All things bras & prosthesis
Comments
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Just what I was interested in trying to figure out Ariom. Will check them out now that I have been able to narrow it down.
I got a bra from fitter, but it was twice the cost of those on ebay and my insurance has a $26 cap on a bra of which they pay 80%. which is about $21. So the bra would cost me less on ebay. And I owe the fitter over $30 now. I don't mind this time as considered it paying for her expertise to figure out what I needed the first time. Got to really do the homework before bothering with insurance stuff!
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I hear you Chloesmom. The cost of anything Mx related is outrageous over here.We have to pay $450.00+ for silicone prosthesis, but we do get a government rebate once every 2 years for those. My private insurance doesn't pay for anything. A Valletta camisole is around $80.00 and most good Mx bras are upward of $70.00, so I spend a lot of time searching for bargains in the US. Our dollar isn't doing so well against the US dollar, so things are costing me a bit more, but I have reached the point where I really don't need anything, so now I only buy if it is something I really like. I still check out the lingerie stores that stock Mx clothing and bras etc, but I will only buy there, if I can't find it elsewhere at a better price.
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Hi Deblc,
Yes, like chloesmom said the nicer Valetta type cami's have a shield type insert sewn in so I think they work great for uniboob. I'm BMX so I'll defer to the uni's about that! I will tell you that the cheaper, cotton tanks that I bought are pocketed but they DO NOT have any shield or liner or anything in them. Just a pocket to put foobs. I suppose if you had a bra on with a prosthetic in one side that would work fine but otherwise it might be tough. Am I correct uni's?
Best,
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Hi Bettyboops, I took a look at the top you bought, but unfortunately none in my size. Being a Uni, with a D on the remaining side, I think I would prefer the structure of the Valletta, because there is a decent amount of support and coverage in those, but in saying that I think a Uni with a smaller remaining side, might find the unstructured camisole would be just fine and maybe even cooler than the Valletta, in warmer climates. This new one you have found sounds like it would be perfect for a leisure form rather than a heavier silicone form.
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WTH???? A compression bra that comes with only one foob? I give up!!!!
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That seems like a mistake!! Call the company and complain.0 -
The compression one I bought only had one foob too. That might be standard The post surgical cami came with 2
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Went for fitting and pick up.
TruLife 4002 38 A. vs Amoena Performance 38 AA.
Got size 4 essential light 2s forms and these 2 bras. What a difference in fit! Both fit my forms. I can see why people say to wait before going for a fitting. Have dropped some wt doing chemo in the last month since measuresd and dropped from 32.5 to 31 in around the band. The Amoena bra now is on the tightest hook so I think I should be getting a 36 next time.
The TruLife is on the middle hook even though my band size is 31 inches which would typically be a 36! Boy do they run small. Wonder if that's true for all their products The AA cups in the Amoena and the A cups in the TruLife both drape nicely with the size 4 foobs. If I go by the Amoena chart for foobs next time when I drop down to the 36 I will have to go up to an A cup.
We tried on 8 bras and only 2 fit the foobs well. Next time I want to get the aquafllow 630. Then the 611 forms For 36A the chart says I need a size 7. Wish their charts could compare. I would have gotten a 4. Going to check with metromedical people first.
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Wow, Chloesmom! That was a great fitting! So glad it all worked out for you. I am assuming this fitter didn't have the Tru Life forms, for you to try on? I am sure if you give all the information about the sizes you have just bought, the ladies at metromedical will be able to help you with the sizing in the Tru Life.
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I thought wearing foobs would be uncomfortable but these feel good and give nice compression where there is a little edema under my armpit. What a difference from a regular bra and the post surgical puffs! It was worth the trip and expense to get fit properly the first time. Unfortunately she didn't have the others to try. Said they order them as needed and then you have to go back when they come in
This TruLife Lily is going to be my go to bra when not wearing my cami or going flat. It's soft and not matronly looking
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Chloesmom, isn't it amazing the difference the right Mx bras and forms make! That is why we always suggest going for a real fitting, at least the first time, to know what is going to suit you and what sizes you need, so you can pick up bargains when you see them.
When you have been fitted properly and have the right form for you, they are comfortable and once you get used to wearing them, you don't really feel them any more. My first form, was the Essential Light too and although we don't seem to have Tru Life bras in Aus the bra you purchased is very similar to look at as the Amoena Mona, which is one of my faves too.
