Mastectomy Stores

Oh, that's a good point!  I never thought about it until now, but it really did irritate me that the only mast bras I was allowed to see, much less try on, were the ones the fitter decided to bring to me as I waited in the "special room."

Edited: I just thought of something else. Maybe they think we'll be embarrassed, or self-conscious, about the fact that we are buying a mastectomy bra.  Isn't that odd?  Women who have boobs are expected to browse through the racks and piles of regular bras in full view of anyone who walks by ... but women who are missing a boob, and the bras they are looking at, must be sheltered from public view because someone might get uncomfortable.

otter 

This is a great question, since while it's obviously true, I'd pretty much accepted it as a given and never gave much thought to it.

One time, in a Nordstrom's, I did see a rack of Amoena bras (the only mastectomy line they carry). It was in an out-of-the-way spot, but still out there. And it was pleasant to be able to see the entire selection and choose for myself rather than count on a fitter to pick for me.

In a funny way, I think fitters are a lot like many of the plastic surgeons I hear women talking about--they think they know what's best for us. If we have to rely on them to choose bras, they might not even show us the ones we would like. I'm only generalizing here--I know there are some wonderful fitters out there (I've even found one, but after much searching).

Here's my pet peeve.  It ticks me off that stores like Macy's and Victoria Secret have the big sales promos for Breast Cancer Awareness with pink displays and a % of sales going toward Race For The Cure, and yet they don't sell mastectomy products!

They sell breast-enhancing silicon push-em-ups, yet they don't sell silicon whole boobs!

Hi Maeve,

As a small woman (with a bilateral mastectomy), I can relate to your wish for nice bras. There are a few good ones out there, though. Have you looked for Anita bras? They're made in Europe (sold both in Europe and the U.S.), so I think you could find them somewhere near you, at least online. Here's a link to one I like (it's on the UK site Nicola Jane): http://www.nicolajane.com/product-Anita-Stretch-microfibre-5362/

Hope this helps!

Barbara

p.s. Check out my non-profit website, BreastFree.org. In the "Bras and Camisoles" section, you'll find a number of options that women find comfortable and attractive, with links to photographs.

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All models are made with SENTACTM aearrings visco-elastic polymer gel developed by John R. (Jack) Schweitzer. These REALISTIC BREAST FORMS -, sometimes referred to as MASTECTOMY BREAST PROSTHESIS, in both standard and plus size have softness, flexibility and exhibit gentle and realistic movement when worn in POST MASTECTOMY BRAS wedding rings POST or other mastectomy apparel . The soft, flat backs contour immediately to the chest wall configuration. They have a matte surface covering that exhibits a tactile nature closely replicating human skin. This unique skin system helps keep the breast form from shifting or sliding around in the pockets of the mastectomy bras or other mastectomy garments.bracelets The plus size mastectomy breast prosthesis, largest made in the USA, are available in both the full weight post mastectomy breast forms and the new lightweight breast forms. These breast forms are not plastic feeling. They are mastectomy swimwear safe in chlorine treated, plain or salt water. They are repairable if the skin system of the breastform is cut or punctured. Three models are available - A LITTLE HELP, THE ALTERNATE and PLUS SIZE FORMS in four skin tones.

lisa-e,

I agree, it's an odd and inappropriate post and I'm glad you reported it. However, I was curious, so I googled "A Little Help breast forms" and found this website: http://www.breastform.com/, a site which I've come across before in my meanderings around the web. They are forms made with a non-silicone substance known as Sentac, developed by Jack Schweitzer, who's mentioned in the post.

I would be curious if anyone's ever tried these, as they're certainly inexpensive compared to most silicone forms. The site says they're made of a polymer gel, so perhaps they're like Pals breast forms, which are made from a non-silicone gel (http://www.supergelproducts.com/index.html).

Always looking for new alternatives!

Barbara

BreastFree.org

I have a friend who designs lingerie and her next line will be for women with lumpectomies and mastectomies I just wish she was working on it now!  I posted a couple days ago asking women for their input for designing a sexy mastectomy bra but a few looked at my post and I had no replies:(

I'm with you on the choice of bras for us--they look like something my grandma wouldv'e worn 50  years ago! 

Janicel1, I have an Anita sports bra with pockets which I got when fitted at my local Nordstrom's. Only comes in white, though. The label says 5321X. Here's a Her Room link (nice website with good customer service; doesn't specialize in mast wear though. http://www.herroom.com/Anita-5321-Irina-Active-Sports-Bra.shtml

Amazing Grace Bra:  http://www.titlenine.com/product/pretty-and-functional-support/specialty-mastectomy-bras-nursing-bras/300100.do?sortby=ourPicks

But I've also found some sports bras at Marshall's for reasonable prices -- look for the ones that say "Removable pads" because they have pockets that you can put the breat form(s) in. 

I remember taking my mother to the local mastectomy shop, small and dismal, and hearing her cry all the way home because of feeling demeaned after being ushered into a small room behind a grey curtain. Now it was my turn many years later and I made a social trip with a friend to New York City to the most applauded fitter post surgery. When I arrived at the famous destination, I asked for my fitter. The sales person's response was in a whisper and said the mastectomy products were kept in the back and once again decades later I was ushered like my mother into a small private room behind a grey curtain. Designs were not modern as expected from a special trip to a high fashion house but clinical as was the personality of the fitter. Horrifying experience for what I believe can be a opportunity for women who have been transformed into wiser much more beautiful sisters. Hmmph. I created my own business directly upon returning

home. Look out mastectomy fashion world. We are going up a notch or two, breathless even though breastless!

What bothers me is that the shop that is covered by my insurance company is only open weekdays from 9-5 so I need to miss work (read: lose pay) to go buy bras or get prosthetics.  This feels so unfair!  Why should I have to miss work just to be able to go buy a bra?