All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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As far as Aetna....you better call them before trusting what the fitter said. I had Aetna and they did not cover anything until you met a $2000.00 deductible. New Insurance yay will pay!
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I have met my deductible already with all my medical expenses in the last 3 weeks! Thanks for info! Just not sure what benefit will be now.
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Glennie and Ariom, glad you like my new avatar! Thanks.
Ariom, I know just what you mean about the cups being too close together on some bras (I haven't tried any Royce bras yet, though). I think that's really my problem with the Marlena. I bought it in a 36A because in that bra, the width of the cups was good in the 36 bandwidth. But, as you probably know, a 36A cup is roughly equivalent to a 34B, so the cup is a bit too big for the size forms I like to wear. In the 34A Marlena, it looked as if the forms were too much in the center of my chest. The ideal for me in that bra would be a 36AA, which would be equivalent to a 34A cup, only a bit wider, but they don't make AA cups in that bra.
Chloesmom, I feel for you, trying to work with a fitter who's far away and doesn't have a good selection in the first place. In my experience, different style forms from the same manufacturer can fit very differently in terms of size number. In some instances, it's explained by the fact that some forms are designed for "fuller" or "shallower' breast types. But sometimes, with Amoena for example, it seems I have to try the specific form to determine what size is right for me. For example, I have the old Amoena Climate forms (I've given you a link to see what it looks like -- they've actually been discontinued) in a size 3. A while ago, I wanted to try the then-new Amoena Natura Light forms. I ordered them in a 3S, which was the fuller version (it's also available in the 2S). They were gigantic on me -- way too full, but also too wide, as I recall. I had ordered them online and had to return them. I have the Amoena Energy oval forms in a size 3 and they're more comparable to my Climate forms. But they're very firm -- they look quite perky on. I don't mind that myself.
Among different manufacturers the sizes can vary even more. The Anita size 2 forms I have are equivalent to my Amoena Climate size 3s, and ABC forms are sometimes too big in size 3. So, it really takes a lot of trial and error.
By the way, if you're going with small forms, there's a bra that I like a lot -- the Zee Bra (I review it on BreastFree.org). It was originally designed for small-breasted women but the creator has tried to make it usable with breast forms as well. She's expanded the size of the pocket openings and I can now fit my Climate forms inside. Anything heavier or bigger than a small, lightweight silicone form wouldn't fit, but for those of us who want to stay small, I think this is a great option.
esklader, I agree with you about the Lara. I tried it and like the look but found the band too stiff at the bottom for comfort (that's why I like the Anita Gloria so much -- same molded look but much more comfortable for me than the Lara). In my experience, just as with forms, sizing can vary even with the same manufacturer. I've tried some Anita 34As that are too big in the cup for me (like the Anita Florence), even though other Anita bras fit me well in an A cup. So, unfortunately, I think in the end we often have to try these bras and breast forms out ourselves. That's hard in a store, when so often the selection is limited. And although sites like MetroMedical allow returns, there are return shipping costs. It can be frustrating.
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i learned a valuable thing today.
Had some rhonda shear pin up girl bras. Got rid of most, thinking they would not work with foobs. They work great! And, have nice full lace coverage, and a huge slit for silicone foobs! Stays in place, comfy, love it and now onto ebay to replace them. Nicer colors available too now.
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wonderful information Erica! Thanks so much
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Erica, I can understand the frustration, trying to match band size with the right fit and cover of the cups in some bras. I am in between a C and D cup, so usually an 8 in an Amoena form and I can have issues with some bras too, where the cup and band is right, for my remaining breast, but the form is actually a little too large, for that particular cup and ends up looking like a pillow, in a pillowcase, that's too small! LOL I go between a 38 and a 40 band and a C or D cup, it can be frustrating.
I have a few different colors in the Lara and I really like it. I don't wear it as an every day bra, but I do wear it when I go out and I wear a shirt or top that requires a more formal look. The band hasn't been an issue, but then I don't think I have evr had one on for more than a few hours at a time.
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Erica, Love your photo!
Ok, Valetta question. I the cami from metromedical and the places where you slip the foobs were so badly wrinkled, I looked awful! My forms filled out the pockets, butthe wrinkles were terrible, I looked all smushed up. It was a little tight for me, I need to order one size up, so now I am worried these are not smooth like I see in the photos but badly wrinkled.
