Hi all
I had breast cancer last year, completed treatment in about sept but then found out I have the palb2 gene mutation. I had a double mastectomy 31/3. I have a fitting for prosthesis on 30/5, I’m just wondering (maybe a stupid question) do I need to take a bra with me, or is it also a bra fitting??
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I had to take a bra with me, but it’s probably worth checking. I seem to remember they said lots turn up without a bra!
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Hi @jax4
My commiserations to you for being in this situation.
However I found having a second mastectomy actually simplified the whole prosthesis issue, no longer trying to match sides. The service might vary in different areas but I was certainly provided with both bra and prostheses. Your breastcare nurses could probably answer your questions about the local service. Otherwise if you have a pocketed bra already, no harm to take it with you.
You will, however, be able to choose whatever cup size you fancy being. I was delighted to upscale from a 34AA to 34C, for example. I was given prostheses and bra on the NHS, plus swimwear prostheses. Both Amoena and Nicola Jane (online) do a wider range of bras/prostheses than what I was given. There are other specialist companies also. The fitting consultant will tell you more about it.
Good luck with it all. Believe me, it is uplifting in more ways than one 
Regards
Eily 
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Great thank you, I’d better dig one out just in case!
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Hi @jax4 , yes, do take several bras with you. Full cup is best for holding a prosthesis. Also wear a fitting t shirt of similar so you can see the effect under clothes. Your post surgery pathology report should have recorded the weight of each breast tissue removed. This is helpful to know for matching weight of prostheses if you want the same size and weight. I was really happy with my nhs prosthesis. It is warm, comfortable, and feels like a natural breast. I hope your fitting goes well. Love Tulip xxx
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Thanks Elly, only had a lumpectomy the first time, both gone now though 
Think I’ll take one, just in case. Thanks for your reply
Oooh, that’s interesting, I’d love to know how much they weighed. I’d guess not a lot, B cup at best 
Thanks for your reply xx
Hiya, I had fitting for a single prosthesis recently and although I was wearing a bra I decided to buy one from the fitter as she had measured me and gave me advice about fitting too. I only got the prosthesis on the NHS, i paid for the bra.
I was really pleased with the fit and feel of the prosthesis, I hope you are too. X
Hi @jax4 My left breast tissue weighed 232g. I am 32c or 34b depending on the style. X
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Thank you. I still don’t know how I feel about it. I haven’t been wearing anything since my op, so it’s going to be strange
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The others on here may have had different experiences and probably depends on hospital and staff. You do need to bring a bra, but my own experience was far from a bra fitting.
You’re asked to put on your bra and then the nurse just guessed what prosthesis you could have by eye.
At the time, i had quite large breasts 42DD, so she just chose the largest and heaviest. When that didn’t go down well, she suggested i could rummage through an old box under a table of padded styles, but would have to wash it first.
No tape measure or consideration for the patient was involved.
I made another appointment to get it changed to something smaller and lighter. Fortunately, she wasn’t at that appointment.
I hope you have a good prosthesis appointment and treated with respect regarding a very personal issue.
Best of luck.
Hi @jax4
I had single mastectomy , I wore post op bra with pockets she popped it in to see what would look like . Also wore a T-shirt as well to see what prosthesis looked like under clothes , the NHS ones are heavy but you will find other places to buy lighter ones , I also wear Knitted knockers which are comfy . Good luck x
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I’m really sorry you didn’t have a good experience with your fitting. Sounded really unprofessional and just what you didn’t need!
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