They aren't meant to last a lifetime, and yet it's not unusual for a breast-cancer survivor who has undergone mastectomy without reconstruction to still be wearing the original breast prosthesis she was fitted with years ago. I'm not talking about implants here, by the way, but breast forms worn outside the body and intended to simulate breasts.
In fact, professionals who are familiar with the prosthetic fitting process recommend that women still wearing a prosthesis that's several years old go to a certified fitter every 2 years to be refitted. Our bodies change shape over time, and some prostheses (which are usually made of silicone) aren't designed to last forever. They can, and do, wear out from being worn every day.
Why do so many women with prostheses skip regular refittings? Probably because they don't get referred by their doctors. When a woman goes to her doctor, he or she sees her in a hospital gown or fully clothed; the tattered prosthesis and ragged mastectomy bra are not in view.
I met a woman last weekend where I was giving a talk on breast cancer. She was in her 70s and asked if she could talk with me in the bathroom. I couldn't imagine what she was going to say until we closed the door and she showed me her prosthesis. She then said, "Do you know how I can get a new one? This one is 38 years old. So is my bra." Wow! Before the day was out, I delivered her into the hands of a certified fitter and she got a new prosthesis and some new bras.
Another question: Why aren't more women also taking advantage of the newer, improved prostheses on the market designed with her comfort and self-image in mind? Again, no one tells them about these enhanced products.
If you know someone who has undergone mastectomy without reconstruction, ask her if she's taken the time to be refitted every two years. If she hasn't and she's a good friend, offer to go with her. And if that person is you, know that you deserve to be wearing the newest model, as well as supportive mastectomy bras that didn't lose all their elasticity years ago.
If you are the breast-cancer survivor who had a mastectomy without reconstruction, and you feel shy about exposing your mastectomy scar to someone else, keep in mind that a certified fitter has chosen this type of work for her career. The fitter is exactly the person you or your friend should feel comfortable going to for a new fitting.
Today's prostheses are lighter in weight and the bras are more feminine looking and comfortable. You deserve these improvements. We want you to live decades longer--not your prosthesis!
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