Masectomy + help for my friend

[snookhams]

I have a friend who has been diagnosed with a non invasive form of Breast Cancer and because of where it is she will have the whole breast removed, she has been quite upbeat about it so far - diagnosed about 2 weeks ago and is due to go in for the op on the 26th of this month. She got really upset yesterday - she went to visit the hospital and they gave her a basic prostesis ( did I spell that right) fre(NHS in the UK provide this) and will be given a basic rubber type one when the healing has progressed to a certain level - here come my reason for posting. They also gave her some catalogues for bra's that are intended for use with protesis but they are way out of her price range (DH was made redundant) and even the pockets that can be used in normal underwear are pricey - my question does anyone have of know of anywhere I can get a pattern to make these little pockets for her , they can't be that hard to make and I have extensive needlework knowledge. Thank you so much, I am also going to post this on the creative community incase anyone there can help me.

 

[Regina]

Unfortunately, I don't have this info but I do want to say how lucky she is to have you as a friend.

I hope that the surgery goes well.

 

[Poohs Wishing Star]

Hi!

Thank you for being such an incredible friend to someone in need. You are also an inspiration to me as to what caring for someone else is all about.

After doing some searching, I have found the following information about making breast forms inside bras or other clothing. It seems as if many others have asked for this information, but there are not many answers out there, yet.


1. This website is for adapting a bra to fit a prosthesis:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5079/adapt-a-bra-to-accommodate-a-prosthesis

2. These websites are for making pockets that fit inside other clothing:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4425366_sew-bra-inserts.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4540385_sewing-bra-inserts.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4760989_make-bra-inserts.html

3. This website has a discussion about creating breast prosthesis patterns:

http://www.burdastyle.com/forum/show_topic/16564

4. This website contains a product, Jodee Stretch Sew-In Pockets, that might be something that you can use for inspiration:

http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=15735&procid=33

5. This website is a UK-based website with extensive information about breast cancer. Maybe you can find additional sources for prosthesis, or just information in general.

http://www.a-zbreastcancer.com/


Another idea that I had - Is it possible to "interview" a seamstress or tailor who owns his/her own business, or works for a department store who might have already done this type of alteration, and can give you an idea of how to proceed?

I wish your friend good health. And, I wish you good luck in accomplishing your sewing gift.



RJ

 

[snookhams]

Thank you so much for the links I will take some time to look at them, and then show the ones I think are suitable to DF.

You have both been really kind, I just thought that I would use the skills that I have to help out someone in need. My parents always taught me to help those that you could because you never know when you might be glad of a helping hand - I have tried to pass this on to my children as well. A little kindness shown goes along way and is along time remembered. A lot of our friends have avoided her since she was diagnosed and unfortunatly she lost her father about 2 months ago and her mother has dementia so it is a hard time for her and her DH and DD. She will have to wait between 7 and 12 months for reconstruction, so although at first she will not be able to wear a 'normal bra' hopefully as she heals she can get back to normal.

 

[snappy]

I am a former prothesis wearer (had reconstruction almost 3 years ago).

My health insurance covered 2 bras a year as well as the prothesis. I was fitted for all the items at a local specialty store. The store had a sewing machine and several people who worked there knew how to add the necessary pocket to a regular bathing suit. They charged about $8 per pocket so I had several converted.

My local cancer services office also accepted donations of bras and even prothesis when they were no longer needed (I donated all of mine). They would turn around and give it to clients who needed them.

Your friend might check out these type of resources. The social worker at the hospital, even nurses should have resource information.

Good luck to your friend. Thanks for being there for her.

Please pm me if I can help any further. Also, we have a great survivor thread on the Community board.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32265844#post32265844