Seeking support

Wednesday 30 November, 2011

 On this page: Prostheses questions ι Reconstruction questions ι Seeking support ι Support services in your community ι Information reviewed by

Prostheses questions

You may find the following questions useful if you want to get more information about buying a breast prosthesis. You can talk to your breast care nurse, a breast prosthesis fitter, the Cancer Council Helpline, a volunteer from Cancer Council Connect or members of a breast cancer support group.

  • Do I need to wear a breast prosthesis?
  • What kind of prosthesis would suit me best?
  • When can I start wearing a breast form?
  • How will wearing or not wearing a prosthesis affect my lymphoedema?
  • What if I find the breast form too heavy or I have other problems?
  • How long might it take to get used to the prosthesis?
  • Do I need to buy mastectomy bras or can I use regular ones?

Questions for the fitter

  • How long will the fitting take?
  • Can I bring a support person to the fitting?
  • Is it possible to be measured for a prosthesis and/or mastectomy bra without removing my own bra?
  • Do you have a wide range of styles and colours?
  • Can you order other styles if the ones in stock aren't suitable?
  • How do I care for the prosthesis?
  • What can I do if the prosthesis I bought is not suitable?
  • What is the warranty period for the prosthesis?
  •  Can I have a second copy of the receipt for my records?
  • What is the price range of the prostheses you sell? 

Reconstruction questions

You may find this checklist helpful when thinking about the questions you want to ask your health care team about getting a breast reconstruction. If you don't understand the answers, it is okay to ask for clarification.

  • Do you think I can have a reconstruction?
  • When would you advise me to have the reconstruction?
  • Which type of reconstruction do you recommend for me and why?
  • What are the possible problems with this type of reconstruction?
  • How long will I have to wait to have the procedure?
  • How long will I be in hospital and how long will my recovery be?
  • How much will it cost? Am I covered by Medicare or my private health fund?
  • What will the reconstructed breast look and feel like?
  • Can I see photos of other women who have had this type of reconstruction?
  • Can I talk to other women who have had a similar operation?
  • Will the operation hide any new problems? Do I still need regular mammograms?
  • How can I get a second opinion?

Breast Cancer Network Australia has a number of personal stories about breast reconstruction that you can read online.

Seeking support

Getting in touch with other people who have been through a similar experience can be beneficial. There are many ways to contact others for mutual support and to share information.

In these support settings, most people feel they can speak openly, share tips with others, and just be themselves. You may find that you feel comfortable talking about post-treatment issues such as wearing a breast form or getting a reconstruction, your relationships, and your hopes and fears about the future.

Ask your nurse or social worker to tell you about support groups in your area. Call the Helpline to access the Cancer Services Directory and find out how you can connect with others.

Joining a consumer advocacy group can also be rewarding for women who want to use their experience to make a difference for others.

Support services available in your community

Reviewed by: Staff from Westmead Breast Cancer Institute - Dr Thomas Lam, Plastic Surgeon; Dr Meagan Brennan, Breast Physician; Elisabeth Black, Jenny Cooper, Kim Kerin-Ayres and Mary Sweeney, Breast Care Nurses. Also Bronwyn Chalmers, Cancer Information Consultant, Helpline, Cancer Council NSW; Tracy Cosgrove, Breast Care Nurse, Royal North Shore Hospital; Marie Harland and Pauline Campbell, Breast Prostheses Fitters, Leila O'Toole Corsetry Salon; Lesley Jakes, Viviane Rubinstein and Kathryn Rutkowski, Consumers; and the Oncoplastic Subgroup of the Breast Surgeons Society of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ).

 

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