Breast Prosthesis “Center of Excellence”
A breast prosthesis center of excellence covers all the orthotic, prosthetic and mastectomy bras needs of the mastectomy patient.
Including breast prosthesis, bras, bra extensions, swim wear, scarfs, hats, compression wear (sleeves, stockings, abdominal binders, post-operative garments and axilla bands)
I am creating an intimate space for mastectomy patients in an area they are familiar with. I use numerous brands of prosthesis and bra wear.
Breast Prosthesis
Why to get a breast Prosthesis?
Spinal curvature can occur with symptoms like:
- Lower back pain
- Chest compression
- Balance Problems
- Compromised appearance of clothes
When to get a breast prosthesis?
- 4-6 weeks after surgery
- 2-3 weeks after radiation
- 3 months after chemotherapy
Temporary breast prostheses manufactured from soft silicone foam are available for wear during these periods
Fitting a prosthesis
- The prosthesis is fitted by a qualified Medical Prosthetist
- Phone for an appointment with your bra size and your last date of treatment
- When you come for a fitting wear a plain shirt and bring a loved one (for a helpful 2nd opinion)
- A selection of prostheses will be available at your fitting
- Special prosthetic bras and covers are available
- Remember partial prostheses are also available if you’re just off balance
The Breast Prosthesis
- Manufactured out of medical grade silicone
- Has a Polyurethane pocket – extremely hard wearing, high performance
- Suits any kind of skin
- Water-repellent
- Warms to body temperature in 10-20 min, although newer products are designed to keep you cool.
- Natural look and feel
- Anti-allergic
- No skin irritation
Special breast prostheses can be custom manufactured.
Mastectomy Bras
Mastectomy Bras
Mastectomy bras are considered the only suspension method that securely holds the breast in place. A mastectomy bra has special pockets included in the bra that prevents the prosthesis from falling out and the bra also helps keep the shape of the silicone prosthesis. The mastectomy bras are hypoallergenic and won’t rub against the scar tissue, preventing the possible formation of keloids. Its known that breast prostheses that are worn in a normal every day bras, loose their shape and generally tears quicker due to unwanted movements inside the underwear. A well-fitting mastectomy bra increases the life of the prosthesis.
When buying a bra, always ensure that the straps are wide enough and do not cut in or leave painful grooves on the shoulders. Select a bra with an underbust band which is not too narrow and does not cut in. Underwired bras should also encompass the entire breast and not cut in. It is very important that the bra you choose is made of pleasant, breathable fabrics which are comfortable against the skin and well supporting.
Suppliers of:
Lymphoedema of the Arm
What is the lymph system?
Our bodies have a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that collect and carry watery, clear lymph fluid, much like veins collect blood from distant parts of the body (like the hands and arms) and carry it back to the heart. Lymph fluid contains proteins, salts, and water, as well as white blood cells, which help fight infections.
In the lymph vessels, one-way valves work with body muscles to help move the fluid through the body.
Lymph nodes are small collections of tissue that work as filters for harmful substances and help fight infection.
What causes lymphoedema?
During surgery for breast cancer, the doctor might take out lymph nodes from under the arm to see if the cancer has spread. When lymph nodes are removed, lymph vessels that carry fluid from the arm to the rest of the body are also removed because they go through and are wrapped around the nodes.
Removing lymph nodes and vessels changes the flow of lymph fluid in that part of the body. With breast cancer, it makes it harder for fluid in the chest, breast, and arm to flow out of these areas. If the remaining lymph vessels can’t drain enough fluid from these areas, the fluid builds up and causes swelling, or lymphedema.
Radiation treatment to the underarm lymph nodes can also affect lymph fluid flow in the arm, chest, and breast area by causing scarring and damage. This further increases the risk of lymphedema.
In most cases, lymphedema develops slowly over time. The swelling can range from mild to severe. It can start soon after surgery and/or radiation treatment. But it can also start months or even many years later.
Who gets lymphedema?
