What's involved with a fitting?

yellowrose

What's involved with a fitting?

yellowrose

I hve searched through some threads but can't find anything about the fitting process.   I'm thinking that the way it is being done in my area can't be standard.  It's way too stressful.  My hospital sends me to a cancer center 30 miles away who does the fitting, then sends me to a medical supply place for the protheses who then sends me back to the cancer center. ?????  This can't be right....

I would really like to get the abc's for a proper fitting consultation. I'm concerned that somewhere along this stupidly convoluted system, if I don't understand the process, I'm in trouble.

purplemb

txgirl,,,

 I took my perscription to the med supply place in my very small town and they fitted me & ordered what i needed and had all the answers I needed..

It sounds like you are doing a lot of running around to me...

good luck

MB

caaclark

I went to a local mastectomy shop and they fitted me, submitted all paperwork, etc.  They even have a pretty signifcant supply of prosthetics so the fitter had me try on any and all types I wanted.  She even had me try on ones that I did not think I would like and I ended up loving what she recommended.

It does sound like a lot of running around to me too.

lewing

If someone wouldn't mind weighing in, I'd love a little more detail.  For instance, if you've had a unilateral mast (like me), does the fitter look at your remaining breast, then recommend a range of prostheses that might match it?  Will most be in stock (and if they aren't, how can you tell what will/won't work)?  Are they typically able to zero in on something right away, or should you expect to try out a bunch of different options?  Any tips for things you should do to make sure the fit is really right - e.g., bend over, jump up and down, walk around a bit?  Is it helpful to take a friend with you?

And what things in your experience distinguish a "good" fitter from a not-so-good one?

Sorry to overload this conversation with questions - I guess I'll start learning from experience soon enough; I've got the Rx but haven't done anything with it (in part because I'm still sorta bewildered by the whole process). 

Thanks, txgrl, for starting this thread. 

Linda 

Yogi70

Linda,

Hey, I just got fitted yesterday.  I went to a medical supply store in my town (Anniston, AL) just to see what my options were, I had no idea how to about the process.  The moment I opened my mouth, the fitter, Heather, was right on it. She made me feel comfortable and right away I knew that this woman knew what she was doing.

I would say it depends on the place.  If you have no one to guide you through the process I would advise you to visit medical supply stores until you find someone who makes you feel comfortable and who is knowledgable. 

Is there a support group in your area?  If so, maybe they can recommend someone.

Once you are being fitted you will know makes you comfortable as far as bra type and prosthetic are concerned.  If you feel like taking a friend or relative by all means do so.  It's a learning experience but you will get through it. 

lvtwoqlt

The local support group has a woman who runs a shop from her house come to the support meeting about once a year. She handles all the paperwork, even gets the presc from your surgeon if you don't have it. She will make house visits to do the fittings personally so you are not intimated by going into a store. The only thing is she doesn't have a wide selection of bra's and prost. I have checked out another local shop with a nice store. They have quite a few different styles of bras and prost to try on. Since that is all they do, they do well on the fit. They also will file your insurance but you have to get the presc from your surgeon.

My mom had a unilateral mast in 2001 and has bought prost from the health aid store (hated the bra they put her in), went to a store that specalized in mast products and loved the results and also has purchased from Marla (one who comes to your home), she liked going to the mast store best.

Sheila

otter

I am sure glad someone asked that question.

I can offer an example of a bad fitter:  "What size bra do you wear?"

She handed me a breast form, which was huge--way bigger than my remaining breast.  Then she brought out 2 of the iron-maiden type mastectomy bras.  One of them--I swear I'm not making this up--had six snaps up the front, and at least 8 snaps up the back.  Right now I'm a 36A, and my poor boob wasn't trying that hard to escape.  Nothing fit--not even close.  That was it.  She was very nice, though.

OTOH, we still don't have any details on "What's involved with a fitting?," other than "you'll know a good fitter when you meet one."  Pre-mastectomy, I've had bra "fitters" at department stores that offered a wide variety of suggestions, but none paid enough attention to the details.  They were sort of like, "well, you could stuff some kleenex in there."

otter 

yellowrose

What I guess I didn't ask here is exactly what lewing and otter brought up. 

