Help finding a compression cami?

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Mellie289
Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
edited July 2014 in Lymphedema

Hi all - I went to the surgeon last week after a year with a swollen breast and she finally sent me on to the LE PT for some therapy. I guess we can now finally give up on it resolving on its own any time in the near future. My left breast is swollen to a C/D cup while my right is a B. The LE PT sshowed me some massage and I will go to her for some sessions in August (I have a trip coming up and she's booked up until then).

In the meantime, she said I should get a compression cami like by Spanx. I have a sleeve and gauntlet already from a specialty shop that I bought last year. She advised me to start wearing those again, at least for the next month or so - I have never had LE in the arm, just some readings on the L-DEX trending upward (again now), but still in the normal range.

I had a look at Target yesterday and can't really find something appropriate - the camisole-style slimmers all seem to be targeting the waste. Does anyone have a specific tank top or camisole that is suitable for breast compression that you can suggest to me? Where did you find it? I was thinking of trying Macy's today. If you bought something online, do you have a link?

I'd really appreciate some suggestions!  Thanks!

Melanie.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2014

    Melanie, so sorry you're dealing with this, but awfully glad you're finally getting some help with it!

    Truncal LE can be difficult, but I'm sure plenty of women will be along shortly with their suggestions. The StepUp-SpeakOut site has a whole page of them. See the bottom of this page for links to several types of breast/chest compression:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/breast_chest_trunck...

    My own preference is for the WearEase Slimmer, though I'm planning to try their new compression t-shirt next time I order new garments. WearEase is here:
    http://www.wearease.com/wear-ease-products/compres...

    Since you bought your sleeve and gauntlet a year ago, good idea to check out the fit now with your LE therapist before using it for travel. Here's more information on proper fitting of garments:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/proper_fitting_of_l...

    Hoping you find the perfect solution soon! Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
    edited July 2014


    Thanks for the link, Binney - I will write down the names of the camis from the StepUp-SpeakOut site and look for them in some stores today. I'm still interested in people's suggestions in case I come up empty again on my store search.

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  • JAN69
    JAN69 Member Posts: 947
    edited July 2014

    Mellie,  After several expensive tries, I think I finally found what I need.  It's WearEase Compression T shirt.  It seems to be their latest compression garment.  My local mastectomy supply store had to special order it for me as they had not even heard of it.  It took 3 sizes to get to the correct size, but it has been a winner for me!  It's very hard to get on so my DH has to help and that is humiliating, but lately I've been able to get it off by myself.  No zippers, hooks, or velcro. The short sleeves could be snugger for me, so I wear my sleeve under the T shirt sleeve.  The shirt comes down to about hip joint and it stays there!  No riding up.  I go flat, but there are pockets.  It costs $90. and can be purchased on line, but I wouldn't recommend that.  Correct sizing could be difficult and perhaps you would need to send it back and try again for the perfect fit.  Good luck, Jan

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014


    I've had trouble trying to get enough compression on the left w/o squashing my remaining breast. I find that Swell Spots tucked into a bra or a breast binder work for me. Truncal LE is not easy,, it really takes a lot of experimenting to figure out what works for you.

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  • Mellie289
    Mellie289 Member Posts: 156
    edited July 2014

    I have found one Maidenform cami that kind of works, but I don't like it. I can't see doing this every day.

    Does anyone know if I sports bra works? I'm wondering if it's a matter of having the girls compressed down with a uniboob style of undergarment versus cups like in a bra. I can tell right now that the cami isn't going to work for me at all when the semester starts and I'm standing in front of the classroom with 30 pairs of eyes on me.

    Jan - $90 and you needed help getting it on and off? I would definitely need help too as my arm on the surgical side is so weak now. I live in southern California and it's summer time so I can't imagine wearing a full T-shirt under my tank tops, etc. I'll keep that in mind if I need something going into Fall and when my partner is back from his travels so I'd have help dressing! That can't be nearly as bad as when I needed help washing when I had the drain in after surgery. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Glennie - I have the opposite that my swollen side is bigger than the non-surgical side, so that shouldn't be an issue, I guess. I hadn't heard of Swell Spots before. Thanks for your post.

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  • OneBadBoob
    OneBadBoob Member Posts: 1,386
    edited July 2014

    Jan have you tried stepping into the tee to put it on?

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  • JAN69
    JAN69 Member Posts: 947
    edited July 2014

    Mellie and OneBB,  I'm hoping with a bit more practice, I'll be able to get it on by myself.  I've tried over-head and bottom-up, and so far still need help.  Both DH and I are retired, so he's always around.  I don't wear it every day, just when we travel.  By travel, I mean going to doctor appointments.  That's pretty much my life.  (DH has cancer too)  Mellie, I too live in California, in the mountains of Central California.  We go to Fresno for our cancer appointments, and UCLA for my macular degeneration and thyroid/parathyroid issues.  It's a 300 miles trip each way and we do it about twice a month.  (going tomorrow)  

    So I go well compacted with tshirt, sleeves, gloves, with at least 3/4 length sleeves on my outside shirt.  Yes, it's hot, really hot, but when I get home I can tell my lymphedema is well under control.  So far it's been worth it.  Oh, and my lpt told me to not wear a sports bra because the coverage under the arm and around in back of it, leaves too much area for the lymph fluid to get caught.  She insists I wear a very firm bra, high under the arm and wide panels in the back with very firm stretch.  I go 100% flat and she doesn't like it. 

    Good luck ladies as we all try to find what works without spending an arm and a leg.  Jan

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  • teacher911
    teacher911 Member Posts: 853
    edited July 2014

    Ann Taylor, the Loft sells their version of Spanx for about $25 dollars. It is the best one I've found.  There is still a fair bit of compression in the breast area and it is easier to get on then some of the others.  

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