A bilateral mastectomy in my near future. Bras? Camisole??

Anonymous

A bilateral mastectomy in my near future. Bras? Camisole??

vixkix69

I assume my surgeon or doctor will tell me this, but what bra / camisole, special clothing (if any) am I going to need after bilateral mastectomy surgery?Will be getting expanders.

I had a breast reduction 20 years ago, and it was a piece of cake. From some of the posts I've seen, bilateral mastectomy surgery will NOT be a piece of cake.

Also, things to have handy?

All of this, the research and the planning, keeps my mind off the bad stuff to come.

Thank you, ladies. You are all Wonder Women.

exbrnxgrl

I wouldn’t say the bmx was a piece of cake, but it was easier than I expected, though not everyone has the same experience. Surgeons also differ in what they put you in and recommend after surgery, so please consult yours. I had one step (no expanders) implantsafter surgery and woke up with what looked like a giant ace bandage around my chest. It was wrapped quite tightly and I asked to have it loosened, while still in recovery, and they did. Once it was removed, about 10 days post surgery, my surgeon said I could wear whatever made me comfortable. I opted for a very soft, front closure, cotton bra. Not too attractive but it was supportive without being too tight, and the cotton was gentle on my healing skin. You may want to check with your insurance as they may cover post surgical bras (mine covered two). All the best and happy New Year 🎊

WC3

I stayed in the surgical bra I woke up from surgery in until about four days after having the drains removed....about a week and a half total maybe. Theoretically I was supposed to change in to a "clean" one at some point but there was a sizing miscommunication on the first one I bought. I later ordered and eventually received the Elizabeth Pink Surgery bra but it covers my port and pushes one of my expanders in to a nerve, both of which cause discomfort and my plastic surgeon has cleared me to wear a regular bra. I realized that, with no nipples and gravity defying reconstructions, I can get away without one, so I have been.

OCDAmy

they will likely put you in a surgical bra with tabs or rings to attach the drains. You’ll wear that until your PS tells you that you can wear something else. Go to a bra shop that specializes in mastectomy. I got fitted for a bra there and they gave me breast inserts that could be reduced as I expanded. My insurance paid for it.

Wigging2000

The Wanayou brand on Amazon has been a popular recommendation on this site. It’s front close and soft. I did not have expanders but went straight to implant and I’ve been happy wearing that brand daily.

Button or zip up tops are also a good thing to have in hand...getting anything over your head will be tough for awhile.

BMX is not easy but it’s very doable. Everyone is different of course, but I had way less pain than I’d imagined and it sounded scarier than it actually was.

You might try looking at some of the monthly surgery groups on this site for experiences/advice. Not sure when yours is but there is already a January group.

MBPooch

vixkix69 - I agree with the others when they say it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd expected. I had immediate direct to implant so didn't need a second surgery, not sure if that made recovery any easier. Make sure you have a mastectomy bra that has the rings or pockets for the drains, The drains were honestly one of the hardest parts of it all. Once they come out you will feel so much better! I transitioned to a sports bra as soon as the drains were out. I found that Cobbie and Puma made the most comfortable ones.

I was religious about doing the exercises and did a lot of stretching/yoga after about 6 weeks. I feel like that really helped me to get my range of motion back. Good luck in your recovery, you will do great!

Rrobin0200

I had my BMX in March of 2017. Although it wasn't a piece of cake, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be. As for clothing and bras, make sure you have button down tops or even zipper tops so that you don't have to raise your arms above you're head... you won't be able to do that, especially if you have drains. My surgeons gave me a bra to wear.. one that buttons in the front. Honestly, drains were the worst part. My bra didn’t have the pockets, but I just tucked them into the bra and/or shirt, and all was good.

Prior to your surgery, make sure to put all necessities within a arms length distance. As I mentioned above, you won't be able to reach above your head for awhile. Make sure to tidy up, go to the grocery, pay all bills, and do other households chores prior to the day of surgery. That way, you're keeping your mind off of the surgery, AND you're able to completely rest when surgery is over.

