Wearing mastectomy bra with prosthesis..........

gtgirl

I am 7 weeks post op.  I have been wearing my prosthesis as I was told at the shop it is important do to my back etc.  I am still sore and it's bothersome.  I went 5 weeks without anything, got fitted, started wearing it and I feel more sore?  I am afraid if I don't wear it for a week or two, then when I do I will not want too.  I honestly have a hard time wearing the bras, as I am use to not wearing them. 

badger

hi gtgirl, my chest was super-sensitive after BMX.  For months, the only fabrics I could tolerate against my skin were all-naturals like cotton and silk.  I don't use prosthesis so sorry no advice on how to make them more comfortable.  If you haven't already, check out breastfree.org. http://breastfree.org/  It's a non-profit website started by a BCO member with lots of great advice.  ((gentle hugs))

Melrosemelrose

If you are uncomfortable wearing the bra/prosthesis, there are other options you may try.  I wore camisoles for a while with no type of prosthesis.  I also wear sports bras that have removeable bra inserts that I can put in the fiber foob that came with my mastectomy camisole.  I buy those bras a size larger than I normally wear and purchase them at Marshall's and TJMaxx where the prices are reasonable.  I've also purchased athletic tops/yoga tops with removable bra inserts to wear when I don't want to wear a bra.  You may want to check out those two places right now because it is that time of the year that they stock a lot of women's athletic wear.  I also was fitted for mastectomy bras and decided they were too tight around my rib cage.  I purchased a few bra extenders from JoAnn's fabrics and now the bras fit more comfortably and what I'm used to.  Hope this helps.....

beacon800

I definitely could not wear a silicone breast form for a long time post surgery and still use alternate forms that I find more comfortable.

It somewhat depends on your body type.  I have small breasts and a bilateral mx.  I had no balance issues or back issues.  The fitters wanted me in a super tight bra, mostly to hold up the prosthesis.  Well, that did not work for me!! 

I went to a very loose fitting seamless bra and  put some of the very soft "microbead" forms in it.  Extremely lightweight and comfortable and looked good.  I sewed in my own pockets, which is easy and there are discussions about that on here. The advantage of sewing them in myself is that I could use any bra I liked, it was cheaper than MX bras and I could select the fabric for the pockets as my skin was very sensitive for a long time and I could only handle soft things.

Experiment til you are comfortable as there is no advantage or reason to be uncomfortable.

georgie1112

I am wearing an ABC cotton cami. I got shaped foam pads from the fitter and use fiberfill to fill the foam.  They are light and comfortable. There is no binding band around my rib cage. The cami feels like wearing a t shirt. It is not as realistic as the prosthesis and the fake boobs can move around. 

I did get a silicone prosthesis and am 3 months out from surgery. But my seromas keep me from wearing anything binding around my chest for now. 

I've also been told that the weight of a prosthesis helps with posture. But I think my posture is better now without the prosthesis as I am doing lots of stretching. 

There are many options for prosthesis if you want to wear one. I sometimes don't and people don't notice. 

I also think the microbeads others mentioned are light but I use them with the foam which gives a more realistic shape. Without the foam, fiberfill and microbeads can flatten out like pillows. At least that is what happens to me!

Phebe38

hi gtgirl and everyone: I have not wear any bra since my operation on August28/13. I had mastectomy and it took a long time to heal, close to my drainage. So after four and a half months this is the first time I'm wearing a bra. I also had a port on my other arm so it was very sensitive now I can tolerate to wear a bra. I put a foam that the cancer centre send me. It looks like a prosthesis but you can fill it according to the other breast. I will wear this bra as long as I can tolerate then I'll take it off. Hope this help 

Nel138281

gtgirl,

You make the decision about what is comfortable for you or not.  I was many months out before I got fitted, the bra store women could not beleive I had gone with out and told me all sort of awful things would happen..  None of them have!   I had a UMX and sometimes I go without the bra and prosthetic and sometimes I wear it. and I dress accordingly. Checkout the  the thread "I look for other flat chested women"  Pretty active and many folks who never wear the bra and many of us who do or don't depending.  There are great camis, soft t-shirts etc that will be far more comfortable.  You get to decide what works for you for the present and in the future!   

