Puffs just aren't gonna cut it this summer!
I"ve handled a bad mammo, 2 core biopsies, one day called for results, "congrats! you don't have cancer" phone call from a nurse one day to the "OMG, I'm so sorry she read you the wrong results...you have (non? still can't remember, don't really care)invasive ductile cancer" phone call from my surgeon the next day. At first, I wanted to find that nurse and practice biology experiments on her with my grandsons (6 & 7), but the next time I saw her, I thanked her! She was looking pretty scared of me when she saw me, and then when I thanked her for the 24 hours that I had that I was certain I didn't have cancer...what a joy those 24 hours were!, she cried.
So, what else? Oh, yes, lymph node involvement....7 out of 9 were cancerous...this I learned after the unsuccessful lumpectomy. Then, a month later, they did the mastectomy (left side) and found 2 more cancerous lymph nodes in the breast tissue. I was furious about that!
So, blah blah blah, it's been tough, but going to college full time and working full time saved my soul! I thought if I ran fast enough, the stupid cancer would give up. I won't know if that happened for a few months, but for now, life is pretty normal.
[OK, that's officially the longest "hi, lemme ask you a questions" intro I've ever done! better mention that I'm 54,married to the same guy 33 yrs., mom to 2 boys, Mimi to 2 rowdy grandsons and 1 granddaughter who is hell on wheels...she's gonna be just like me, so she's a special one!]
My question is: those little puffs they give you with the camisoles to haul those uber-attractive and oh so fragrant drains around in- they're rather a fashion disaster. And it's summer, and getting hot up here in the midwest. I saw a site (Liberty?) that says that one can order a prosthetis and bras and get your insurance to cover it. They really emphasise Medicare, but we have BlueCross/Blue Shield. Has anyone had experience with them? I don't even know how to go about getting a fake- our American Cancer Society closed up shop this winter, so we're kinda on our own up here.
Any suggestions? And, I do love this site! You all have answered so many questions! When I first got my DX, I went to one website and scared myself silly with reading everyone's posts. I then vowed to listen to my doctors only, and not confuse the issues with a million other opinions. Since then, I've learned that I have to be my own advocate.That's why I wear red cowboy boots and a hat that says "one tough chick"!..and this is a great place to learn how to do that!
In my next installment, I'll ask about job interviewing....(Oh, and why does the date in my preview say Dec 31, 1969??? I didn't even have boobs then!)
Comments
-
that was nice what you said
that was nice what you said to the nurse. I have a shop I go to for my "supplies" so I have no info for you . do you live near a large city? I am sure someone will answer or the hospital you go to would have info. some hospitals have shops in them where you can get the prosthesis' and sleeves etc.... maybe your surgeon or social service would know.0 -
Pufffs
All mastectomy bras should be covered by your insurance company but different companies require different things to get reimbursed. Some require a "prescription" from your surgeon. Some have set certain price limits on different items. Some stores will bill your insurance company directly and some make you apply for reimbursement after purchase. Your best bet is to contact your insurance company directly and ask what is required before buying anything.
Kate0 -
Thanks Katekate33 said:Pufffs
All mastectomy bras should be covered by your insurance company but different companies require different things to get reimbursed. Some require a "prescription" from your surgeon. Some have set certain price limits on different items. Some stores will bill your insurance company directly and some make you apply for reimbursement after purchase. Your best bet is to contact your insurance company directly and ask what is required before buying anything.
Kate
I will call BCBS tomorrow.0 -
Your insurance should paycarkris said:that was nice what you said
that was nice what you said to the nurse. I have a shop I go to for my "supplies" so I have no info for you . do you live near a large city? I am sure someone will answer or the hospital you go to would have info. some hospitals have shops in them where you can get the prosthesis' and sleeves etc.... maybe your surgeon or social service would know.
