Need help after one sided mastectomy

There was a thread somewhere they discuss bras and proths and some very good suggestions about them.  Here it is:  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82/topic/709120?page=4#idx_104

Hopefully you can click on that thread from here, if not, you might have to cut and paste into the browser window.

You don't have to allow anyone to see yourself if you are uncomfortable, but the women who do fittings are very good at making you feel comfortable.  If you still aren't after talking with them and discussing the fitting, you could just allow them to measure without your shirt off to get started and then go from there.  Trying them on in a fitting room without them present.  But it really is better if they can see your breast that is still there, in order to more closely match the proth to it.  Everyone being built so differently it's hard to guess which proth might match up with your other one otherwise.

I waited a year b/c of the issues you have, plus I never liked bras much anyway, so it was the worst part of recovery, admitting I now had to wear one most times in public   You can order online, but until you get a sense of what the fitting entails and what the proths are and how they work, you might spend a good deal of time and money trying different types

Visit that thread started by Erica and her site also has a lot of great information!  Good Luck to you!

I, too,had a total left mastectomy.  I was very nervous about going for a fitting; however the woman who helped me was so kind and very good at doing the fitting without making me feel embarrassed.  Afterward I was so happy to have a well fitting breast form and bras paid for by insurance....be sure to check yours....mine covers 6 mast bras per year.  It has been over a year and I am still wearing mine. I agree that going for the fitting is very worth it.  Just tell yourself that you'll be glad you did...and proud of yourself, too!  After all you've been through - you can do this :-).

Hi Simvog,

I am about the same size as you.  I had  a right mast.  I did the same as you....felt that I just couldn't go to a fitter and put it off for months.  After I went, I couldn't figure out why I waited so long.  The bras and prosthetic she fitted me for were sooo much more comfortable and natural feeling.  Once you get fitted and know about what you want, you can also get bras, forms, etc from tlc catalogue put out by the american cancer society.  They have an online site and you can also get catalogues delivered to your home.  They are much cheaper but you need to know what you want and size so you don't waste time and money.  Good luck!

Bre

1.7cm tumor plus malignant microcalcifications, er+/pr-/her2+++, stage 1, nuclear grade 8, no nodes, idc

Dear Simvog,

 You mention you have mast bras that don't fit your remaining breast well - I am small too (34A/34B) and have the same situation. It seems the mast bras are great for bigger breasted girls - I either put a bust cup on that side to smooth it out or use a regular bra with either a silicone pros (either against skin once you are healed enough - ask doc, and if you find it comfortable - or in the cloth cover) or a polyfill (puffy) or foam pros, some have  a little weight.  Or there's some other non-silicone ones that are made to wear with regular bras: bosom buddy and jillianna - can be bought online and under $100 so cheaper than silicone. It's been 10 years and I still try different bras/pros - best of luck to you!

Can someone tell me when after surgery to expect to be able to be fitted? I've been using a post mastectomy camisole but I'm fairly big chested and have no support for the other side. I really ned to get into a bra.

I just love the Classique bras (style 768) and my Airway form.  The Airway has a natural looking fron, a soft microfiber back and some type of beads inside that conform the the contours of your breast area- amazingly cool and comfy.

 I also like the Amonea Comfort Plus gel backed form, but for pure comfort the Airway is amazing.

 http://www.classique1.com/bras.php 

http://www.airwaymast.com/breastform.html 

http://www.amoena.com/us/Products/Breastforms/Natura/ 

Nordstrom's sews in a pocket on regular bras for free if you have an "outplant". That way you can have something comfortable and pretty.

I actually had some bras altered at Nordstrom to include a pocket.  They were nice, but the one I really liked I actually found at Gap Body (you can order online if you don't have one nearby).  It's called the shaping bra.  I didn't need to have any pockets sewn in.  I just put my prosthesis in the cup, and it was completely hidden and stayed in place no problem.  Plus it was more comfortable and attractive than any mastectomy bra I ever saw.  It has lightly lined cups that help make both sides look more even too.  I was surprised so few mastectomy bras had lined cups.  That just made no sense to me since my regular breast and prosthesis look so different from each other.  Oh, I'm also a 34A/B.  Hope that helps!

Anything loose and blousey. Avoid anything tight around the midriff or arms. Cotton things are good. You should be wearing compression stockinets an both arms from wrist to shoulder to keep edema down. You won't be working for awhile especially with drains in. The surgery takes a lot out of you. Your arm is going to be weak and sore you will need to be fitted for a prosthetic bra soon too.

Total Mastectomy