Be well

Nel

jenjenl

The fitters that I went to wanted my bra to be really tight too, I was unbearably uncomfortable - i ended up after many months gravitating to a sports bra.  The comfort has helped me tremendously. 

Unfortunately it took a lot of trial and error to find what worked for me. 

crystalphm

7 weeks would have been way too early for me. They hurt, plain and simple. I choose to go flat now, and only wear microbead foobs when I need something for a special dress or event. Silicon has always been brutal for me.

Is there something wrong with your back? I too was told by several professionals my back would be very painful and deformed if I did not wear breasts. Just not true. My posture is better now that ever, shoulders back, belly in, I am doing good :-)

Fitters of bras and prostheses *always* tell you why you should wear breasts, well, of course, they are in the business of selling them. But we ladies know better, we really don't need them and wearing a silk cami under a shirt is a wonderful feeling!

sandcastle

My recommendation failed....I decided not to try again.....tried to wear a bra but it made my lymphedema flare up.....so my surgeon said not to wear a bra...l have been breast free for close to 3 years and I am doing well..liz

Rakovina

Gtgirl,

I wore my prosthesis for a while, but since my other side is a DD cup, it was heavy, hot and uncomfortable.  I tried a swimming lightweight one for a while, but now I dont wear any forms.  Unless I am wearing something super fitted, no-one notices the flat side, either that or I've just stopped caring that anyone notices.  My back and posture is just fine.

DH says that at the rate of BC these days, one boobed will one day be the new normal sadly.

Tanya

Kicks

I wear my pros. 'all' the time.  It is 'comfy' and basically never 'think' about it.  Have some really 'nasty nities' that it fits in that Hubby likes.

Ariom

I have a huge collection of Boobs Foobs and Prosthesis. I like to go half flat, with a firm shape wear tank, or wear a cami or tank top with a light, weighted, micro bead form in it. I have a size "D" on the other side, so I generally wear some kind of form.  Those knitted, Genie, or Ahh bras that are on the TV are quite comfortable with a lightweight foob inside, especially early on when everything is still very sensitive.

I don't have any issue with the silicone Prosthesis. I put it on and don't think about it again till I take it off, but it is important to get a really comfortable Mx bra to hold it. I really like the "Amoena Mona" bra, for every day. I also have a Contact silicone form that adheres to the chest, and can be worn with a normal bra. 

It is just a matter of taking your time to find what feels good for you and your situation. I don't believe that there is one breast form that covers everything and all clothing.

I really love wearing sports bras that are similar to a crop top, with pockets for those modesty pads. I put a fiber, or micro bead form in those and I am totally comfy. Marika makes a good one and often have 50% off their clearance area where you can pick up a $60.00 bra for about $9.00.

Ariom

Hi Tanya!

My Husband says the same thing! but he calls us the "Amazon warrior women!" They removed a breast to be able to shoot their arrows without hindrance! 

I agree with you about not caring if anyone notices if I am out without a form. At first, I was very self conscious, but a year later I am very comfortable, with or without a right boob.

My posture and back have not been a problem for me either. 

ponyo

Has anyone had back/arm/shoulder discomfort from the prothesis?

The bras with the pockets for the prothesis arrived the day before Christmas. (Surgery was almost three months earlier) I found the prothesis surprisingly comforting--i am small chested and fairly broad shouldered, so I didn't feel particularly sensitive to being breastless (in part because the surgeon was able to save my nipples.) However, after wearing the prosthesis and bra for two days straight, my right shoulder pitched forward and i have had a dead arm feeling like I had pitched a double header. I finally saw my primary and start physical therapy later this week, but I was really surprised how the weight of the small prothesis seemed to throw me out of kilter. Any suggestions on what has worked for folks?

