Bras and breast forms you love
Comments
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H everyone,
I am one of the original Pals advocates. I have had mine for two years. They are not my only forms, but I use them a lot.
As for how they hold up to washing and soap - I wash mine when necessary with just a neutral bar soap, and they get very tacky once again. They are as godd as new to this day. The best thing for me, when I first got them, was how comfortable they are on tender skin. I highly recommend them at the very least as a back-up pair. And as I said before the price can't be beat for something indestructable ( no rupturing).
ddd
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ddd,
Thanks for posting. It was your post (which I couldn't find later to thank you) that convinced me that I'd like to try Pals, after I read about them on BreastFree. I appreciate the info on washing and also how well they hold up over time!
Dawn
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Sam - You mentioned that you didn't like bra straps showing. Anita makes a mast bra that comes with 2 pairs of straps, one of which is clear, so you might try that out. ABC makes a strapless mastectomy bra as well, but they're a US company, so you might have trouble getting the ABC bra in the UK. Wouldn't think there'd be a problem finding Anita bras there, though.
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Amoena Lara
I love the Lara style because it has thinner straps which make it easier to wear with more open neck styles & the strap doesn't land directly on top of my chemo port. Because it has thinner straps, forms will feel somewhat heavier compared to a wider strap with more surface area to redistribute the weight.
ABC Petite T-Shirt Mastectomy Bra Style 105
I tried this on along with the Amoena Lara. The cut of both bras are similar in that they have molded cups, are cut low, and possess narrow straps. The ABC T-shirt Style 105, however, has lace appliques between the cups and along the straps - which is a distraction and doesn't lend itself for a truly seamless look underneath a tight T-shirt. I thought the most seamless look was best achieved with the Amoena Lara.
TruLife Naturalwear Silk Style 471
TruLife Silk forms are the softest in feel. The 471 style is by far the softest. Its caveat is that it has a more mature drape. The form is shallower at the top of the triangle then pools toward the bottom (like the effect of gravity on a mature breast). I'm in my 30s with bilateral mast. & found this shape not becoming for my age. Another caveat is if you are on the thinner side with ribs protruding or have concave areas, the shallowness of this form exaggerates the uneveness in a soft cup non-molded bra.
TruLife Naturalwear Silk Style 472
Style 472 smoothes the uneveness of the chest wall with a conformable back, however it is not as featherweight as Style 471. The shape of 472 is fuller - a youthful, more rounded shape that fills out the entire cup (due to the addition of that conformable back). This style is also more suited to those with concave chests.
I haven't tried the contact version of the TruLife Silks but find the Silks to be slightly lighter than the lightest Amoena form.
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w-jade - How long ago did you buy your Lara bra? I tried to order one, but was told they wouldn't be in production until October beacause of the earthquakes in China damaging the manufacturing facility. Is there an on-line retailer that actually has them in stock now? I love the molded foam cups as there aren't any seams. I'm an in-between size - large A/small B, and the molded bras work better for me then anything else I've tried. I'm with you on the thinner straps - the wide ones land on my port as well, which can make it tricky when I go for chemo treatments! I actually found some of the wider straps dig into my shoulder more then thinner ones, too, for some reason. I'm kind of narrow-shouldered, so that could have something to do with it. I'm glad to hear from someone who's worn this bra.
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I bought my Amoena Lara bra at my local mastectomy fitter. My fitter commented on how it took 3 months for the Lara style to come in, so I grabbed the 5 pairs in 36A they had in beige. I love the molded cups as I am able to switch multiple breast forms I have in different sizes: Amoena 720 sz 4, Trulife 472 sz 4, Trulife 471 sz 5, and Jodee 93 sz 6 - and they all fit nicely into the cup. I'm 5'2" so I am narrow-shouldered as well, so it works great for more petite women.
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w-jade, thanks for the feedback. None of the fitters around me have this bra in stock, and they can't get them in until October. Glad to know they work well for narrow-shouldered women, as I am as well, and have problems with the straps falling off my shoulders.
