Exchange City

TaRenee - sorry you don't have a Nordstroms. They really do have someone on staff certified only for breast cancer survivors. I just made do with WalMart Fruit of the Loom bras & bralettes until I could get to a fitter because the implants are such a different shape. But I do agree - before spending a bunch of money, let the implants settle for at least 2-3 months.

EastCoast TS, yes you need a prescription. Your plastic surgeon's office should be able to provide it. Fax it over to the Nordstroms staff and give them your insurance info and they will double check with insurance. They have a pretty good idea of what the various insurance providers will cover.

Thanks, Minus and T-Sue. Aetna covers -- and I asked my PS about it (she was unaware, ha ha, go figure) -- but I don't know what they need to call them on the prescrip. It's not urgent. I wanted to wait until the swelling was gone but in the new year, I'll go and get something that isn't Walmart Cobie deal. Though those have been terrific, gotta say!

T-Sue, are there specific brands that are recommended for wearing after MX/BMX? I've bought a couple pretty ones but they aren't comfy. I was sized & fitted at Nordstrom although I didn't specify that I wanted a MX fitting. I did tell the lady while she was fitting me though that I'd had a BMX and after she figured out my size she recommended a Wacoal bra, which is okay but not pretty, sort of comfy but Coobies are still my go to. Now I'm wondering if she was a regular fitter or BC fitter. And wondering if you were recommended bras that are specifically for those who've had BC or bras for general population that work well for those that have had Umx or Bmx.

I agree with T-Sue. Nordstroms carries lots of bras but not "medical" post mastectomy bras. I did go to a specific medical bra store and try those on first. Eeek. At the Nordstroms near me, there was only one fitter certified to work with mastectomy women. They suggested I call ahead and make an appointment to be sure she was there. The nice thing - she was knowledgeable enough to bring in tons of bras for me to try that I would never have considered just hanging on a rack.

I had my fitting at Dillards.

2FUN, if you check that Bras 101 thread, there are a number of stores recommended. Most people decided not Victoria's Secret. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of people who said SOMA also had special BC bra fitters.

Bringon2017, sending you hugs and healing! I hope you find this surgery mild and a relief from the TEs. You'll be so glad to have this next benchmark behind you!

FreshPair.com has a detailed guide on how to fit yourself. The most important thing with implants is to make sure the ENTIRE implant is enclosed within the wire or cup and the band fits snugly below.

When I had my fitting I was shocked to learn I was a 32 DDD after wearing 34 C or B my whole life! However, I found that the 32 band (loosest setting) rubbed painfully on my ribs, especially on the left so I went up to 34 DD (tightest setting) and find it perfect.

I think FreshPair does free shipping and returns as well as macy's. I'm liking Wacoal bras to fit me very well.

Hope this helps.

VegGal...I was shocked too! That's what I meant about trying bras that I never would have tried. I was a 34B pre-cancer. Now: 34DD.

I was shocked because, although I knew that I was fuller than before, I don't think that my breasts look particularly big for my frame. If my PS had told me that I would be a 34DD at the end, I would have said, "That's just too much." However, I really don't have a rack or anything. I am just fuller and a bit higher than before. I think that it looks natural for my frame.

I think that you are correct...it's about the shape of the implant and getting the whole thing surrounded:) My PS did a great job at matching the volume of my other breast (with fat grafting) with the implant volume. We are just waiting to assess the symmetry of the level...

Thank you T-Sue & Minus Two for your responses. My fitter seemed to know what she was doing although she didn't offer alot of options. I was only about 5 or 6 weeks post exchange so maybe that is why. I have remained the same size but she did say give time to heal before trying other types of bras.

VegGal and Scrafgal, I was shocked too. I've lost weight since DX that would have put me back to my original 32 B and after exchange ended up 32 DD. If I had been told that I was going to be DD I would have panicked & objected but it really isn't out of proportion to my size, not at all what I would have imagined that size would look like. I agree, I think partly it's the way implants fit after BMX, they are a bit wider to fill in, makes things fuller but it isn't all projection.

Bringon2017, wishing you the best with your surgery.

Scarfgal -- I am also a UMX and my implant and natural breast are about 2 inches apart in drop/droop, but am nearly a match in a bra -- go figure. What type of implant do you have and when was your exchange surgery? I'm still hoping for more drop, I am 3 months post op with TCX Inspiras. TT

Thank you all for your kind wishes! It's done. Sitting comfortably in armchair waiting for the hubbie to take me home. Not really in pain. And particularly on the left already relieved uo have got the TE out! Now just give myself time to heal and the FOOBs to soften and sink!

You can call them, but I think Nordstrom Rack will NOT have the fitters and same service for post-mastectomy. I say this only as a shopper of both.

Merry Christmas to all of you wonderful ladies! I hope everyone is healing well and feeling good. God bless you all as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Blessings, Robin