Fitting today - what to ask

Graphics-Gal

I've been a lurker here for many months, and have learned so much. I had a  Bilateral mastectomy 10/14/08 with expanders, however had major skin issue with one side. I was allergic to the steri strips used and lost a big hunk of skin & tissue. After 3½ months of healing, I then developed an infection on that side....great!! That was when I decided enough was enough and opted to have expanders removed. That was a month ago. Now today I am going to get fitted for bra & prosthesis and thought... let's be smart about this and get some input on what to ask, what to look for etc. Thanks for your responses.

 Pam

Erica3681

Hi Pam,

Sounds like you've been through a lot. You deserve to have a good fitting and look and feel normal. If you've been reading here for a while, you probably have a sense of the issues most of us face. For some, breast forms that are too heavy or hot are an issue. If that's a concern for you, you might ask to see forms that attempt to minimize those problems--like the Amoena Climate form or the new Amoena Natura Comfort +. Both are lightweight and have perspiration-minimizing strategies. Other forms are also very light and comfortable (I review some on my non-profit website, BreastFree.org).

I've discovered that finding a comfortable bra is at least as important as the forms. Many of the mastectomy bras are too massive for me and come up high under my arm, which I find uncomfortable. But many women seem to like the high underarm. It's all individual, but I'd suggest not settling for the first bra you try if it doesn't feel right or if you don't like the projection. Just as with our natural breasts, a silicone breast form will look different in different bras. Some fitters will sew pockets into regular bras and some forms have fabric backs so no pockets are needed.

Beyond that, I'd say trust your own intuition. And remember that breast forms can usually be returned/exchanged within thirty days of purchase. Make sure that's the case and if you find you don't like the form after wearing it for a few days, take it back and try something else.

Good luck!!

roseg

In line with Erica's advice I'd say don't over-do.

Buy a couple of bras and see how you do with them. I found that the fitter put me in a bra that was pretty snug. That's OK, I did need a tighter bra to fill everything out right, but over time I'm willing to trade some fit details for something that is more comfortable.

So see how you like what she fits you for but don't over-invest. You don't want to pay a lot then find out that those $4 numbers from WalMart are really what's most comfortable for you.

otter

Anyone think we can find that thread from last year about "what to expect at a fitting?".

otter 

[Edited:  I found it:  "What's involved with a fitting?"] 

OLBinNJ

My fitter will order bras for me to try on to find what works for me.  What ever doesn't work, she is able to send back.