Overweight, bilateral mastectomy, pear shaped, how will I dress?

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  • Bright55
    Bright55 Member Posts: 176
    edited March 2017

    hi girl so much advice and warmth we are so lucky! Im a a big bra girl....no worries just do it.mono boob for five years now

    summer beach girl i am! So always wearing light weight prothesis with beach wear. At home loose style lots of caftan tops always have a shawl handy...lots of thrift shop finds for exotic batik sarongs. Winter easy still drape and loose longer style cardi jackets with a contrast soft scarf

    Wear big girl sexy tops to bed

    All the best Bright

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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017
    • Thanks, pupmom,

    I'm hoping something might have an effect. I lost some weight with going through all this, but some came back (my PT really restricted any exercise for about 6 weeks).


    I actually don't have much appetite. I can go nearly 24 hours without really getting hungry, then a few ounces of something will fill me up. I CAN eat, and when I do it's generally for the wrong reasons. But I'm almost never hungry. If just not eating made someone skinny, I would be, lol.


    Maybe it IS the carbs though. If I'm supposed to get any amount of protein, I better cut out carbs anyway. I split one chicken sandwich and a few fries (Met my daughter for her birthday) over two days, along with a few ounces of Naked juice and a few ounces of fruit and nut trail mix. I usually eat a little more than that, but not much. That was 2 days' worth of food

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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    Thank you, CPerricone,

    Wow, you've certainly given me a lot to think about!

    I looked up those poses, and I can't do either because of limitations with my knee, but surely I can find other core-strengthening exercises. There was a modified squat my PT had me doing that is probably good too.

    That's a good point though, to be more ready to have the lower body do what I need without my arms. I'm probably actually going to be alone mostly after surgery, so ... I need to be as strong as I can, and set things up as well as I can. I have had two surgeries already, though I realize this will be a lot worse. :( At least I have some idea of general stuff to do to prepare (need to re-stock my freezer meals - I have leftovers that I didn't care for, but the good recipes I should make lots of).

    I saved my "after surgery" clothes which are mostly very large t-shirts cut down the front with tie added, and soft scrubs that open in the front. The scrubs have pockets inside, so that might help with drains - not sure yet.


    And I don't need "comfort food" probably - I'm just as happy with healthier stuff, but I may sneak in some dark chocolate covered almonds - my husband gave me a bag after the first surgery because it was about the time of our anniversary.


    I'm still not entirely sure what I'm going to wear post surgery. I guess if I get a soft bra and something to go in it, I can wear some of my regular clothes. I do have this one swing-type top, very long and loose below, and I put it on and squashed my breasts - I think it will look much better WITHOUT breasts than with, and it's detailed and flows well. The only problem is that it's sleeveless, and my upper arms - ugh. I just might start exercising them too, see if I can make them better. I don't have to look like a 20-year-old-model - just a LITTLE better would make me less self-conscious. I think arms are key to a lot of what I want to wear, and I was going in very short sleeves before all this started. The last year has just made my arms go to pot.


    Thanks again I'm afraid I'm still just trying to wrap my brain around everything. I'm getting closer though.


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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    Thank you, Red R!

    You're right, if I saw someone ELSE who looked like me, I wouldn't think she was hideous. I actually still have some good points, I guess. You know, I think I'm going to get a haircut and style again before surgery. It's been a LONG time, so I'm past due. And I was thinking of wearing makeup. I noticed I suddenly like bright colors again, and hair decorations, and all that. I might even see if my ears are still pierced. I have been thinking what I would wear, and I want flowy things, flowery things, girly things. Maybe there IS something about cancer that does that to you.

    I remember years ago a friend gave me a tube of FABULOUS lipstick, all smooth and creamy and perfect. I usually bought the cheap stuff, but she ruined me for that. I haven't worn lipstick in years though. Maybe I need some. :)


    Thanks again

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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    Bright, how wonderful, thank you! Your words are like a hug of sunshine. Just reading that makes me happy!

    Those are all styles I like, so I'll work on that. I hadn't thought about the swimsuit yet - I love to swim! I normally wear tops that are fitted to hold everything in place, but ... well, I'll obviously need some adjustments. I will figure it out. I need some of those sexy tops to sleep in - mine are a combination of soft t-shirts and "Little House on the Prarie" cotton nightgowns.

    Thanks again. :)

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited March 2017

    There were previously a couple of threads devoted to the topic of suggestions on to dress after mastectomy without reconstruction, and include some pictures. Here are some links. I found that patterned tops and pretty scarves looped around my neck went a long way toward camoflauge.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82/topics/610613?page=11#idx_315

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/82/topics/737036?page=1

    Also, Knitted Knockers will send you two soft prosthetics for free - you just have to tell them what size you used to be, or would like to be. Here is the link for their site. I wore mine in a Genie bra, which you can get inexpensively from Walmart. Also, if you have a American Cancer Society Hope Lodge nearby them sometimes have a Gift Closet inside, and you can get free, high quality, prosthetics and mastectomy bras from them at most locations.

    https://www.knittedknockers.org/

    https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html

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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    Thank you, SpecialK!


    I'm going off to look at those threads. I've also found some suggestions, that I'm trying to pull together. I'll see if there's a cancer lodge nearby (I don't think so) but I will check with knitted knockers. Thank you so much

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  • itfinallyhitme
    itfinallyhitme Member Posts: 123
    edited March 2017

    By the way, for the benefit of anyone else who has the same question, along with the suggestions in this thread so far, I've also found some general guidelines/suggestions.


    They say a higher waist, empire, or no waist is better

    Avoid v and sweetheart necklines (my favorites) ... wide shallow scoop or boat are supposed to be better

    Long hemlines on shirts, asymmetrical, flowing. A-line type outlines are supposed to be good.

    Sleeves flowing, loose. Maybe dolman or poet or gypsy. Or sleeveless, with maybe a close-fitting 3/4 sleeve t-shirt below.

    Large patterns, drapes. They say solid colors can give away the lack of shadow below breasts that aren't there. Scarfs, pleats, details, lace, embellishments. Earrings or dramatic necklaces (not too long/low). Makeup.

    Cardigans or vests (layering), scarves, etc.

    tunics


    That's what I've put together so far. I searched images of the things mentioned here - boho, caftans, cardigans, tunics, and sometimes I add search terms plus size or mastectomy, and look for the kinds of things I listed above. I'm gathering images, and starting a Pinterest board with comments, since most have this part right but that part needs modifying.


    I doubt I can buy a new wardrobe (though 2-3 shirts would really be nice, some are so pricey though!), but maybe I can look for patterns or learn ways to modify thriftier clothing. It's a starting place. I think it's not going to be easy right after surgery, but at least I have a direction to move toward.


    I have a feeling I'm going to need to get much more comfortable with my sewing machine.

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