Any woman whose lymph nodes are affected by breast cancer treatment can get lymphoedema. But women who have many lymph nodes removed and women who have had radiation therapy for breast cancer have a higher risk of lymphoedema.
Doctors still don’t fully understand why some patients are more likely to have problems with fluid build-up than others.
There are things you can do to care for your arm and breast area to reduce your chances of getting it.
Once lymphedema has started, it can’t be cured. Still, early and careful management can reduce symptoms and help keep it from getting worse. In fact, some women manage their lymphoedema so well they become convinced they no longer have it.
Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema
- Swelling in the breast, chest, shoulder, arm, or hand
- Part of your body feeling full or heavy
- Skin changing texture, feeling tight or hard, or looking red
- New aching, tingling, or other discomfort in the area
- Less movement or flexibility in nearby joints, such as your shoulder, hand, or wrist
- Trouble fitting your arm into jacket or shirt sleeves
- Your bra not fitting as well as it used to
- Your ring, watch, and/or bracelet feeling tight, and you haven’t gained weight
What to do after surgery or radiation to help reduce swelling
- Use your affected arm as you normally would when combing your hair, bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Put your affected arm above the level of your heart 2 or 3 times a day and keep it there for 45 minutes. Lie down to do this, and fully support your arm. Place your arm up on pillows so that your hand is higher than your wrist and your elbow is a little higher than your shoulder.
- Exercise your affected arm while it’s supported above the level of your heart by opening and closing your hand 15 to 25 times. Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day. This helps reduce swelling by pumping lymph fluid out of your arm through the undamaged lymph vessels.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist before doing any exercises. Exercise is an important part of fitness, but you need time to heal after surgery and should follow the advice of your cancer care team.
- Try to get to and/or stay at a healthy weight.
- Exercise.
- Use your affected arm as normally as you can. Once you are fully healed.
- If your arm starts to ache, lie down and raise it above the level of your heart.
- Avoid vigorous, repeated activities.
- Avoid heavy lifting or pulling.
- Use your unaffected arm or both arms to carry heavy packages, groceries, handbags, or children.
- Have your blood drawn, IVs, and shots done in your unaffected arm if you can.
- Keep your hands and cuticles soft and moist by regularly using moisturising lotion or cream. Push your cuticles back with a cuticle stick rather than cutting them with scissors.
- Keep your arm clean. Clean and protect any skin breaks caused by cuts, scratches, insect bites, hangnails, or torn cuticles.
- Wear protective gloves with sleeves when doing household chores that use harsh chemical cleansers or steel wool, when gardening or doing yard work, and when working with animals that might scratch or bite.
- Wear a thimble when sewing to cut down on needle and pin pricks to your fingers.
- Be extra careful when shaving your underarms, and use a clean razor on clean skin.
- Use an insect repellent to help prevent bug bites when outdoors. If you’re bit or stung on the affected arm, clean and put ice on the area and raise the arm. Keep it clean, and call your cancer care team if the bite or sting shows any signs of infection.
- Do what you can to protect yourself against falls and fractured bones.
- Try to avoid burns and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid high heat, such as from hot tubs and saunas. If you use a heating pad or ice pack on the affected areas, limit the length of time you use it until you know how your body responds. Both heat and cold can damage tissues and increase fluid build-
Use of compression garments
Compression garments are fitted sleeves that can help control lymphedema. They can help prevent or reduce swelling by moving lymph fluid from the arm back into the body.
Careful fitting is needed, and you should follow your health care professional’s advice on use and care of the garment. Compression garments are most often used by women who already have lymphoedema. But if you’re at risk for lymphedema, you might want to use one to help lower your risk in certain situations. For instance, lymphoedema has been linked with air travel, possibly because of air pressure changes, but there are pros and cons to using a compression garment on long or frequent airplane flights. Ask your doctor or therapist if you should be fitted for a sleeve to wear during air travel.
Do not use a poorly fitting sleeve under any circumstances. This may increase your risk for or worsen lymphoedema.
You usually don’t need a compression garment to prevent lymphedema during exercise.
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