Beatmon

After you are completely healed post op your surgeon will guide you, but I’ve never worn a bra since. These new “breasts “ don’t fall or move.

Good luck

Dani444

I only had a UMX, but my BS gave me an RX to get two post op bras and one camisole as my insurance covered that. They were comfortable and had the Velcro pocket for the drain. I was fitted for them at the boutique in the women’s center.

As far as getting stuff ready, one thing I forgot to do was ask for easy open bottles for my meds. Could not open the child proof ones myself. And I definitely needed so many pillows to get comfortable in bed. I was able to shower a couple days after surgery and I used a lanyard to hold the drain while I showered. I had some bath wipes, and face wipes I used before I was able to shower. Button up shirts/ pajama tops, and stretchy pants that are easy to pull up will be nice to have post op.I wish you the best on your upcoming surgery.

CBK

vikkix69

PS vary so wildly what bra requirements are, you def will need to check in with your surgeon to be sure on what you need to wear. I was on the no bra regime with my under the pec tissue expanders.

Honestly, BMX was not as long as recovery as I imagined. If you get quesy from anesthesia make sure you ask for that patch that goes behind the ear to help with nausea. The hardest part I remember was getting up and down from lying position. I would get stuck in my bed which was high up. So if you can sleep in a bed lower to the ground or recliner, this is ideal.

For my drains my PS gave me these cute little bags that had a very long strap that crossed over my front and set down by my waistline that I popped my drains in.

I was allowed to shower by day 2 after BMX. and I remembered being conflicted on what was the right soap to shower with. Ha. It was a whole dilemma for me so maybe ask nurse what type of soap you should be using for that and get dressings you may need to change ready for post surgery. I remember the hospital gave me so much stuff when I was discharged. Gauze, pillows, and non -slip socks they offered were helpful!! You will want one pillow for the drive home to put between you and seatbelt!!!

I was lifting my arms overhead quite quickly ( by week one) but the ladies here are correct in saying some zip up or button down shirts might be helpful.

I remember feeling very well taken care of at the hospital but going home was a bit isolating; it’s just me and my husband. It was highly encouraged by my PS to “get out there and take a walk” drains and all. Within reason, the sooner you get moving the better you heal.

Have lots of liquids (hydrate, hydrate, hydrate)and some bland foods ready for you to nibble on at home. Anesthesia and medications will dehydrate you. Although I didn’t take any hard narcotics; steer clear of them if you can is my pick!! I did on all of my surgeries and did well with that!!

Make sure you have laxative handy if you have tendency to get backed up after anesthesia.

I wish I could be there for you, but know it’s going to be ok. You will amaze yourself how darn strong you are despite any doubts or fears you might have now. Joining the surgery group should be super helpful and lean on staff at PS office if you need direction. That’s what they are there for!! Oh and all of us too!!🤗

Peace and wishing you an easeful recovery!!

WC3

I had pre pec expanders but I couldn't easily fasten the bra on my own for about a week and I couldn't get a top on on my own for maybe two weeks...at some point I had managed enough flexibility to do so by putting my arm in one sleeve and hanging the other sleeve on a shoulder height pole or hook as if someone were holding it for me, and getting my other arm in that way, but there were some moments of pain.

It's been a little over two months and I can't reach my arms all the way up yet but I am getting there.

I am supposed to go to physical therapy but am wondering if my determination as a short person in a tall person world is good enough.

SimoneRC

I had everything waxed before surgery that I would normally shave! Also could not open child proof caps for a couple of weeks post op.

Wigging2000

I would absolutely agree with the waxing suggestion!!!!! I wish I had done it!!

Maybe_Maeby

I’m two weeks out (UMX) and the Amoena post surgery camisole (available on Amazon) has been by far my most useful purchase. The elastic in the built in bra sits low enough to not irritate things and it has Velcro-in drain pockets. Two warnings; not cheap (around $50) and they do indeed run small so order larger than you’d think— it’s not a good time for too fitted a garment!