Thanks for such a good overview. I think the pictures will be especially helpful for those trying to imagine what a prosthesis is like and how it fits in a bra.
Because of changes in insurance carriers and moving to a new city, I've been to quite a few different fitters. I've found that a place that specializes in mastectomy products is usually preferable to a general medical supply office. The fitters themselves have been kind and knowledgeable at both kinds of places, but the atmosphere is less medical at a place that focuses on making women comfortable, and the in-stock variety of bras and prostheses is better. So I'd recommend that people ask around for the best fitter in your area and then see if your insurance will cover that place. It's also a good idea to wear a clinging top to the fitting so you can see how the different bras and breast forms will look in clothes.
I love the Land's End swimsuits. When I lived closer to a Nordstroms, I found that they are another general retailer who carries mastectomy suits and bras. I haven't used the service, but I've been told that they will sew a pocket into any of their regular bras for you.
Thank you so much, P.J., for the helpful tips on being fitted after having a mastectomy. I've been very pleased with the bras I've received from the American Cancer Society. Also, I made mastectomy bras by sewing a felt piece into my regular comfortable bras. I just put the breast inserts into the pockets I made. Because I had a bilateral mastectomy, I can change the size of my prostheses to suit the occasion. Like you I found Lands End to have the best mastectomy bathing suits.
Keep up the great tips.
Jan
www.janhasak.com
Hi:
I was also told by my fitter that if you have a fav swim suite, most of them have a lining in the breast area. She said that you can cut a slit in the area and place the prosthesis in there. If it is supported correctly it should work-also putting the prosthesis in a small zip-lock baggie helps protect it from the chemicals in the water.
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Thanks, PJ, for your as-ever useful post. I found that wearing a well-fitted bra and prosthesis helps me feel normal when I'm dressed and I can almost forget that I have an interesting collection of scars where I used to have a breast.
One tip for those of us who need a deep V neckline to trick the eye and flatter our figures: keep your deep Vs and wear a camisole or singlet top in a light colour underneath. You still get the desired illusion and don't have to worry about people being given a glimpse of your prosthetic - and they do move about slightly, even in a pocket in a specially designed bra.
Love as always
Sue
Thanks so much, Sue - great advice. I love it that we can all share our personal experiences, our "tips and tricks" - so much more useful than just readng about this stuff in a handout from the doctor's office!
You must be in the heart of winter now, eh? I envy you your weather at this point - we've been in the mid-90s for going on 3 weeks here, and with very few people having air conditioning, folks are getting pretty crabby!
Take care, and be well- PJ