Underwires after radiation?

Options
Erica3681
Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Ever since I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2003, I haven't worn bras or camisoles with underwires. During radiation, my rads onc said I shouldn't wear underwires, so I removed all the underwires from my bras. He never said not to wear them afterwards, but I never put them back into my bras because I worried they might irritate my radiated skin.

Since my bilateral mastectomy in 2006, I've continued to be wire-free, but I'm wondering if that's necessary. My radiated skin hasn't given me problems so far (it's a little drier than the other side and doesn't perspire, but that's about it). Recently, I ordered a camisole online and when it arrived I realized it had underwires. It didn't fit well for other reasons, but I found that I liked the underwires. They gave extra support to my breast forms, which felt good.

So, I'd love to know what those of you who've had mastectomies AND radiation do about underwires. Anyone try them and find they were irritating? If you do use them, has your radiated skin been okay? Do you find them more supportive? Any other advantages? Disadvantages?

Thanks,

Barbara

BreastFree.org 

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2008

    Barbara,

    I do not wear underwires but it is because I read somewhere (maybe on this site?) that underwires could cause lymphedema.  I had 9 lymph nodes removed so I am always worried about le.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nagem
    nagem Member Posts: 353
    edited February 2008

    Not that I ever wore a bra much, but I did notice when I was first diagnosed that a lot of the forms I was asked to fill out asked whether I wore underwire bras. That was well before any treatment--even surgery--had begun. I assumed there might be some link between breast cancer itself and wearing underwire bras.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ADK
    ADK Member Posts: 2,259
    edited February 2008

    I only had a lumpectomy and radiation.  I did not wear underwire bras from the time of my first surgery (March 2006) until a few months after radiation finished (June 2006).  Now I only wear underwire.  I feel like I need the addtional support.  I had never heard anything about underwires causing BC, I have heard that they can cause a ridge, but thats the worst I have heard.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • caaclark
    caaclark Member Posts: 936
    edited February 2008

    I am almost certain that there have been studies about underwires and bc and I don't think they have found a link.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited February 2008

    Oh, golly, NO UNDERWIRES!!!! Surprised

    There may be no evidence that underwires cause cancer, but they DO contribute to the development of lymphedema, especially of the breast. Those "ridges" you mention are cutting into the delicate lymph vessels, which lie just beneath your skin. Because your lymph system has been compromised by surgery and/or radiation, the pressure there can cause a back-up of lymph fluid that can overwhelm the system and cause this wretchedFrown, rottenTongue out, disablingUndecided, distressingYell, deformingEmbarassed condition.

    And you don't want that Kiss. Trust me on this.

    In fact, you want to be extra careful that the straps and bottom band of any bra you choose do not cut into your shoulders, underarms, or lower chest area. MUCH better safe than sorry!Smile

    Whew! Got a little carried away there....

    Binney 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pdm
    pdm Member Posts: 168
    edited February 2008

    When I went to my BC surgeon the first time he told me to take off the underwire and never wear it again..I had "dimple where the tumor was and he felt there was some relation to tumors...Granted, it has not been proven but why not take the precaution..

    Right before I found the lump I went out and bought new bras ..all underwire..lucky me..I might try taking the wire out and see if that makes any difference in support.. Just another thing to think about ..Frown

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2008

    Thanks for all your responses. Binney, you make a really good point--just the fear of lymphedema alone is enough for me to decide it's not worth the risk!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OLBinNJ
    OLBinNJ Member Posts: 236
    edited February 2008

    Take the underwires out!  Just use nail clippers to make a small cut and pull/push them out.  Even if the threat of lymphedema is slight, don't take chances.  Also, as Binney said, watch out for bras that are too tight, especially sports bras.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited February 2008

    This might not be relevant to those of us going "bare" (i.e. flat), but...

    Have you noticed how hard it is to find a pretty bra that DOES NOT have an underwire these days?  Styles come and go, I guess, but I sure wish this one would GO.

    otter 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SusaninSF
    SusaninSF Member Posts: 1,213
    edited February 2008

    I totally agree with Otter. Even a lot of the mastectomy bras come with underwires. Lymphedema aside they just aren't comfortable. They also set off those wands at the airport. Kind of embarassing!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • carolmoore291169
    carolmoore291169 Member Posts: 24
    edited March 2008

    i agree with you all i had my surgery in2006 and still cant wear underwired bras. i tend to go for the more sporty type or the ones with the thick elastic band under neath but make sure its not to tight.  xxx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pinklemon
    pinklemon Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2008

    Here's an article talking about that:

    http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=fact-or-fiction-underwire-bras-cause-cancer

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories