Taking the next step - buying prothesis

Karma03 · January 14

Hi, I haven't posted for a number of months as I have been settling in to my new life with no breasts and trying to get my energy levels back. I had a bilateral mastectomy in February last year and spent chemo and my 60th birthday in lockdown. I am now on Letrozel for 5 years but otherwise life is more or less back to normal. I had lots of support from my church and my work friends during the whole ordeal so I was very blessed. I am not sure about anyone else but it is when chemo had finished and I went back to work that I found the hardest. My life was just not quite the same as it had been, apart from the physical which was magnified by the fact that my belly seemed to swell during chemo - (I look like a pregnant woman and full term at that) but I just can't seem to shake the fatigue and I need to be careful not to be too hard on myself and let my thoughts run away from me. I look at myself sometimes and think "Oh my gosh...". I have finally decided to try getting a prothesis as I am tired of trying to adjust my bra with the chicken fillet moving all the time. If I don't wear the bra, which is far more comfortable, I really look like I am all belly. I would love some feedback on the breat prothesis you can purchase from others who have them. Are they heavy? Do they move around all the time like the stuffed ones we got in the care packs? Is there anywhere that you can go to get used ones to try before you outlay the money? It just feels like another step that brings back the reminder of having cancer. Sorry it probably seems silly to be so thrown by looking at getting these prothesis but it just brings the reality of life back to me I guess. Any feedback is really appreciated.

Locksley · January 14

Hi karma03 I got fitted during lockdown in Melbourne thank goodness. It was considered as essential care. I had a left mascectomy. The brand that was recommended to me was Anita. It's very comfortable silicone fabric. I Wash it in warm soapy water and dry it with a towel. Looks very natural through my clothes and doesn't slip like my knitted knocker does. Cost $400 but fully covered by Medicare.

Karma03 · January 14

Thanks Locksley. That's reassuring.

Afraser · January 14

Depending on where you are, best to be personally fitted, there are various types and people vary in what they like best. I had a soft pad for a year (single mastectomy)and a proper prosthesis not only felt better but sorted out the twist in my spine which had developed. Myer can fit but there are also specialists who may fit at home. Best wishes.

Karma03 · January 14

Thanks Afraser.

AllyJay · January 14

I also had a bilateral mastectomy in 2017. I found that the soft "stuffies"....I got the care package ones, plus I had crocheted ones as well as a pair of Knitted Knockers from a fellow knitter. With all of them, if I lifted my arms just a little, the whole bra, foam titties and all, would end up just under the collar bones. I was then fitted with two Amoena silicone gel prosthetic breasts and as they are heavier and fit closely to what's left of my chest, they more or less stay put. Having said that, even when I had my own 18D breasts and wore a bra, I was always fiddling with it to bring it down. I have very narrow and somewhat sloping shoulders and so had to have the straps fairly tight or the shoulder straps would just slip down. If I had better shoulders, this would probably not be an issue at all and all would stay where it had been placed. They cost me 2 X $400.00 and the entire $800.00 was reimbursed to me, in full by medicare within a week of the claim.

Karma03 · January 14

Thanks Allyjay. I am feeling encouraged. I have had exactly the same issues with my soft fillets and bra moving up all the time and it irritates my skin with all the movement. Its encouraging to hear that there is vast improvement with the prosthesis.

June1952 · January 15

I have tried the Amoena and the Trulife over the 6 years and just want to say to get some advice re the climate where you live. Also, do you think you sweat much ?
My preference for a humid climate, but very cold in winter, is the Trulife as it fits snugly around the bumpy scarring. It has a soft interior, feels like custard powder !
As you need two, you could perhaps wear the stick-on type. (No good for one mx only, though, as they then don't match the original version very well).
Important to get properly fitted as they will advise re the size and feel etc. You have the freedom to go bigger or smaller but that advice as to what really suits the rest of you is important.
Private message me if you would like to chat.

Caz1 · January 15

Hi @Karma03 I have the Amoena prosthesis. I don’t wear it all the time, just if I’m out and about. It’s very comfortable and you can’t tell it’s fake. I also have one for swimming laps which is Amoena too and it’s also great. The swimming one was not reimbursed by Medicare but the everyday one was. I got fitted by a breastcare nurse, she was an expert, I would recommend you do this to make sure you the right size.

Caz xxxxxx

Sister · January 16

Echoing others...you definitely need to get fitted as there is a range of shapes and sizes out there, as well as types. As you have both off, you won't need to worry too much about matching the weight but you will want to be comfortable. I'm guessing that as you have mentioned lockdown, you are probably in Victoria - I know the ladies in the tropical areas can struggle with the breastforms. Personally, I use an Amoena form which looks and feels "normal" - I just hate wearing bras. I do have a stickon one as well but not so keen on it. The one I wear most has been going now for almost 3 years without any issue. I have an Amoena swimming form as well which has also been going for nearly 3 years. I have never tried Truelife so can't comment on the difference but it may just come down to whichever brand is easiest for you to access. I have a fairly smooth scar so don't have any problems that way. You will, of course, need bras that can take a breastform. If you have private health cover, don't forget to check if you're covered for mastectomy garments.

Karma03 · January 17

Thank you for your advice.

Afraser · January 17

Mine’s an Amoena too and I also
use their bras (preference, you don’t have to, but a proper prosthesis bra with pockets keeps everything in place). You will need to replace it some time - I wear mine every day and need a new one about every two years. Rebates match that usage. Best wishes.

StarGirl · January 23

Could someone please tell me? How and where do you get fitted for a prosthesis? Who should I contact? I had a mastectomy in 2018 and have been struggling with DIY padding since.