Your insurance should pay for your bras, or, at least part of the cost. There is also a shop here on this site called TLC that has a lot to offer anyone. I wish you the best of luck in your treatment.0 -
My insurance covered it
I have blue cross/blue shield and they covered the prosthetis and the bras. My coverage gives me bras pretty much anytime and a new prosthetis every two years. I don't know where you live exactly but I got everything at Nordstrom. They even filed the insurance claim for me. If you can get to one of their stores they are really helpful. You can choose any bra in the store and they have their alterations people sew in the pocket for it - at no cost. Then they mail them to you.
It really did help me to go somewhere I could try on some of the different kinds of prostetics. They are made of different materials and are different weights. They look different depending on their shape and yours. The Nordstrom people always recommeded the t-shirt test to see if it really matched well or not.
My big advice is that if you live where it's hot - don't go for the complete silicone ones. That sucker was hot and heavy all the time. It seemed to look better when I got it, but I hated every minute I wore it. Thanks to some long term chemo side effects with taste and smell, I've lost 40 pounds and had to get a new prosthesis and I was SO happy. I didn't even care that the insurance didn't pay for it. My new one is a different material and it is much lighter, looks great and never gets hot!
Well done being your own advocate! You're in the right place. This website is full of kindred spirits!0 -
Woo Hoo!mickeymom said:My insurance covered it
I have blue cross/blue shield and they covered the prosthetis and the bras. My coverage gives me bras pretty much anytime and a new prosthetis every two years. I don't know where you live exactly but I got everything at Nordstrom. They even filed the insurance claim for me. If you can get to one of their stores they are really helpful. You can choose any bra in the store and they have their alterations people sew in the pocket for it - at no cost. Then they mail them to you.
It really did help me to go somewhere I could try on some of the different kinds of prostetics. They are made of different materials and are different weights. They look different depending on their shape and yours. The Nordstrom people always recommeded the t-shirt test to see if it really matched well or not.
My big advice is that if you live where it's hot - don't go for the complete silicone ones. That sucker was hot and heavy all the time. It seemed to look better when I got it, but I hated every minute I wore it. Thanks to some long term chemo side effects with taste and smell, I've lost 40 pounds and had to get a new prosthesis and I was SO happy. I didn't even care that the insurance didn't pay for it. My new one is a different material and it is much lighter, looks great and never gets hot!
Well done being your own advocate! You're in the right place. This website is full of kindred spirits!
I've never been to a Nordstrom's, but that sounds like a road trip, and that sounds like FUN! I seriously need some fun about now. I'll call the insurance gurus tomorrow and get this figured out. It's so nice to hear that I can try on stuff before I'm stuck with it. Thanks so much!
going to bed with a smile on my face!0 -
Hi Bluwillow,bluwillo said:Woo Hoo!
I've never been to a Nordstrom's, but that sounds like a road trip, and that sounds like FUN! I seriously need some fun about now. I'll call the insurance gurus tomorrow and get this figured out. It's so nice to hear that I can try on stuff before I'm stuck with it. Thanks so much!
going to bed with a smile on my face!
I got a camisole before the single mastecomy and wore it once...it was hot, uncomfortable, thank heaven BC/BS paid the $60 for it. But I did use the little pouches for the drains pinned to my nitegown.
My prosthesis was $300 and BC/BS paid for it and for 4 bras. I had to get them from a certified fitter. Which I would highly recommend. She tried several fake boobs before we got the one that matched my other one (I'm large breasted so I need shape and weight) and I tried on a bazillion bras to get the right fit and comfort. I would be afraid to order from a catalog for a bra or boob. Yes, the fake boob is warm but I don't really notice it til I take it off. And I am a very warm person who hates the hot sun.
Your onc should have a list of certified shops in your area or there are always yellow pages or even women in the lobby at your onc's office. My shop is for everythng mastecomy and has wigs, shampoos, bras,boobs plus plus plus. Same thing for your wig (if you need one)check your ins. Mine covered $300 and I paid the other $135. But again, a certified fitter.
I'm just curious, what did you mean by a failed lumpectomy? Did you mean the margins weren't clean?
Good luck with your new "underware", it becomes second nature after a while. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Hugs, Judy :-)0 -
Skeezie is right I wasSkeezie said:Hi Bluwillow,
I got a camisole before the single mastecomy and wore it once...it was hot, uncomfortable, thank heaven BC/BS paid the $60 for it. But I did use the little pouches for the drains pinned to my nitegown.
