do you just get one prostethis?

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do you just get one prostethis?

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  • kerry32
    kerry32 Member Posts: 125
    edited February 2008

    I was wondering when you're ready for your fitting for your forms do you just by one set?  (since i'm having a bilateral i will need two).  I didn't know if one is lasts and covers all needs -and can hold up to everyday use.  thanks for any insight.

  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2008

    I had a single mast. but when first fitted I got a regular, every day  form (ABC 1040) and I also got a swim form (Amoena).  I use the swim form for swimming, running and any kind of exercise.

    Now, 2 years out I bought a second every day form that sticks directly to my chest (which I LOVE) but really I did not NEED another form-I just wanted something a little different.  I'm all about options.

    My original forms are still in perfect condition.  I have found them to be very durable.

  • 3boys4me
    3boys4me Member Posts: 319
    edited February 2008

    I had a single mast, too and was prescribed 2 mastectomy bras and two prothetics.  I also purchased on my own the swim form as the regular prosthetics don't hold up well in salt water. 

  • golfer779
    golfer779 Member Posts: 1,378
    edited February 2008

    So at what point did you feel comfortable to go for your fitting.  I had my mast in Nov and my AND in Dec.  I still don't really think that having a prothesis will feel to good.  I'm small busted so since surgery I have just gone a'la natural but would like a new "hoot before spring.  Any insight ...  Carol

  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited February 2008

    Hi 3boys4me...good to see you!!!!!!!!!

    I also had a single mastectomy six and a half years ago...since then I have had three regular prostheses and one for swimming..one didn't hold up well but the others have and  insurance paid for them...or mostly..I also play tennis so one of those is better when I "glisten " in a match...

    Hugs, SoCal 

  • lbmt
    lbmt Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2008

    carol,

    it was about 2 months after my surgery that i started wearing my

    new proth,,i did not seem to have any promblems, have a great spring

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited February 2008

    Carol, it's kind of late for this--you've probably already been fitted by now.  I'm just 2 weeks out from my mast. + SNB, and my surgeon gave me a prescription for my prosthesis.  The nurse told me not to go for a fitting until 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery, because any post-surgical swelling will affect the fit of the prosth.  I'm small, too, so I haven't worried about it much.  I finally found a comfortable, snap-in-back sports bra; I've stuffed the empty side with soft things and I look pretty even (albeit sports-bra flat!) under sweaters and shirts.

    I can't be in a hurry about the fitting, because there is no store within 100 miles of me that even sells, much less fits, mastectomy supplies. 

    otter 

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited February 2008

    I,m a 14 yr survivor(Praise the Lord)and the prothesis I recieved I still use but for everyday, one was also for 1 swimming, 1 everyday they are oh so durable. God Bless us all and stay POSITIVE it got me to 14 yr survivor. msphil

  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited February 2008

    I,m a 14 yr survivor(Praise the Lord)and the prothesis I recieved I still use but for everyday, one was also for 1 swimming, 1 everyday they are oh so durable. God Bless us all and stay POSITIVE it got me to 14 yr survivor. msphil

  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited February 2008

    I took my time about going for a fitting- just didn't feel like it and the running sock I had fashioned into a replacement breast was working out fine. I got my first prothesis about 2 1/2 months after surgery- amoena swim form- which I used all the time. Since then I got a "back up" pillowish kind of form but I prefer the amoena. Carol- your post reminds me that I have got to check out the stick to the chest prosthesis. I think I was told I had to heal more before I could use one...6 months maybe, post-surgery?

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited February 2008

    How's your insurance coverage?  Mine will pay for 4 mastectomy bras and one prosthesis (2 for a bilateral) per year.  Additional prostheses will be covered on an "as-needed" basis (no clarification given).  There aren't any restrictions on where I buy them, except that if it's a "preferred provider," the store will file the insurance claim.

    The coverge is Major Medical, so once I've met that year's deductable, my insurance pays 80% of the rest.

    Is that pretty typical?

    otter 

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited March 2008

    That sounds like good coverage. Many insurers only cover new breast forms every two years, so every year is great.

  • pinklemon
    pinklemon Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2008

    It's better to wait 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery before being fitted with a silicone prosthesis. But in the mean time, you can wear a foam one, which gives you a form, but is very light. But after 6-8 weeks, it is important to have a heavier prosthesis (like the weigth of your other breast) to prevent posture problems and fatigue. You don't need to buy more than one everyday prosthesis, but it is advised to have a special one for swimming (different material). But some women like to have one stick on, one traditional and one for swimming, but is is not absolutely necessary.

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited March 2008
    Just to clarify what pinklemon said--while there is some argument that it's good to have weight on the mastectomy side after you've had a unilateral mastectomy, it's NOT necessary to wear weighted forms after a bilateral mastectomy. Many fitters will still tell you that it is (including my own!), but the American Cancer society on its TLC site confirms that once you've had both breasts removed, you do not need weighted forms for posture or balance. I have also had this confirmed by doctors and a physical therapist who specializes in working with breast cancer patients. Even when a woman has only a single mastectomy, she can wear the new ultra-light forms without any posture or balance problems.
  • pinklemon
    pinklemon Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2008

    You're totally right Erica, I missed the fact that it was a bi-lateral... Thank you for specifying!

    But for a unilateral, I still think that it can affect the posture or comfort, but not always!! I am in the physio field too, and I don't think we can say yes or no on this one as it varies from one women to another; depending on the history (prior neck, shoulder or back problems), size of the other breast, activities, etc.... I think it is just something to keep in mind. ;-)

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited March 2008

    [That was a really dumb post, so I've deleted it.  Sorry.]

  • pinklemon
    pinklemon Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2008

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