Bras forms and such

purplemb

I have a small closet of "free" items.. let me know if I can help

Mb

Dedo

This post is for those who have problems with traditional bras that never seem to fit comfortably:

I had continuing problems from the beginning (14 years now) with bras never fitting properly despite professional 'fittings' or my own selections. The bras would ride up (double mastectomy).  If I loosened the straps to prevent 'ride-up', the straps were over my arms all the time and I was constantly adjusting: pulling the bra down or pulling the straps up. Nothing seemed to work.

In another forum here (and I apologize, I didn't mean to co-opt that discussion site with this discussion) I asked for help with this problem.  I was given the suggestion to try the Still You cami which Still You calls a Tank Top.  I did and they are great.  

The camis aren't hot in this weather (we're in the 90's right now), but if you don't like the full coverage feel of the tank top style, I tried pulling it up to the bottom of the bra pocket. That feels fine and doesn't seem to show anything more than a bra line would.  Also, Still You recommends hand washing but I've washed mine in the washer with nylons and they seem fine, but I always follow their recommendation to air dry them outside - no dryer.

I'm not advocating for Still You because of any connection I have with them other than as a happy customer who's finally found an answer to years of struggling with bras that didn't work.  I highly recommend this cami.  The suggestion was given to me and I'm grateful for it.  I hope re-telling it here in this Forum helps someone else who's having the same kind of traditional bra problems.

*(As an aside, I modified mine.  I don't sew but I asked a friend to run two new seams down the inside bra pocket, each seam about 3/4 of an inch each side of the center stitch line that's already there. She also stitched the tops and bottoms of the side pocket openings leaving just enough opening to compress the prostheses and slide them in each side.  The new stitches on each side of the center line keep my prostheses from moving to the center of my bra, and the stitches on the pocket openings help them stay firmly in the pockets when I put the cami on or take it off.)

*Please note:  I don't mean to suggest that their Tank Tops aren't perfect for you just the way they come from Still You.  I modified mine for my own desire to make some changes; they aren't required.

andthensome

I've had reconstruction twice.  I need a padded bra because the reconstruction failed and is totally lopsided, in the wrong place, etc.  I can't find a bra that I can wear all day.  I used to be a 34-D.  Now noone's been able to figure out what I am - I've gained weight, so 38 or 40 and A or B.  Can anyone offer any suggestions?  I'm in pain or discomfort ALL THE TIME.

TammyLou

#1  What is the SOURCE of your pain?  Post rads?  I have personally got some relief from chest wall pain by using Mobic (a drug commonly prescribed for arthritis; it's an anti-inflammatory).

I had a hard time finding a bra that fits.  I tried on a bunch.  Maidenform bras tend to run "true to size"...I couldn't figure out what size so I started with the cup (found bras that my boobs fit in); THEN, I figured out the band size.

 I pull the wires out of my bras (that helps).  Small incision just over the wire and a pair of pliers.

A mastectomy camisole may be a possible solution.  You could (potentially) put a chick fil a (enhancer) in one side to balance, etc.

 http://www.womanspersonalhealth.com/products/8/Luisa-Luisa-Post-Mastectomy-Camisole-Top-SST700.htm

I'm trying a new bra.  Ordered it...hasn't arrived yet.

http://www.healthmegamall.com/prodView.asp?idProduct=38797

Nearly Me® Conforming Gel Lace Bra, Ivory - Size 38B
(NEA-6900938)

My left boob is a little bit higher than the right (radiation).  I think this bra might be the ticket.

Tammy Lou

PunkiJo

 Hello Sisters

   I just found and joined this forum/group and wish everyone here wellness in body & mind.  I'm one boob without Reconstruction.  There's no way I'm having sugery on the side of my body with no lymph nodes.  I'm not willing to gamble with lymphedema if an infection were to occur.

   I have two recommendations:

     1.  That swollen feeling under the arm,  the dead feeling in the armpit area, and the pain from wearing a bra all day  for me has been almost completely relieved with the use of Sublingual Vitamin B12.  We all get nerve damage in these surgeries and B12 is supposed to support nerve health.  Because you let them melt under your tongue, the absorption is high.  I can only say that I feel it worked for me.  It's not expensive and it's worth a try if your doctor agrees.  I fnd it in Health Food Stores, but don't seem to see them much at Drug Stores.

