Forum Discussion
Karma03
5 years agoMember
Taking the next step - buying prothesis
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.
25 Replies
- StarGirlMemberThank you very much everyone
- SisterMember@stargirl There are a number of places in Adelaide that can help you but SA Mobile Breast Care will come to your home. I find Krista and Barbara really nice to deal with and they know their stuff. It's so convenient to be able to try the things at home as you can always check how they work with your clothes.
- LocksleyMember@StarGirl did you get in touch with geneovieve from breast care Victoria thst iserbrown posted.
- FLCloverMemberOh ok. If you were in Sydney I would’ve given you contacts to the lovely lady who fitted me. I hope you find someone good 🤞♥️
- iserbrownMember@StarGirl
This link from the BCNA website should answer your questions
https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/breast-prostheses/ - StarGirlMemberThank you for your help ladies.
@FLClover I am in Adelaide
@Locksley how do you find a breast care nurse? I have never had one.
Who was it did your fitting?
Is there a company or someone I could call? I have seen amoena on line, but they seem very expensive. Does Medicare cover everyone? How does the claim work? Is it like at the doctors or different?Sorry for all the questions! I feel like I must have missed something somewhere in the process and am consequently clueless 😳 - iserbrownMemberExcellent!
Hugs! - LocksleyMember@iserbrown and @StarGirl this is the lady who fitted me. She is lovely.
- Karma03MemberSo thankful for all your comments everybody. It is wonderful just to have a bit feedback from others that have been through the same. I had my fitting and l really don't know what l was worried about. I have Amoena also and the feel and look so natural. It was a very warm and humid day up here in North Qld so it was good to know how comfortable they were even in the hottest of weather. Thanks for your support.