Or did I just get a bad one? I ordered the amoena T shirt too, same thing, badly wrinkled. So my "breasts" looked like they had hankies wadded up inside.
Should I try again? Anyone have this happen? Would the wrinkles have washed out? I didn't want to try because they I could it send it back.
I'll get this right yet LOL. I was impressed with how smooth the Valetta felt!
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Ariom - yes, they had a chocolate one in 34D, which I promptly ordered. Thank you so much for the help! It has not yet arrived, but I will post here on the fit. I really appreciate the info as the one completely smooth mastectomy bra I have is not comfortable and feels like a bullet-proof vest. I am also trying to be conservative about what I am spending since I am hoping that I am only temporarily in this situation. The one thing I do like about the Anita Versailles is that it fits the implant side so well that I would continue to wear it after reconstructing my currently flat side, if that happens.
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Oh great SpecialK! I am so pleased there was one there for you! I hope it fits well and you feel comfortable in it. It is always a risk, if you haven't tried something on, but at least it wasn't too big a money outlay.
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Crystal my Valetta T and Camis are also wrinkled in the cups. When I put my Genie bra modesty shields in the pockets they smoothed out. Filled in the rest with the post aurgical fiberfill poofs
I bought sz 12 even though I wear 8-10
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Ariom, my therapist recommends a compression camisole for my lymphedema. Which camisole would you suggest? I would prefer a bra, so which compression bra would you suggest?
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nomatterwhat: welcome to my world. Sorry that you have joined the "swell sisters". I invite you over to the Lymphedema forum for conversations about LE. There are many different products. Some use UnderArmour compression tees,,, I use a breast binder,,,, and a Wearease compression bra from time to time. And there are many others!0 -
Hi nomatterwhat, I was going to suggest you get this info from Glennie and the girls on the LE threads! I am very fortunate, not to have LE, so I really don't know anything about compression. I wish you all the best!
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Thanks ladies. I thought it was scar tissue forming in the scar line of my dog ear, but my surgeon says it is lymphedema and has sent me back to my therapist. I am hoping when I have this next surgery to take care of the "leftovers" that it will take care of this. Please tell me it will!!!! I am headed on over the Lymphodema board.
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I am new to this site and have never asked any questions. I had a radical mastectomy april18,2010. I chose not to have reconstruction an wear prosthesis with mastectomy bras. The silicon prosthesis is too heavy(they removed 1200cc on left side) I get the lighter ones from Bosom buddies; it is more comfortable and is lighter but still have little pillows of weights. Even though it is lighter the weight is still tiring to my left side, but not as much as the silicon.
Now the question I have is; does anyone have a solution to keeping the prosthesis from drifting up your chest? How can I get it to not float? I have the straps all the way out but still have to keep adjusting the package so to speak. I know that any type of adhesive may be an irritant. I need a clue as to how I can be more comfortable and not have a lopsided appearance.
Didn't see any questions already asked that came near to my issue. Any suggestions
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Hello wavinghi! I am a Uni too, but I don 't have an issue with the weight of the silicone, other than, I prefer the lighter weight of a foam weighted form. I wear a Tru Life 611, which is also worn by some of the other women here, that does not ride up, for me. There is also the Contact form, which adheres directly to your chest, with a sticky backing on the form, not adhesive that needs to be applied. I believe they are making a lighter version of the contact range now as well as some of the whipped silicone forms that are being released.
I did have issue in the very beginning with light puffs working their way up, and out of my top, but going to a weighted form put an end to that.The only thing I can suggest is if your form has a cover, you could sew a tab on it and have it held in place by the band of your bra, or maybe a couple of velcro dots.
I am sorry I couldn't help more, I am sure there will someone along who may have a better idea of what you can do.
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Wavinghi, I know what you mean. If I wear a light form it just drifts up until fake is inches higher than real. I recently got a new form that's silicone but half the weight of my original one. I really like it, but it would depend on how sensitive you are. If it's the whole bra that slides up, a camisole bra might help with that.
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No help here either. Mine rides everywhere. My new silicone is better but still has a tendency to ride over to the left side. I think it's because of been big boobed that mine moves so much. DD here still wished they would have taken the other one...would love to wear nothing...hehehe that's why I live in my PJ's at home.
