I am 41 and this will be my first summer with a prosthesis.
Anyone care to give their experiences with airport security (Europe), hot weather, swimming with the kids and summer clothing please?
I don’t have personal experience, but I do know that you can get special swimming prosthesis. I think they are quite expensive though.
Ann
Hi lolly
The BCC booklet about prostheses may have some answers for you, here’s the link:
Take care
Lucy BCC
Nicola Jane do some vest tops with built in bra which I was thinking of trying. They’re very helpful there so perhaps worth a call for advice on swimming…
Hello,
I have had experience with the Aqua Wave Swimming prosthesis from Amoena. I find it really works for me it is 30% lighter than my normal prosthesis and fits really well into my swimming costume. I have been abroad several times and have never experienced any problems. When the weather is really warm I have worn my softy prosthesis as this is really light and not so sweaty. Good luck and enjoy your holiday x
Hi lolly
I am 53 had mx in July last year, chemo then rads which finished late January. As a treat before returning to work this week went to Gran Canaria in February.
I was anxious about airport security and body scanners but had no problems.
I bought a swim prosthesis from amoena in the sale (£45) and a mastectomy One piece costume, also in the sale. I successfully went in the pool whilst away and felt quite confident that I looked fine, no drooping etc.
Some swimwear is as dear as the mastectomy ones in the sale. I also got a halter neck bandeau one on eBay for £19.99, it was a Nicola Jane one and looks great on and is not too low to show anything.
Hope this helps
Charity11
Hi Lolly
The first time I went on a sun holiday with a prothesis. I took two swimming, a weighted foam, plus my standard silicone form. A lot of extra baggage. The swim prothesis works as you can put it into your costume so you can dress and undress without fiddling. You can use your silicone swim form for everyday wear, but if you have a bean bag form it will need drying time. I like my weighted foam softy as it is comfy in the evening or in bed. What has change my life and perception of my prothesis is my contact form that sits on my skin and has made all the difference when excersising, playing with my grandchildren and just everyday living.
I have bought a special costume and I have got a special strappy vest top all great with my protheses. Most of all enjoy the summer and sun. I am careful with extra suncream following radiotherapy. You can get loads of help from the different suppliers, Nicola Jane, Amoena, Red Ribbon, Royce. The first two have excellent customer service, I have not contacted the last two.
Hope this helps Nette
You can get a swimming prosthesis from hospital… I had an Amoena one and their swim costumes are so comfortable and don’t gap at top. I actually looked better in a swim costume than I did before my mastectomy. I still have one even though I’ve had recon. I also got an amazing sarong from White Stuff last year. I used to mention prosthesis when going through scan but stopped, as don’t think it’s necessary. Don’t forget to get a swimming prosthesis as others are to heavy in the water and get too hot if sitting poolside. Have a great holiday… You deserve it. PS I didn’t have to pay for my swim prosthesis I got mine via Macmillan BC Nurse. Just should also mention that if you get in a jacuzzi with implant you swim cossie top blows up like a balloon… so I just put my arms over my chest to stop this happening. (I now have implants and the same happens with them but more so) Have fun!