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I tried the Mona and it was lovely. just didn't fill it out enough. Would have needed the 3S forms. The cups on the a lily have a little more give and take. If it isn't one thing it's another!
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Thanks for that Chloesmom, good to know what the difference is.
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I have the Nearly Me forms. What do you ladies think of them? They are kind of heavy some days, but they look so natural and sag just like my real ones did.
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I'm having bra trouble. Any bra strap across my back makes the MX side swell in the back. I tried a compression bra which felt great but could be easily seen under a T shirt (my whole wardrobe consists of T shirts). Then I got a wearease shaper. It's not tight enough in the bra area to hold my real girl and foob well. Basically I need a bra under it, which is where the problem began in the first place. I need to either take a chance on the genie shaper (genie bras fit pretty well) or drive miles to a WalMart to try them on. The nearest Walmart is 45min to an hour away, even with decent traffic. So I guess this is a rant. I'm not sure what to do.
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It's getting to be time for my annual struggle with a swimsuit for this cancer-altered body of mine. I often like to wear a swim short. Land's End has one with a 5-inch leg that would probably fit me well. I'm wondering what to do for a separate top. My surgery comes up high, almost to my collar bone. Anyone have an idea for a top that would cover and hold a D-cup foob?
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Can't reply about D cups but can say I love the Lands End suits. Mother only thing is be sure to check the sizing chart. They have you measure over your shoulder down to the crotch for length and other areas. I found I wear a larger size in their brand than others but it is true to the measurements. Put a photo in this thread about 2 months ago
Another thing is I modified regular suits with a piece of bathing suit material from JoAnns fabric sewn to make a pocket. Just zig zagged 3/4 around the edge of the cup. If you have a friend with a sewing machine it's a 10 min job. I forget the brand but my friend that has a large cup size loves a type that supports her well where you order the suit by cup size. If you are interested I can check it out.
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I just received the Beach Living Blouson Tankini Swimsuit top from Landsend. I love it, covers all of me that I needed , I just wish they had more colors to pick from I would have gotten more than the black .. Very happy with my choice.... I was really nervous about ordering without trying it on first but very please.. The bottoms were backordered they will be here next week..
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I mainly buy Amoena suits. There is a new style called Trinidad in both a one piece and two piece tankini, which is cut higher on the chest. I am also a D cup on my remaining side and have found the Amoena suits have great coverage and well constructed pockets, very good support and the straps never fall down! It may be worth your while to check ebay and to googlle Amoena swimsuits on sale, they bring out new ranges every year so there are often great buys of their previous years stock online.
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Nwest125,
I bought that same Lands End blouson suit this spring also except that I got it in the batik blue print! I tried the black one also and it was beautiful too. The blue print version didn't come in a mastectomy suit, but I'm going to sew or have sewn in pockets. I think it will work just fine. It has a great built in bra that with an added pocket should work great. The coverage is good, and I love the blouson top. It's a beautiful suit -- happy swimming!
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For those of you who did not select reconstruction I would love to know how high are your scars above where the breast was. Can't seem to find an answer on that. If they are high I have to presume that if one wears a tank top, the sraps have to be wide in order to cover scars.
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My scars are about 5 in below my collar bone and about 2 1/2 in above my bra band . I can wear scoop neck t shirts Some people ask the doctor to angle the incisions so they are lower in the center and higher on the outside. That way they can get the sentinel nodes out in the same incision. I would interview the BC and ask to see photos of what he or she has done. I would also insist on being as flat as possible. If you go to the website Flat and fabulous.org you can see what a good surgery looks like. Imagine you were having your kitchen remodeled, you'd want to get recommendations. My doctor is Baltimore was wonderful! Healed quickly and back to activities fast
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Hi bridgegal, my scar is right through the center of where my breast was, so no possibility of seeing the scar at the front with a Mx suit. I did have a revision done to remove a Dog Ear under my arm so the original scar now has an addition of about 3" and it curves up around my back. It may be possible in some suits, with more open armholes, to see that part of my scar, but it is so pale and fine. I doubt anyone would actually notice it, or know what it was, if they did. I am not concerned about that at all.