I'm due in November for my 2 bras per year through insurance (generous, huh?), so I'll see if I can apply the allowed amount towards them and save some money. My insurance only covers specific bras, but I'm hoping they'll allow me to apply the amount towards other bras. Otherwise I'll just go ahead and bite the bullet and pay full price for them myself.
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Hi!
I just ordered the Lara bra on-line at Metromedicalonline.com. They have lots of sizes and it costs $45.
Metro also has free shipping if you order $50. or more. So I ordered 2 bras...a Lara and an Amoena sports bra.
I've ordered from Metro before and the service is great. You might want to check them out.
Hugs to you all!
Ann
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Metro Medical is where I tried to order the Lara bra, and they said they wouldn't have that bra in until October. That was a couple of months ago, so I guess they did get a shipment in. I've ordered from them before, and I agree about the service. Prices are pretty good, too.
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Dear DDD,
After reading about PALs on this posting, I ordered a pair. The folks, (Debbie) was wonderful to do business with, and I do like them alot. My only problem is wearing them stains my good bras. It seems to wash out, but is a bit distrubing when I take off my shirt to have my bra look like it's "wet". This doesn't appear to go thru to my clothing, but I wonder if this is something anyone else has encountered. Does this stop after washing the forms?
thanks
Dakota
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I had a double mast in July and purchased the Amoena 358 Climate Control Classic Light. I've never worn prosthetics before, so I don't have anything to compare them to, but I have found them comfortable to wear at work. They felt heavy in my hand, but don't feel heavy when worn.
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Dakota,
I think the staining you're noticing is probably a bit of the mineral oil in the forms (which makes them nice and soft against the skin) leaching out onto your bra. I've noticed this, but only very slightly, on the inner lining of my bra. It hasn't gone through to the outside of the bra and I haven't had any problem in clothing. And the "stains" do wash out. It's a bit disconcerting, though. When you wash the forms, make sure to dust them with cornstarch (Johnson & Johnson makes a baby powder that's cornstarch). This keeps them feeling cool and dry and seems to minimize the staining.
I wonder what Debbie would say about this or whether she'd recommend anything as a solution. If you decide to ask her, please let us know what she says.
BTW, don't put the forms down on a wood surface, as the oil will leach out onto that and can leave a stain that's not removable. I always place them on plastic (ziploc-type) bags. They can be stored in them, too.
Barbara
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Sorry I did not read through the whole thread, and apologize if I am repeating info already here, but I wanted to add that Nordstrom will sew in a prosthesis pocket on any bra for free. It was nice because the ladies in the lingerie dept were so knowledgeable in this area and you don't have to settle for the more matronly styles.
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Thanks for the reassurance Barb. Did you notice this mineral oil leaching lessens after a couple of washings? When I have a few minutes, I will ask Debbie about this, and pass on her answer.
dakota
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Barbara, thanks so much for encouraging everyone to try the Amoena 126. I bought them at Metromedicalonline.com and they are fantastic, light and cool. I just ordered the Amoena Essential 442 Light. Good grief! They are much too heavy even in a Size 4. Has anyone tried any of the Amoena silicone items that are lighter?
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Dakota,
I use the Pals as "backup" forms, so can't give you a long-term picture, since I haven't had to wash them that many times yet. I'd love to hear about others' experiences. Maybe Boobsinabox will weigh in. I know she wears her Pals everyday.
Aug242007,
I'm so glad you like the Amoena 126 forms. Regarding the Essential Light, I just checked the Amoena website and it says these forms are "up to" a third less in weight than traditional silicone forms. Maybe the 442s aren't actually a third less.
I know the Amoena Natura series IS 30% lighter than the traditional weighted forms. I don't own Natura forms, but I recently tried them on. I'm also a size 4 and I tend to be very sensitive to weight--I can't tolerate too much. I found the size 4 in the Naturas to be okay. I think I could have worn them comfortably for an extended period. But we're all so different. If you've had your Essential Lites for less than 30 days, I would think you can return or at least exchange them.
