breast protheses

judybird
judybird Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had mastectomies in 96/97 both with tissue expanders and silicone implants. I recently had them both removed due to complications and am now getting ready to purchase protheses. I have seen a kind that is supposed to stick to your skin and also the kind that fit into a pocket. Does anyone have advice/opinions on which type is better? I realize that a lot depends on personal preference but am interested to see what others think. Thanks

Comments

  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #2
    What happened with the implants? I am getting mine in August. I hate my pocket prothesis. But that is just me. Cammie
  • rizzo15
    rizzo15 Member Posts: 153 Member
    #3
    judybird. I think you are right--it probably is personal preference. My insurance company paid for a $300 silicon prosthesis (goes in the pocket). I guess for some women the weight of it feels more balanced and keeps the bra in place. However, I always wear a $25 foam prosthesis (goes in the pocket) that I bought from the same business. It is just the right size and I never found that my bra rides up due to the weight of my remaining breast (34DD); the nice design of the mastectomy bra that I chose really keeps everything in place too. When I went to my fitting, that was something the staff person really wanted me to be happy with. The person who fitted me for both prosthesis said that she has worked with women with relatively small breasts who complain of back problems, etc., if they don't have a prosthesis that weighs approx. what their missing breast weighed...and she's had women with really huge breasts who don't wear a prosthesis at all and have never had a problem with balance, back problems, etc. So I guess it really is an individual choice! P.S. One of my oncologists actually suggested a breast reduction operation on the remaining breast. I told her that I was taking a wait-and-see attitude. If I ran into problems later I'd consider it. It is now 4 months after mastectomy and I feel fine.
  • heavenlee
    heavenlee Member Posts: 113
    #4
    Hello,
    I have a left prostesis that fits into a pocket and I really like it. After radiation my skin is still so hot..and I tend to massage my chest and it makes it feel better so the pocket one is great for me. I haven't had any problems with it yet.
    Angel
  • ryley
    ryley Member Posts: 55
    #5
    I have both type of prosthesis and I prefer the pocket. The stick on your skin type - doesn't. It is always falling off because after a mastectomy, your skin is not a level flat plane (I think that's why anyway). I tend to put the fabric covering on the sticky side and stick it in the pocket of the bra. I've never had a problem with it riding up either. I think the fit of your bra is the crucial point there.

    Ryley
  • bullfrog13
    bullfrog13 Member Posts: 213
    #6
    Dear Judy, I have two of the slicone one, (I had to get new one this summer, I lost almost 70 pounds this year, and my OLD was too BIG.. I was lop sided.and everyone was starting to NOTICE. Have gone from a 42D to a 36C..so you can imgion the difference..ANYWAY, i have the pocket bra, and I LOVE my new smaller one, unless im naked I dont even know its not real... I cant think of the name brand off hand, but its a brand new brandd, much softer and lighter than the other brand. aggghh I will check the box tonight when I get home and re-post the brand name tomorrow for you...
    much love
    jerilyn
  • jbeardslee
    jbeardslee Member Posts: 75
    #7
    I have a silicone prothesis from the TLC catalog. It's been 2 years and I'm still happy with it. I'm small so I purchased an unweighted one, the teardrop shape, seems to work fine for me. Good luck. judy
  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    #8
    Hi judybird.I have the pocket prothsis also.the lady that fit me said that if you sweat a lot the other one has a problem sticking too you.I have been asked a lot latly if iam going to do reconstruction and iam not sure yet.I had surgery Jan of this year so iam in no big hurry just going to wait for awhile and see what my oppion is next time this year.Sorry too hear that your implants didnt work out for you.Amy
  • bullfrog13
    bullfrog13 Member Posts: 213
    #9
    That brand name I promised you was Amoena.. and I love it!!!!!

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