front vs back closure bras

mbsoxr

I am having a BMX w/o recon July 1st, have my post op camisoles, and only plan to use foobs for "dress up" after I heal.  I have been a 38 DDD forever (now age 70), and have always been a "spinner" - hooking my back hook bras in the front & spinning them around.  Am thinking a front hook bra might be easier to use - planning on the triangular shape beanie boobs size DD.  Does anyone have any brand/style suggestions or tips on the front closure type that you can share?

 Thanks for any tips!

((((((((hugs))))))))  Mary 

otter

Turns out, I cannot wear a front-hook (or front-zip) bra.  There is, and always has been (pre-BC), very little tissue covering my sternum (breast bone).  The closure flaps (?) on front-hook bras are too long, and the ends dig into my skin... ouch!  YMMV, of course.  Sorry I can't help.

Hugs back!

otter

mbsoxr

Don't have your exact issue, Otter, but I am thinking about skin comfort, though...  Have only worn front closure 'leisure' bras, never a 'real' one - have 'spun' my bra since I can remember. and am wondering now sensitive to that 'friction' my incisions will be...  hmmm...  This is going to be an interesting adventure, to say the least!  BTW - I am going to try your shower scrubbie swim foobies idea - maybe 2 each side just to add a little something...  That's a fantastic idea you had for us pool freaks!

((((((((hugs))))))))

Mary 

Erica3681

I used to sometimes wear front-closure bras before my bilateral mastectomy but found that afterward my sternum area, even though no tissue was removed there, was more sensitive than it used to be. This is especially true when the front-hook bras are too long (lots of hooks) -- I have the same reaction as otter . . . ouch!

I do still hook my bras and then "spin" them around to the back. So long as you're mindful of spinning them a little lower down, well below your incision line, it shouldn't be a problem, even soon after surgery. Once the incisions heal, hopefully it will be a non-issue.

I think you'll probably have to wait until after your surgery to find out what works best for you. Some bras may be more comfortable afterward, some less. I would also suggest having an open mind about breast forms. I thought I would only wear unweighted foam forms but have found that most of the time I prefer lightweight silicone forms. Some people love the beanie boobs and others (including me) don't feel they look natural enough. It will take some trial and error -- I actually found it "fun" to experiment with various options. Insurance will hopefully pay for the expensive options .

Barbara

BreastFree.org

TerriD

I have always preferred front closures, even after my first masc. BUT the heavier silicone foobs, they do make  a gap so you have to be careful, not wear anything too form fitting. NOW that I have had my second masc. and just finished radiation 6 months ago, I am very sensitive under my arm, and am still wearing camis.  I am trying a new look soon, just ordered bean boobs and got some sports bras and hope tehy are comfortable enough, the camis get HOT!

mbsoxr

Erica & TerriD -  Thanks so much for sharing - you both have given me good stuff to think about!  Hadn't thought about the simple trick of spinning lower - duh - but I guess that is a perfect example of why we need one another!    My insurance will pay for several bras & forms, so it does make sense to try some different ones, which certainly can't happen until I am "Breastfree" - love that site - have learned a lot there - got the wedge pillow & the immediate post-op camis - expect those will work until I find the right bras & forms, as they came with some forms.  I am guessing I will end up with a stash of sports bras & a couple for dress up - and maybe nothing for at home...I have some nice camis that no doubt will come in handy for those kind of days!

Thanks so much for giving me your ideas!

((((((((hugs))))))))

Mary 

TerriD

see the thread excited to find cheap camis at target...I am now the very happy wearer of a size 7 beanie foob and champion sports bra (seamless and duo dry with ventilation)  The foob is incredibly light weight and soft and comfy and so is teh bra. The bra is a pull it over your head design, but has thin straps over the shoulders unlike most sports bras.

mbsoxr

Thanks, TerriD -  I'll check out that post!  I assume your Champion sports bras are NOT mastectomy bras - just the ordinary kind?  Have read on the Comfort-Lite website that those can be worn with a regular bra - is that the kind of beanie boobs you have?  

Thanks to you all, I am getting this narrowed down!!  

((((((((hugs))))))))

Mary 

TerriD

Right, the Chapion bra us not a mascetomy bra, meaning it has no pockets for your foobs.  But what is nice is that the straps are thin and I think the bras are pretty, I got fuscia, blu, gray and white. Here is the link for the beanie boob. I would NOT reccoment the beanie foob for a reconstructed side, that didnt work out at all.

http://www.tlcdirect.org/products/sku-8139__dept-34.html

Micro-Bead Lightweight Breast Form Product #8139  $40 each

NEW! 80% Lighter than Foam Forms!
Our new Micro-Bead Form has to be felt to be believed! Made of thousands of tiny beads that mold to your body in a truly natural way.

80% lighter than foam and wears ten times as long.

Wear post-operatively, for leisure time and anytime after double surgeries.

It can even be worn in the water! Unlike foam, the beads will not absorb water.

Also perfect for travelling. The beads are made of a non-metallic, resinous material that can not set off airport security alarms.
Covered with a soft, hypo-allergenic, breathable fabric.

mbsoxr

Thanks for the link & info!  I am not having recon for my BMX, and my favorite exercising is deep water aerobics, so these foobs seem perfect for my all the time use!  I know that there will be lots of times I will be flat, so the sports bras or camis will 'cover' of that issue!  And since the microbead foob doesn't require a pocket, just my favorite regular bra should work when I want to appear to have 'naturals'.  We are into a hot summer in Virginia, so comfort is key!  Have been using a silicone 'partial foob to even out, as I have had 2 lumpectomies on the right, with only 1 on the left, and it is way too hot and sweatie - so am looking forward to the BMX and no reason to worry about foob weight!  

 Thanks for doing all the work for me!  Mary 

TerriD

I had a conversation with TLC's customer care and the beanie foobs are NOT designed for lumpectomies.  Try one of these:

http://www.tlcdirect.org/products/sku-8080__dept-115.html