ordering/buying/fitting questions

VintageGal1111

Hello

 my BMX will be March 13, no recon at this time. For those of you who wear prosthesis did you go to a shop that specializes in mastectomy supplies? Did you insurance pay anything? Have you had luck with ordering online? (like TLC)

I am very small breasted & without a padded bar am almost flat chested....so I am wondering if after BMX I will even need a prosthesis or could I just wear a padded bra? I have a couple camis that have a thin molded cup, can they be worn soon after surgery?

Thanks I appreciate any & all replies!

jbdayton

I went to a shop specializing in mastectomy products.  My insurance would cover the prosthesis and two bras annually.  I got the two bras and padding to insert until my reconstruction.  Hopefully you will find the same thing with your insurance.  At least go talk to a specialty shop they are professionals working with insurance.  Luckily my BS office gave me the lead.  

Jennie93

I never bothered with MX bras or foobs.  I had been wearing padded bras for years anyway, because they shrank down to nothing after my last baby was weaned.  If I wear one of those sport bras that squash everything flat up against your chest I could pass for a boy.  LOL!

The difference in my case is, I still have one, so I cannot go bra-less.  It's tiny but age and gravity have taken their toll. Not gonna go out in public without covering up ole "Droopy" there.  But around the house I just wear a tank top or cami, it's more comfortable.  When I go anywhere, I just wear the same bras I wore before.  The kind with cups that hold their shape regardless of whether anything is in them. So one cup is half empty and one is completely empty.  Doesn't matter.  Just don't wear a low-cut shirt and then bend over if anyone is in front of you, or they could see right down into the empty cups!  LOL

There are also soft bras that have built-in pockets and come with little foam pads. They are comfortable. Got a few on clearance real cheap, and I just take the pads out, put 2 in the right side and 3 in the left, and it works great. Gives you about an A cup look, and hold their shape just fine.  I have looked for camis with similar pockets/pads but haven't found any yet - I know they exist so I keep looking. I bet they would be comfy.  

crystalphm

TLC is great because they accept returns, no problem.  I did do a lot of mail order and it all went very well, everyone seemed very kind about exchanging for size or even money back. Just check the details before ordering.

The cami's with those thin molded cups will probably work wonderful for you, you may need the next size larger for a bit due to swelling or not tolerating the tightness, but I really like them. Handfull has a wonderful bra I can wear with no discomfort. (thin molded insert).

Lots of possibilities!

Erica3681

Hi Jennie93, 

My physical therapist once told me she's has clients who are flat after mastectomy and simply wear padded bras. But when I've tried on padded bras, they seem to get pushed in so easily. Is there a particular bra you've found that holds its shape well on your flat side? I'm mostly happy wearing my Still You camisole with foam forms, but I'm always looking for alternatives, for myself and to recommend to other women on my non-profit website, BreastFree.org.

pajim

VintageGal, yes I go to a lingerie shop which also does mastectomy gear.  They do both.  It's a northeastern chain called "Lady Grace".

There's a woman in my office who was a small A cup before her mastectomy.  She did get herself a prosthesis but since she often didn't wear a bra before, now if she doesn't she just goes "as is". 

mary625

I've used Nordstrom because it's the preferred provider for my insurance co.  You might want to call your insurance co and find out the preferred provider.  I've not been able to get any out-of-network claims through my insurance, even though places like TLC are definitely cheaper.  Very frustrating.  I have had great luck in terms of satisfaction with ordering from TLC and Still You.  

Jennie93

Hi Erica, 

I don't know about specific brand names. Tags bother me so I cut them out of everything as soon as I get it home.  I just got cheap bras from Walmart, KMart, Target, etc. - the kind where the cup holds its shape hanging on the rack with nothing but air inside.  They are often called Tshirt bras, I guess because it's seamless and the firm cup won't let nipples poke through, so a nice smooth look.  I can't really imagine how the cups could get pushed in. Nothing would be touching it except your shirt. I've worn them under some fairly snug sweaters and they hold their shape just fine. (A swimsuit is too tight, though, and will squish them.) 

If I poke it with my finger - yes, it will dent in, but it springs right back when you take your finger away - and who would dare poke at your breast anyway?   LOL 

AKJ

I went to a specialty shop that has a contract with my health provider.  My insurance covers a silicone prosthesis every 2 years and 2 mastectomy bras every 6 months.  I can't imagine going through bras that often since I was not too much of a bra wearer before my mastectomy.  Anyway, I love my prosthesis and bras.  The fitter spent a lot of time with me and we tried different forms and bras.  I'm small breasted to begin with but I don't feel at all self conscious when I wear my new boob to work.  I think it looks really natural.