     2.  If you are trying to create the illusion of symmetry in your wardrobe, I just ran across a sweet little tool for that purpose.  They are called Bosom Buttons and are basically a little crystal pin that you can use for closing and holding tops together a little higher up. They eliminate the need to try to "hide" a safety pin. I can pull and drape fabric with them and even just use 2 or 3 of them as a brooch to create an off center focal point. If you are not synmmetrical, like me, you can somewhat control a small difference with these visual tricks. They come in quite a few colors and are sold on the Bosom Button web site and also some catalogues.

 My Best to Everyone,

PunkiJo

purplemb

andthen some.. well I have lots of different bra's and sizes, side forms and can even mak ea knitted form to fill as needed to fill out the asymetry?.. let me know what I can do to help!!

 where in NY are you?.. I am south of Buffalo..

MB

neesie

Hey MB...............forgot you were running an orphanage for excess boobs!!  I remember a few years ago when you started doing that......................you are great for continuing!!

Anyone have ideas for lumpectomy girls?  I'm 5 years out and until this past year I didn't have trouble with bras...............thinking my scar tissue must have shifted or something cuz I can't get a bra to fit for the life of me.  I don't use wires anymore, not into the push up and show me bras, just a comfortable bra that fits BOTH boobs!!

Denise

purplemb

neesie.. I have some.. little forms that might help you fit into a bra better?.. little sliver thingy's.. maybe Icould send them for you to try?.. or I could knit you something that you could fill to fit?.. hey GF, just let me know, you know I have fairy wands to help me do anything.. or I have lots of different type bras.. let me send you some to try

purplemb

going to bump this

check out www.pinkstock.webuda.com for information also

purplemb

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Michele_Bourque

Have you tried "Been-A-Boob".  This lightweight prosthesis is comfortable and fits nicely into a pocket bra (available through Comfy Posture Solutions).  M

zenith4289

Anyone know where I can get a xxl mastectomy swim dress?  Or is there an easy way to convert a regular swim dress/suit to accommodate waterproof forms?  thanks.

purplemb

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purplemb

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kayhere

Seven months after my double mastectomy, I am thrilled to have found a simple, workable padded bra solution. I am very sensitive (even before cancer, chemo and radiation) and have always had to avoid bras with scratchy seams, elastic that digs in, etc. None of the usual post-mastectomy aids seemed to work for me. Last week at Sears I found an “Apostrophe” brand bra, KSN# 01767276-7, the “Shadow Stripe Day Bra.” It is soft and stretchy in every direction, available in S, M, L and XL, in white and colors. It has no closure, you pull it on over your head. Straps are adjustable and can be hooked together in the back for a “racerback.” Regularly $20, it was $14 on sale.It had inside pockets with thin, firm little pads in them. The pockets were accessible through a side slit. Into those slits I added my “Water Push Up Pads,” $5.99 a pair at Target. The result with both pads in each cup is a satisfactory appearance under my clothing, is not heavy or scratchy, doesn’t ride up and doesn’t show at the neckline. The bra tags say hand wash of course; I remove all four pads, put the bras in a mesh bag inside another mesh bag, and toss the bras in the wash. So far so good. I wanted to pass this along because I have found so much down-to-earth, helpful information on this site.

purplemb

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Faithroad

I'm having my implants removed.  Thank you for all this information.

purplemb

faith.. I too had my implant removed.. please know there are many who can give you help.. good luck on your journey...

purplemb

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kayhere

Latest addition to my post-mastectomy wardrobe: Coobie Bra V-Neck Full Size No. 9042. Has pockets that come with a removable liner, I remove the liners and insert them back in with my non-weighted breast forms behind them. Pullover style, no hooks; has a little lace that doesn't cut into me. Had a "made in China" tag that pulled off easily when wet. I like taking it off after all-day wear but find it to be extremely comfortable and worth the money. Comes in many colors, bought mine from the Coobie web site. (I am a large or extra-large so the full size is just right for me.)