Mastectomy clothing

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Goincrzy8
Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
edited November 2016 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Why are they so expensive really? I am looking for a camisole and then of course bra's. Any tricks to this new way of life?

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  • OrcaPorkka
    OrcaPorkka Member Posts: 61
    edited November 2016

    Are you having reconstruction or staying flat? For reconstruction I just did a lot of button ups and actually mostly full zip hoodies.

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2016

    I am not having reconstruction. Looking for bras and under garments. I did find on ebay a brand new post mastectomy camisole for $20. I am finding it hard to find black camisol in my size. They do need plus size for us large breasted women.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2016

    I would recommend that you ask your surgeon what type of garment you will wake up in before you purchase anything. I woke up in a mastectomy camisole, so would not have needed to purchase one on my own. Also, if you chose not to reconstruct many insurers cover a number of bras and/or prosthetics per year. You will need a prescription from your surgeon and then, if covered, you can be fitted once you heal. My insurer required the prescription and a claim form and the original receipt to be submitted and then I was reimbursed.

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2016

    Thank you SpecialK

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  • Wicked
    Wicked Member Posts: 141
    edited November 2016

    I bought bras and camisoles from Amazon. I got bandeau bras that are just a tube top with removable straps and removable pads. I'm wearing those with a camisole. The pads make it look like I have a tiny bit of boob, but they don't push on the incision and are very light. Working well so far.

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  • Nulyte
    Nulyte Member Posts: 62
    edited November 2016

    I too was surprised by the prices! I'm 2 weeks post surgery and chose no reconstruction , my surgeon just taped me up with steri strips. Today I bought an XXL sports bra that zips up the front and inserted my knitted knockers and actually didn't cry I had a little bit of boobage it was in my book "a great day"! This journey sucks but it felt good to have a little "normal"back. Good luck!
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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited November 2016

    Yea Nulyte, one day at a time.

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  • Icantri
    Icantri Member Posts: 93
    edited November 2016
    The prosthetics come later, like 6 weeks after surgery, so getting something for in between might be helpful, but maybe not absolutely necessary.

    When I got my drain out the doc said the best thing for now is a sports bra. But I can't imagine trying to get out of one of those at this point. I don't yet have that range of motion back.

    Like Nulyte said, it was mentally beneficial to me to be able to feel halfway normal by putting on a soft bra of some kind with the knitted knockers. But I am still adjusting. I went with a plain cotton undershirt today for comfort sake. I think I may not quite be ready for the pressure a bra puts on the area, even the super soft bra got uncomfortable after a while.

    My biggest problem is itching. Oh, how I itch. Anyone else? My surgery was 2 weeks tomorrow.
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