Can’t get my prosthesis and bra on by myself. Help

DodgersGirl

had mastectomy last fall. Have a really nice prosthesis and a few mastectomy bras.

My problem is I can’t get the bra on or off by myself. The prosthesis fits in the pocket on the mastectomy bra nicely but it is soooo heavy. And my arm (cancer side) doesn’t have range of motion like before surgery so I can’t seem to be able to hook the bra in back because I am fighting with a DD cup prosthesis that feel like it weighs 10 pounds.

I can put on my old bras and stuff one side with a knitted knocker but it seems to ride way higher in the cup compared to my own breast do I feel like a Picasso. And there is discomfort along the band across the chest after a few hours.

Mastectomy bra is way more comfortable — I have to be able to get it on and off by myself

Anyone have tips?

Icietla

Hi DodgersGirl.  I am so sorry you have this struggle.  

Since I think two years before my cancer diagnosis, I have had a second torn biceps and second frozen shoulder.  For those I think two years, I had to struggle hard and long with (poorly supportive) front-closure bras or have assistance to put on and take off rear-closure bras.

Could you put the bra on backwards and inside-out (inside-out and upside-down), fasten it in front, then turn it around (still inside-out and upside-down) and add the prosthesis when you have the cups/front side of the bra at your front, then flip the bra over upwards to get everything situated?  -- like using a Bra Angel assistive device, but without the device?

https://www.wrightstuff.biz/bra-angel-dressing-aid.html

(((Hugs)))

DodgersGirl

Icietla— thanks for the reply! I figure this problem is unique to me but hoped someone had been there before me.

I have done the fasten in front, twist to back before surgery but can’t do it with mastectomy bra as prosthesis is so heavy. And I can’t add it to the cup after putting bra on due to the way the prosthesis goes in from the side, into a pocket.

Will check out your link.

Thanks again for rrpl

Icietla

You are welcome.

Another idea -- could you sew the rear closure parts together, securely closed -- like sewing a couple of rounds of backstitching near all the margins of the rectangular shape of the two closing parts stacked together, and with the fastening position there set to just a bit of slack, just a wee bit of looseness -- and divide the front side at midline with neat/smooth enough finishing, and add a line of hook and eye fasteners there for front closure?

It is very important to stick with the bra type that is most comfortable for you.  I have recently read on BCO of a member having had her lymphedema troubles aggravated by an uncomfortable bra and prosthesis.

DodgersGirl

Icietla— I think I may try your last idea but will have to take it to a seamstress as my hand joints are very flexible

I agree with the idea of wearing a comfortable bra. I really feel sore when I wear one if my other bras and could see that being a problem.

LLydia

I’m sure you’ve figured some method out by now, but in case anyone comes upon this later......I dealt with a heavy prosthesis for several years. The only way I found to get my bra on was to lean over, toss the bra and prosthesis on my back (like I was putting bra on backwards), hook the hooks while at my front, then twist bra around and stand up. Used that method every day.