prostheses OR foam inserts? WHERE TO FIND?

Options
lenaAZ
lenaAZ Member Posts: 12
edited December 2021 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Hi, I am six weeks out from a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction and starting to wonder what is going to be my new routine for getting dressed. I don't want to go out with nothing under my shirt, but also don't want to wind up handling my new flatness in a way that is cumbersome, uncomfortable, and/or super expensive.

Oh, I was an A cup before, and don't feel like I need much, but do want something.

I looked at prostheses a while back and they seemed super heavy. I also wonder about having to buy an entire new bra collection to hold them, when I already own a million bras, some of which I really like and can *almost* wear as is.

I tried to look at lighter weight inserts that I might be able to slip into ordinary bras that have pockets for removable "liners" (thin pads). I am totally confused by what is intended for mastectomy survivors and what is just bra padding and not the right shape for me. I don't even know what to type into google when shopping for these online.

This topic has been addressed on breastcancer.org before, but a lot of the links no longer work.

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that experienced survivors come on here and help us newbies.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited November 2021

    Hi, my plastic surgeon referred me to a place that specializes in breast prosthesis and special bras. My insurance covered 80% of the cost. My prostheses is very light and looks very natural. Ask your breast or plastic surgeon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lenaAZ
    lenaAZ Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2021

    Do you mind sharing the name of the manufacturer? Thank you!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Krose53
    Krose53 Member Posts: 148
    edited December 2021

    It's amoena Adapt Air Xtra Light 2SN.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2021

    My PS & surgeon also recommended local places. You really should be fit the first time & not just order something on line. If you are close to a Nordstroms, they have trained fitters in their bra departments. You just call for an appointment.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lauri
    lauri Member Posts: 267
    edited December 2021

    Seconding the recommendation for Nordstrom -- they are familiar with the paperwork that's needed to file with insurance companies / Medicare. I can get a new prosthesis every 5 years.

    Before I went to the Nordstrom level, I was using $10 breast enhancers from Walmart. (Only needed for one side.)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sunshine99
    Sunshine99 Member Posts: 1,680
    edited December 2021

    Another option is Knitted Knockers. I've actually made a few for myself, but the organization will (or used to, anyway) send them to you for free. They're super lightweight and can be washed. They're also very comfortable again recent surgery scars. I had a single mast with no recon and am also very small busted.

    I found some bras on Amazon:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0147QH2JO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    They are the most comfortable bras I've ever worn and I don't even wear a prosthesis in the mast side. They have enough shape that I don't need one.

    I found the special bras to hold a prosthesis were not that comfortable. I know that a bra is comfortable when I don't even think about it while I'm wearing it. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories