Mastectomy bra for lumpectomy?

lalere

My RO, who isn't my favorite person at this point in my life, suggested yesterday that I get fitted for a mastectomy bra.  My current bras fit fine.  My lumpectomy was on my larger side, so I'm more even now.  When I asked her why she said that I'd continue to get smaller on that side (I'd heard of that happening) and that I needed to be prepared.  She also said they'd give me a prosthetic to put in my swim suit.  I asked her how long could I expect shrinkage of my breast after radiation and she said she didn't know.  I guess I'm just not able to wrap my head around this.  I am so done with her and this whole BC thing.  Did any of your RO's encourage you to get a mastectomy bra after a lumpectomy? 

BLinthedesert

Hi lalere, my RO did not suggest anything like that, but I have heard that your breast will shrink over the 2-6 months after rads.  Right after the surgery and radiation the tissue is swollen, and you can expect that this swelling will subside over the next few months.  There is also the "problem" of fibrotic tissue taking the place of fatty tissue (which is more dense).  I am going to try liposomal vitamin C to see if I can reduce some of the fibrosis after I am finished.  It might not work, but I am planning on giving it a try.  

I am already on the "lop"-sided side because my lumpectomy area was pretty large ... however, I have found that the inserts that are in the "coobie"-type bra's seem to work well enough for me, and I wasn't planning on going as far as a mastectomy bra. However, I have toyed with the idea of going into the bra shop to see what they have -- although I will likely wait until I am finished with treatment.

Good luck. 

Shayne

My RO said the same thing......but ive read different things from the ladies here.  

My naturopath also told me to use Liposomal Vit C oil - and I plan to.  She said itll also help with scar tissue building up in that area.  I have it on order.