Just had mastectomy, need help on bra choices

Options
Camama2
Camama2 Member Posts: 44
edited May 2020 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I just had a double mastectomy a week ago and had the drains removed today. I'll be starting chemo in about 3-4 weeks and two months after I'm done with chemo will hopefully be having reconstruction. I'm not sure what to wear in the meantime. Right now I am wrapped with an ace bandage (the velcro top thing they put on me initially was too loose and the bandages were shifting). I'm sure there must be a post here somewhere with advice of what to wear now and until reconstruction. I looked somewhat at the thread of how to be prepared before and after surgery but I couldn't find anything specifically addressing my question. I'm sure there'as advice here somewhere about this. I'm just too tired right now to search too much. Thanking you in advance!

Laurie

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • MsPrecious
    MsPrecious Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2020

    Hope you are doing well after the surgery? I think you may have to see mastectomy fitters in your hospital, they should be able to give you expert advice on the appropriate bra. Please reach out to them. Praying you get stronger day by day.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SATresident
    SATresident Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2020

    Maybe this would work for you, too...After seeing someone on this site post about Coobie bras, I bought some of the Coobie bras online that come with removable pads. They are soft and you can "step into them" while you are healing, instead of putting them over your head. Each size fits a large range of sizes, so it was easy to order them online. I was advised to buy up a size for more comfort, so I bought the "full/large" instead of their "one size". They worked well for me a couple of years ago and still do, so I have bought many more and that is the only kind I use now.

    (if you are interested in the Coobies, there is always a BOGO code available with free shipping that one can find on the shopping code websites)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited May 2020

    If you have a cancer nurse navigator she also may be able to direct you to resources for you in your area for temporary support in the meantime to keep things in place and help not rip out any healing going on.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2020

    SATresident,

    So glad you mentioned Coobie bras. I bought one two years ago after having a lumpectomy and lymph node removal (which was the more painful area). I found the pad made it really comfortable, wore it 24x7, and loved it so much that I continued to buy them, and it’s now the only brand I wear. You are right about everything you shared. Great product at very good value.Thanks for spreading the word.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Camama2
    Camama2 Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2020

    Thanks for the input. I'll be looking into Coobie bras immediately. I think there is a support person I need to reach out to though my HMO. I'll be making that call tomorrow.

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited May 2020

    Camama - I was put in a surgical bra at the hospital. I kept that on for 3-4 weeks. I did not like the Coobie bra, but I think you can see it at WalMart.

    I'll look up the Bras 101 thread and bump it for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Camama2
    Camama2 Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2020

    MinusTwo - thank you for your input!

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dizzywombat
    dizzywombat Member Posts: 16
    edited May 2020

    I hope your recovery is going well! It’s such a relief to get those drains out. I have really liked the AnaOno bra I got for my surgery recovery. They have a variety of post-surgery bras.

    Now that I have more mobility I’ve switched to wireless bras from True&Co. I hope you find something you like! I tried a few different brands before finding something that was comfortable for me (unilateral mastectomy w/lymph node removal)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Camama2
    Camama2 Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2020

    dizzywombat,

    I actually came upon AnaOno in doing some research and I ordered from them early this morning before seeing your post. I also ordered Coobie too! Hoping they work out like others say. If not I'll keep trying until I get it figured out. Thanks!

    Laurie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories