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BMac
BMac Member Posts: 650
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

Yesterday I was at Mt. Sinai in Toronto for a bone scan.  Since I had a few hours to kill between injection of the dye and the actual scan I decided to go to the Shoppers outlet on the 12th floor to try on prostheses.  The lady measured me and said I was a 32.  I used to be a 32C and then put on a few pounds and was a 34C for the last few years.  She said that, at 32, I wouldn't be able to be a C cup.  This was very disappointing.  It's bad enough losing your breasts without having to now be smaller.

The other problem was that she had very few 32's in stock.  The only bra I really liked was a sports-type bra with lots of lycra in a 34.  Because I was on the tightest setting I would definitely need a 32.  The actual prostheses weren't filling the cup properly but the bra was so comfortable.  In order to try on the 32 I would have to pay to have it ordered in and it would take two weeks.  When I said I didn't want to pay for something until I actually tried it on she said I wouldn't have to buy it so hopefully I wwould get my money back. 

While she was helping me someone came in so she abandoned me and even left the door ajar!  I was very surprised because I dropped into the store about a month ago and there were two ladies working at that time.  They were both with cutomers and, not only did they not stop helping their customers to help me, they didn't even acknowledge me.    After about five minutes I just left.  To say I wasn't impressed is an understatment (about being left while I was being helped).

I'm now looking into a few places in Oakville and one in Burlington that I found in the yellow pages.  Does anyone have any experience with prostheses shopping in this area?  I'm definitely going to make an appointment and hopefully won't be interrupted in the middle of trying them on.

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  • mke
    mke Member Posts: 584
    edited September 2008

    It was recommended that I go to someone in the lower level of Hydro Place which is a block north of Mt. Sinai.  If you don't find a place in Burl/Oak you might try there.   I haven't gone yet because our extended health insurance is still in question and the longer I put it off, the less I care about it. 

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Thanks so much.  I'm going downtown today and tomorrow so I'll check it out.  I've been wearing a camisole with foam inserts since my surgery but I have to say when I tried on the prostheses on Monday they looked and felt really nice.

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2008

    What about Princess Margaret?  They're right next door to Mt. Sinai.  They might be able to help you out.  I had very professional and sympathetic treatment by the staff at the wig salon there.  

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Thanks mke.  I checked out the place at Hydro Place on Wed and have an appointment with them on Thurs next week after my Herceptin.

    Hey Lisa, it was so great to meet you yesterday at PMH.  What a small world.  I didn't know they had prostheses at PMH.  I got my first wig there 6 years ago and really liked the service.  Had I read your email before yesterday I could have checked it out then.

    Barbara

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  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited September 2008

    Barbara:

    I purchased my Amoena prosthesis at a wonderful lingerie shop in Niagara Falls (out of your way, I know), but it had to be ordered and I certainly didn't have to pay for it in advance.  Shoppers is way out of line asking for payment up front.

     If you go online to Janac Sportswear, located in Burlington, you'll find a selection of sports bras.  There are a couple of retail outlets in Burlington listed on the website, so you could phone ahead to see if they have your sizes in stock, and, if not, it would probably only be a matter of 24 hours for the retailer to get the stock.  Janac also sells the Been-a-boob, a useful faux boob filled with the same stuff Beanie Babies (remember them?) were filled with.  Not as lifelike as the Amoena, but still fills the bill, so to speak!

    Good luck,

    Linda

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited September 2008
    There is a wonderful lady in Brampton who works out of her house - I got my prosthesis from her nearly 2 years ago, and bought 6 bras from her on the spot.  Her website is www.diannesmastectomy.com - Her name is Dianne Gamble - I would highly recommend her - Call and make an appointment - she has many prosthesis and bras in stock, she really knows what she is doing.  That shop in Mt. Sinai is amateurish compared to Dianne.  She will also help fill our insurance forms etc.  Did you know that the government of Ontario will pay a certain amount (I think around $200/prosthesis) every 2 years?  Dianne will fill out all the paperwork for you.  Believe me, it's worth the drive to Brampton.
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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2008

    It was great to meet you too Barbara.  BTW... did you see the article in the research news section about the HER 2 vaccine?  I'm really hoping the next phase of trials goes well.  I'll be lining up to get that jab for sure if and when it becomes available.

    Lisa 

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Thanks so much ladies.  Niagara Falls is a bit out of the way although doable and Brampton would definitely work.  You're right Caya, Mt. Sinai is amateurish...definitely felt like a number.  I knew I wouldn't be buying anything there!  I did know about the gov't money; my surgeon's nurse gave me the paperwork for it.  I think I will give Dianne a call; she sounds just like what I'm looking for.  After all these are my future breasts we're talking about.

    Yes Lisa I did hear about the vaccine.  I just replied to your PM.  I saw it on the news.  They're saying it will be like the HPV vaccine.  Very exciting!

     Barbara

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  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited September 2008

    Hi Barbara:

    Dianne in Brampton sounds like the best place to go.  However, I did want to let you know that there's a location in St. Catharines -- Charlotte's Boutique, at 33 Lakeshore Road.  I've purchased bras there.

    Also, a new place has opened up here in Niagara-on-the-Lake called My Simple Pleasures.  Again, both places will order for you with no money down.