The difference between the Mx suit, and a rgular suit, be it a one piece, or a tankini, is the cut at the front, the straps and height of the top, which stops, one of my bug bears, the "Fall Forward". This is when you have a form in a pocket and the bra you're wearing, or the suit falls forward as you lean forward and it exposes your flat chest. The Mx suits work especially well because of the way the straps have been cut to prevent the straps ever slipping off your shoulder, which is another way to expose your chest, as the form pulls away. A lot of us have a concave area under the incision line. I exercised a lot to in the beginning to build up my chest muscle, above my concave area, so that when I wear a camisole or a swimsuit, the higher neckline actually sits flat against that part of my chest and the large divot below, isn't seen.
bridgegal, take a look at breastfree.org and the Scar Poject on line and you will see the different scars and where they are situated on the chest. That may answer your question better, than us trying to explain where or scars are situated. Also take a look at the different manufacturers websites for their swimsuits. Amoena has models wearing their suits, so you can see the fit at the front.
I hope some of this may help, good luck with it!
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Chloesmom, brings up really good points, my scar incorporated the Sentinel Node removal and I told my surgeon that I wanted a really straight flat scar, which he did for me. Even though he managed the scar to be what I wanted, I still had a Dog Ear, which I had revised over a year later. I didn't blame him for that, but it is always a possibility, especially, if you have a larger breast.
I think it is very important to make absolutely certain you and your Surgeon are on the same page. There have been many instances here where women have woken with results they are not happy with, because the Surgeon has left extra skin, because they assume a recon may be in the woman's future. If you are sure you want to remain flat, make it absolutely clear, that is your wish.
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To: Ariom and Chloes Mom
I can't thank you enough ladies for so much great information. What would we all do without this wonderful site.
I have just finished looking at utube videos of women who have had mastectomies without recon and I took it pretty well. I figured that's the best way to handle this whole scenario. I also went to Breast Free and have yet to go to the Scar Project. I do weight training and have for the last 10 years or so. This is a tough journey to take.
Ariom -- I loved what your husband said to you after surgery.
I have had my two loves -- both passed but I know this is exactly what they would have said. I am now a single "older" lady and have come to the conclusion that I am content where I am. Took awhile to get there. All that being said, my breasts are not going to define me any longer. Being totally honest, they did in the past but that being said, I want to look the same after surgery as I did before. Therefore the mastectomy without recon. and some kind of form, etc. etc,. I was offered the Onco plastic surgery but there are way too many variables for me, especially the one where radiation could damage the reconstruction and one has to go back and forth from surgery. Also the anxiety of not really knowing. But do we ever know, even with the mastectomy. I think this will be the easier way for me.
Chloes Mom -- how are you doing on the Aridimex. I have them sitting in my closet. Just got them a few days ago. Surgeon said start before surgery. I know there are side effects so am wary. Again, thanks so much for the wonderful information.
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Had no problem with Arimidex but lots of people complain of joint pain. I have osteoarthritis so was afraid of more joint pain. Went wheat free 2 weeks before starting the medication and art hits pain became less. Adding Arimidex didn't get pain
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Also with a good fitter you can get some nice silicone foobs that pass the hug test. Don't have to worry about trying to get them balanced with more procedures.
I am 62 and nursed my babies so had very relaxed boobs. LOL. She was able to replicate my previous appearance with a natural feel that is comfortable in my Genie bra. Not overly perky. Now I don't have to struggle with weight fluctuations that used to effect my bra size
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Thanks everyone for your support and comments. Another question I have come up with. After the mastectomy, the nurse said they give you a breast form to go home with. How was that. Did it kind of match the breast you have left. That's a concern to me. I guess I'm not over the fact that my breasts are defining me. LOL.
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I did not get a breast form to go home with. Obviously my hospital is lacking!0 -
Ariom,
I have a question for you, regarding the size of your Trulife Tri-Leisure foam form (611). I think you've said your wear an 8 or a 9 to match your D cup breast. Is that the same size you wear in your silicone forms? Before my mastectomy, I wore a 34 large B/small C. Since my mastectomy, I most often wear forms that make me look like a 34A, but I caught sight of myself in a mirror today and really thought my size 4 Trulife 611s look a bit small on me (I wear a size 3 or 4 in silicone forms). I'm thinking of ordering the 611 in a size 5, but the Trulife size chart for that form suggests a 6 or 7! I can't quite imagine going up two sizes, from a 4 to a 6, but maybe I should. Any advice? Here I am asking for a definite answer, when I'm always advising other people that it's a process of trial and error. :-) Thanks!
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