I am having problems finding suitable swimwear and a prosthesis. I am quite small busted and have had a mastectomy. It seems impossible to find AA swimwear and just A seems limited but the main problem is that I can’t find a lightweight prosthesis smaller than B. If I could find the right size of this I could adapt a normal swimsuit easily. Any tips or advice please.
sarcath
Hi Sarcath
Lands End (www.landsend.co.uk - hope it’s OK to post this link?) do swimsuits, both mastectomy and non-mastectomy. It’s all matter of taste of course, but I don’t find them frumpy, worth a look perhaps?
I have a foam prosthesis from Nicola Jane. I too am AA (not even that if I’m honest). Even their smallest size was too big, but being foam I cut it down - I sort of shaved a bit off all over with a sharp pair of scissors. Bit time consuming & fiddly but it worked.
To start with I used a normal swimsuit that I sewed a pocket into. However, that wasn’t terribly satisfactory, so I have now bought a mastectomy suit (I think it is from Amoena). The padded cup over the bust is too big for me, but it is not very noticeable, as it holds its shape quite well. I have also started using my normal prosthesis rather than the foam one, as I now have a secure pocket for it (my own sewing effort not being very good!). I am thinking of getting a contact breast form, as I believe that should stay on even when swimming. Then I would not need a mastectomy swimsuit.
It is not necessary to have a special swim prosthesis - I rang Amoena to check. I think they are more helpful for larger ladies, as it becomes a weight issue, but for us smaller ladies that isn’t a problem.
Thanks both of you for the tips. I had heard of the foam prostheses but didnt know where to find them or that you could ‘doctor’ them OK.
Sarcath
Just seen a thread on Living with B C titiled DIY Swimming Prosthesis which may be of use. Yes, why do they think all BC patients have big boobs? I’m an A cup, and a lot of suits drown me.
I’ve bought all sorts from Nicola Jane (google for the website). They are great and extremely helpful. I travelled to their shop to begin with and now I kind of know what they do and what I want I can do mail order.
Thoroughly recommended.
Good look. Caz xxx
I have posted this for new user Amanda,
Jo, Facilitator
If you are a smallish size,look in BHS… they do ordinary ( ie non mastectomy) swim suits with removable cups… these cups are in a little pocket which is big enough to take a prosthesis. they arevnot robust for usung for serious every day type swimming but are fine for holiday/ spa day etc. I got a nice cossy for a tenner. I bought a foam swim prosthesis from Nicola Jane & had to change it for a smaller one, forgot that a swim suit would squash down my remaining breast! The foam prosthesis is v good for swimming and gym.
Cheers
Amanda