Is it time for prosthesis?

I'm so sorry that you're still dealing with pain issues. Given that, I can certainly see why you've hesitated to buy breast forms that might exacerbate the problem. On the other hand, sometimes the pain could actually be alleviated by having the feeling of something held against your chest. That was true for me--the breast forms alleviated sensitivity I was having post-mastectomy. However, in my case, the sensitivity disappeared after a couple of months.

Have you talked to your doctors about the continuing pain and/or been to a pain specialist? I'm not big on meds, but there are times when they are called for.

As for when/if to get fitted, I agree with BMac, there's really no rush. It's great that you have a good boutique nearby. Perhaps you might stop in and ask to try a few things to see how they feel. In my experience, the bra is perhaps even more important than the breast form in achieving a comfortable result. 

Also, consider trying out a very soft camisole, like the Still You Tank Top (it's reviewed on my BreastFree.org website), with an unweighted foam form or the very light Still You Illusions forms. With such a garment, you could look great and hopefully feel very comfortable. And it could tide you over until you feel ready for regular breast forms.

Barbara

mycinnamon,

I had a great deal of nerve pain also, and I postponed getting forms and bras until just before my year was up.  I didn't want to have to pay anything, and I had met both my deductible and out of pocket for the first (and only) time that year.  I got them, and like Barbara, I found that having something press softly against my chest all the time actually helped me get past most of the nerve pain and extreme sensitivity.  I did not continue to wear those forms very long or the bras, but I have found a variety of other forms that I wear part of the time, and sometimes I have gone "natural" with a cami or little sports bra.  I always feel better with something pressed against my chest.  It is still the moving, I call it touching/untouching, that bothers me the most.  I may never settle on one way to be, but then, I've always been one to move the furniture and change my hair, so I guess change is part of who I am.  Good luck making the decision that is right for you!

Dawn 

Hi CarylC,

Would you care to share what inexpensive, lightweight options you've devised. I'm always looking for good ideas. Thanks. 

mycinnamon,

I hope you'll get some relief soon. I know a little about gabapentin -- 1200 isn't a huge dose. Maybe the pain doc could raise it gradually (I think people often take as much as 2400 mg a day). Anyway, I'm glad you've got your insurance issues sorted out. 

BTW, I had a wonderful PT who specializes in treating women post-bc surgery. She had me massage my chest VERY lightly and it really helped. It sounds as if your pain is much worse than what I experienced (and mine only lasted for a few weeks), but perhaps it would be worth trying to find a PT who understands post-mastectomy issues.

Please let us know what happens.

Thanks Caryl. I'm going to check out the bra. I've seen those water enhancers at Target but have never tried them. Glad you've found something that works for you.

@ Pandazankar They are stretchy so probably forgivable to quite a degree.  I buy a medium and wear tops from small to medium. I didn't want anything too tight around my chest.

@ Erica - the water enhancers I use are not the gel clear ones but the fabric covered ones.  I've  not had any luck with the other ones.  Sears sells the same ones as Wal Mart does for twice the price.  I haven't seen the fabric ones at my Target. 

where do you find the water breast enhancers i looked at the walmart website and no luck? can you buy the bra at another store besides sears thanks!

My cheap solution is NOT to simulate breasts but simply to cover and protect the area with the softest most unatrusive thing I could find.  It helps protect overly sensitive skin from being rubbed or irritated by the outside garment.  I buy Bali Total Fitness bras from Sam's Club. They are 100% very soft t-shirt cotton and come 3 to the package.  They are simply one flat piece of fabric from side seam to side seam.  I have so much nerve damage that I have now decided to avoid bras altogether as the slightest pressure through the underarm area is an issue.  So whether I wear a bra now or not is dependent on the comfort level of the outside garment.  I used to be enormous.  Reconstruction or prosthesis were never even a consideration for me.  My advice to you is to understand you have options.  Pick the one that suits you best and do not let anyone brow beat you into anything different.  The one you pick for yourself is the right one.  Many were rather horrified in the beginning when I announced there would be no reconstruction and no prothesis.  I have been walking around flat for over 15 months.  I stand up straight, remember my posture, make eye contact and am generally friendly.  I can promise you no one has spun their head off because I was flat when I am out shopping and those that I have told said they never noticed until I said something.  It has always been the right decision for me.  Whether someone approves or not, they'll get over it.  Now it your turn to choose what is right for you. This you have control over so do whatever makes you the most comfortable and happy and do it in your own time.

mycinnamon:  I admit I have had probably a half dozen sessions of trying on little A or B cup padded bras just to see what it would be like.  As you said, not for everyday but maybe for a special outfit or occasion.  I have these mutant things left over from the "skin sparing" which sit on the top of my breast bone.  There is no room for the center seam, the outside line of the cup aggravates the area of the very worst nerve damage, and makes the under arm extra fluffy tissue REALLY look like extra boobs.  My reality is that until there is corrective surgery on top of my breast bone, bras or breast forms of any description are completely out of the question and not even an option.  I see a PS in about 10 days.

Separate question.   Did you find pt helpful?  I had a broken hand/wrist at the same time of surgery and recovery.  The break took nearly 6 months to heal so pt or massage training to prevent LE were not an option.  I have been left to my own devices through all of this.  I have managed on my own to have good range of motion.  Just wondering if at this late date there is any reason to learn the pt/massage techniques?

mycinnamon:  The PT I was asking about is exactly the one you have found to be helpful.  I have alot of nerve damage on the right side and have been wondering if PT might help.  I may look into that.  Any words of wisdom on finding a good one?  Thank you.

Hi,  I had UMX w/ SNB last week.  Right now I imagine that I will go bare at home and want some shape for work and going out of the house.  This is all new to me...I have no idea what to look for. I will be going for a prosthetic fitting in several weeks (have to hurry due to insurance issues). I am in search of advice, ideas, questions I should ask at the fitting.  What to look for in a bra???  If you would share your experience, knowledge, tips and tricks it would be greatly appreciated!

CarylC ~ Water enhansers...sounds interesting.  Is there any sloshing sounds...like a waterbed?  I had a water filled enhance bra at one time and it did make some noise.

Do the microbeads have a smooth or lumpy appearance through a shirt?  

I recieved a brochure in the mail promoting the "BodiCool Wave" some new comfortable, cool, light weight gel form.  Has anyone tried this one? 

HELP, Please and Thanks!

Barbara ~ Thanks for the link and response.  I will check out your site.