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All things bras & prosthesis

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Comments

  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,932
    edited January 2015

    I'm wearing size 6 silicone in the xl genie bra. I'm going to get their cami but in a 1X. The xl just emphasized my rolls. You can get bra extensions at JoAnn's. You just need to know how many hooks you need. You could increase what you have by at least a size to see if that helps. I'm having back swelling that I suspect is LE and I need a larger size when it's swollen.

  • mel147
    mel147 Member Posts: 291
    edited January 2015

    I just wanted to let everyone know I am really enjoying the Amoena Natura Light 2S silicone breast forms. They have been very comfortable. I did received the knitted forms my sister made for me, and, unfortunately they aren't working as well as I had hoped. I do feel like I need to put a little weight in them since my bra does ride up when I have those in. I haven't given up on them yet...just need to play with the stuffing and maybe add a rock to them!

    Happy New Year All!

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    Hello crystalphm, I only really have experience with the Amoena Valletta Camisole, I have tried a couple of other brands, but they weren't successful for me, mainly because the sizes were off, but others may come in with some names of other camisoles to try.

    I would suggest you go up a size in the Amoena Valletta, I am a 38 c/d and I usually buy a size 16US, which is a size 18 here in Australia. I wear either the 611's or a silicone form in these camisoles. They are made from a really soft stretch Modal fabric and the elastic band on the shelf bra is not tight at all, nor is it hard elastic. For me, the straps pulled up to make the front of the camisole flat against the chest, doesn't make the underarm too high, but it is something you'd have to try on, to get a feel for how it sits on your body.

    Edited to say, that there are a couple of colors in the Valletta at metromedicalonline for $27.00, which is considerably cheaper than most other places.

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    Hi crystalphm!

    Valetta for me is a size 12. Usually wear a size 8-10 which is the size I got for Amoena post surgical cami. I wear 36A bra Just as a reference. Also bought a size 14 Valetta which is loose but good for now with post op swelling and tenderness. Yes they do run small, but I'm sold on them!

  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2015

    hi crystal,

    I found that the silicon foobs were too heavy for cami's. I use the weighted leisure forms for the cami's as the unweighted seem too light and flop around a bit. I hope this helps! There are many brands of weighted leisure forms. I have ABC and I know Ariom and a lot of the women like Tru life 611. I hope this helps!

    Best,


  • Msqueen57
    Msqueen57 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2015

    Hi Ladies,

    A little update regarding my foobies which I received just before Christmas along with four bras. As some of you may remember, after having no luck with local fitters, I called Liberator Medical because they filed Medicare. The fitter I spoke to took a lot of time with me and listened to what I wanted. I am happy to say that the foobies and bras all fit beautifully. The foobies are Amoena Essential Deluxe Light 2S, size 6. I opted for the lighter forms because I live in south Florida and it gets so hot here. It is 70 degrees today and raining.

    So far I like having the option of wearing them or not. Having them allows me to wear some of my cute tops that need foobies.

    For anybody that cannot find a fitter locally, or does not like what is available, I highly recommend trying Liberator Medical. Also, they have a great selection.

  • Erica
    Erica Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2015

    Hi Msqueen,

    I'm glad the breast forms and bras you ordered worked out for you. I checked out the Liberator Medical website. I found it quite confusing because the only way you can see what they carry is to look through a pdf file of their catalog -- they don't have webpage listings like MetroMedical Online and other online retailers. BUT, it's fantastic that they will file a Medicare claim for you. And I'm also happy that you were able to speak with a fitter who really helped you figure out what you needed. I hope they update their website before long and make it more user friendly. It's always great to have another good resource on the web, especially for those who don't live near a good brick and mortar store.

  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 277
    edited January 2015

    I am so happy Ariom that you told me about the sale! I purchased 3 sizes, (I think they have a good return policy), 14, 16 and 18, because I can't tolerate tight. I was so pleased with the sale prices, and even the regular price is $25 lower than our local store.

    I will let you know when I get them and what size fits and how much I like them. I will be wearing a size 5 in them.

    Denise

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    Great, Denise! I am so pleased you have something to try, now it is fingers crossed, that the Camisole works for you!

    I have heard nothing but good reports about the customer service from this site, so I doubt you'll have any problem with returning the unwanted items.

    I will look forward to seeing how it goes for you!

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    Just got the size 12 Valetta T shirts too. They also run a little small as I usually get 10s in tops. Fit like a dream. So nice! Wish they came in more colors Got both black and white at those prices!

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    Chloesmom, I like the T shirts too, they have never done any other colors in those. If you go on to the Amoena website you will see they have a lot of clothing with the bra inside, some athletic and other leisure outfits. I bought their maxi dress last season and several sleeveless tops and just about all of their athletic tops. It is definitely worth looking at.

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    Do you typically wear the same size in all their items. I've never worn 12s so would wonder if they would have a similar fit as the T shirt Thanks for info!

