Why do I "need" $$$ silicone breastforms?

lovemygarden, that's great news!  I was going to point out that the main reason why you need $$$ silicone breastforms is because the mastectomy supply store would go out of business if nobody spent all that money on breastforms.

otter

lovemygarden......more power to you!!

How's the chemo going? 

this thread has certainly given me some good ideas and I will be checking out Janet's website.

Janet . . . who is your retailor in California.  I would really like to try a "Been a Boob".

~elaine~ 

Elaine, Her name is Nancy and she is in Fortuna, CA phone 707-725-6116, e-mail  itsmeagain@suddenlink.net - she doesn't have a store, she is a mastectomy fitter who comes to your home.

Faith - glad you like them.

O.K. Thanks.

I have worn a silicon breast form for years and would like to try the Been a Boob with a bathing suit.

I'm just trying to find the easiest way to buy one. I'd rather order here in the states if I can.

~elaine~

Hi lovemygarden,

I agree about the Classique bras. All the ones I've tried have very small pocket openings--too small IMHO. 

I will change my info about the Illusions Triform on BreastFree.org so people will know they come in pairs. That form's "footprint" is way too big for me, too. I do like the original Still You Illusions, though. In an A it fits my small chest very well (I normally wear a 34 A bra). It's an oval-ish shape though, so works in some bras, but not others. You really need to experiment, as I can see you're finding out!

I also have a pair of Silique Comfort Lites in a size 4. I love to wear mine in an unpocketed microfiber bra by Barely There. Here's a link to a site that sells them: http://www.herroom.com/Barely-There-0103-Microfiber-Damask-Crop-Top-Bra.shtml?cm_mmc=csse-_-HerRoom-_-GoogleBase-_-Bare01-0103. Very comfortable!

In my experience, the Amoena 126 doesn't work well in regular mastectomy bras--it's just too light. I use mine primarily in the Still You Tank Top. But I've learned that we're all different -- what doesn't work for me may work for you. Please report back if you try it.

That's fantastic that you got your refund. You absolutely deserved it! 

Barbara

I share your concerns, Robin.  There are some less expensive options (PALs and Been-a-Boob for example) which are a little easier to experiment with.  Silicone is just plain expensive, and I didn't like them anyway.  I only got the one set the year I had my bilat, and I never wear them.  I almost never wear any foobs, for that matter.  Barbara may have some better ideas.  Sometimes you can return things you order, and I'll be she knows who is good for that.  Good luck!

Dawn 

Hi Robin,

I can relate to your concerns. The adjustment to living breast-free can be overwhelming. But I felt like you--I really didn't want implants (I just didn't like the idea of a foreign object in my body) and I didn't want to sacrifice other body tissue for breasts. So, I felt very motivated to find options that worked for me. 

First, never buy a breast form without making sure first that it's returnable. When I went for my first fitting after my bilateral mastectomy, the fitter told me I had 30 days to make up my mind. This was very reassuring. The first forms I bought were too big, but I didn't realize that until I had them at home and even wore them out a bit. I subsequently washed and returned them. Plus, the bra that felt fine for ten minutes in the shop felt tight and constricting when I wore it at home (with the tags on) for half an hour, so I returned that, too.

Most silicone forms come with a warranty, usually two years, and often hold up much longer. My original forms (almost four years old) are still just fine. But with your high deductible, after your first set of forms, I can see that cost will be an issue. Have you looked at the online sites listed in my Helpful Links section at BreastFree.org? The prices online tend to be much cheaper than you'll find in local stores that sell mastectomy products. There are some wonderful silicone forms that aren't terribly expensive. For example, TLC Tender Loving Care is now featuring the terrific Comfort Lite form (made by Silique) for only $159 per form.

One advantage you have (at least as far as being fitted for breast forms) is that you have had a bilateral mastectomy. You don't need to match another breast, which means lots of forms will fit you just fine. You don't have to buy the most expensive silicone out there. Also, I hope you've carefully read through the Breast Form section on BreastFree.org to get an idea of the variety of options in both silicone and the less-expensive non-silicone. And if you look at the links to manufacturers in the Breast Forms section or the links to big online retailers of mastectomy products in my Helpful Links section (like Park Mastectomy, Women's Personal Health Resource, or MetroMedicalOnline), you'll see the enormous number of choices available. The Women's Personal Health Resource also has a related site, Smart Shop for Women, that features less-expensive lines of breast forms, bras, and camisoles. The Anita forms shown there, for example, are made of beautiful quality silicone, every bit as good as more expensive options. 

