Need help after one sided mastectomy

havehope

I had a total left mastectomy back in October and since then I have been bra-less. I bought a couple of mastectomy bras but I don't like them. They don't look good on my right side where I still have my boob. I used to be 34A/34B. Any suggestions of bras+form? I am not ready for a fitting yet.

havehope

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. I will check with my insurance to see what they cover and will go from there.

lafera12

Hi Simvog,

Most insurance companies cover one prosth. every two years and about 3-6 bras a year.   Where in NJ are you, I'm in southern Ocean County and went to the Bra and Girdle Factory in Lakewood.  They have a special area just for women like us.  They were wonderful, kept bringing out different bras for me to try on until I found the right one...Good luck--you will feel 100% better with the right bras and prosth...

Angie

bre

Hi Simvog,

I am about the same size as you.  I had  a right mast.  I did the same as you....felt that I just couldn't go to a fitter and put it off for months.  After I went, I couldn't figure out why I waited so long.  The bras and prosthetic she fitted me for were sooo much more comfortable and natural feeling.  Once you get fitted and know about what you want, you can also get bras, forms, etc from tlc catalogue put out by the american cancer society.  They have an online site and you can also get catalogues delivered to your home.  They are much cheaper but you need to know what you want and size so you don't waste time and money.  Good luck!

Bre

1.7cm tumor plus malignant microcalcifications, er+/pr-/her2+++, stage 1, nuclear grade 8, no nodes, idc

golfer779

Simvog ... I too was a bit apprehensive about going to be fitted ... long story short, waited about 4 months from my mast surgery went to Nordstorm's (I don't know if there is one in your area), came home with a prosthetic and the best fitting bras that I've ever own.  Low and behold I had been wearing the wrong size for many years and never knew it.  I had a girlfriend join me, we shared many laughs which made for a great day.    Try to make it a fun day !!!

Carol 

lilums

Dear Simvog,

 You mention you have mast bras that don't fit your remaining breast well - I am small too (34A/34B) and have the same situation. It seems the mast bras are great for bigger breasted girls - I either put a bust cup on that side to smooth it out or use a regular bra with either a silicone pros (either against skin once you are healed enough - ask doc, and if you find it comfortable - or in the cloth cover) or a polyfill (puffy) or foam pros, some have  a little weight.  Or there's some other non-silicone ones that are made to wear with regular bras: bosom buddy and jillianna - can be bought online and under $100 so cheaper than silicone. It's been 10 years and I still try different bras/pros - best of luck to you!

havehope

Thank you all and Happy Holiday!

NancyNJ

Can someone tell me when after surgery to expect to be able to be fitted? I've been using a post mastectomy camisole but I'm fairly big chested and have no support for the other side. I really ned to get into a bra.

lilums

Your surgeon is the one to tell you when you can be fitted - for most, it is 4 to 8 weeks after surgery to allow for healing, swelling to go down etc.  You might get more support from a leisure bra with a puff on the mastectomy side - ask your doctor.  Best wishes with quick healing! There are many types of forms and bras, so take your time to find what works best for you. :-)

4bethann

I just love the Classique bras (style 768) and my Airway form.  The Airway has a natural looking fron, a soft microfiber back and some type of beads inside that conform the the contours of your breast area- amazingly cool and comfy.

 I also like the Amonea Comfort Plus gel backed form, but for pure comfort the Airway is amazing.

 http://www.classique1.com/bras.php 

http://www.airwaymast.com/breastform.html 

http://www.amoena.com/us/Products/Breastforms/Natura/ 

Erica3681

bethann,

I also wear Airway breast forms--mine are the Airway Tritex Triangle and they are so soft and comfortable against my skin. Mine are the ones pictured in your link. However, they don't have any beads inside--just the very soft silicone form with an ultra-soft microfiber backing. Is that the one you have?

I've recommended this form here and on my website (BreastFree.org), but not too many fitters seem to carry Airway, so not that many women get to try them. By the way, Anita Care (a European company which makes wonderful mastectomy bras) has bought Airway and I believe they've started marketing the Airway forms under the Anita name. Perhaps they'll get better distribution now. I'm glad you're enjoying yours!

Barbara

anseliam

Nordstrom's sews in a pocket on regular bras for free if you have an "outplant". That way you can have something comfortable and pretty.

OLBinNJ

Try the ABC T-shirt bra (style # 105).  It's the ONLY mast bra that works for me as it's made for petites (I'm a 34 A/B).  Good luck.

Sossy

I actually had some bras altered at Nordstrom to include a pocket.  They were nice, but the one I really liked I actually found at Gap Body (you can order online if you don't have one nearby).  It's called the shaping bra.  I didn't need to have any pockets sewn in.  I just put my prosthesis in the cup, and it was completely hidden and stayed in place no problem.  Plus it was more comfortable and attractive than any mastectomy bra I ever saw.  It has lightly lined cups that help make both sides look more even too.  I was surprised so few mastectomy bras had lined cups.  That just made no sense to me since my regular breast and prosthesis look so different from each other.  Oh, I'm also a 34A/B.  Hope that helps!

Sossy

Oh, I just checked Gap web site, and they're now calling it the "Shaping T-Shirt Bra".  Comes in colors now too!

havehope

thank you everybody. i am going shopping! (on line)

kerry_lamb

Nancy, I've got one very large breast too. Not long after surgery..pretty much when I could confidently do up a bra..I took the underwire out of my surgery side and wore the bra as normal. You can kind of fold the cup flat. Pretty soon after (maybe 2 weeks out of surgery) I bought a good foam form. I never had any discomfort or pain wearing that and I went back to work double-sided! As I healed fairly flat, that form ended up too small and I bought a big, fitted silicone one. I've just about decided to not have recon, just have a reduction on my 'good' side. When that happens, it will be back to the smaller foam form (yay!!) and I'll donate the big silicone one. 

marvinr

Anything loose and blousey. Avoid anything tight around the midriff or arms. Cotton things are good. You should be wearing compression stockinets an both arms from wrist to shoulder to keep edema down. You won't be working for awhile especially with drains in. The surgery takes a lot out of you. Your arm is going to be weak and sore you will need to be fitted for a prosthetic bra soon too.

Total Mastectomy