What is involved in a proper fitting?  How does one know that everything "works" well together? As lewing says "the whole process is bewildering."

I am already experiencing swelling under my arm and the last thing I need is a bad fitting.

lvtwoqlt

Let me go into a little detail about my fittings in 2006. After my first lumpectomy that left me with two different cup sizes (a-c) I had the woman who came to the support group fit me. She did ask what size I wore, then proceeded to measure me to find the right fitting bra. She asked what size I wore just to use as a starting point. She had me try on 4 or 5 different styles, and each style actually required a different size bra based on manufacture specs. I ended up with several bras in several different sizes but they all fit (one was a size 38d, one was a 40a) and the 'filler' prost for the small boob. It was a process of trial and error. She knew her product and that certain styles ran large or small compared to others. She created a file on me showing what I purchased, to make it easier for reorders later on.

She was very organized and She has been fitting mast patients for over 15 yrs and late in 2006 she became a BC patient.

Sheila

Sassa

I went to my local mastectomy "boutique."  I needed an appointment for the fitting.

At my first fitting, I had the right breast remove and needed to match "Big Bertha" on the left.

Connie, my fitter was very patient and helped me through what was for me, a stressful situation.

As in any other bra fitting, she first measured me for my band size.  She then showed me the different bras that she had available in my size.  Once we decided on a bra, she bought out the different types of prostheses (silicone, fiberfill, foam, etc).  We discussed the different types and I tried them on in the bra I had selected.

On thing that made a different was that Connie had what looked like a pajama top made out of a silky fabric.  I would put the top on to check out how the various prosthesis looked as the silky fabric was thin and clingy enough to show how the prosthesis would look under clothes.

Once a decision was made, I was able to leave the shop with a bra and prosthesis.  She did have to order me additional bras and a second prosthesis (I had a lightweight "Bosom Buddy" that needed to be washed and air dried.  I needed the second one to wear while the first dried).

Seven months later, I had the second breast removed and returned to buy new prostheses.  Heaven!!! I donated the used Big Bertha clones to the ACS closet and walked out with A cup size silicone prostheses.

kerry32

My experience was very good.  I heard about a Mastectomy store owned by one woman - it was like a boutique too.  I did call ahead and make an appt.  Since i was bilateral i could pick my size prosthesis - she counseled me on the size based on my body size.  The brought me several types and actually two different sizes.  She also brought in 3 types of bras - She had a private dressing room - very large - and she stayed with me to help - I ended up with t-shirt bra, sports bra and a soft micro fiber one - she gave me a lesson in how to insert them and i left there happy- never had a problem since.  I think it's important to find a place that is a provider under your insurance and bring you health card and the script if you have it - they do the processing for the insurance.   Sorry if too long....

Binney4

My local ACS chapter held what they called a "Prosthesis Showing." It was held in a Sunday School room of a local church. A woman who owned a mastectomy boutique filled the room with prostheses, bras, lingerie, swim suits, camis -- you name it. Half a dozen women were there, some just before their surgery, others just after. We could circulate and handle the products in the comfortable company of fellow bc newbies. Then we all sat down and the woman in charge talked to us about all the options and their special features. It was not a fitting, and we didn't buy anything. We felt no pressure to visit her shop, either (which was a good thing, since she wasn't on my insurance). It was just a time to get used to the idea of prosthetics, learn a bit of the vocabulary in a non-threatening setting, and discover that we were not alone. I wish every ACS chapter did the same, because it certainly de-mystified the whole thing for me and made my own eventual bra-and-prosthesis shopping much more relaxed.

You might call and see if there's such a thing in your area, or maybe down the road you'll want to start one. Nice touch!

