Breast Prostheses - a little online research
Breast Prostheses 101
Ref: http://canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au/breast-cancer/living-with-breast-cancer/breast-prostheses
An external breast prosthesis is an artificial breast worn inside the bra to give shape to clothes. A prosthesis can be used after a mastectomy and sometimes after breast conserving surgery.An external breast prosthesis is designed to match the colour, size and shape of the other breast. It’s specially weighted so that it feels and moves like the other breast. Many women find that wearing a prosthesis helps them feel better about how they look after surgery. A prosthesis can also help improve balance and posture.
Types of breast prosthesis
There are different types of breast prosthesis:
- a temporary prosthesis is a soft, light prosthesis given to a woman at the hospital to wear for the first 6 weeks or so after surgery
- a permanent prosthesis is properly weighted and fitted to match the other breast
- a lightweight breast form is specially designed for swimming and can be worn inside a swimming costume
- a partial prosthesis (also called a shaper, bra booster or shell prosthesis) may be suitable for some women after breast conserving surgery.
or from Wikipedia.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_prostheses
Breast Form - what & how from Cancer Council ...
Ref: http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=2136
Introduction
This information has been written for women who have had all or part of a breast removed because of cancer, and are thinking about getting a breast form (prosthesis).
Many people feel understandably shocked and upset when they are told they have breast cancer, and need a mastectomy or breast conservation surgery. For many women their breasts symbolise many things: femininity, sexual attractiveness and motherhood. They may influence her body image and self-confidence. It’s no wonder losing a breast can affect how you feel about yourself.
Or Download the PDF from:
Where to buy them?
Ask your Breast Care Nurse to Help. Here are some sites I found online through my research. (Sorry, I don't have any personal experience. But please contribute for thoes who has some advise)
http://www.opchealth.com.au/mastectomy-products.aspx?pid=10
http://www.spiritoflifeboutique.com/category.aspx?id=6
Sizing Charts
http://www.spiritoflifeboutique.com/default.aspx?id=8
Medicare Aust: External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program ...$$
The Australian Government has committed $31 million over five years to provide a reimbursement of up to $400 for both new and replacement external breast prostheses for Australian women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. The program aims to ensure national consistency in the provision of support towards the cost of external breast prostheses.Read more at:
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/breast-prostheses.jsp
BCNA - Breast Prosthesis Campaign (history info)
http://www.bcna.org.au/about-bcna/advocacy/campaigns#BreastProsthesis
Blog Contributors Required on this TOPIC, i.e. "Buying Breast Prostheses: Personal Experience"
If you have any personal experiences of DO's and Don'ts regarding purchasing breast prostheses, please give us a line or two in this blog. As I don't have any personal experiences. So I am only gathering info to put this together. But I think it would be helpful to everyone to have a lists of Tips. As Breast Prostheses are expensive investment, so any personal insight and advise would be great!
What's next, just click on "Create blog Post", and start writing. Reminder: Tags "Breast Prostheses"
good night ladies.
