Lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) Prostheses help

minkarejn · November 2011

I had a lumpectomy in late August and lost over 1/3 of my breast. I've had a ton of fluid build up issues and just last week the fluid is being absorbed. It's good and bad. Good was my breast looked amazing after surgery, nobody could tell. Bad is now my breast looking horrible. The tissue was under my nipple (pretty much the whole lower breast since I'm only a B cup). I was hoping the area would fill with scar tissue and I'd be over this, but nope. I see the plastic surgeon in early January. I could see him now since I'm a nurse and work with him at the hospital but he won't be able to do anything until the fluid is gone and since it's absorbing on it's own, no sense in having him drain it now.

ANYWAY, any websites out there where I can get a decent temporary protheses? I need one like a crescent shape to go under my breast. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars since I'm hoping to have this fixed within a few months.

ruthbru · November 2011

You can get a prescription for a partial breast prosthesis and your insurance should pay for it. The fat in your breast will keep shifting and filling in for about a year. I wouldn't do any more surgery yet. For me, I was REALLY lopsided after my lumpectomy (done in a March...underside of the breast also). I had a favorite swimsuit that I couldn't wear that summer as the difference was super noticeable. I loved that suit though and kept it. The next summer I tried it on again on a whim and was SHOCKED and THRILLED that I could wear it again. I had to have an honest neighbor come over, look, and tell me that I, indeed, looked 'even', because I couldn't believe my eyes. The same thing happened to several other people I know. Give yourself some time, you may be pleasantly suprised. Hang in there! Ruth

cinnamonsmiles · November 2011

You should look for a professional mastectomy boutique in your area if you can. They have certified fitters to fit you with bras and prosthetics, like ruthbru said, insurance will cover it with a dr.'s prescription. We have a wonderful one in town, Many types of bras from sports, to plain janes, to lacey ones. And there are many types of prosthetics. I wish you the best on the hunt for the right prosthetic for you. Btw, the even make ones that you can swim with.

ruthbru · November 2011

Also wanted to add that I wore a partial prothesis for almost a year, fitted professionally at a medical accessories store. It helped me heal better because it supported the rest of my breast, so it didn't feel so draggy and achy. I had ordered a second one, but by then found out I didn't need it.

calilisa · November 2011

Since you mentioned something temporary and inexpensive, I've gotten by with some Maidenform gel inserts that I picked up at Kohl's for about $14. They are designed to give lift and make you a size bigger, but by just using one, I was able to look more even. There are two in a package, they are a crescent shape, sort of a gel, and fit in the bottom half of your bra. I also second what Ruthbru said about the tissue in your breast shifting with time. I lost the top half of my breast in July, and had quite a divot, and had to be careful wearing anything low cut. I am noticing now that it is much less obvious. Best wishes to you.

BoobsinaBox · November 2011

Wal-Mart has something for around $15 similar to the ones at Kohl's. For a temporary fix they might be jus tthe ticket. Good luck!

Dawn

minkarejn · November 2011

Thanks ladies! I feel like this past week every day that I wake up my breast looks different, like it has a mind of its own. It's depressing, really. I know my plastic surgeon won't do anything in January but I want to get started with him for a plan. He may drain the rest of the fluid remaining so I can heal right. That's why I don't want to spend a ton on any form because my breast will change so much. I want something that I can put under my breast to hold it back up (nipple just falls now).

I know we have a professional store and insurance will pay so maybe they'll have suggestions. Or, I'll head to Walmart and grab a cheapo one just to see how it works.

Ruthbru, my breast is SO achy now since they fluid is finally absorbing so I'm glad I'm not the only one to experience that. If I support it with something it feels better, another reason I need some sort of a form. Right now I've just been using my Victoria Secret bras and taking the demi insert out of the "good" breast and adding it to the healing breast. It does work a little.

ruthbru · November 2011

I think because of where your and my surgeries were; it is probably more achy than another spot on the breast would be, because there is not the tissue underneath to support the top of the breast. Because of that, I would go to the professional fitter, they will know what you need. I felt a lot better once I had that extra support/lift.

minkarejn · December 2011

Thanks Ruthbru! I just think it's going to be difficult because it just started to divot and every day it's different. Today, swollen again. It's like I don't know what I'll wake up to. I almost just want to get the fluid drained once and for all. Heck, it's been over three months.

ruthbru · December 2011

Yikes, maybe you should check with the doctor who did the surgery, or your oncologist and make sure everything is healing as it should be...I'm wondering if it could be a lymphodema type of problem more than just slow healing?????

minkarejn · December 2011

Ruthbru---I was wondering that too but my surgeon said he was nowhere near my nodes. I even had swelling in my armpit (nodes) for a month after surgery and also the numbness down the arm (that all stopped). He said I puzzled him. I notice I swell after a 12 hour shift at the hospital and when I run.

ruthbru · December 2011

Maybe you should talk to a PT person?

Lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) Prostheses help

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