Tips for Larger Breasts?

euphonious

I'm starting the process to begin radiation--beginning in about 2.5 weeks or so. I want to be prepared. I'm a little nervous about whole breast radiation as a large-breasted person with sensitive skin. Any tips? Good radiation friendly bras for DDD+? Techniques?

thank you!

jessie123

I"m also going to start radiation in the next 2 or 3 weeks. There is a new breast cancer radiation technique that is much safer for your heart and lungs. It is laying on your stomach where one breast hangs through a hole ( kind of like the breast MRI). It's called radiation in the prone position. It's especially good( and safer) for large breasted women. I have four major hospitals in my city and only two have the prone board so make sure you call around to find one. There is also hypo fractionated radiation (I think that's what it's called) It is a radiation protocol that only takes 3 weeks and overall you receive less total radiation than the regular schedule. Look into that also. Remember you don't have to stay with the hospital where your surgeon is or even your Oncologist works --- you can go anywhere you want for radiation.

Flower216

Hi! I just started radiation this week. There is a four week treatment, but my doctors don't use that after chemo...so I have 6 weeks.  I do have sensitive skin and my RO had me start using Aveno cream 3-4 times a day and aquafor on my nipple (which felt tender after day2). The doctor checks my skin weekly and will give me a stronger cream if needed. Many people on another board recommend the cream Miaderm.  As far as the bra, I was told no underwire bras, wear something soft. A friend recommended a website, Anaono, who has very soft radiation bras, but unfortunately they are out of stock in my size. Also, you can only use an aluminum free deodorant. I found "Native" is one of the better ones. Target carries it or its online. The radiation treatments are fast...in and out in 20 minutes and that includes time it takes to change in locker room. The set up prior to treatment is about an hour.

Jessie and euphonious....good luck-you will do great!!!!!!!!!!!1

MLAnne

Thanks for starting this topic - I am in the same situation. I went ahead and ordered the Ana Ono wire-free bra even though my RO didn't address bras at all during my consultation.

euphonious

Thanks so much for the comments. I'm definitely having 27 sessions of whole breast radiation, laying on my back, beginning on April 3. The 2 hospitals that have the prone boards are really far across Chicago from me--not convenient for the work day.

In regards to bras, I continue to do research. A friend just recommended that I check out maternity bras, so I just ordered a couple styles from target to see what I think. Otherwise, there haven't been a lot of great options with support, which I'd like for work. I did order some camis with shelf bras that I may put under an underwire or wear with a cardigan on top of a loose shirt and hope for the best. I have a couple of sports bras/lounge bras for home.

But, if others have had success, let me know!

Flower216

I just finished week 2 of rads...and am starting to realize why people say you want a soft bra-my nipple is already very sensitive.  Another patient at radiation suggested the new Spanx bra-she said its supportive, no underwire and soft. I will try to  find it and try it.

Have a good week!

grandmaadams

Hi Ladies, I've finished rads. I found on Amazon a pack of three "Genie" type bras for larger breasts made by Cabales. A pack of three was around $20.00. I was fortunate that I had minimal SEs with using Aloe Vera gel, fragrance and dye free. My oncologist advised me to put on enough of the stuff that I'm sloshing out of my bra. Since you haven't started yet … just a heads -up... your breasts will be completely exposed for each day's set-up and some locations leave you completely exposed during the entire treatment. Some women have been unpleasantly surprised to find out they have male radiation therapists. Lots of women don't care, lots of women have been pleased with the professionalism and courtesy of the male therapists but if you are a victim of sexual assault, the experience can be re-traumatizing. If this could possibly apply to you, knowing ahead of time could save you a lot of emotional distress. Talk to your RO and ask about their "protocol". You have the right, if you wish, to ask for female therapists. I requested and was allowed to be covered during my treatment. Knowledge is power. Good luck to you.

buttonsmachine

You might check out the brand Glamorise. They make many comfortable sports bras without underwires that come in DDD+ sizes.

I found that my softer ordinary bras worked fine for whole breast radiation. Best wishes to you, and I hope you fine something you like.

AliceBastable

I just used some old soft knit bras I already had. I also bought men's cheapo 3-pack sleeveless undershirts to wear UNDER the bra after treatment with re-inking and Aquaphor mess, to protect the bra.

I have large breasts and did the 33-day radiation on my back with no problem.

MissouriCatLady

I have a seroma and bought a Glamorise bra (thank you, Buttonsmachine) and it is pretty supportive. If anyone would like to recommend any other inexpensive (or expensive, I guess) nice bras for larger breasts, I would love to know what you all think is a good bra. Thank you.

Yogijen

For those coming up the pipeline.....

Walmart carries a Hanes, all cotton, hook and eye, front closure bra ($7). Buy 3-4 and keep washing them. Cotton is your friend. Air out the girls once or twice a day, lying flat to ensure the under boob is getting dry and not always moist. Constant skin to skin contact can cause more issues (fungal infection, irritation, increase burn). After I was done with treatment I used cornstarch powder to the underboob.

Spoonie77

These saved my sanity and helped decrease my pain/SEs for the past 8 months, from Lumpectomy, to RADs, and then on to LE, Fibrosis, and more. I have just started being able to wear my normal bras this past month, I really can't handle them for long. Still too much pain/tenderness so I live in these. For me, the are worth a few bucks for the support and compression they give.

Amazon Essentials Women's Light-Support Seamless Zip-Front Sports Bra

MissouriCatLady

Thank you for the tips. Starting treatment #14 today and so far, so good, BUT I have these front-closure bras you recommend (thank you), and the cornstarch, I think the further down the road you go, best to be prepared. I appreciate you girls, thank you!

movingsoccermom

I found the t-shirt under the bra to be incredibly helpful. Also, there is a new bra designed by a radiation oncologist, called Makemerry. I have not tried it yet, since I found it recently, years after my radiation.

Best wishes to all of you!