I have learnt that post mastectomy prosthesis namely breast forms come in three kinds of materials:latex, foam and silicone. And that mastectomy bras come in 3 different shapes:round, triangular and teardrop. Could anyone kindly enligten me on the pros and cons of these?I need to order a few for my mom who has had a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast.
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12/ 9/08 4:46pm
Please chime in, anyone who can help - I know foam is the lightest, and easiest on your shoulders; and silicone is the most realistic-feeling and looking. I think the shape of the bra should match the shape of your natural breast; larger breasts would be round, smaller would be triangular, and older (drooping) would be teardrop. So basically it's mix and match: breast shape, bra type, and prosthesis material. Any other takers here? PJH
12/ 9/08 6:48pm
kb,
If it's at all possible, you should try to get your mom to a shop or medical supply place that fits prostheses and bras. I've had several models over the years, and what looks good in the catalog, isn't necessarily what feels comfortable. Medicare has good coverage for these products. The American Cancer Society has a catalog with a good selection of prostheses and bras. Once your mom has found a product that she likes, she might be able to order replacements from a catalog. Her surgeon's office can probably recommend a good provider in your area.
12/10/08 10:16am
Like Phyllis my oncologist had rx'd me a prostesis breast and bra. I looked into yellow pages, found a supplier and got fitted. The fitting doesn't take long and they really do help find what works best for the breast shape and also with what type of product that's desired.
my silicone form weighed close to 3 pounds, but when on it looked perfect. I could swim with it, but I could not wear a lower cut shirt cause when I bent over is weighed things down and you could see down my shirt - but nearly 4 years ago the foam ones weren't as popular. I know now a days you can even find this stuff on ebay, but truly getting fitted is the BESt route to go.
Good luck!
Angi
12/10/08 12:14pm
I just had a mastectomy a month ago. I wanted to look good at Thanksgiving - I went to my son's house for dinner. I called my local American Cancer Society office. They had me come in, a very nice lady fitted me with several. I settled on a triangle silicone one that feels and looks like the real thing. The American Cancer Society provides breat prosthesis and bras for free. They are also going to provide me a free wig when my hair falls out from chemo, which I will start soon.
Janet in Port Saint Lucie, Florida
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By kb— Last Modified: 12/18/10, First Published: 12/09/08
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