Hello ladies
I am hoping somone can suggest something to help me please. I have just got back from holiday and managed just fine with my swimsuit and swim prosthesis. However, when I wore my bikini, the top rode up slightly so I was sort of a bit lop-sided. It wasnt much and I am sure no-one really noticed, but I knew I wasnt ‘level’! The swim prosthesis I have is just a simple sponge one which has no weight. I dont really want to spend money on a ‘better’ prosthesis yet, as I am still undercided whether I will have a recon or not. I want to go through this summer and see how I manage in the warmer weather before making any decisions.
So, what I want to know is, can anyone suggest something I can put in the pocket to weigh down the sponge? Obviously I have to take into account what will happen once its wet. I dont want stuff falling out of the bottom! I am not particulary big busted, 36D, prosthesis is size 7.
Thanks for your help!
Joan xx
Hi Joan
Please call our helpliners as they may have some ideas for you, lines are open 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 saturdays on 0808 800 6000
Take care
Lucy
Thanks Lucy, will do!
Joan
HI Patchit, I haven’t yet got to the place where I can swim yet, but my breast care nurse has suggested using small weights (such as curtain weights, the ones like buttons) sewn into the lining. I have not tried this yet, so don’t know if it would work, but might be worth a try. Would be delighted to know what works!
Best wishes,
Christine
Hi Christine
Thanks for your reply and the suggestion from your BCN. I will try the curtain weights, they sound like a good idea. I’m not going away again until June, but will try to remember to post again about how I get on. I may go swimming before then but wouldnt wear a bikini down the local leisure centre for fear of clearing the pool!!
Best wishes for your recovery
Joan xx
Hi Patchit
I use my normal prosthesis to go swimming and have used it with my bikini too. I rinse it with cold water afterwards and it doesn’t seem to have caused any damage to it.
Christine
x
I was shown a proper swimming prosthesis when i get my normal one. They are more or less the same except they are slightly hollow on the inside and are a little lighter. the nurse told me its ok to swim with a normal prosthesis and wont cause it too much damage but one of the main reasons for not using it is the weight. She said you may notice when you get out of the water that 1 side is still draining water or a little lower than the other due to the weight. She also said if you were to do things like say have a water fight in your clothes, the side with the prosthesis would take a lot longer to dry that the normal side so it would be a bit obvious. The swimming prosthesis are only around £30 to but so maybe it would be worth investing in one even if it is just for a few months. Hope this helps.
Sian x
Christine, thanks for your reply, I have tried my bikini on with my everyday prosthesis but it is just too heavy. Maybe I have a different type than you have but mine would not be any good. Glad you get on with yours o though. I didnt think the chlorine would actually damage it, its just a problem with the weight.
Sian, that’s much cheaper than I thought it would be. I know the everyday ones can be quite expensive so just didnt look to see how much the swimming ones are. Thanks for the tip!
Joan xxx
Hi Patchit. Not posted for ages and ages but started chemo etc at the same time as a lot of you in March last year. Although not posted have a look at post most days. Noticed your post regards about swim prosthesis. I am a swimming teacher so it is a must for what i do. I bought a swim one in silicone which works and stays put very well and not very heavy cost about £35.00 so not bad at all when you feel comfy and secure. Cant speak for a bikini though but in swim costume great. Have a great time in brum sounds good the last time. Pam
Hello Patchit
I was given an Amoena Aqua Wave swim prosthesis from my BCN (free in Wales). Although it appears bigger it is the same size, but weighs more, than my everyday prosthesis…and it is oh so comfy.
I have only gone in the swimming pool a few times since having my mastectomy, but have done very little swimming.
My swim prosthesis is ridged, therefore you do not have to “drain” the water away from the back like you would if wearing your everyday prosthesis for swimming.
Hi, I’m new to this forum. I had a mastectomy in Jan 2012. I havea prosthesis by amoena which is self adhesive. You wear normal bras and can swim with it. I’ve been using it since Oct every day, and it has been a godsend. Its comfy, and you just forget that its there. I just wish that I had waited before getting a prosthesis that fits into a pocket in your bra ( which I couldn’t get used to) and then I would have been able to get it on the nhs.
Hi Makem58
Glad to hear you are gettin gon ok with your amoena. They do take some getting used to! I am fine with my everyday one now but it was a good few months before I got to that point. I think I will buy a swim prosthesis from Nicola Jane. They are under £30 and even if I only use it infrequently, its probably worth the investment.
Best wishes
Joan xx
Hi Patchit, Like Oyster I was having my treatment in wales and was given a sports/swim prosthesis as well as a normal set (bilateral mx) by my bcn for free, not sure if you just need to ask for them. x
hi patchit, i have just been reading you post, i found a site her name is nicola jane she had breast cancer herself she will send you a catalugue for prothesis, bras, swim suits, are have just bought one called beenie boob but there are alot of others. if you just goole nicola jane prothesises it will com up hope this helps. lorraine x
From what I can see, it’s only free in Wales. : ( . I’ve just bought the swimsuit, and am debating the prosthesis problem–Lorraine, I never even though of one of those been-a-boobs!! What a great idea–I don’t like the idea of having to squeeze the foam one out, but I just can’t afford the posh amoena aqua-wave. What’s it like to swim with it? Does it ride up? I think I’m going to order it!
Quail x
Hi
i have a hollow backed swim prothesis & a bean bag and both are great. The bean bag is fab in bikinis as it doesn’t show, takes a while to dry but doesn’t leave wet patch or drip if that makes sense. I use the swim prothesis in my costume for long swims. Neither ride up. I have jumped off boats into the sea, worn wetsuits & both have been absolutely fine, you would never k ow I had mx.
hope that helps
sx
Hi ladies, just popped in from february valentines to ask for some advice. I had an mx and an anc in december. I dont seem to be able to find a bra that sits comfortably, dosent gape on the top when i kean forward, and doesnt leave marks where it presses into the skin on my anc area and shoulder. Does anyone have any suggestions as i dont want to chance get lymphodema because of not wearing the correct type of bra. I live in spain and dont have the same support or freebies as you have in the uk. Any thoughts appreciated. xxx
Hi
I swear by Royce mastectomy bras, but it was trial & error getting to find a brand that suited me. I was measured at John Lewis & then again at a BCC lingere evening one was 36d & the other 38c so obviously not an exact science. Is there somewhere you can get measured & then order on line? Now I have found a brand that fits well it is much easier to buy on line.
Hope this helps
s x
Thanks s, i will certainly give that a try.
I have a Royce bra also, and it is pretty much the only one I like to wear, but I am small breasted and if you are not, it may make a difference what you like.