It would probably be worth going to a fitter and trying other lighter-weight silicone forms in your size. ABC makes an ultra-light that is about 50% lighter than traditional forms. And check out the the Silique Comfort-Lite, described (with a link) in the Breast Forms section of BreastFree.org. That's the lightest silicone form on the market, as far as I know--ultra, ultra-lightweight, and can be worn in a regular bra.
Also, I wonder what kind of bra you're using for your Essential Lights. I came to realize that the bra was just as important for me as the forms--some make the forms so much more comfortable than others. Luckily the manufacturers seem to have finally noticed that we don't all want or need massive mastectomy bras. I'm looking forward to trying the new Amoena Lara bra, mentioned above.
Regarding Nordstrom, the only problem I've encountered there is that, when I asked about sewing in pockets, they're happy to do it, but almost all the bras they sell have underwires. I think they'd probably sew pockets in a bra purchased elsewhere, but for a fee.
Barbara
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Barbara, as always, thanks for your help. The bra is fantastic. It is the ABC 105 Tshirt bra. I am small and the bra is very light (looks just like my pre-mast bras). I am going to send the Essential light back and try the Natura.
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Dakota,
I was interested in your comment about Pals staining your bras, even temporarily. I have not noticed this, although I wear mine in a camisole with a shelf bra, and I don't pay a lot of attention to the inside of the shelf bra! I do dust my Pals with Johnson's cornstarch baby powder on the outside only every time I wash them...which is every time I shower. I do NOT dust the part that is next to my skin, because that reduces the tackiness, and they don't stay put as well. In fact, my method is to put a small amount of powder on two spots on a pillow, then when I have patted the forms dry, I put them nipple-side down on the powdered places and use a rotary motion with my hands lightly on the sticky side to cover the fronts with powder. I just stuck my hand in my shelf bra and there doesn't seem to be any of the leeching oil there, and the forms feel dry and smooth. I do remember the first time I wore my Pals, there was some residue when I took them out that night, so maybe it is because I powder them well or because they have been washed and powdered and worn so much! I've had them since early July, and I do wear them all the time. Good luck with yours.
Dawn
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Has anyone tried something called Bosom Buddies? I have a firend
who swears by them. Also, I play a lot of tennis, live in Florida (hot weather),
What is the coolest I can find that will absorb sweat?
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I tried Bosom Buddies and they weren't for me. I like to wear seamless bras in fitted tees and the filling of the Bosom Buddies (I think some kind of tiny beads) don't create a smooth surface, so the forms looked lumpy under my shirt. Plus, there's a seam on the front of the form, which could be seen through my bra. But, I imagine that, like many non-silicone options, they may keep perspiration to a minimum.
If there's one thing I've learned from being on these boards and starting my BreastFree.org website, it's that we are all so different in what we like and what works for us. I'm glad your friend enjoys the Bosom Buddies. If you order them, I imagine you could return them if you're not happy. Certainly worth a try!
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Dear all who are interested in Pals response to my question of the mineral oil bleed I mentioned in an earlier entry. I copied their message below. Take note of the way dye from a bra can also affect the form. I might add that Debbie seems to run the business, and her customer service is wonderful. Her quick and straight forward response to this question is just an example.
Dear Dakota,
We have noticed the "bleed through" of mineral oil. Especially when the forms are newly manufactured. With time from washings and powdering, the oil migrations lessen. We suggest during the break-in time, which is somewhere around 30 days of daily use, that the customer might want to use a lightweight cotton fabric such as a hankerchief, as a barrier between the form and the bra. We did definitely notice that the ink in black bras will have a reverse effect and will bleed the black ink onto the form. The form is still fully useful but will look dull and dirty.
In summation my suggestion is daily washings and re-powdering for about 30 days and a little bit of fabric if you're concerned about the bra. That should take most of the bleed through away. So if a client has a surgery on one side, it's a good idea to have a back up form. The forms are sold in pairs, but for our clients with special needs we will sell the form in halves.
Hope this helps.
Take Care,
Deb
PS: We're always researching for new improvements and new form style to help our clients in the future.
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Aug242007
I use the Amoena Natura. I am an itsy bitsy size 3! I find the form comfortable to wear and very natural feeling. I also have nothing to compare it to since it is my first.