My prosthesis was $300 and BC/BS paid for it and for 4 bras. I had to get them from a certified fitter. Which I would highly recommend. She tried several fake boobs before we got the one that matched my other one (I'm large breasted so I need shape and weight) and I tried on a bazillion bras to get the right fit and comfort. I would be afraid to order from a catalog for a bra or boob. Yes, the fake boob is warm but I don't really notice it til I take it off. And I am a very warm person who hates the hot sun.
Your onc should have a list of certified shops in your area or there are always yellow pages or even women in the lobby at your onc's office. My shop is for everythng mastecomy and has wigs, shampoos, bras,boobs plus plus plus. Same thing for your wig (if you need one)check your ins. Mine covered $300 and I paid the other $135. But again, a certified fitter.
I'm just curious, what did you mean by a failed lumpectomy? Did you mean the margins weren't clean?
Good luck with your new "underware", it becomes second nature after a while. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Hugs, Judy :-)
Skeezie is right I was unilateral and it was hard to fit with a large breast. now I am bilateral and it was easier, but we tried a couple of prosthesis before we got it right. I could pick what size I wanted to be! i chose small as I had lost alot of weight. I also got pocketed camisoles paid for as well. in pretty colors.0 -
Hi MickyMom, A question,Skeezie said:Hi Bluwillow,
I got a camisole before the single mastecomy and wore it once...it was hot, uncomfortable, thank heaven BC/BS paid the $60 for it. But I did use the little pouches for the drains pinned to my nitegown.
My prosthesis was $300 and BC/BS paid for it and for 4 bras. I had to get them from a certified fitter. Which I would highly recommend. She tried several fake boobs before we got the one that matched my other one (I'm large breasted so I need shape and weight) and I tried on a bazillion bras to get the right fit and comfort. I would be afraid to order from a catalog for a bra or boob. Yes, the fake boob is warm but I don't really notice it til I take it off. And I am a very warm person who hates the hot sun.
Your onc should have a list of certified shops in your area or there are always yellow pages or even women in the lobby at your onc's office. My shop is for everythng mastecomy and has wigs, shampoos, bras,boobs plus plus plus. Same thing for your wig (if you need one)check your ins. Mine covered $300 and I paid the other $135. But again, a certified fitter.
I'm just curious, what did you mean by a failed lumpectomy? Did you mean the margins weren't clean?
Good luck with your new "underware", it becomes second nature after a while. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
Hugs, Judy :-)
you said your new boob is different material than the all silicone and is not hot....what is the material? I am due for a new one in Oct (get a new one every year and ins pays) and I want to check it out. I lost 30 lbs. with chemo but not enough for the ins to pay for a new one, must lose about 30 more and I figure that will be about Oct. I love the way my boob looks, but if I could get a cooler one that would be great. Does it hang the same way the silicone does? Is it as heavy? My fakie weighs about the same as my real one so I'm concerned about that.
(*) (*) (those are supposed to be boobs) Judy :-)0 -
Hi again Bluewillow,Skeezie said:Hi MickyMom, A question,
you said your new boob is different material than the all silicone and is not hot....what is the material? I am due for a new one in Oct (get a new one every year and ins pays) and I want to check it out. I lost 30 lbs. with chemo but not enough for the ins to pay for a new one, must lose about 30 more and I figure that will be about Oct. I love the way my boob looks, but if I could get a cooler one that would be great. Does it hang the same way the silicone does? Is it as heavy? My fakie weighs about the same as my real one so I'm concerned about that.
(*) (*) (those are supposed to be boobs) Judy :-)
You are so right that you need a little fun and humor right now. I was thrilled to be well enogh after sugery to get a fakie and could hardly wait to show all my friends. Everytime I saw a new group I would stick out my chest and say "Which one?" And I had a ball have them give both boobs the squeeze test to see if they could tell which is whcih. You really can't tell. This is great when you are hugging someone (I am very touchy, feely, huggy) or dancing etc. In fact I now prefer my new shape with the new bras over the one I had before the surgery with my regular bras. They were probably the wrong size and now I am fitted swith bras that are my right size and are flattering.
