham and Women's.
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Erica, it is a small world. As I said, I grew up in Wellesley, spent many times at Newton-Wellesley Hospital's ER with broken arms and stitches, was a Candy Striper there in high school, and went to nursing school in Framingham. The most important thing, though, is GO PATRIOTS! (and I live deep in the middle of Steeler Country
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Erica,
Newton is a lovely town. Sounds like a good plan- north in the summer and south in the winter!
Best,
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Definitely, GO PATS!
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Hi All, Just checking in and happy to see this thread is still thriving.
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Good to see you again. You were a total inspiration for me.
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I love your tag line!! foob and bra exp. farm!! LOL!!0 -
Hi Starak, so great to see you again! How have you been?
I get it, I have a FoobMoire! Got rid of my Dog Ear too...best thing ever!
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Glad to see you too Ariom. I have been fine. Thought I would check in and was happy to see this thread has continued on.
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A lot of other threads have gone, but this one stays strong Starak, with lots of really important info. Still many of the original posters here too!
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This is just one side each of only the silicone part of the foob experimental farm. On me they run from an A to a D cup.
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That's fantastic Starak! I am stuck with singles of the same size, but you have the choice of whatever you want...I love your range of options!
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This is the "FoobMoire" Every box holds a Foob! LOL
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