Forum Discussion

Sharon_Leigh's avatar
Sharon_Leigh
Member
12 years ago

Breast Prosthesis / Prostheses - Support Post Mastectomy

I thought breast prostheses (plural) or a prosthesis, was just for women who had a mastectomy and had decided against reconstruction. For months, I had been wearing a mastectomy front opening bra (kindly sent to me by BCNA and donated by Berlei), with a soft pillow inserted, where I had my right breast removed, following breast cancer diagnosis. I knew about the Medicare rebate of up to $400 for a single prosthesis, but as I was going ahead with reconstruction, I thought I didn't need to bother with a prosthesis. How wrong I was. Thankfully, I recently saw a featured ad in the local newspaper for a mobile bra fitting and prosthesis service called 'Lily Bliss To You'. I soon discovered that BCNA have this wonderful service listed on their own website in the Local Services Directory with contact details and a link off to Lily Bliss To You brochure. After contacting Lily on her mobile, I emailed her and made some enquiries as I was concerned about the summer season approaching. I was worried about swimming in a full piece costume, with only a mini bra pillow for support, which would have got soggy in the sea. I was just too embarrassed to go to the beach. Anyway, Lily DeSantis, who provides a mobile service to hospitals, homes and businesses, brought along a fantastic prosthesis which is made of silicone (made in France) and waterproof! So easy to clean with just warm water and soap. Dries very quickly and looks absolutely wonderful with clothes and a cosy! Also there is a rebate from Medicare. Brilliant! I still have reconstruction to follow, and then I can donate my prosthesis back to Lily to pass onto some one in need (Fiji women). I totally recommend 'Lily Bliss To You' for those who have undergone a mastectomy or just need a mastectomy bra. Lily also had a lovely lightweight black, tan or pink love hearts, front opening mastectomy bras with pocket inserts for prostheses or pillows. I bought one of these lightweight bras because it was SO comfortable. If you live in the Illawarra / Wollongong, Southern Highlands or South Sydney regions, feel free to call "Lily Bliss To You". -- Lily DeSantis on M: 0421 034 531 or email: lilyblisstoyou@gmail.com Lily Bliss To a You is a BCNA member (health sector)
  • Maree1's avatar
    Maree1
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks Kristen. Now I now I am not one of the few women with this problem but one of many. Still early days for me as I had my op in November 2013 and radiation January this year. Thanks again. x.

  • Maree1's avatar
    Maree1
    Member
    11 years ago

    Until recently I went to get evaluated for a prothesis and realised my sore neck was from not wearing one! But having a lil problem as my surgeon took a fair bit of tissue leaving me with a lil concave area where the prothesis has to go. And as I had 17 lymp nodes removed after radiation the swelling has not gone away. Regardless of the exercises recommended by the physiotherapist. Anyone else got this problem?

  • Sharon_Leigh's avatar
    Sharon_Leigh
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Kirsten.

    Loved your post. Lily is absolutely fabulous. Thanks for supporting her and her business "Lily Bliss to You".