The pals sound interesting as well.
I would like to try a stick on form.........any suggestions? What does everyone do for strapless shirts or dresses???
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Hi
I do want to try a contact form, but read on one of the threads somewhere that you need to wait a year after surgery. Is that right, or is it my poor chemo-brain mixing things up?
Thanks,
Kathy
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No, you're not mixing it up BBLady--I think most contact form manufacturers do recommend waiting for a long period, at least six months to a year, until your surgical site is fully healed. If you've had radiation to the area, then it's even more important to wait, since radiated skin takes longer to heal and is never the same again. But I know of several women who wear contact forms over radiated skin and have no problem.
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Thanks for the info. I had my surgery in May and no radiation, so maybe I'll wait a couple of more months and then get one.
Thanks again,
Kathy
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I waited at least a year for the contact forms. I do love them, however.
Also, I tried the Bosom Buddies and did not like them. Same reasons as Babara.
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I had my first fitting on Thursday at Friends Botique at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, being almost 8 weeks post-op. After trying several forms, I ended up choosing the Natura 3S and am very, very comfortable with it. It has such an amazing "real breast" feel. Although it does keep me cool, it only lasts for a half hour or so, but the real plus is how nicely it contours to my sensitive scar lumps and bumps. And it's a weight I can deal with!
The bra I went with is the Classique style 759, which has seamless, moulded cups and a very nice feature of being cut far from underarm, so the sensitive area where the lymph node was taken is not at all affected. I can not tolerate any lace or itchy stuff, and it seemed so soft all over.
I would like to find another bra by a different company that is similar to try, so if anyone has an idea I would love to hear!
What is really great is my balance is back. Ever since the left breast was removed, my balance, when I close my eyes, has been way off.
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Hi Bethann,
I'm so glad you had a good experience at Friends Boutique. That's the first place I went, just before my bilateral mastectomy. The fitter, Mary, was so nice and helped me choose a camisole to wear post-surgery. That was two years ago. I returned there recently and tried on the Natura. I liked it but couldn't quite make up my mind (I already have forms that I like, but I'm eligible for another pair from my insurance, so I've been looking around for something different). It's interesting that you don't find that the cooling effect lasts beyond a half an hour. If I may ask, do you find that you perspire a lot behind the form when you leave it in for an extended period?
I have an appointment to return to Friends Boutique next week, when a rep from Amoena will be there. I want to try the Natura again and ask the rep more about its cooling capability. But I'd love your feedback.
Regarding bras, I also like bras that don't come too high under my arm. I've found a Classique bra that I really like, a different style than the one you mentioned, the Classique Style 769. Here's a link to a picture at the Women's Personal Health Resource, where I believe they're still having a three-for-the-price-of-two sale on all Classique bras (even if you don't want to try the 769, perhaps you could take advantage of the sale to pick up extra 759s): http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/products/100/Classique-Mastectomy-Bra-Model-769-Smaller-Sizes-and-New-Color.htm. In most of the pictures, the 769 looks higher under the arm than I find with the actual bra. The version in white is more how it the ones I have look.
Barbara
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Hi Barbara,
Mary was my fitter as well! Small world.
Thanks for the bra link and sale advice- looks great, just not in my sze. I have to use a 44 bra because anything tight around my solar plexus area puts my heart into arrythmia.
About the form, I have not at all sweat once, and I have fierce hot falshes from the Tamoxifen.The longest I have had it on so far was 5 hours. I was not even aware that a form might make one sweat, so obviously the Natura is doing it's job! I guess I thought that it would remain cool to the touch.
But no matter what, I really do find it's super-comfortable and feels so life-like. But my experience should be taken with a greain of salt because this is my first form.
Beth Ann
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Hi
I just wanted you to know that I too feel so bad about having just one! since the mastectomy my husband and I have not been intimate, wow its been a while
well I have yet to find a "filler" for my right side, any suggestions? I do not have much money, and since I had such a large amount of limph's removed there is a large dent just under my arm, so simply placing a fake in my bra will not work:(thanx for listen,
karrie
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