My grandmother had a mastectomy years back, and her insurance covers a free breast prosthesis and 2 bras. The problem is, the place she was accustomed to going is no longer open! The next available certified place is Nordstroms, and the Fitting "Specialist" appears to be no older than 20 y/o, and has about as much experience as I do! We've notified our insurance company about our dilemma, they claim only Nordstroms is available in our area. It's time for her renewal, she was hardly satisfied with the bras from last year, and we have no alternative. Any suggestions out there? We're welcome to all, this is so discouraging! Thanks to all feedback!
2007-11-27 07:22:31 · 6 answers · asked by Mookie 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Thank you much, ladies, for the indepth info. I copied and asked this question in a different category, desperate to hear options, you wouldn't believe the inconsiderate answers I received! This has been such great support, breast prostethetic supplies are limited here, most have gone out of business, they were your local med supply stores that can't compete with big distributors. Doctors, sadly, just simply aren't informed, and you called it Honey, insurance is king! Sassy I wish you the best in your fight; my grandmother is 11 years strong bc survivor, my mother passed from it at 32, my aunt was just diagnosed. Thank you all tons, this helps!
2007-11-27 09:59:23 · update #1
Nordies can sew pockets in her favorite bras too. . . ask to see the seamstress who does this. I bet she knows a bit. . . also, Nordstrom's is a department store so they have a decent sized staff--ask the department manager who's got the most experience and when she's working. The mast. bra co's have training classes and actually certify the fitters--so even if Ms. Teenybopper can't do it--someone else can.
Also your Grandmother's cancer center may have a boutique that does fittings. Mine does. And our lady is AWESOME! She can direct bill the bras through insurance too so I left with two bras and a prothesis--actually 3. . . I needed a couple different shapes/types .. . . a couple were donated and were the heavier type but man they LOOk real (in the bra at least.)
Oh hey also, you could get Grandma fitted at another store and then go to Nordie's and buy what the other store recommended. . . sneaky but works.
Good luck.
2007-11-27 09:17:17 · answer #1 · answered by sassyatlantanative 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I dont have your answers, but wanted to offer a word of support and hope. When dealing with cancer issues, it is best to stay with ppl in the cancer community. I have also been shunned and treated like I didnt know what I was talking about on the other medical boards around here, as well as in real life.
I do have one thought though. You could try searching for online breast cancer support groups, and they could have more answers. Also, if you coud find online the instructions on how to measure and fit based on the brands nordstroms carry, you and/or her could measure yourselves, look online, and then simply go to the store and request what you want.
If you wanted to play hardball, the local health dept will have a list of the places in the county that sell these items, then you can check to see if they accept your insurance, then go back to the insurance agent/company with the information, but it may or may not get you anywhere.
2007-11-27 10:31:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local pharmacy or medical supply business (the place where you can buy/rent medical equipment such as wheel chairs, walkers, beds, etc). They should be able to help you. My grandmother orders hers from her local medical supply store. If Nordstroms is the only place that takes her insurance in your area she may be forced to go there. Unfortunately insurance rules a lot of our healthcare choices. Best wishes to you both.
2007-11-27 07:32:06 · answer #3 · answered by HONEYB1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some 20 year olds can do some things quite well. If you have trouble with her ask to see the supervisor of her department. Nordstroms has a good reputation in customer satisfaction. I don't know the cost of these prosthetics. If things can't be resolved at Nordsttroms you might consider the family pooling together to get something that is comfortable for your grandmother and foregoing the insurance..
2016-05-26 03:24:00 · answer #4 · answered by diana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Google mastectomy bras on the internet. Medical supply businesses also carry them.
2007-11-27 07:26:56 · answer #5 · answered by J B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might check The American Cancer Society. They keep track of information like this.
2007-11-27 14:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by Simmi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