another camisole question

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bookgal
bookgal Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

I am just three weeks post mx and just started developing pain and decreased arm mobility. Nurse thinks it may be cording. Yikes!

I read some of the other threads and got some ideas for the future.  I can't get fitted for mx bra for several more weeks. I passed on the post surgical bra and post surgery camisole that the hospital had because they looked too binding, rubbing,  difficult to get on .

My chemo induced hot flashes are making my extra shawl and strategically placed scarves tiresome. Anyone been in a similar circumstance or have any specific solutions?  Any comfortable, easy to wear  camisoles  or something else to wear so I can ditch the scarves?  Suggestions appreciated :)

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  • TarheelMichelle
    TarheelMichelle Member Posts: 871
    edited March 2014

    Have you visited a shop that specializes in bras and camisoles for women like you (us)? They have many types of bras and camisoles. They have experience with ladies who are "burning up" from chemo or other treatment. :-)

    Insurance almost always covers these undergarments. My insurance covers bras and camisoles, up to $500/year. I get bras/sports bras/camisoles. Amoena makes a very soft camisole. It comes in pretty colors like red, blue, black. You can wear it with or without a prosthesis. When I was first diagnosed, I didn't realize that camisoles or sports bras are covered by insurance. They are. At first, I got a soft cotton sports bra that zipped up the front so I didn't have to slip it over my head. I wore that all the time for awhile. 

    Wishing you positive results in all aspects of your treatment. 

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited March 2014

    You may not be ready for those pretty Amoena camisoles yet because they have an elastic band/shelf bra.  I've recommended this on other threads, but I think the best first camisole is the radiation camisole from TLC.  Unfortunately, this will add an extra layer which could exacerbate hot flashes.  Another good solution I found was a bra from the Barely There collection which has an opening to remove shields.  Take the shields out, put in whatever foam or microbead foob you have, and away you go.  No underwires, heavy elastic--only soft jersey.  I've found this brand at Kohl's and seen it at other places.  It's not expensive.  

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited March 2014

    The 2 best are mentioned above. You do not want a shelf bra at this time or any tightness around your ribs until you get the possible cording figured out. You can get the cami's larger and they still work just fine. I wear the one from TLC that has a peek of lace at the cleavage spot. Still You  (Or is it still me???) has a great but pricy cami, so soft. Mine is 3 years old and still in fantastic condition.

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited March 2014

    Still You is the name! And one advantage is that it's a great everyday garment long after you've recovered from surgery. There is a think elastic band that creates a shelf bra, but it's not at all binding. As crystalphm said, they are expensive but they wear extremely well. I still have my original one from seven years ago and it's in excellent condition.

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  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2014

    I wore a Softee camisole after surgery and loved it. You can order them online. Big arm holes and no constriction. Adjustable removable breast forms come with it. I'll probably be pulling it out again when I start radiation. I now have two mastectomy bras and a silicone breast form. The ladies where I got my fitting were so nice ant set me up really well. 

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  • bookgal
    bookgal Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2014

    Thank you for the suggestions. I will have a better idea of what to look for now.  I have to travel to find an actual store that carries mastectomy items so getting suggestions from online stores helps a bunch.  Thanks to Mary625  for the Barely There suggestion. I have one of their bras that was great after my biopsy. I haven't seen one that has pockets yet.   Will try to look for one when I go to Kohls

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  • AKJ
    AKJ Member Posts: 190
    edited March 2014

    https://softeeusa.com/

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  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 705
    edited March 2014

    I have some cheapie camisole from Walmart that have a thin insert in the cup. They aren't structured in anyway. But the insert (like what comes in the Genie or Ah! bras) can be removed from the side pocket slit. I suppose you could go without it or add a foob of sorts.

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  • VintageGal1111
    VintageGal1111 Member Posts: 705
    edited March 2014

    I have some cheapie camisoles from Walmart that have a thin insert in the cup. They aren't structured in anyway. But the insert (like what comes in the Genie or Ah! bras) can be removed from the side pocket slit. I suppose you could go without it or add a foob of sorts.

    My BMX isn't til Thursday but I wear these now since I am so flat chested anyway.

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  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited March 2014

    Hi Vintagegal, that type of cami will probably work, so long as it is easy to get into, you won't be able to raise your arms up high at first, but if you can step into them or they are stretchy enough to wriggle into, they should be just fine.

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