    Is their sale an annual event or do they have them more frequently

  • esklader
    esklader Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2015

    I still cannot find a place to buy any of Amoena's other leisure wear, like the long sleeve shirts or dresses. Where do you find them? Metro Medical doesn't seem to have them either.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    esklader, I am in Australia and there is a woman in another state who sells most of the Amoena clothing. I bought most of the athletic range on Ebay USA and i buy my Valletta items from metromedical. Metromedical has some of the athletic range and some of the leisure pajamas, which are really nice too.

    If you call Amoena in your country, they will give you the stores where you can buy their items, in your state. I would also love to find if there are any Amoena outlets in the US.

    Chloesmom, I have gone up a size in the Valletta Camisole and T shirt. The clothing in the Amoena range comes in S M L XL, but I could never find a chart to give the measurements or size equivalents, I did contact Amoena to say they should have a chart on their websites, but I don't know if it has been rectified. I buy a L in the clothing and 16 in the Valletta. They both fit just right for my 38 C/D size.

    Metromedical seem to have really competitive prices all the time, bu they have a big sale once a year I think. The Amoena Blowout Sale has been there for some time and those $9.00 bras are fabulous value. They also had swimwear at the beginning too.

  • gotgoats
    gotgoats Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2015


    Hello all

    I will be having a unilateral implant removed (after an uncomfortable year) in 2 weeks. Now it is on to figuring out bras/prostheses. Does anyone have recommendations for a fitter for a newbie at this, in the Boston area? I have found Lady Grace, hospital shops, and Nordstroms. Is it worth getting fitted, or should I just go to WalMart and see what they have, and rig this up myself?  I am small, was an A/B 34.

    Thank you!

  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 4,833
    edited January 2015


    I recommend getting fitted.  No Nordstrom's near me, but I have heard others say great things about them.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    I agree with Glennie, getting fitted really is a good idea, then you can shop at whatever stores you like, once you know what is the right size and shape for you.

    I would think you'll need to wait a while for the fitting because you'll have a certain amount of swelling and maybe stitches. If you think you will want something to fill out a top while you heal, you can always buy a softee, or a genie bra with those modesty pads inside, which may do, till you can get properly fitted.

    Good luck with it!

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    Dear gotgoats,

    if you look on ebay you will see the SOFTEE Roo camisole. The Nearly me is similar also on ebay. I love the Softee as the fiberfill forms Velcro in place and don't put any pressure on the incisions and swollen areas. I'm alternating between wearing that alone or with the poofs in place. when I go out. Also wearing a Genie cami shaper because the compression feels good at times where I'm swollen. Alternate between the 2 depending on what feels good at the moment. Immediately after the surgery I didn't want anything touching me and wore a soft cami that cost $3 on clearance that was 2 sizes too big.

    The fitter won't even see me for a minimum of 6 weeks. I'm tending on waiting 8 to be sure I am flat enough as I was on the cusp between a 34 and 36 before and don't want to get somethng $$$ and have it not fit a month or 2 later. Wish you well!

  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2015

    hi got goats,

    I also think a fitter is best for newbies. I would google a fitter in your area or ask around cancer support groups. They know all the players in their area. Dana Farber is a great resource for things like that close to Boston. I think youcan call them too for a referral to a fitter. I found mine through a cancer support group in my area in central MA. It takes all the stress of this new learning curve away. You can still branch out on your own and get things but at least you'll have the basics. I didn't even know what I needed or wanted -clueless. The ladies here provided all the follow-up info that I needed and still need!

    Here is how it played out for me. Right after my surgery, doc gave me surgical bra with a drain holder. My fitter had given me a surgical bra that had fiberfill, very soft. I never wore that as I just healed without a foob bra and was home all the time anyway. After what was supposed to be 6 weeks, I pushed it to 5 weeks because I was so anxious, fitter gave me unweighted leisure forms to wear in a bra or cami. I did both. Then I got a silicon form after that I thought was too heavy for me. I've moved on from there to weighted leisure forms and then custom which I just got. The jury is still out on the custom. It's been 6 months since my implants were removed and I'm still learning about the prosthesis world. I'm so happy to be wearing foobs and not dealing with discomfort from implants! Keep us posted on your progress.

    Best,


  • Erica
    Erica Member Posts: 237
    edited January 2015

    Hi got goats,

    There are some good fitters in the Boston area. I have been to the Lady Grace stores in Brookline and in Waltham. At the Brookline store, Audrey had been there for many years. If she's still there, she's very helpful. I also liked the fitter, Mary, at Dana Farber's Friend's Place, a boutique right in the hospital. She was excellent--kind and compassionate, too. I haven't been to any of these places in a while, but I think it would be worth it to go to a fitter and see what they suggest for you. If you decide you don't like those options, you can always head to Walmart later. If you have insurance, both Lady Grace and Friend's Place are great at handling that for you. Good luck!

