Advice on when to be fitted for prosthesis and bras

georgia67

I had bilateral mastectomy Sept 1 and still am a little sore and have little pointed swelling? in the center part of my chest.  I still have some of the incisions covered with scabs that are gradually coming off in the shower.  The lady at the boutique said to come in 3 weeks after surgery but I wonder if that is too soon.  What are you suggestions on when to get fitted and what is your best products that you can live with.  Pocketed bras?  Stick on prosthesis? Light weight or regular weight?  I have a Genie sports bra that actually has pockets and a small liner that I have found I can put a little filling in behind the liner that works pretty good but it is hard to get both side level.  I am 68 this month so I really don't care about looking big but I am trying to look a little better because of tummy sticks out.

Luckynumber47

Since your surgery was so recent you will probably change your mind several times about what you like and don't like (and what hurts and what doesn't) so don't spend a lot of money right away. You probably still have a fair amount of swelling.

I'm just as happy with my Genie 3-pairs-for-$20 forms as I am with my $300(each) Amoena Essential Light 2S size 5 silicone prosthetics. I got a cheap Danskin zip up the front, pocketed sports bra from Walmart early on and it's still one of my favorites. I bought an Amoena Holly mastectomy bra that I like and a Coobie 9060L that fits me pretty well. I've been able to find lots of pocketed bralettes that I use my Genie forms in and I've got lots of regular bras that I sewed pockets into. I just like having pretty bras.

I've also got a pair of Amoena Aqua Wave size 8 prosthetics. They are way too big and way too heavy but it was the only thing the shop had 2 of and I needed them right away.

Amoena makes a pocketed camisole, the Valetta, that I have in several colors. It's pretty comfy with the added bonus of some tummy control. My insurance considered it a mastectomy bra so it was covered

So anyway, get fitted whenever you like but there are lots of cheaper options that you'll be just as happy with. Oh, and I forgot to mention Knitted Knockers, another great way to add a little volume up top.

Castigame

At least 6 wks post op for swelling to go down. I got mine at 8 wks I was anxious about putting something on my body. I was like get this thing off of me now.

I have not worn mine yet though. Many sisters prefer lightweight foobs which can be placed inside pockets

Mimi

exercise_guru

my mastectomy shop told me that the microbeed ones are covered by insurance every 6 months but the silicone every 2 years. Some women get the the microbes ones 1st then the silicone in 6 months.

I did It the opposite and now can't get the microbeeds until 2 years.

Sorry I don't have a tip on how long to wait but be kind to yourself and don't agrivate the skin. You could start out with one bra and some of those nice puffy stuffed fillers until you feel you are healed enough to get measured

IntegraGirl

I had BMX Aug 31. The place I go to said to wait at least 4 weeks before getting fitted. I am making due with some light weight fillers that came with the post BMX surgery garment I bought. I just tuck them into a sports bra I have. I have client meetings so have to make sure the smoke and mirrors are fully in place .

NotVeryBrave

I had reconstruction done at the same time as mastectomy. The place I went for fitting said that they usually recommend at least 6-8 weeks. That way any swelling will have dissipated and the healing will result in less discomfort.

MarilynIllinois

Hello, I'm eight weeks out from my mastectomy (one side, no reconstruction). The swelling is down, but I'm having some discomfort from scar tissue. I am wearing a very light cami around the house and the post mastectomy cami with a knitted knocker when I go out.

Does the scar tissue ever go away? I'm going to PT, doing the ROM exercises and the tai chi exercise for lymph system. I am massaging the area. Should I schedule a fitting? Thanks, Marilyn

GreenEyes81

How do you go about getting one with insurance coverage? I was just going flat/uni, but after a special night out for a company dinner....I was wishing I had something for the first time. Not really sure where to start to get something and be paid by insurance.

TIA

BellasMomToo

GreenEyes: Ask your Dr. for a prescription. I got my prescription for a prosthesis and two bras from my BS.

I'm having trouble finding a prosthesis provider in my BC/BS network so I haven't been fitted yet.

GreenEyes81

Thanks Bella!

georgia67

GreenEyes81 I am lucky I guess Medicare pays for what they call leisure prosthesis which are made from foam and 4 leisure bras then they pay for a pair of silicone and 4 more "better" bras.  It pays for the foam ones and the bras every 6 months.  I guess one place to start is where you got your chemo treatments.  They usually have cancer nurses that give you advice and help you through the system if you need it.  If you call some of the providers in your area they should be able to tell you about your insurance and what they cover. 

TamaraColo

My breast surgeon recommended waiting 4 weeks after my drains came out before even thinking about prosthesis. I do wear my Knitted Knockers sometimes, and they're mostly comfortable. I still feel a bit of pain and discomfort, even with the softness of yarn. I did purchase a few bralettes, which are more comfortable than regular bras, and a Coobie. My surgery was in late November, and I'm thinking February for my prosthesis fitting. I had a bilaterial mastectomy, and I definitely want "pretty" bras now. I did learn that my insurance covers two prostheses and two bras. I'm going to go to Nordstrom's, as they can put pockets in any bra I like and also remove underwires, if necessary.