Mastectomy Bra/Prosthesis Fitting in Houston Area

LW422

I'm 3 1/2 weeks out from my single mastectomy and received my prescription for mastectomy bras and prosthesis from the surgeon. I live in the Houston metro area and I was provided a list of possible providers, but I'm wondering if anyone can give me their personal experience with a local business. I plan to wait until after radiation treatments have healed to be fitted, which may end up being a few months away.

Any info or suggestions on local providers will be appreciated!!

MinusTwo

LW - I made an appointment at Nordstroms. They have several women trained to fit mastectomy patients and they are very good. I'd definitely start there since they are very caring.

Since I had reconstruction, I didn't have to deal with a prosthesis & I can't remember if Nordstroms took that into account. I did go to the Woman's Health Boutique on Memorial and also Second Silhouette on Kirby. Both seemed knowledgeable. Hope someone else can offer more advice..

TXLorelei

I was referred to Second Silhouette on Kirby - I think they also have other locations. They apparently have some sort of scanning equipment to create a custom prosthesis but don’t recommend it until after radiation is complete.

The fitter found a standard silicone prosthesis that matched the other breast pretty well size-wise. However, I was kind of disappointed in the selection of pocketed bras she brought to me. I don’t know if it was a lack of stock in my size or the fact that I wanted wire-free. I only took 2 home even though my insurance covered 4.

I ended up ordering and returning a bunch of bras from Amazon. For me, the most comfortable ones I found are the pull-over-the-head “Joy Bras”. They come up high enough under the armpit to corral the skin/fat bulge left from the node dissection. But I also kept some “nicer” ones that I wore to work.

LW422

Thanks -2; I hadn't thought about Nordstrom's. Do they accept the prescription from the surgeon? I'm not sure how much I will use a prosthesis or a mastectomy bra, but I want to have them "just in case."

Thank you TXLorelei. I have also ordered "Coobies" and other soft bras for every day. I'm mostly wondering about the places around Houston that do the fittings for prescription bras and prosthesis. I imagine that most of the time I'll be wearing whatever is comfortable.

I will be waiting until after radiation (and subsequent healing) to get measured/fitted. I appreciate the info.

MinusTwo

Yes, Nordstroms accepted my prescriptions for bras. However as I said, I have bilateral implants so I did not need a prosthesis. You might try "knitted knockers" for the time being, & while you are going through radiation if you have to go somewhere 'fancy'. I got one from MD Anderson Katy when I was doing radiation but I know they're available on line. They're good with any soft bras.

The only bra I have worn for for 8 years is the WearEase Sydney bra. The bra does have a pockets for prosthetics, but also would look fine with your remaining breast on the other side. it provides some compression & is very soft. They are a woman owned/US company and extremely helpful on the phone. Their exchange policy is 100% as long as you try on the garment after showering & before applying lotion or perfume. You can step into them & pull up, so no raising arms. I wear mine 24/7 & that is especially good in Houston since they dry very quickly. They do have sales about every 60 days. Check their catalog to see what else might apply.

Nope - no personal connection but wish I had stock in the company. It's a quality company & product.

https://www.wearease.com/products/sydney-bra?varia...

BTW - I believe we talked elsewhere that my MDA - RO is the doc who diagnosed my mild breast & truncal LE. Prevention if one of the reasons I started wear this bra. That and the fact that it's REALLY comfortable & "almost" sexy.

LW422

Thanks -2. I don't think I'll ever wear a compression bra; I can hardly stand to wear the gentlest Coobie these days. I will get fitted for a prosthesis after radiation just so I'll have one if I need it, but I expect I'll just take the most comfortable route for "everyday."

Krisc

Check out The Busted Tank website, Mastectomy bras that arevery comfortable, soft and affordable. The company was founded by a breast cancer patient that had a mastectomy without reconstruction. They are very helpful with any questions.

Krisc

BustedTank.com. They have very soft, comfortable and affordable bras and tanks