Trying to help my Mom

ajzjmsmom

My Mom was diagnosed in Sept 08 with IDC and had a mastectomy in Oct.  She is receiving state help to pay for everything and finally went in this last week to get fitted for a prothesis.  She has medicaid and had been told they would pay for 2 bras and 2 prothesis but now she is being told they won't pay for it.  I looked on the TLC website at the weighted forms and was wondering if that would work for her.  She is feeling self conscious as she was quite a large breasted woman and now she is very lopsided.  Does anyone have experiences with these?  Any input would be greatly appreciated since I would very much like to order her some to at least give her some semblance of normalcy, but needed to know if this is a viable option for her.  Thank you in advance for your advice. 

lafera12

Good morning,

I use the TLC website for ordering.  I tried one of their foam weighted forms but didn't like it. I had no problem returning it--just had to keep all the packaging material, box and made a copy of the receipt for my records.  I did buy front hook bras from them, that I love....

Do you want the foam or the silicone?

Hope this helps

Angie

ajzjmsmom

Angie, I am not really sure,  I know from my research that she probably needs something weighted so she won't have problems with back pain because of the difference in the 2 sides. 

Thank you for your reply.  Tanya

otter

Angie, has your mom been given an explanation for why the coverage was denied?  I admit that I don't know anything about Medicaid.  I do know that my private insurance covers one prosthesis and four mast bras per year ... but that's per calendar year.  Each year (in January, I assume), I have to get a new prescription from my doc if I want that year's purchases to be covered.

So maybe what your mom needs to do is get a new prescription written for 2009?  If she is large-breasted, it would be much better for her to be measured and fitted at a mastectomy supply store or other place that specializes in breast prostheses.  I know what size I need in the form that I have, but it's not the same for other manufacturers' products.

Also, if you're considering ordering a breast form on line and paying cash for it, couldn't you do the same thing (pay cash) at a mastectomy supply store?  Even though your mom may not have insurance coverage, they ought to be willing to measure and fit her, and sell her a prosthesis, if she's willing to pay for it.  But, it would probably require a prescription from her doc.

otter 

msphil

Hello honey, I received 2 bras, and 2 forms( weighted, 1foam) I liked the weighted for it gave me more balance, I used the foam for bed mostly, and medicare paid for these. But U can also buy the prothesis on JC Penney(JODEE Post-Mastectomy catalogue. I hope this helps U and Your Mom, God Bless You. msphil

purplemb

I do have a small BC closet with free items for those in need, please give me information, sizes and an addy ..snail mail.. so that I may help

MB

lizws

Tanya,  What state does your mom live in? 

ajzjmsmom

purplemb, I will have to ask my Mom her size tomorrow and get back to you.

Lizws,  she lives in Texas. 

Ladies thanks so much for your replies, it means the world to me.