Mastectomy...
A breast prosthesis provides much more than improved aesthetics. Wearing a breast form which fits correctly and matches the remaining breast in shape and size, replaces the breast weight lost through surgery, keeping the body’s equilibrium and alignment evenly balanced. Wearing no prosthesis or wearing a non-weighted one, causes the body to compensate for the lack of weight balance, often resulting in the following health problems: spinal curvature; shoulder drop; muscle contracture with accompanying discomfort; neck or back pain; balance problems. This is equally important for double mastectomy patients. If the chest weight, which the body is used to, isn’t replaced, it can cause patients’ shoulders to shift forward.
“After I underwent the removal of both of my breasts, I started suffering back aches and the beginning of rounded shoulders. My posture, which had always been so good, was really deteriorating,” says Rose P., a breast cancer survivor of 7 years. According to Dr. Ursula Anne Matulonis, M.D. Oncologist, Dana Farber Cancer Institute in the U.S., “Wearing a weighted silicon breast prosthesis following a mastectomy is medically necessary to maintain proper weight, shape and symmetry of the chest and back. This maintenance is important for correct alignment of the spine, shoulders and chest which will help minimize or even prevent posture problems and back problems.”
Lili is concerned that women compromise their health because they don’t realize the consequences of not being fitted for and not wearing a proper prosthesis. Some are hesitant to subject themselves to more personal intrusion after they have already endured so much, and don’t even bother to have a fitting. Some women think that stuffing their bras themselves with tissue or other material is good enough. Women who have been fitted for a prosthesis will often only wear it when they go out and not on a daily basis. If they haven’t had a proper fitting and the prosthesis is too heavy or uncomfortable, they simply choose not to wear it. The unfortunate thing is, they are jeopardizing their future health and well-being. Lili point out, “The reason our healthcare system compensates patients for prostheses, isn’t because it cares how women look, it’s because of the health concerns which are related!”
Having said that, she is quick to point out that a prosthesis also plays a key role in the emotional healing process. “As soon as you look good, you feel better about yourself and you’re on the way to recovery,” she stresses.
Because of her personal family history of breast cancer, Lili always went out of her way to customize ‘regular’ bras for her mastectomy customers who had had a prosthesis fitted at a medical service store, but didn’t want to wear mastectomy bras.
Lili became a certified ADP (Assistant Device Program) Vendor, licensed to fit and sell mastectomy prostheses. The program is strictly regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
A KINDER GENTLER SERVICE, COMBINED WITH THE EXPERTISE TO DELIVER THE PERFECT RESULT.
An important step for mastectomy patients is to be able to shop in a lingerie store
for bras. They want and need normalcy, a warm pleasant ambience in a setting that’s
secure and comfortable. “The emotional pain is very fresh and many women need to
tell their story,” Lili explain. “The stories are heartbreaking, no matter what
the woman’s age is. They have simply been through so much and have endured an absolute
loss of themselves. Their dignity is very diminished and what each craves most is
to have her old life back.” Patience and compassion are crucial, as is the ability
to be an understanding listener.
A proper mastectomy fitting starts with a bra fitting and should achieve three goals: restore balance to the body, enhance the body aesthetically and improve confidence and self-esteem.
Bra Fitting First The chances of a woman who has undergone surgery and cancer treatment being the same size as she was before, is very unlikely. Add to that, the fact that she likely wasn’t wearing the right bra size prior to surgery.
Restore Balance The next step is to select the right size and weight of prosthesis to re-establish the body’s balance. This is important, whether fitting for a single or a double mastectomy. Improper balance will cause the body to compensate, resulting in physical problems such as back and neck pain and other more serious consequences.
Enhance Looks Now the body looks from outward appearances just like it did before the surgery. Clothes fit and feel better. Fashion is fun again.
Improve Confidence As soon as you look good, you feel better about yourself and this increases self-esteem and leads to a more positive outlook – the start to recovery and healing.
As one customer said to Lili, “I’ve missed the gorgeous bras that I used to wear and now I can have them back. I haven’t felt this happy and this feminine since my operation nine years ago!”