Prosthesis and bras

vickilynn
vickilynn Member Posts: 422
edited June 2014 in Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
Prosthesis and bras
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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2009

    I had my mastectomy on July 27 and am a Triple-Negative, scheduled for my port implant on Monday and chemo starting soon. 

    I know there are no "stupid questions" but this one's kind of silly.

    When can I get a bra and a prosthesis?   I have one extra large breast and feel quite conspicuous going out in public!  I've had several visitors and don't know what to wear or how to sit - It's 104 outside, so hiding behind a blanket isn't practical.

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  • farila_1966
    farila_1966 Member Posts: 224
    edited August 2009

    At first I thought I had posted that ... because the same thoughts had gone through my mind. I started wearing a very loose bra with a cotton pad 15 days after surgery. I needed the cotton pad for protection of the operated area too. I had a little girl of 11 months and she would sometimes hit the spot ( I had to stop breast feeding her after dx) that would hurt. So I started protecting it with cotton pad which I carried on replacing it every week.

    Hope everything goes well with you and you get well soon. My prayers are with you.

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2009

    Thank you Farila.  I see you were DX in 1996.  How are you doing now? 

    Isn't it funny, the things we're concerned about?  To others, we're in a fight for our lives, and I'm wondering about a bra.

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  • bennetts1
    bennetts1 Member Posts: 440
    edited August 2009

    You can get a bra that has pockets in it to put a breast form in.  Most insurance companies will pay for the bra and breast form.  If you are still sore from surgery, you may just want to wear a poly-fill breast form.  Google search post-mastectomy bras, or you should be able to locate a store that sells them in your area.  Best of luck in your port implantation and chemo treatments!

    Sandy

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  • dreaming
    dreaming Member Posts: 473
    edited August 2009

    Make an appointment with a fitter in a shop that sells mastectomy items, they will tell you which is the best for you, also you can call JCPENNEY they have this service, I can understand how you feel, I had to attend a weeding 2 days more or less after my mastectomy and I needed the dress and it was too soon to have a prosthesis and bra, I was all covered in bandages.

    They also sell this camisoles that you can order on line till you get the other items, also your insurance is supposed to pay for the prosthesis and bra.

    All of us we were new at this.

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  • farila_1966
    farila_1966 Member Posts: 224
    edited August 2009

    I have survived and I am doing well .... I come from India and situation here is very different. I may not be much help to you but know that I will send prayers your way.

    Love and hugs

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  • tos
    tos Member Posts: 376
    edited August 2009

    Try wearing loose fitting clothes.  Also you can wear loose silky cammis.

    As the other's suggested when the doc says it is ok then you can get bras and prosthetics.  Different insurance companies pay for either 2 or 4 I think and there is a waiting time of 2 years after you first get your bras and prosthetics.

    Ask your doc when you will be healed enough to start wearing them.  Be sure and get a Rx from your doc because this will have to be processed thru whomever you buy from.  You will also be able to buy these things online after you have been fitted.  You need a certified fitter who can measure you for the correct sizes.

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  • vickilynn
    vickilynn Member Posts: 422
    edited August 2009

    Thanks for the advice and encouragement.  I did set up an appointment with a "fitter" and instead, got my port put in this week and the MUGA today... and a visit with the "patient educator".  That was really a worthless hour ... and very emotional.  I've learned more reading posts on this site than from the cancer center.  

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  • farila_1966
    farila_1966 Member Posts: 224
    edited August 2009

    Sorry you did not get much help from the cancer center. Keep us updated

    Sending you love and hugs

    Farila

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