mastectomy forms

live1
live1 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am looking to purchase some forms and would like information on the type/brand name. Am looking for advice. Any feedback would be helpful.

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    BREAST FORMS
    Hello Live,

    There are a lot of types out there to choose from, I have a Jodee Light weight form which I have found is much more comfortable than the "Myself Ultralite I had been using. Check online so you can see what is out there too, that helped me to know more about them. It is best if you can try them on so you know what works well for you. I called the American Cancer Society and they gave me a list of people in the area that work with breast cancer patients. The form I wear is so natural people don't realize it isn't my natural breast. I hope this has been somewhat helpful. My best to you!

    RE
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    forms
    It was a big surprise to me to find out that protheses come in different shapes. I am definately not terribly observant when it comes to female chests, but those folks that make prostheses were. Some of us need one shape, some do better with another. Because of the different surgeries we have (even when they are all called mastectomies), the shape of the back of the prostheses matters. In addition, the protheses also come in different weights. If you are very large, a solid form might make your shoulders ache. I like the silicone, but that is because I am fairly small. There are foam ones and even inflatable ones, so I'm told, for folks that really can't tolerate any weight.Going to a professional fitter the first time might help you make a better decision. There are usually a few around a large city. I live in a rural state that is very small but there are at least three places I can go with a large selection of prostheses to choose from within 45 miles of my house. Good luck on your search! I'm sure you will find the one that is right for you.

    C. Abbott
  • live1
    live1 Member Posts: 4
    cabbott said:

    forms
    It was a big surprise to me to find out that protheses come in different shapes. I am definately not terribly observant when it comes to female chests, but those folks that make prostheses were. Some of us need one shape, some do better with another. Because of the different surgeries we have (even when they are all called mastectomies), the shape of the back of the prostheses matters. In addition, the protheses also come in different weights. If you are very large, a solid form might make your shoulders ache. I like the silicone, but that is because I am fairly small. There are foam ones and even inflatable ones, so I'm told, for folks that really can't tolerate any weight.Going to a professional fitter the first time might help you make a better decision. There are usually a few around a large city. I live in a rural state that is very small but there are at least three places I can go with a large selection of prostheses to choose from within 45 miles of my house. Good luck on your search! I'm sure you will find the one that is right for you.

    C. Abbott

    Breast Forms
    I called the local Chapter of the ACS and was able to be fitted and could take the one I need home free of charge. They also gave me a bra. Thank you for your help it has helped me immensily.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    BREAST FORMS
    My breasts were dense and had considerable weight but when I was first fitted they gave me lightweight forms, the ones most women love. I found my bras were forever riding up and it wasn't a natural feeling. I switched to Amoena Tresia 760 and they're perfect for me.
    Set up an appointment for a fitting and try different designs and weights. They even have forms that naturally attach to your chest wall on contact, move with you and allow you to wear regular bras.
    This year (5 and counting for me), I ordered "swimmers" so I could enjoy a dip in the pool or ocean while on vacation (Amoena Tria Swimsuit Form). They're specially designed to tolerate both chlorine and salt water.
    Good luck with your search.
    terri
  • Survivor 43
    Survivor 43 Member Posts: 1
    tlmac said:

    BREAST FORMS
    My breasts were dense and had considerable weight but when I was first fitted they gave me lightweight forms, the ones most women love. I found my bras were forever riding up and it wasn't a natural feeling. I switched to Amoena Tresia 760 and they're perfect for me.
    Set up an appointment for a fitting and try different designs and weights. They even have forms that naturally attach to your chest wall on contact, move with you and allow you to wear regular bras.
    This year (5 and counting for me), I ordered "swimmers" so I could enjoy a dip in the pool or ocean while on vacation (Amoena Tria Swimsuit Form). They're specially designed to tolerate both chlorine and salt water.
    Good luck with your search.
    terri

    Breast Forms
    Hi...I had a radical mastectomy 43 years ago (!!) when I was 29 years old...also removal of chest muscles, as well. I swim all the time and just use my old forms...they seem to hold up just fine...I get a new breast form every 2 years because I am over 65 and Medicare pays for 3 bras a year plus new breast forms every 2 years (guess there are some perks to getting older!....My bras are quite expensive because they have the pockets already in them...I am lucky to live in a big city in So. California so there are quite a few places to go...
    Regards,
    Barbara