    One of the frequent posters on this website started her own information website:   www.breastfree.org and she provides very helpful info about different types of prostheses, bras and bathing suits.  I've found that the only prostheses carried here are those by Amoena, but there are several other manufacturers.  I've alerted the owner of the store here about this and she's planning to order some in.  Of course, you can always do mail order, but when they don't fit, it's kind of expensive to ship them back!

    Best wishes,

    Linda

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Caya, I made an appointment with Dianne for Monday at 12:30; I'm very excited.  Just talking to her on the phone was wonderful and I can't wait to meet her.  I let you now how I got on.  Monday's my 29th wedding anniversary so, hopefully, I'll come home with new "breasts"!

    Thanks for the input Linda.  Brampton is closer and, believe me, Dianne sounds passionate about what she does for a living.  I'm sure I'll be in good hands (well, not literally I hope).

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited September 2008

    Barbara - Glad you made the appointment with Dianne.  She really knows what she is doing, and has alot of inventory. When I went in Jan 2007, I went with another friend who had a bilateral mast. and Dianne was great - my friend decided on "C" cups., and Dianne brought her a few different kinds to try.  There are some really great lightweight prostheses now, and different shapes- Dianne will be great, you'll see. 

    Dianne is very experienced - I think she told us she's been fitting BC patients for about 25 years. I am planning to go back to her in January as that will be my 2 year mark since my first "foob" and the Ont. government will pay about $200 every 2 years for a new one.

    Yes please check in after your appointment - I'm sure you'll be thrilled with your new "girls."

    And Happy 29th Anniversary - may you have many, many more.

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited September 2008

    Hey Barbara,

    What are you doing for your anniversary?  Hope you and your DH are going to celebrate.  29 years is terrific!

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Hi Lisa, we don't have any plans yet although we have gift certificates for Stage West from Christmas.  They don't operate on Mondays but we might see if there are any seats available on Sunday.  If not we might go out for dinner as we have Paradiso gift certificates still to use.

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  • SherriP
    SherriP Member Posts: 127
    edited September 2008

    Barbara

     I hope your appointment with Dianne went well.  I haven't checked the Canadian boards in a while so I am late in chiming in here.  I live in Brampton and have been going to Diane since my mastectomy 19 months ago.  She is amazing and I feel so blessed to have found her.  She is compasionate and would never have made you feel like they did at the Shopper's.  She has an amazing selection and is just great.

     Please let me know if you agree.

     Sherri

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Dear Caya, thank you for recommending Dianne.  I went yesterday and it was wonderful.  She took all kinds of time with me.  You and Sherri are so right about her.  I had her 100% attention and she has so much selection.

    The prostheses are unbelievably comfortable and lightweight.  I also bought three bras, one of which is a bit lower cut for those lower cut tops that I can now wear again!  I also bought two tops with pockets for the prostheses; a spaghetti strap camisole type top that I can wear with everything from jeans to a suit.  It would be ideal for going out at night.  The other is a workout-type top for going to the gym or doing yoga, etc.

    I can't believe how great they look.  I look like the old me again and I'm absolutely thrilled.  It was a bit of a drive to Brampton but not really that far and so worth it.  So thank you Caya; there's nothing like getting a firsthand referral.  I would recommend her to anyone.

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited September 2008

    Barb

    I'm so glad you had a positive experience with Dianne. She really is the ulitmate prosthesis fitter IMHO. It's so true that your feel like your "old self" after getting fitted and selecting bras she recommends - and what a selection.  It sounds like she has some new styles in  - I love the idea of the spaghetti strap camisole top you describe - I will definitely look for one of those when I go in January.

    Enjoy - it's so important to feel confident.

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Yes you must try it on.  She had another top that I didn't buy.  It had two strings on the shoulder that you could pull to make the strap smaller (i.e. ruched) or slack so that the straps were full width.  I love the top but the strings bothered me although we did tuck them under.  They were a one season only option and Dianne bought up all the stock so when they're gone that's it.

    I'm now thinking that I should have bought the sports bra I tried on.  I didn't because I already bought the top but maybe....The great thing is I can just phone her and she'll ship it right out, with no shipping fee to me!

    I find myself looking at myself in the mirror at every opportunity.  What a great feeling!

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited September 2008

    Barbara, I've been following these posts but haven't commented since there was nothing I could add.  I had a mastectomy but have had reconstruction (an implant).  Like lots of us I have my bra challenges, but that's another story!  I just wanted to say that I'm so happy that you found some bras and prostheses that you like.  The situation you described at the Shoppers at Mt. Sinai was unacceptable - I would not have been pleased.  So I'm glad to hear that you are happy now.  Dianne sounds like a gem.

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  • sunshine2003
    sunshine2003 Member Posts: 77
    edited September 2008

    Need to post my favourite place - you can check her out on the net.

    Dianne's Mastectomy - she has everything - including a leopard print bra!

    Well worth the drive out to Brampton - heard about her by word of mouth

    J.

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  • sunshine2003
    sunshine2003 Member Posts: 77
    edited September 2008

    Can't believe all the recommendations for Dianne - I hadn't read through the posts until after I posted - She truly is amazing. - Besides bra above - also have a denim one - very cute!

    J.

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  • BMac
    BMac Member Posts: 650
    edited September 2008

    Beesie, I'll be doing reconstruction once my surgeon gives the go ahead so I may need your input then!  Dianne really is the real deal and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone in the GTA.  That's what's great about these message boards.  There's just nothing like a recommendation from someone with personal experience.

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