prosthesis??

You could go online to American Cancer Society website and see if there is a local chapter where you could go talk to someone about fitting and what they have available. Otherwise look at the TLC catalog (free from ACS) They have a lot of different stuff you can order. Of course ordering by mail or online you cannot get a person to help fit. I am doing reconstruction, so I have not paid much attention to that kind of thing, but I have spent money on hats from them. The hats are very comfortable and attractive. Another idea might be to ask her surgeon for other options on prostheses (nurses are also a good source of info, they specialize in making patients comfortable).

Another thought: It won't help your Mom with recovering the cost, but one option for the one she cannot use might be to see if she can donate it to your local ACS.

Another thought...It might bother her less after the surgical site heals...I really don't know.

I am sure you will get more help from others on this site on this topic. best whishes for you and your Mom. seof

There are lots of different things that can cause soreness. She may not be sufficiently healed even though it has been two months. We all heal at different rates. If that is the case, she may be more comfortable with a batting-filled breast pillow prothesis. I had that after my intitial breast surgery and used it again when I had chest surgery for something else four years down the road. I found that the prothesis cover made a great "pillow case" that I could stuff with polyester batting and put in my bra. It has been 5 years, but I remember feeling that the bra they said fit correctly felt much too tight. They said my old bra had been too loose. Well, they might have been right, but I hate being uncomfortable. I went to the sewing store and got some bra extenders folks use when they are pregnant or go up a size. They cost about a dollar or two. I had gotten prothesis bras that had hooks both in front and in back. I put the extender in the back and adjusted it to my level of comfort. As the bra aged (or maybe I got better) I was able to put the extender in the drawer where it now stays. Lymphedema can also set in and cause swelling that could make the bra fit tighter than it should. The bra should be snug, but not leave a red line or cause pain if it fits correctly. Some folks are built large and the prothesis they have to wear is heavy. There are foam protheses, air-filled protheses, and hollow-backed protheses (usually used for swimming. I have seen bras that come with built-in foam prothesis so that they won't ride up. My neighbor down the road preferred shoulder pads in her bra. I'm small and like my silicone prothesis. My neighbor also preferred a sport bra from Walmart for 7 bucks. She said she could safety pin the shoulder pad in and feel comfortable. I like my mastectomy bra. Good luck finding out what works for your mom.

unknown said:

My inusrance pays for a prosthesis and replaces it every three years. Perhaps you might check to see if yours does and you can be reimbursed. I also "qualify" for three bras a year. Beyond that I can't help you as my prosthesis matches my other breast in size and they are both lightweight! (B cup). I did however, get a cotton stuffer prosth. at Nordstrom's right after my mas. when I got tired of stuffing a sock in my bra(and again, due to small size it was a bobby sock) and the cotton ones are relatively cheap and much lighter. I hope your mother finds a quick and comfortable solution. Love, Joyce

Joyce, you crack me up!!! Bobby sock!!! Thanks for making my day....

Hugs, Kathi

Dear Robin.....I've been down this road with my prostethesis hurting...all around the body where the band goes and on the insision. I was a DD and mine are heavy too, What I do is....put on a T-shirt first and put the bra on next, that keeps is away from my skin and put a blouse or sweat shirt over that, works nicely.....but I know summer is coming and might get warm.....so I'll go without in the house and only put 'the harness' on when I go outside......:) works for me

Hi Robin:
I wore a prosthesis for 8 months until I had my reconstruction. The first one I bought was very heavy and like your mom, I felt very sore. I then purchased a swimming one which was 3/4 lighter and did not weigh on my shoulders as much. Tell your mom she will be sore at the mastectomy site for about 8 to 12 weeks and then she'll be all right. My surgeon did not want me wearing anything until 8 weeks after surgery. Till then, I wore these cami type tops that I purchased in Nordstrom and they had cotton stuffers. My insurance co, gave me unlimited purchases and fortunately Nordstrom was within my network as these items get to be very pricey. Tell her it will eventually get easier. God Bless. Love, Lili