Forum Discussion
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
- Hi @StarGirl your breast care nurse should have some contacts in your state, suburb.
- Which city are you in @StarGirl? Or close to which city?
- 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.
- 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. - Thank you for your advice.
- 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.
- 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 - 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. - 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.
