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nswens
nswens Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
prostheses
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  • nswens
    nswens Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2008

    I am not really happy with my prostheses.  I have a Naturale.  I do not have a swim one... Do I really need a good one? I found one on the net for $53.00... I am 3 months out of my surgery...Any advice is appreciated...

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  • Lcharmie
    Lcharmie Member Posts: 430
    edited April 2008

    Hello nswens,

    I wonder if your Oncologist or the hospital you had your surgery at could recommend a place for you to be properly fitted.  Hopefully your insurance will help out with the bill, as these can cost.  I was a 38DD and the 1st place told me I could be what size I wanted to be, well, I thought "smaller" well, they did not go with my body, our Ins. would allow 1 set a year, so I looked smaller for a year and the next year I went back to my initial size.  These  sets have run as high as 700.00 a set and 50.00 a bra, but I am pleased.  There is a Nurse  right in our Cancer Center that does all of this.

    Good Luck!!

    Linda C

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  • dhettish
    dhettish Member Posts: 501
    edited April 2008

    Hi nswens,

    Find a mastetomy store in your area. Your onc or surgeon should be able to recommend one. My prosthesis cost $500 a pair. I was C cup. The bras run about $40 a piece. My insurance covered them and since I had met my deductible, they covered them at 100%.

    The prosthetic bras were uncomfortable so I just slip my prosthesis in my victoria secret Ipex bra. They are very natural looking and have some stuffing in them so I can remove it if I go through reconstruction. But I don't think I can use these for swimming.  

    Good prosthesis are expensive and you need to be fitted. Good news is that insurance has to cover it. Just as they have to cover reconstruction. Insurance covers 12 bras a year as well. Unfortuanately, they dont' cover bathing suits or other garments.

    If your surgeon does not recommend anything, google mastectomy supplies and your city. You should get a couple of hits.

    Debbie 

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  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited April 2008

    All insurance policies are different.  Mine only covers 1 prosthesis (for unilateral mast) and 4 mast bras per year, with others on an "as-needed" basis.  Still, I have what's considered a very good insurance plan around here (southeastern U.S.), and I think that allowance is reasonable.

    Note added in edit:  I'm a 36A, and I had trouble finding a bra to wear temporarily until I decide to get fitted.  I also recommend the Victoria's Secret IPEX bra (no underwire), which turned out to fit me very well.  It's smooth and comfortable and the bra band does not ride up under my arm on the mast/SNB side.  They are hard to find in some sizes, though (like mine). 

    otter 

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  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited April 2008

    nswens, I was fitted at Nordstroms, don't know if you have one in your area.  Insurance as well covered my prothesis at 100%, one new one every two years, and 80% of my (4) bras, I've never had such nice undergarmets in my life.

    My prothesis is made by Amonea (you probably could check out their website).  It ran about 350.00, and I also ordered a "water hoot" for an additional 150.00.

    Hope this may help, I am very satistifed with both, and my new look.

    Carol

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  • qhlady2000
    qhlady2000 Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2008

    Hi all,

    I'm new here.  I had my reconstruction about 3 months ago.  I've got my prothesis (right side, from Nordstroms...I don't have the specifics with me) and two bras.  Paid over $400 for the set (insurance reimbursed me for part of it).  I wore the one bra and the prothesis only once (for a wedding) and never used the other bra.  I went with just baggy clothes until I had my reconstruction.

    It seems wasteful to throw them away, so if anyone is interested, I will happily give them to someone that needs them.  I have to look to see what size they are but I think the bra is a 42, and I don't know the cup size (I was large breasted).

    I am going to be out of contact this next week, so if someone is interested either contact me at my yahoo account at qhlady2000 or I will read this list again when I return and try to touch base then.

    Megan (San Luis Obispo)

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