Breast Prostheses question ?????

janie-r
janie-r Member Posts: 19
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
Breast Prostheses question ?????
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  • janie-r
    janie-r Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2009

    Hi All:

       Just picked up my new prostheses last Thursday.  I was measured my a trained fitter but after a couple of hours this new breast feels much heavier than my real breast.  Plus the bra just seems to rub all day just in front of my armpit.  Other than that the bra is very comfortable.  I am a 42B with  a #8 tear drop shape form.  Could the rubbing be from to heavy of a form?  The other side of the bra by my real breast doesn't rub at all.  Do they make forms in my size that aren't as heavy??  Should I call back my fitter or is this part of life?  Do they make mastectomy bras with only one pocket on one side?  This is a nice bra and would go good with a t-shirt if the real breast side didn't have the pocket bunch up?  Thanks to all who help.      

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited August 2009

    Some places will just use a regular bra and sew  in one pocket for you, I know Nordstoms does that..there are probably lighter breast forms over the years I have collected quite a few..ask your fitter to show you all the breast forms they carry..sometimes they are just out of your size in one style and won't show that particular style to you..sending hugs..you will get what you need..

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited August 2009

    Hi janie-r,

    It would help if you told us what form you were sold. As SoCalLisa says, there are some very lightweight forms available these days. She's also, unfortunately, right that sometimes fitters don't have a great selection and try to sell you what they have. And sometimes the shape of the form and the backing can make a difference. 

    Other women here wear pocketed bras with one natural breast and don't seem to have the problem you describe. It might be a matter of trying several bras to see if some don't bunch up and/or sewing a pocket into a regular bra.

    Barbara

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  • janie-r
    janie-r Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2009

    Yes - I have a Convex Lightweight triangle from ABC that she ordered for me.  It doesn't feel that lightweight so I can't imagine what the old heavy style felt like (and probably because my boobs are bigger than they ever were before)  I may have to call her back and try something different.  The bra does really feel good everywhere except for the one spot that rubs.  In fact, this bra fits better than any other bra I ever had. I do think she really tried to get me the right size.  Maybe I just got to used to having nothing there for 8 weeks.  Of course you never know how something is going to feel until you wear if for a day or so.  

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited August 2009

    That sounds like a pretty light form, although I know ABC also makes an even lighter "ultra light" option. But a size 8 probably still has some heft. I can't wear anything larger than a size 3 without feeling that it's too heavy (but I'm 5'5" and only 108 pounds). You need to figure out what works for you. It took me quite a bit of trial and error. Your form should be returnable or at least exchangeable within 30 days of purchase. That's what my fitter and insurance allowed.

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited August 2009

    I sew a pocket in my regular bra.  I too  got a bra that was totally uncomfortable.  So I decided to take my favorite bra and sew a pocket in it to fit my breast form.  I will never purchase a special bra anymore!

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  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited August 2009

    Just to confirm what Barbara said about the pocket...I had a single mast. so I only have a prosth. on the right side.  I wear mastectomy bras all the time and have had many different kinds and have never had a bunching up issue with the natural side.  I am only a B cup (and sometimes and A depending on the brand of bra) so I don't know if that would make a difference or not.

    Also, there are some mastectomy bras that only have one pocket.  I think I ordered one recently from Anita.

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  • janie-r
    janie-r Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2009

    Thanks to all who answered - I will keep working on this.  It will just take time and I will look at the sew in pockets.

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  • NativeMainer
    NativeMainer Member Posts: 10,462
    edited August 2009

    You can buy the pieces to sew into a bra from TLC--comes in a package of 4 for around $20

    The pieces also fit in bathing suits and other clothes.

    http://www.tlcdirect.org/

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