You are so right, we have to have some giggles and laughs thru all of this or go nuts. You are doing great.
Hugs, Judy :-)0 -
Hot here too... I had
Hot here too... I had bilaterals in January this year...have 3 sets of prothesis and puffs also but am not wearing any of them. Maybe when fall comes around I will try them again but am quite happy going flat. I still have some fluid around the incision area on the left side so was not wearing the girls because of that but now am enjoying the freedom.
I am 61, 2 boys, 8 grandkids, and retiring this month whoo hoo
Good luck in all,
Brenda0 -
I'm with you Brenda,Third_Generation said:Hot here too... I had
Hot here too... I had bilaterals in January this year...have 3 sets of prothesis and puffs also but am not wearing any of them. Maybe when fall comes around I will try them again but am quite happy going flat. I still have some fluid around the incision area on the left side so was not wearing the girls because of that but now am enjoying the freedom.
I am 61, 2 boys, 8 grandkids, and retiring this month whoo hoo
Good luck in all,
Brenda
If I could go without (I do around the house) I would. But the remaining boob is not perky anymore and looks pathetic just staring down at my shoes. If I got a breast lift on the remainig one would I then be "perk"? hahhaaaha
But now with summer and being outside and having lots of impromtu porch parties I wear the fakie cause I'm just not comfortable cause of Ms. Non-Perk.
Congrats on retiring, you'll wonder how you ever had time to work! I was able to retire at 55 and these have been the greatest years of all....
Hugs, Judy :-)0 -
I also..........
I also have Blue Cross. I called & they told me that they would cover 2 bras a year. However, when I went and was fitted for the bras at the mastectomy supply boutique (fortunate enough to have one nearby), they told me that I was allowed 4 bras in a calendar year. So, I got 4 and I also got my prosthesis and Blue cross covered all of the cost.
I did need a prescription though. Just ask your surgeon or breast specialist for one. (also fortunate enough to have a facility for breast health here).
CR0 -
Good day for me!CR1954 said:I also..........
I also have Blue Cross. I called & they told me that they would cover 2 bras a year. However, when I went and was fitted for the bras at the mastectomy supply boutique (fortunate enough to have one nearby), they told me that I was allowed 4 bras in a calendar year. So, I got 4 and I also got my prosthesis and Blue cross covered all of the cost.
I did need a prescription though. Just ask your surgeon or breast specialist for one. (also fortunate enough to have a facility for breast health here).
CR
Called the insurance guru, she said I'd get 2 (*)s per year, and 2 bras. And then she said those words I'm sure we all love to hear: "After you've met your deductible, of course". I just started laughing, told her I'd met my big deductible by the middle of the first month of the year..chemo is costly! Ha! I beat the insurance company for once!! She said "Let me look...oooh, yes, I guess you did!".
She had very little info on where I could get what I wanted,(c'mon, BC, you really should have a list of resources available), and ended up telling me to go to Nordstrom's. So, I called them (it's a 4 hour drive one way) and made an appointment for Sat. I was cool with that, I love to drive, and it was a sure bet DH wouldn't want to go with me.
Next, I call my road trip buddy, my best friend, my sister, who is also an oncology nurse. Asked her if she was up for a trip, and told her why. She said "Why go all the way downstate? We have a pharmacy supply shop right here that does that". She said she hadn't mentioned it to me cos she didn't know if I was ready for that step yet. (She's been with me for this whole journey, a true blessing. Gawd, I hate it that she's so darn good!!!) So, I called the store, scheduled an appointment, and by this weekend, I'll be "even". I will also, for the first time in my life, probably be wearing the right sized bra! I used to be so modest, I'd undress UNDER my nightgown at night. Now, heck, I don't care who sees what! Too bad I don't have a hot bod, my DH would sure like that! Poor man!
So, all I need now is an Rx from a doc, (ins co said any doc will do), and I'm seeing my GP tomorrow, so I'm all set.