Binney 

mke

I'm glad you asked this question because I decided I'm healed enough to do this, but sort of intimidated by the prospect.  So far I've just worn loose sweaters, but it's heating up - even in Canada.

caaclark

My experience was similar Kerry's.  The place I went to/still go to is a lingerie shop that also carries mast. forms and bras and swimsuits.  The fitter was fantastic.  I actually went to her prior to my mast. and then about a week after.  She looked at me at one week after surgery and estimated when I should return.  So a few weeks later I went back to her.  She zeroed in on what would be comfortable to me and also what looked good with my body and with my remaining boob.  I had an idea of what forms I wanted and she let me try them on with a variety of bras.  I ended up with a form that I did not even consider because she encouraged me to try on as many as I wanted.  She spent a ton of time with me and still spends as much time as I want, even now.  I recently went back to her and she encouraged me to try the stick on kind.  I was sure I would not like it.  But, again, she was right.  I loved it.  She also sold me the stick on nipples that make the form look completely like me.  I would never have thought to buy those.

Sorry, this is long but I cannot say enough great things about my fitter.  If anyone is in NJ and needs a good mastectomy place let me know.  Also, when I left with the prosth. on, with a new bra, I felt like I was finally getting back to normal.  My experience was so great. 

caaclark

Hey, Barbara...

Maybe this is a new topic for breastfree.org.

pinklemon

A good fitter will usually ask you questions: about your surgery, what you are looking for, the types of bras that you usually wear, your activities, etc...

Then, after measuring you, she should show you some different options, explain the differences, let you try, listen to your comments, etc... She should take the time to do a good fitting (at least an hour, I think). The final choice should always be yours, based on what was recommended. You have to leave the place knowing you found the right solution for you: you will know!

If the fitter looks at your remaining breast, she will probably find the right prosthesis faster. But if you don't feel comfortable, it will just take a little longer to achive a really good fit, but it is feasable. You can bring one of your favorite top: pale color is better to evaluate if it is a good fit. Some fitter use white t-shirt or a silky top to really see the end result. The fitter should check the size, the symetry, if both breasts look exactly the same, etc... until a perfect fit! A big smile on the client's face is usually a very good indicator. A little extra is when the fitter helps you fill the insurances and garanty papers. You should also be told about the care for the breast form once you buy.

And last, a person with a lot of empathy is best, you have to feel listened to, not rushed!

Good luck! I hope this help. ;-) 

Anonymous

Hey Lewing and MKE.....I'm about ready to have to get fitted too. Right now I am just using the BEAN a BOOB which I found here in town in a small lingerie shop that carries a few things for BC women. It works well for me at the moment and is comfortable with a sports bra. It does not fit in my regular bras but I did try it at the shop with a mast bra and it felt quite good. I bought 2 for wash purposes. There aren't many places to go close by for me and they seem limited in this part of Ontario so I hope the one I have to go to is good.

Erica3681

Carol,

I think I might just add a section about this! It's mysterious to so many women--I've been reading this thread with interest myself to see what other women's experiences have been. I've been to seven or eight different fitters (doing research, not buying that many breast forms!), and have found each to be very different. Some were very opinionated and had a different view than me of how I should look. Others, if I asked about a specific form, didn't seem to want to show me anything else. Some seemed better trained than others. Yet getting fitted well is one of the most important parts of healing when you choose not to have reconstruction but want to wear breast forms.

I'm currently in the process of editing a wonderful new story for the website and also will soon post an amazing set of photos--a journey from pre-surgery through healing. After that, I'll focus on the idea for a new section about fitting.

Barbara 

otter

Barbara,

I, too, think it would be great if you would add this topic to your website.  What's involved with a fitting might seem intuitively obvious to some women; but to those who have never even been fitted for a bra, a fitting for a breast prosthesis and mast bra may seem mysterious and maybe potentially embarrassing.

Some women are self-conscious enough when stripped down to their undies.  For them, to have to bare a mast scar and the remaining breast to a stranger would require a great deal of courage. They need to know that a good fitter will be knowledgeable and thorough, but also compassionate.  And--I am assuming this is true--they need to realize that allowing the fitter to see their mast site and remaining breast will help her to suggest the most appropriate breast form.