Regarding your first time buying forms, I do think you should go to a fitter and try things on. Try to find a place that has a good selection (this is the biggest challenge--most fitters have small selections and specific forms they push). Also, don't let a fitter tell you that you need weight for balance. With a bilateral, you ARE balanced and don't need any more weight than you're comfortable with.

Another myth perpetuated by fitters (which Otter discovered) is that mastectomy bras have to fit tightly. NO, only if you want them to. Even before bc, I couldn't tolerate tight bras and I still can't. Even when I wear forms in unpocketed bras, they don't fall out!!! What I've found is that I like wearing tight-fitting tanks or tees over seamless bras--the tight fit helps me feel secure and there's no gapping when I bend over. If you check out my Bras and Camisoles section, I've recommended some great bras that I and other women find pretty and comfortable. Unfortunately, not all are commonly available at local shops, so it can be a chore to order online and find the best ones for you.

One thing that helped me on this journey is that I felt committed to living breast-free. I knew I didn't want reconstruction, so I really felt motivated to find things that worked. I've been reading your various posts and my sense is that you're somewhat ambivalent. I hope you are able to find some comfortable forms fairly quickly so you'll know that this is doable. I've heard many women who went on to have reconstruction say that they didn't like their breast forms--too hot and heavy. I've sometimes wondered whether, if they'd been fitted with a lightweight fiber-backed silicone form, like the Anita Tri-Tex, the Comfort Lite, or  the Amoena Climate, they might have felt differently. On the other hand, you may find that you really do want reconstruction down the road. Luckily, you have that option!

Barbara

mthomp,

Thanks so much for your supportive words about BreastFree.org. I always enjoy reading your thoughtful, informative posts, so it's a mutual admiration society!

You're right about TrueKare--their price for the Silique Comfort Lite is excellent. And I just discovered a new online marketer which is selling the Comfort Lite for $112! Here's the link: http://www.hiddenbeautyplus.com/xcart/Silique-Comfort-Lite-3-Layer-Silicone-Mastectomy-Breast-Form.html.  I don't yet know anything about this company's reliability, but it is a great price. Before you order, though, I'd check about their return/exchange policies.

You're also right that the Comfort Lite is being marketed under another label--Airway. Here's what happened, as I understand it. Airway used to market forms in the U.S. that were made by Anita, a big European bra and breast form manufacturer. One of my favorite forms is the Tri-Tex Triangle, with a microfiber back. At the time I purchased it (over three years ago), it was called the Airway Tri-Tex Triangle. In Europe, the same form was sold under the Anita label. Recently, Anita decided to market the forms under their own name in the U.S., too, so now the Tri-Tex is known as the Anita Tri-Tex.

Since Airway no longer had the right to market Anita forms in the U.S., they needed a new line of breast forms. Not long ago, they began to market Silique forms under the Airway label. If you buy the Airway form that's identical to the Silique Comfort Lite, you will pay much more. Apparently, this is not an uncommon practice.

So, the old Airway forms are now Anita forms and the new Airway forms are made by Silique. Confusing, isn't it? But the good news is that there really are a huge variety of choices and innovative companies like Silique are still devising new solutions. 

Barbara

Robin, I feel what you are going through. Nothing will replace what you have lost. Getting prosthetics at times does seem to be overwhelming but don't give up. I did purchase mine over the internet with some trail and error. To me getting a bra was more difficult than the forms. I have foam forms, light weight silicone forms and Jodee permaform which is forms built into a bra. I do wear the permaforms some around the house but the forms I wear the most are full silicone forms that have some weight to them, They keep my bra from riding up and give me the feel like something is there not just two lumps on my chest. The bra I choose is somewhat sexy and has pockets for the forms. I can wear the forms just in the bra cups also. I have found I get more bounce if the forms are in the pockets. Being a bilat you have the option to change size. I chose to remain the same size a DDD. A good store should have many forms and bras for you to try on. As has been said before you purchase make sure you can return them if not satisfied. Once you get what you like you can then order over the internet in the future for less. Good forms should last at least two years depending on the use and probably longer. Please don't get discouraged, there is a form and bra combination for you. 