Now, I just want to know....what is the coolest form to get? Not as in "fashionable", but temp wise. I hate being hot.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your input! This site is wonderful!
(Oh, and the insurance lady agrees with me: Victoria's Secret really ought to provide this service for free...they make gazillions out of telling us how "perky" and "smokin'" we should be...they could at least supply the materials!)0 -
I don't know what it is!Skeezie said:Hi MickyMom, A question,
you said your new boob is different material than the all silicone and is not hot....what is the material? I am due for a new one in Oct (get a new one every year and ins pays) and I want to check it out. I lost 30 lbs. with chemo but not enough for the ins to pay for a new one, must lose about 30 more and I figure that will be about Oct. I love the way my boob looks, but if I could get a cooler one that would be great. Does it hang the same way the silicone does? Is it as heavy? My fakie weighs about the same as my real one so I'm concerned about that.
(*) (*) (those are supposed to be boobs) Judy :-)
The front is silicone - a very thin layer - so it looks like my old one from the front. The back is a thinner, very pliable material and the whole inside it's kind of squishy substance that is moveable and feels a lot more like a regular boob. It's about a third lighter than my old one, so it's still heavy enough to hang the same way. So far we haven't had much hot weather where I live (crappy spring in the pacific northwest) but the few days in the 70's that we had were fine. I can tell you that when I have one of my many hot flashes everyday, I don't even notice it. I just wish the little hummers weren't so expensive!0 -
Love Your Attitude!bluwillo said:Good day for me!
Called the insurance guru, she said I'd get 2 (*)s per year, and 2 bras. And then she said those words I'm sure we all love to hear: "After you've met your deductible, of course". I just started laughing, told her I'd met my big deductible by the middle of the first month of the year..chemo is costly! Ha! I beat the insurance company for once!! She said "Let me look...oooh, yes, I guess you did!".
She had very little info on where I could get what I wanted,(c'mon, BC, you really should have a list of resources available), and ended up telling me to go to Nordstrom's. So, I called them (it's a 4 hour drive one way) and made an appointment for Sat. I was cool with that, I love to drive, and it was a sure bet DH wouldn't want to go with me.
Next, I call my road trip buddy, my best friend, my sister, who is also an oncology nurse. Asked her if she was up for a trip, and told her why. She said "Why go all the way downstate? We have a pharmacy supply shop right here that does that". She said she hadn't mentioned it to me cos she didn't know if I was ready for that step yet. (She's been with me for this whole journey, a true blessing. Gawd, I hate it that she's so darn good!!!) So, I called the store, scheduled an appointment, and by this weekend, I'll be "even". I will also, for the first time in my life, probably be wearing the right sized bra! I used to be so modest, I'd undress UNDER my nightgown at night. Now, heck, I don't care who sees what! Too bad I don't have a hot bod, my DH would sure like that! Poor man!
So, all I need now is an Rx from a doc, (ins co said any doc will do), and I'm seeing my GP tomorrow, so I'm all set.
Now, I just want to know....what is the coolest form to get? Not as in "fashionable", but temp wise. I hate being hot.
Thank you all SO MUCH for your input! This site is wonderful!
(Oh, and the insurance lady agrees with me: Victoria's Secret really ought to provide this service for free...they make gazillions out of telling us how "perky" and "smokin'" we should be...they could at least supply the materials!)
Hi Bluwillo!
You have such a positive attitude, you'll do just fine! I'm a little over two years from my own "blip on the screen". I had a masectomy and opted not to reconstruct ( Playboy had not been calling asking me to be their centerfold so I figured why bother!). I have a great fake boob shop nearby and the ladies there were wonderful getting me what I needed. I find it ironic that I had to loose a boob to get a bra that finally fit me band wise!My insurance paid for the prothesis and I got two - I'm not exactly sure what they are made out of but they feel pretty darn real and even have a nipple! My current insurance pays for two bras a year - such a deal! I've never had to replace my initial prothesis - they both look like new and I pretty much wear them all the time, alternating them. Sometimes in the summer when it's really hot and humid ( I live in NC) I'll wear a padded masectomy bra that has the pockets and I'll insert what I refer to as shells in the one side. I would definitely reccommend that you get fitted for the bras and the prothesis but it sounds like you have that covered. I don't know when you had your surgery, but I wasn't allowed to be fitted for either 6 or 8 weeks after surgery ( you need time to heal).
