do you just get one prostethis?

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. 

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 

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 

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

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 

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.

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. ;-)

;-)