? on prostheses-how inconvienent

I had a single mast and no recon. I wore the lightweight "fluffy" prosthesis that was given to me at the hospital along with a cami for 6 months and then got an Amoena "Tria" model silicone breast form. The lightweight was certainly comfortable, but it tended to ride up quite a bit. I was pleasantly surprised by the difference when I got the Amoena form. My fitting went very quickly. I am really only comfortable in cotton bras, so there were less options for me to choose from in bras.

Your doctor should let you know when it is ok to get a "real" form to replace the lightweight temporary one. It is usually about 6 weeks that they prefer you to wear a leisure-type bra or cami and the light pros. My fitter asked me what size bra I *thought* I wore (turns out most of us are wearing the wrong size!) and we went from there. She hit a home-run with the first prosthesis and I only had to try on a few different bras before hitting upon the right one for me. I think it is probably a good idea to go to a fitter that deals with more than one brand of prosthesis; some brands work better for different body types. 

The Amoena form does not ride up and I am able to wear v-necks without much problem. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would have opted for bi-lateral. I really dislike bras and think I would be ok not wearing anything if I weren't lop-sided like I am now. It turns out that I was metastatic, so the "maybe I'll think about recon later" just didn't materialize for me. I felt like it was asking my body to do an awful lot of work to heal from the surgery, chemo and rads along with the recon process. You may end up discovering that you feel ok going without pros. sometimes.

There is a lady here that has set up a website with all sorts of information about the different prosthesises (???) out there. I don't remember the link, though. I hope she will see your thread and share the link with you.

There are some forms that can be adhered directly to your skin rather than going in a pocket. I think that would be neat (I didn't know about it when choosing my pros.) I also have a swim form that goes in a mastectomy bathing suit. I had been using a foam swim prosthesis before getting it and was not happy with the foam at all. It liked to "swim" more than I do! The silicone swim pros is very comfortable and looks good too.

I'll second what Cheryl said about the surgery. I was shocked and amazed at how little pain I felt. The worst thing for me was the hassling with the drains. That only lasts for a little while until they're ready to come out, though! There are lots of tips here on this site about dealing with the drains. The best advice I read before my mast was to tie a bathrobe belt around my waist and pin the drains to it when taking a shower. I am not sure I would have been able to figure that out on my own!

Good luck with your surgery!  

I had a single and have never been tempted to have reconstruction. I prefer keeping things simple. I am one year out.

I use a prosthesis when I go out but am often lopsided at home.

My only issue is that my prosthesis is somewhat heavier than I expected. It is fine once on. It goes in a pocket in the mastectomy bra.  No problem with slippage.

badboob67 mentioned my website. You can access it at BreastFree.org. There is information about what you'll need immediately post-surgery and about various options for breast forms and bras. There are also personal stories and photographs which you may find helpful.

I myself had a bilateral a little over a year ago. I knew I needed to be comfortable but I also wanted to look good in clothes. I've been able to accomplish both those aims. It took a bit of trial and error to accomplish that, so don't be discouraged if the first forms you try on aren't perfect.

Just as reconstruction is a process, so is adjusting to prostheses. I now feel finding comfortable bras is at least as important as the forms themselves. Also, while some women are fitted for permanent prostheses (breast forms) only a few weeks post-surgery, I would recommend not being in too much of a rush. Listen to your own body. I went for a fitting after four weeks and it was too soon for me. My chest looked healed, but it was still more sore and sensitive than I realized. I couldn't wear my breast forms all day long then, like I can now.

So, bottom line, once you find the right breast form solutions for you, it shouldn't be inconvenient at all.

Barbara 

Check out Melmira.com.  It is an absolutely amazing store (in Toronto,Canada--don't know if you can order online?)  Just bought 3 of the most gorgeous bathing suits I have ever owned (2 bikinis too!)  I wear a prothesis on my right side.  They sewed pockets into the suits to fit my swimming proth.  I felt fantastic wearing these, on a recent vacation, and now am strongly considering not having reconstruction.  There are more and more stores like these all over and so many more options for us.  You can still feel sexy and comfortable with a prothesis!

I had mast. couple years ago and have worn a prosthesis...no problems and not bad except when it is hot outside or I am working out the pros. serves as insulation and my bra on the mast side is soaked with sweat....that is minor inconvenience. I have done well, and if tomorrow was told I could not have recon., I would be fine as well, but I am having recon a little over a week away now. Just me....but I am ready to buy 'normal' clothing.....I adapted normal swimsuits, etc., but this to me is a pain that if I don't have to deal with, I don't want to. I want to buy camis, swimsuits, or racerback running tops from the sale rack and not have to adapt them for my prosthesis...or worry if the sleeveless top arm holes are too 'big' and when I move my arm if it will reveal my 'concave' mast pocket b/t my chest and bra....or if I wear a v. neck and bend down that my bra will fall away from my body and onlookers will again...see the concave chest area.....just my two cents. Maybe it is b/c I am so little and while I have good fitting bras and prosthesis....still in these circumstances....I have to be cautious. OK I don't HAVE to be cautious, I just am. That is just me. Everyone is different. Again....if I was told tomorrow I could not have any reconstruction...I would be FINE!!!!! I know many women have decided against recon. for many different reasons, and I respect that, and I know others have tried and have had complications that leave them with no other choice. There is no reason anyone would ever know I had a mast. and prosthesis other than what I mentioned above....for me, part of recon is the restoration and part is (honestly) convenience!!!!!! You will know what is best for you!!!!! And know, at any time, you have the option to change your mind!!!!

wait--sally, your kids haven't noticed??????? maybe a little mindfulness work is in order!!!

one of mine was there with me for the surgery, and the other knew... but it was kind of obvious, since i had drains hanging on me!

Annie, best of luck to you. i had reecon. at the time of bila mastec. and they ruptured. i have opted to go flat. i really am fine with it, but it is a very idividualized decision. all good things for you!

adele

I had a unilateral..left side, with reconstruction in mind "some day".  May not ever come because the prothesis is not that inconvenient.  It is hot in the summer (I'm in Texas) but what I usually do if I'm working outside is wear one of my dh's shirts and not wear the prothesis.  No one can really tell...and if they are looking that hard, then they need to avert their eyes before I flash them and scare them to death!!