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KittyDog, I know what you mean. I think they can still do the other side at any time. Some law about symmetry. Flat would certainly be more comfortable. But then there's the Buddha belly to think of.
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Thank you for your suggestions. I had shingles right before my radiation and then after radiation had infection in the burns; so any irritation or added weight gets tough. I wish could rig up some kind of reverse suspender that would hold it in place from the waist. I know that may give a silly visual, but if it was available I would try it.0 -
would you happen to know where to find a camisole bra...the problem is size and band. I found one and ordered it but was too ridged for over the radiation scars0 -
wavinghi, I wear the genie bras because they are gentle. They also make a genie shaper which has the same bra but with a camisole (all 1 piece). You might also look at mastectomysolutions.com to see if Mary has any ideas that might work. She's a member here and has lots of good info. I'm going to try the support softee camisole and see if it works for me. After 3 years of back pain, they think perhaps it's lymphedema. If you don't need compression, you can buy the camisoles larger for more comfort.
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wavinghi. Just to let you know the genie camis run very small. They also are snug so might rub. I like them for compression as they are soft and hug my trunk. Mary at mastectomy solutions has a description of how you can take an old slip and cut it down to make a cami top. She also shows how to add bathing suit fabric to the bottom of a bra to anchor it. You are smart to thinks of anchoring things. She actually shows how you use clips to hold a garment to your pants.
I have a very tender spot where one of my drains was. Sometimes I wear a cheap silky tank top under other garments to keep things from rubbing
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Erica, I went for my 2 year fitting yesterday with the Amoena fitter from the city, who came to my town to do a fitting day, for the ladies from my local BC support group.
I tried on a few different forms and decided to go with the Amoena 321 Natura Cosmetic. It is a new form here, but may be one that has been around overseas and you're familiar with. It is a very different feel to the other silicone forms I have, not very much lighter in weight, that I can notice, but softer and much more "real", feeling. It has the best drape, of any form I have tried before even in the 3s, when I am usually a 2s. I haven't actually worn it for any length of time yet, but I will wear it tomorrow and report on how it feels.
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Erica, I just scrolled back to find the post you were talking about, I thought it may have been this one, that I just bought. I took a look at the link you posted and it is very similar, the only obvious difference, I could see, is that the gel on the back of this one, actually goes right up to the edge of the form.
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agree on genie bra sizing. I normally wear a large, but had to reorder in xl. Those are great, and not too tight on me. The milanas with the cami lace full coverage arevery pretty. They hold my foobs much better than some others I have tried. So far, I like them.
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Wore Amoena Tshirt with Genie shields to smooth out cups. Put fiberfill poofs behind and the combination really worked. Had to take in the center of the bra part to bring cups closer together. Just sewed pulled fabric together where cups the closest together and sewed down near the elastic kind of like a dart pointing down. Was nice and smooth and my headlights week lined up correctly
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Bippy, Does the Milena have the wide band around the back?
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wrenn, I will post a pic tomorrow. Yes the band is wide, I can actually measure it, so we know exactly. The large was waaay too tight, so definetly go a size up. Just today, I got uncomfortable in it due to rads.....but that will go away. I really do love the front, my caved in chest and foobs are hidden
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Ariom,
Thanks so much for posting about the Natura Cosmetic. It really is a new form! Similar to the original Natura 3S but, as you say, the gel goes right up to the edge. This could be helpful for women like me, who tend to perspire under the form in warm weather (or during hot flashes). I find that in my Amoena climate, even a regular silicone border (similar to that in the Natura 3S) leads to extra perspiration. It also looks as though the form is exceptionally soft (I watched a video about it on the Amoena website), which you confirm. It also appears as if there's a middle layer for softness which is absent in the prior Natura form. I'm going to look for this one! I'm way overdue for new forms on my insurance. It's apparently made in both a 2S (average profile) and 3S (full profile).
I just checked the Amoena U.S. website, and it looks as if it's not yet available here. So, I guess I'll have to wait a while. I'm sure if it's well-received in Australia and other countries, it will be offered here as well.
Edited to say, it's confusing: on one of the Amoena U.S. website pages, it looks as if it is available, at least in the 2S size. I've contacted the customer rep, so will see what she says.
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