I've tried to imagine what criteria a fitter might use to decide which of the variety of prosthesis shapes and sizes would work best for me.  Until this thread appeared, my imagination wasn't helping me.  Now I'm just hoping the fitter I eventually choose will serve me well.

otter 

Hannahbanana

I went to my local Nordstrom store and had a wonderful fitter.  She had been doing it for 20 years but said they all were trained.  She took my size and brought a a few different kinds of bras and prosthesis to try and a top to see how it looked under clothes. Once we got the right bra and size I was amazed at how comfortable it was even after 2 1/2 weeks from surgery.  We were in a dressing room just for this purpose with a table and chairs for talking.  She said that some don't want the mirror open and they take care of this.  You might want to check one of your high end department store's lingerie

Anonymous

I'm going for a fitting this week! Wondering how that will go. How often are you entitled to a new one or new bras??? Or is it a one time deal????

esserbre

CrazyDaizy, since I'm from Ontario, maybe my insurance is like yours, you get two bras per year, and a max on the prosthesis.  If you're ever down Sarnia way, Silhouettes Boutique (ask for Joanne) is good.

otter

Viv, as you know I am in the U.S. so here it might be different (as usual).  My insurance, which my onco said is "the cadillac of insurance", covers 1 prosthesis (for one-sided mast) and 4 bras per year.  They have a "special needs" allowance, I guess for emergencies, if you need more.

The hilarious thing is that I still haven't gone for a fitting, even though I am now ... let's see ... 11 weeks out from my mast.  I have now acquired 3 soft, "temporary" forms that look and feel just right to me, even in my regular bras.  They aren't the tennis-ball or oval-shaped puffy.  They're triangular in shape, flat on one side and rounded on the other side, just like a real breast form.  There's a slit in the flat side for adding or removing fiber-fil.  They don't droop like my remaining breast (if I were younger, they'd be perfect), and in my VS Ipex bra they slide a little so I need to pin them in place.  Otherwise, they suit me just fine.

OTOH, my dh and I got in a strange argument about this very subject last week.  He wondered when I was going to get fitted for a "real" prosthesis and buy a mastectomy bra.  I said I was planning to get fitted for a prosthesis at some point, but I wasn't in a big hurry because I was comfortable as-is.  And, I wasn't too keen on the iron-maiden mast bras I had been shown already.  If I couldn't find something softer and more comfortable (like the bras I had been wearing pre-BC), I was going to sew pockets in my regular bras.  He apparently thought that was weird, but I still haven't figured out why.

Go for it, Viv.  You'll feel better, I'll bet.

otter 

Anonymous

Brenda.....thanks. I do know that the Ontario Gov. will cover about half the cost for women with no other insurance benefits. DH and I also have benefits through work but it's just all so confusing having to look it all up, I've never had to deal with them before. Also, do you know if you can only put in a claim with a registered mastectomy boutique or can you claim your products if you purchase bras elsewhere. The place I'm going is in Oshawa called "Elizabeths Boutique" and it is exclusively for women who've had breast surgery. They said they will deal with all the claims and all I have to do is bring my health card and insurance forms.

Otter.......I didn't get any info or visit from the Canadian Cancer Society. I wish the Doctors offices would notify these people on behalf of women who have undergone surgery. If they can notify the homecare agency for us, why don't they do the same for the cancer society so that at least we get a call from a liaison and visit after surgery as well. I would have welcomed that and felt pretty left out in the cold with no contact.

Wish I had received a puffy or something, I got creative on my own for now ...........chicken cutlets from walmart.......LOL and "Bean a Boobs". The little local lingerie shop actually had beautiful mast bras. The one I tried there was a black Lacey one, same cut as a regular bra and very comfy and feminine. Most bras needed to be ordered from catalog though and she did not deal with the medical insurance....too bad. They did not carry or do prosthesis....darn, or I would have gone there.

Going for a fitting is making feel like that "patient"........just another hurdle on the way out.

yellowrose

Well, I go for my fitting on Tuesday.  Sadly there are no Nordstroms or special boutiques within 60 miles of us.  The medical supply place that is approved by my insurance won't process the paperwork. Thanks to this short-coming, I will have to pay out-of-pocket and apply for re-imbursement from my insurance.  Just one more thing to overcome on this journey...