Good luck with your fittings and your treatment. Hugs, Sally0 -
Thanks Miss MurphyMiss Murphy said:Love Your Attitude!
Hi Bluwillo!
You have such a positive attitude, you'll do just fine! I'm a little over two years from my own "blip on the screen". I had a masectomy and opted not to reconstruct ( Playboy had not been calling asking me to be their centerfold so I figured why bother!). I have a great fake boob shop nearby and the ladies there were wonderful getting me what I needed. I find it ironic that I had to loose a boob to get a bra that finally fit me band wise!My insurance paid for the prothesis and I got two - I'm not exactly sure what they are made out of but they feel pretty darn real and even have a nipple! My current insurance pays for two bras a year - such a deal! I've never had to replace my initial prothesis - they both look like new and I pretty much wear them all the time, alternating them. Sometimes in the summer when it's really hot and humid ( I live in NC) I'll wear a padded masectomy bra that has the pockets and I'll insert what I refer to as shells in the one side. I would definitely reccommend that you get fitted for the bras and the prothesis but it sounds like you have that covered. I don't know when you had your surgery, but I wasn't allowed to be fitted for either 6 or 8 weeks after surgery ( you need time to heal).
Good luck with your fittings and your treatment. Hugs, Sally
I had the mast. in Oct....I think. Chemo brain is really real!!Now I'm healing from the rads. I just hope they have cotton bras...I was just young enough to miss burning a bra, cos I didn't own one. And then never owned one till after child #1, wore as seldom as possible. Gotta admit, I like going without one now, but only at home. And since I'm job hunting, I guess i ought to look "even"....on the outside at least!
Did you ladies know that a black, skirted suit is still considered de regeur for interviews? I was told that today when I went to a "mock interview". Since I've only gone on one interview in the last 15 years, I figured I needed the practice. My most important question to the interviewer? "What's the fashion 411 for interviews?" A suit, and pantyhose even! Crimeny, it's 80 degrees and humid, and we still have to tart up??? Oh, well, if I'm lucky enough to get the interview, I'll suck it up and do it.
Thanks for the good wishes!0 -
PANTYHOSE !!!???bluwillo said:Thanks Miss Murphy
I had the mast. in Oct....I think. Chemo brain is really real!!Now I'm healing from the rads. I just hope they have cotton bras...I was just young enough to miss burning a bra, cos I didn't own one. And then never owned one till after child #1, wore as seldom as possible. Gotta admit, I like going without one now, but only at home. And since I'm job hunting, I guess i ought to look "even"....on the outside at least!
Did you ladies know that a black, skirted suit is still considered de regeur for interviews? I was told that today when I went to a "mock interview". Since I've only gone on one interview in the last 15 years, I figured I needed the practice. My most important question to the interviewer? "What's the fashion 411 for interviews?" A suit, and pantyhose even! Crimeny, it's 80 degrees and humid, and we still have to tart up??? Oh, well, if I'm lucky enough to get the interview, I'll suck it up and do it.
Thanks for the good wishes!
Yuck, you poor kid. Hope you get the job. Let us know...
Hugs, Judy :-)0 -
Enjoy your road tripbluwillo said:Woo Hoo!
I've never been to a Nordstrom's, but that sounds like a road trip, and that sounds like FUN! I seriously need some fun about now. I'll call the insurance gurus tomorrow and get this figured out. It's so nice to hear that I can try on stuff before I'm stuck with it. Thanks so much!
going to bed with a smile on my face!
Enjoy your road trip bluwillo! You do have a great attitude!0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.6K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 308 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 395 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 791 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 234 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 56 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.4K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 534 Sarcoma
- 719 Skin Cancer
- 646 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards