Uneven tram flap, so partial prostheis?

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kalyla
kalyla Member Posts: 258
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Has anyone had this situation? I'd like to hear from you. I'm currently 7 months out form my original left side only mastectomy with pedicled tram flap reconstruction, which developed a staff infection so I'm 6 months out from the "revised" version of the tram. They needed to remove all the infected tissue, so my foob is much, much smaller than the healthy right side. I wear a 38D bra, but the mini foob is a B cup with hardly any projection. it also sits higher on my torso than the other side, so my bra always wants to ride up. I want to get a prosthesis to fit ontop of the mini foob, but aren't breast forms made to sit flat against the skin? How will it work? I just finished radiation and my ps wants to wait 6 - 12 months before doing anything to fix it. I'm not happy with any of my options, latisimus dorsi flap or expanders. I'm thinking of just getting the right side reduced to match the mini, but then I'd have 2 mini's, ugh. Can anyone help me with breast form question?

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  • TammyLou
    TammyLou Member Posts: 740
    edited October 2008

    There are some forms that seem to be hollow backed.

     Go see a fitter. 

    Keep in mind that the forms conform to the shape of your body (they are flexible).  I can't "see" what you're talking about...but, it sounds like an upside down form might do the trick.

    Tammy Lou

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  • BoobsinaBox
    BoobsinaBox Member Posts: 550
    edited October 2008

    Kalyla,

    I am NO expert on these matters, having had bilat without recon, but I like Pals forms, which are a gel form that can be hollowed out, aparently.  I haven't done that to mine, but if you go to http://BreastFree.org which was done by a bc sister, you can find information and pictures of Pals, along with other forms. 

    My left side is very concave, while my right side has some tissue left, so my original silicone forms are different.  The left side has a special cream encased on the back side, so that it fills out the concave and bumpy parts.

    I hope someone with more knowledge of these things will be along to help soon.  Best wshes for finding a solution you can live with happily.

    Dawn

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  • twirlgirl
    twirlgirl Member Posts: 212
    edited October 2008

    I had a partial mastectomy, so there is a at least 2 cups size difference between my 2 breasts. After rads finished, i got a silicone form to insert in a pocket in my bras made just for that. It's called a balancer and your insurance should cover it no problem. When you get the girls fixed in a few months, you can donate it to someone else.

    Get a professional fitting, you'll be happier and more comfortable, with better results.

    best wishes~

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  • kalyla
    kalyla Member Posts: 258
    edited October 2008

    Hurray!  I look even again, no more lopsided breasts! I got fitted today for a small silicone insert that I can pin inside my own bra or use a mastectomy bra. It's perfect, I'm so happy to look down and see the old me. Tomorrow I'm deffinately wearing a sweater instead of a loose button down blouse!!!

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  • swimangel72
    swimangel72 Member Posts: 1,989
    edited October 2008

    OH that's great news Kalyla! So have you decided if you'll be reducing the "good" side to match the new side?

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  • twirlgirl
    twirlgirl Member Posts: 212
    edited October 2008

    Kalyla! That is wonderful! Looking even in clothes does so much for your self-esteem! Do keep us updated on your progress.

    I've decided to reduce my DD side to match my small effected breast. It's a hard choice to make, but I think the best for me now. I can't even wear my pretty & supportive bras because they are so well built with underwires for my big boob, so on the other side, where I had rads, the ribs and tissue are still tender and it hurts to wear them. So, I am stuck with a sports bra and the prothesis. Better than nothing!

    take care,

    Tay

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