I'll let y'all know how it goes.  Hopefully, it's in line with what I've read above.  I'm trying to go into it with an open mind.

yellowrose

Went for my fitting yesterday and thanks to all the advice, I knew what a fitting should be like.  She didn't have any bras in my size so she kept trying to make do and nothing looked or felt right. I couldn't tell if the protheses fit right when the bra so obviously didn't. By the end of the fitting I was frustrated enough to shed a few tears.

Then she wanted me to order bras and wait 10 days for them to arrive to see if they would work.  I was not going to wait on a "maybe they will fit". Finally she offered me the names of two out of town places "that might be able to offer a larger selection."

So this Saturday I'm driving to Austin to go to Petticoat Fair.  I went there after my surgery for additional sport bras and they were great and so helpful.  They are not on my ins co. approval list, so they are more expensive and still out-of-pocket.  At this point, I don't care.  I just need to make the next step in this journey.  If anyone know of a great place in Austin besides PF, please let me know.

Erica3681

Is there a Nordstrom's in Austin? I haven't been fitted there but so many women rave about their service. Also, could you try on things in Austin, but still order them from someone on your ins. co. approval list? Or maybe Petticoat Fair will have suggestions about how to handle it so you'll still get coverage--many fitters are quite adept at dealing with insurance companies.

I'm glad you didn't settle for what your local fitter offered--as you obviously realize, geting the right bras and breast forms makes all the difference. Good luck on your next step.

Barbara 

ps123

If you go to this link you can put in your city and state to find a local amoena retailer:

http://www.amoena.com/us/StoreLocator/

This is what came up for Austin:

DRAKE COLLECTIONS

701 S. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY, SUITE D-480
78746 AUSTIN
USA
Fax: 512-306-0092

NORDSTROM

2901 Capitol of Texas Hwy S
78746 Austin
USA
Web:  http://www.nordstrom.com

PETTICOAT FAIR

7739 NORTHCROSS DRIVE, SUITE M
78757 AUSTIN
USA

PREMIER SPECIALTIES INC

8800 Shoal Creek
78757 AUSTIN
USA
Tel: 512-371-1700
Fax: 512-371-1754

Pat

yellowrose

Pat, thanks so much for this link.  Invaluable.  I did not know that there was a Nordstroms in Austin!  I'll be checking it out for sure.  Talked to Petticoat Fair today.  They have a seamstress on site and will sew pockets into any bra so since I have a hard to fit size, that opens up my choices.  I'm starting to feel better about the fitting now that I know I'm not so limited. 

Erica3681

I just want to add one thing about being fitted--even though fitters may be very knowledgeable about forms, we're the ones who know ourselves. Yesterday, a representative from ABC (American Breast Forms) was in my town at the local lingerie shop, so I made an appointment to meet with her. She turned out to be one of the founders of the company, who had previously worked for Amoena and Airway, so she really knew her stuff. She not only showed me ABC forms but also Amoena, so she wasn't trying to push me into ABC (in fact, she encouraged me to buy a pair of Amoena contact forms). But she thought I looked good in a bigger size than I would have picked for myself. And she liked forms that filled me out on top (i.e. the top of the form was fuller), whereas I liked forms that tapered more gradually from the top of the triangle toward the projection at the "nipple".

I didn't buy anything yesterday (my year since the last insurance-covered forms isn't quite up) and that was also good because I woke up this morning realizing that I don't want to go up a size, but do want a form of the same size I use now, but one with more projection than I currently have. So basically, I did learn something from meeting with her, but I had to combine her suggestions with my self-knowledge.

I have a friend who had bilaterals ten years ago. She's never worn anything but Amoena 126 foam leisure forms. She's a sophisticated woman who dresses very well, but she refuses to give up the "freedom" of the unweighted forms for the softness and realism (and weight) of silicone . She wears her forms in a regular unpocketed Bali bra. She's had many fitters try to convince her to wear silicone, but she knows her self and just isn't interested.

Barbara

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