FAQ: Life After Breast Surgery*

faq

Just as before the surgery it is important to build a wardrobe of choices. It is important to keep a variety of styles of bras and prostheses. Multiple options will provide many different combinations that allow for choices according to your daily activity level.

*Every person heals differently and stages may vary.
Q: Why is wearing a breast prosthesis important for a post-mastectomy patient?
While recreating a pre-surgery appearance helps meet the psychological need for a positive self-esteem, the use of a breast prosthesis also serves a physiological purpose by restoring natural balance and carriage of body weight. Not wearing a breast prosthesis, can create:
• Spinal curvature
• Shoulder drop
• Balance problems
• Muscle contractual and stretching/neck and back pain
• Clothing to fit inappropriately due to chest wall variations

Q: When wearing a breast prosthesis, why is wearing a post-mastectomy bra recommended?
A pocketed post-mastectomy bra is advised because…
• The pocketed bra creates security for the prosthesis and allows the form to move with the body.
• The mastectomy bra is designed to allow a higher fit under the arm where tissue may be missing.
• The straps are set closer in the back to help balance the prosthesis weight.
• Side frames help support, anchor, and balance the band around the body.

Q: If reconstruction is planned, will a prosthesis be needed?
Since decisions related to reconstruction need not be scheduled at the time of the initial surgery, patients can choose to bridge the time with a prosthesis that maintains body alignment and provides shape to the individual profile.

Q: How often should fittings be repeated?
It is suggested that new measurements be taken as often as every 6 months until the body has stabilized. Anatomical changes may include swelling, weight loss/gain and changes in shape.

Q: When am I allowed to get new garments and/or prostheses?
Most insurances allow at least 6 new garments per year. Many insurances will say as medically necessary; which is about 8-10 per year. It is important to remember the expected lifetime of a bra is only 6 months. A silicone prosthesis can be replaced once every two
years. And a foam form can get replaced once every six months. However, everyone’s insurance is different and will need to be contacted before new garments and prostheses are provided.

Q: Do the silicone or foam prostheses trigger security alarms at airports or in retail department stores?
Silicone prostheses are not known to trigger alarm systems. However, materials used in the weighted foam prosthesis are made up of a metal/gel weight and could potentially be sensitive to security alarms. If you have a foam prosthesis just be aware that the prosthesis does contain metal. But it does not need to be a concern, it’s just important to be aware. If you are concerned a prescription from your physician can be provided.

Q: Can a silicone breast prosthesis be used in the swimming pool, hot tub, or salt water?
Many manufacturers indicate their products can be used in either a swimming pool or hot tub, but we will suggest that a specifically designed swim form be used if you are in chlorinated water regularly. Otherwise, the breast form you were provided with can be worn in a pool or hot tub. The prosthesis will need to be washed well with a mild soap and left to air dry after each use.

Choosing the External Breast Prosthesis (Form) after Mastectomy

In the Chart below
– Choose the cup size
– Follow the row horizontally, to find the bra band size
– Follow this column vertically down to the breast form (external Prosthesis), the number in this square gives you the prosthesis size.
– This is a guide for the size of external prosthesis, however for a perfect fit a size up or down may be needed

Size_ChartClick on Image for larger view

Source : www.icancare.org

Supportive Cancer Care

ICanCare
Supportive care makes excellent cancer care possible, supported by excellent science to enhance the lives of people on the cancer journey.

The critical importance of supportive cancer care is increasingly being recognized.

ICANCARE will provide the newest information on the symptoms and complications of cancer treatment, methods to minimize cancer induced side effects and common psychosocial challenges.

Supportive Care?

Supportive Care in Cancer is the prevention and management of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. This includes management of physical and psychological symptoms and side effects across the continuum of the cancer experience from diagnosis through anticancer treatment to post-treatment care. Enhancing rehabilitation, secondary cancer prevention, survivor ship and end of life care are integral to Supportive Care.

* Alleviates symptoms and complications of cancer

* Reduces or prevents toxicities of treatment

* Supports communication with patients about their disease and prognosis

* Allows patients to tolerate and benefit from active therapy more easily

* Eases emotional burden of patients and care givers

* Helps cancer survivors with psychological and social problems

ICANCARE is committed to make the cancer journey a pleasurable experience.

Together we can…..