Franie 

Boobs, Kerry, Mthom, Franie, Barbara, Otter, Love....Thank you ALL for taking time to respond to my post.  I am so grateful.  You all are so helpful to me....I just wish you were here to hold my hand and walk me through this.  I feel so alone in this part of the process.  AND very much overwhelmed.  I'm grateful there are so many choices, but in those choices, I feel as if I'm drowning.  I was never a very good "bra" person to begin with, so this makes it even harder, I guess.  After having had my kids, my rib cage expanded or something, and I never could find a bra to be comfortable.  I have tried on literally hundreds of bras, and could never find anything that didn't feel as if it was going to strangle me.  It wasn't until I went back to work part-time six years ago that I began wearing bras again (other than Sundays for church)....and even then, I would usually pull them off as soon as I got home. 

So actually, a part of me doesn't mind going flat right now.....(although it bothers me when some shirts tend to ride over since they must need "bumps" in order to sit correctly).  I'm less inclined for reconstruction now than ever, Barbara.  I just dont' want any more surgeries.  I'm almost three months post surgery, and am STILL uncomfortable....I just can't imagine going through MORE surgery later on and having to be even MORE uncomfortable again.  ugh.

We do have several shops in the area that specialize in the prosthetics.  One in particular has ladies that work there who all have had MX, and the shop was started by a lady who had BC.  The other shop was started by a family whose mom had BC, and her daughters (I met and they are sweet) work there. 

I will remember to make sure about the return policy.  Thanks for that advice.  I'm not looking for a "new look" or to play around with my look.  I want to be as natural as possible.  I just really want ME back =.  I even plan on taking the pictures of my chest (the night before the BMX) so the fitters can get an idea of MY shape and the way I looked before and the way I STILL want to look.  I hope that doesn't sound silly.

You ladies have been so encouraging to me.  Thank you.  I am so grateful.  I think I need to print off what you've written, or take notes.  Actually, I did take notes off of Barbara's website before my BMX as to preferred forms.  It's in my notebook.  THE notebook....

blessings...robin

Robin,

All this IS overwhelming, but it will get better.  I didn't even go for forms until 6 months out, and only then so insurance would cover them.  It was almost a new year with a new deductible + out-of-pocket, so I wanted all the help I could get.  I wanted an A cup, but the salesperson insisted I needed a B, and I let her try a bunch of them, before I gave up and took the B.  Alas, I still didn't want to be that big.  I wish I had stuck to my guns, but I didn't know all I have since learned here, so I caved.  I didn't "meet" this group for another 4 months, and that was when I gave up trying to wear forms again.  I really do like being flat more than I like having too much projection, and I have yet to find the amount of projection I would like to have along with the footprint I need.  So I am mostly content with being form-free.  Maybe someday I will find a pair of forms I do like and find or design a bra or camisole I like to wear them in.  I've been at this for 5 years this month.  I rarely get upset about it any more ...don't know when the last time was.  I suspect I will think about it every day for the rest of my life, but it doesn't upset me.  If it weren't this, it would be something else imperfect about me.  Meanwhile, I'm not carrying storage boxes and spare forms with me on every trip, and I never have to adjust a bra.  I hated bras, never had one I really loved.  So this is not all bad.  I trust you will find the "new normal" for you, and I hope you know that your response is perfectly normal but not permanent. 

Since I'm so green at all this, what do you all mean by the "footprints" of the forms?  Is that the backside of the form - it sits against your body, by chance?  Are they all different???

I've been going back through this whole thread and writing notes like crazy...my daughter was sitting here with me, and was just amazed.  As overwhelmed as I was....her comment was, "no one has any idea what women go through with all of this..." - she's 17....

Thanks for all of your support, encouragement, care, and concern.

I do think I'm enjoying (??) going flat and not wearing a bra.....but know I need to get forms eventually for certain clothes.  Might as well have them, too, since I've met my out of pocket maximum this year, too...

blessings...robin