Why a prosthetic?

Christina, the pillow-fiberfill ones tend to "squish" over time. I wear foam ones due to my lymphedema and the fact they are also light and comfortable. Many people also like microbead ones which are also light. I have the "regular silicone" ones that I rarely wear. They are heavy and the bra is less comfortable and causes swelling (lymphedema). I think most people find what works for them. If your fitter has samples, try different types on. Read some of the prothesis threads here to see what types of forms/bras different people like. Good luck in your search for a comfortable foob.

Please check www.breastfree.org, a site started by one of our bc sisters, who has more and better info than anywhere else you will find, gathered from her own experience and that of others on these boards. Silicone foobs have a natural feel, and thus pass the "hug" test better than others, but I'm not sure who really feels what when we hug. There are several kinds that maintain their shape after a hug or holding something against your chest. Good luck finding the best option or options for you. Many of us have more than one kind and more than one size for different purposes or occasions.



Dawn

I had a umx in October.  I go flat whenever I am not teaching.  My remaining breast is a size D.  I experienced an imbalance issue, but only when I am running, and only when I run for a long period of time (an hour or so).  Then, I notice some issues with muscles in my legs that are compensating for the imbalance.  Otherwise, no issues.  I am much more comfortable flat.  So, I think that while some people need the silicone prosthetic for balance, it is not the case all the time.

I prefer the silicone prosthetic to the lightweight pillow foob because it looks better (it moves like a breast....if I jump, it moves like my remaining breast, for example).  It also feels like a real breast.  I was stunned the day I first tried it on.  It felt like I had my breast back.  If there was pressure on it, it referred back to my chest wall as if there was a breast there.  So, as for the hug test, for me, it is really how I experience the hug more than the person hugging me...

I prefer flat, though, because the silicone prosthetic is heavy and presses on my scar and hangs on my shoulder.  It is very freeing to take it off after work!

I think it is best if you simply go try some on and see if you like them.  If not, then you don't need it. 

Good luck!

It really is such a matter of personal choice. I wear my memory foam forms the most, but as others said, they do not move like real breasts.

The silicon gives your body "feedback" that you still have breasts, it is a strange thing in my opinion, but they are so heavy and the bra can cause lymphedema issues.

I am 7 months out and slowly as I buy new clothing, I buy for not wearing forms, flat is most comfortable. When I wear the memoryfoam forms, I wear a camisole because i can't tolerate the bra band, it causes swelling and soreness in the lymph node removal area.

The fiberfill goes flat on me halfway through the day, microbeads are better..for comfort and some form.

There are many threads on this subject as well as such fantastic information on breastfree.org

Post here anytime!