  • gotgoats
    gotgoats Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2015


    Thank you all! Erica, thanks for the Boston info. I will head first to Dana Farber, apparently after about 6-8 weeks, at least. For the immediate future I think I can get by with the pads I have accumulated from various exercise bras. Waiting now for the surgery to be over with, who would have ever thought of looking forward to a thing like that ...

  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 117
    edited January 2015

    congrats, Gotgoats! I can relate! I couldn't wait for my implant removal. I was so excited about it. Acomplete turnaround from the first couple of surgeries. Good luck- you will be fine -and please keep in touch with us. You have a whole new world of prosthesis bras and clothing to explore.

    Best,


  • pamfightson
    pamfightson Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2015

    I had a left side mastectomy on 12/2/14. I have been cleared to wear a fiberfill foob and bra right now. I'm still swollen a bit and have a hematoma that is slowly going away.

    I'm trying the foob with a sports bra but it is so uncomfortable that I have gone back to a light ace bandage wrap if I go out. I hate dealing with only having one side done. I did look at the coobie bra site and those look promising.

    How long after surgery did you go to a bra?

    I also don't want to get a silicon form yet because I have gone down a size in my remaining breast and I'm about to start exercising again.

    This is all so confusing and I don't have the money to experiment around. Thanks for this thread and any other advise.

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 4,027
    edited January 2015

    Hello pamfightson, sorry you have to join us, but you have come to the right place, for support and advice. It is very early days for you and if you read back in this thread, you'll see there are a number of us, who take a great interest in all things foobs and bras.

    There are a couple of options for this early introduction, into forms and bras, with soft and unstructured, being the best way to go because you'll still be very tender and swollen. There are always the Genie style knit bras, which can be bought for a few dollars in department stores. depending on your size, you may be able to wear on of these and just fill with some fiberfill behind the modesty pad, which come with these bras.

    Then there are camisoles like the Amoena Valletta which is talked about a lot on this thread. It is more expensive than the Genie, but wears and washes very well. It can take a silicone foob, later on, or you can wear a lighter weight, form in it. Most companies make a soft fiberfill foob, or you can purchase, or sew a microbead form yourself. There is a site called mastectomysolutions run by a lovely lady named Mary, who has great tips and tricks and also has a pattern for micro bead forms, Mary will also make the forms for you and post out for a nominal cost. One of our members Erica has a great site called breastfree.org, which has lots of information on forms, bras and camisoles

    After 6 weeks, or when the swelling reduces, having a fitting by a qualified fitter is definitely the best way to go. There are so many items available for post Mx surgery, but you'll never know about them unless you are guided by someone who knows what will suit you and you can actually try them on. If you have insurance, there will be allowances, for the things you need.

    If money is a bit tight, you can be fitted and find what you need, then shop online at sales or on Ebay for the items. You'd be amazed what comes up online and the great prices you can find.

    Let us know how you get on.



  • wren44
    wren44 Member Posts: 7,932
    edited January 2015

    Pamfightson, I suggest a Genie bra in a larger size than you normally wear. I did the same thing about losing weight and size going down. On me the fiberfill tends to ride up, so maybe using a piece of doublesided tape would work. I'm a uni too. It's hard to deal with one real one. I wish they were both gone, but not enough for more surgery.

  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 4,833
    edited January 2015


    Also  www.knittedknockers.org    will send you a free pair of knitted foobs.  They would appreciate a donation, but the knitting is done by volunteers.  They are very soft.

  • pamfightson
    pamfightson Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2015

    Thank you! I have seen the genie bras around town and wondered about them. I also saw sports bras last night where the band fits my six and a few sizes above and below.

    I'm wearing the fiberfill but it rides around and pulls the sports bra on the other side up onto my breast.

    I agree Wren44, I really wish the other side was gone too. I asked but with my other health issues, they wanted me to have the least amount of surgery possible. Ugh.

    I will look at knitted knockers.org. That is so nice of them!!

    Thanks for your help! I will post as I find things that work. :).

  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 4,833
    edited January 2015


    You could also try putting something with a little bit of weight in with the fiberfill.  A pebble,, a marble??  Something you can stick into the fiberfill, so it won't irritate your skin,, but give you just a bit of weight,, so maybe it won't ride up. Later on,,, Ariom has wonderful advice about foobs.  She loves these Trulife weighted ones,,, i forget name, but she will tell you.  Not as heavy as silicon, but enough weight so they don't ride up and very comfortable.  at 6 weeks, you can go to the fitter and figure out size !!

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    image

  • Chloesmom
    Chloesmom Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2015

    The photo I just submitted is my Speedo tankini which I made pockets out of bathing suit material stretched over the cups and attached 7/8 of the way around with a zig zag a itch over original stitching. Took the modesty shields from and old Genie bra and trimmed them to fit into the cups. Zig zagged the edges of the shields so they won't peel apart. Just enough perk to salvage the suits. I took in the sides of the lining at the edge of the elastic at the bottom of the shelf part so it would fit snugger against my chest

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