Another aside...the prosthesis fitter tried to fit me in a B cup prothesis--I told her it did not look like me. I finally brought some of my more fitted work clothes to show that it would not work with what i have. They ordered me As even though i wanted AAs but i finally became too impatient.

My surgeon thinks i will change my mind in a year and opt for reconstruction. At this point, I don't think so.

Thanks,

Ponyo

Ariom

Hi Ponyo,

I am not certain what has caused the sensation you have, but I wonder if it could be Sentinel Node related? Perhaps the Mx bra has been pressing on a sensitive spot and has caused those symptoms.

It is still fairly early days for you and things are still settling.

There are other lighter options than the Silicone Prosthesis. They may be worth looking at, if you find that the node area, is the problem, even if just in the short term. 

I haven't had any real problems with the front of my chest, but my underarm and chest around to the back has been the area that has given me the most discomfort of this whole surgery. All SNB related.

There are quite a lot of women here who have the same issues.

I think that having the PT work on you is a great idea. I am a massage fanatic, and have been massaging and having myofascial release therapy. I have been doing stretching exercises religiously since right after the surgery. Even with all that, I still have some sensitivity, and lots of numbness, but I did get perfect Range of Motion very quickly, no adhesions, and really supple skin . So there has definitely been benefits.

I wish you all the best!

Bec65

Hi ~

I'm popping in from the November 2013 chemo group (hi Phebe!) with a bra strap/port predicament.  I've been home off work during treatment and haven't been wearing a bra at all.  However, I need to start wearing one to wear an insert to help with lymphedema around a drain scar, and I will want to wear one once I go back to work in April.  My problem is this:  My surgeon put my port exactly where a bra strap goes (Coobie or ABC), so the skin on my port gets really irritated.  I'm pretty boney up top, so even if I move the strap to the side of the port, the skins gets rubbed raw as well.  I can take the right strap off my Coobie, but then I'm constantly getting twisty/lopsided and needing to shift things around.  The best I've come up with is to cover my whole port with a strip of 4" wide tape I have left over from having to cover drain dressings when I showered.   Does anyone have any other suggestions I could try?  Thanks so much!

Kicks

You might want to see a Certified Fitter to find a bra that the straps go in a slightly different place.  I did try 1 bra that the strap did go over my port the first time I went to my fitter - so did not get it.  None that she's ordered in for me since have been a problem.   All bras are not cut the same, even ones saying they are the same size. Almost all my bras are 34B but I do have a 32C and a 34A that fit the same as the 34B's.  Good fitters know how the different manufacturers and styles fit different body types and different pros

I'm waiting now for N. to call me to come in and try the new bras that are on order.  The place does not have a large stock on hand for 'smaller' sizes so she has to order ones in for me.  In the 4 yrs I've been working with her she has learned my likes and my body shape so she gets ones in that are likely to be what I want. 

Ariom

Hi,I agree about going to see a fitter. I know that Amoena Mx bras have the shoulder straps cut higher on the shoulders than normal bras to prevent the straps from falling down your shoulder when wearing a Prosthesis. That may help, or even the plastic keepers that you can buy to hold bra straps together at the back for wearing with tops that have the bigger cutouts at the back may just pull the strap far enough away from your port. The only other thing I can think of is a convertible bra that has straps that can be used in different configurations.

I can imagine how irritating this must feel, I hope you find an answer soon. 

Bec65

Thank you both for the great suggestions.  I can't get new bras from my fitter (unless I pay out of pocket) until October, and by then I will have had the port removed.  But, I might have a go at sewing pockets myself so I could wear off-the-rack bras.  I have some of the Strap Perfect clips you mention, Ariom, so I'll try those today.  

My port couldn't have been more perfectly placed -- at least I know my surgeon is precise!  Thanks again!

Kicks

OK - if you can't get from a fitter for now, here's another idea that I've had some success with recently for cheap bras (pretty colors) at WalMart/KMart/etc.   I have found some really cheap bras that are 'padded' BUT the pads are removeable (like a mast. bra).  Slide the pad out and slide pros. in.  I don't like them as much as my mast bras when I'm going to be very active/working out/etc. but for general daily wear, they aren't bad at all.   

Almost all my mast bras are 'convertable' ones so straps can be moved around if wanted.  Have you tried a strapless bra?  What about camisoles?  I have a couple of 'tanktops' that have some 'support' in them that with sewing a pocket in work fine.   

Bec65

The tank idea is a great one....thank you!  I'm thinking I could go to Marshall's and get workout tanks with modesty pads and just substitute in (or add) my foam foobs.  My silicone foobs are comparatively heavy; I'll try those too, but I think I'll be happier with the foam.  Thanks again! 

pajim

Bec, I buy regular bras and sew in the pockets (well, have them sewn).  So the bra itself felt the same as before the surgery. I hate the mastectomy bras -- they have way too much padding for me.  The fitters actually fitted me to a bigger bra than I had been wearing.

My form weighs about the same as my other breast so I don't notice it.  I do second the idea of sports bras -- just tuck the poofy post-surgical form into it.

ponyo

Ariom,

Thank you for your thoughts. My Acupuncturist also suggested a racer back bra, as traditional straps rub over a particular nerve that contributes to the sensations i experienced.

I don't know if it is indeed related to my sentinel node dissection. Other than the HORRIBLE grated burning feeling I experienced two weeks post-surgery, i have not noticed much other than an occasional sensation that i can sit with.

My acupuncturist started threading my scars with the needles and it is amazing how the scar tissue is breaking down. Like you, i have regained most of my pre surgery mobility. 

Yes, it is very much a work in progress....for now i am comfortable stashing the prothesis while working on improving the muscles in my back.  

~P

louise2

I am glad to know I am not the only woman with this issue.  I am finding it difficult to wear bras and prosthesis due to sensitivity in th scar area, and following radiotherapy.  I find "Bodysilk" maternity bras comfortable.  They have removable pads.  I often bulk up my flat side with these pads, and foam pads which dressmakers use. I cant wear bras that are too tight and have bought bra extenders which help.  I now only wear my prosthesis for special occaisons.  I notice that mastectomy bras do not come in a wide range of sizes, which doesn't help.

Ariom

You're welcome Ponyo, I have found, through through trial and error that there are many different options for bras out there that can be modified slightly to suit your particular situation.

Louise, we don't have a huge range of different types of Mx bras here in Australia, but Amoena does have an extremely good range of styles, and I would have thought, sizes too. Are you looking for an unusual size?  

I have found, that for me, massage has been the thing that has desensitized  a lot of the irritating feelings I had. Also time, of course. I am 13 months out from my surgery, and I had those dreadful rasping, burning, feelings, as well as sensitivity where the drain had been, which was right where the band of most bras would sit. Now, I am happy to say, it is pretty much, just numbness that I feel. I persevered with massaging twice a day every day to keep the skin supple and to make sure I didn't get adheasions. 

I wish you all the best!

TB90

Ponyo:  You addressed an issue I was wondering about.  You can have acupuncture on your affected side following breast cancer?  My physiotherapist uses acupuncture, but I have avoided it since my surgery.  Maybe I do not need to?

ponyo

TB90,

I have been seeing an acupuncturist for nearly 25 years so it was a natural fit for me to incorporate it with my breast cancer treatment.

I have learned through injury recovery, that addressing the affected parts rather than shying away from them can aid and speed healing. I have had acupuncture to treat a keloid that developed after a deep gash on my knee. It started as a raised, rough surface. two years later, but for the skin discoloration, the adhesion is completely dissipated and the skin is smooth as my other knee.

I was fortunate, my regular acupuncturist referred me to one who had experience professionally and personally with breast cancer. She has been treating my surgical scars within a week of surgery. I also use wheat germ oil to massage into the scar areas.

So I am not only a fan, but pretty much a true believer.

Good luck!

~P