No prostheses, no reconstruction. What bra?

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ForDenise
ForDenise Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
No prostheses, no reconstruction. What bra?
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  • ForDenise
    ForDenise Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2008

    Hi Ladies,  I've scanned the topics here and did not find an answer to this question.  I am the "research assistant" for a friend who had a single mastectomy in Februray.  She has chosen to do without reconstruction or prosthesthetics,  but cannot find a source for bras with one "flat" cup.  She is cutting out the right cup of her "lovely, expensive Victoria Secret bras."  Before I tell her that she can have her bras altered by a dressmaker,  does anyone here know of such a source?  Many thanks for your assistance.  

    Anne

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited April 2008

    Hi Anne,

    It's nice of you to help out your friend in this way. I don't know of any bras with one flat cup, but there is a clothing designer who creates clothes for women with one flat side. Here's the link: Rhea Belle

    I have a non-profit website, BreastFree.org, that your friend might find helpful. Many women from breastcancer.org contributed stories, photos and other information to the site. One section that might be particularly helpful is Going Form-Free, which contains information and advice for women, like your friend, who have wish to go flat after a mastectomy. 

    Best wishes,

    Barbara 

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  • spar2
    spar2 Member Posts: 6,827
    edited April 2008

    Before I had the silicone implants, I was flat on one side and wore sports bras.  Was amazed at how well the stretchy material fitted each side.  Hope you find something soon.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2008

    These Maidenform "Control It" camis work really well flat or not flat, really shape themselves to...whatever!  Laughing

    https://www.maidenform.com/catalog/thumbnail.jsp?parentCategoryId=3&categoryId=82 

    And at the moment some Costco stores have them in packs of two (one black, one beige) for $22.00. Can't beat that!

    Binney 

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  • ForDenise
    ForDenise Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2008

    My thanks to each of you.  I will follow up your suggestions and send them off to my friend. 

    Thank you again,

    Anne  

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited April 2008

    Binney,

    I couldn't access the Maidenform camis from the link you gave. Can you give me another link or tell me what they're called. Thanks! 

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  • ForDenise
    ForDenise Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2008

    Erica,

    I googled "Maidenform "Control It" camis" and found them that way.

    Anne 

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  • jerseymaria
    jerseymaria Member Posts: 770
    edited April 2008

    hi erica, i found the site.  i'm wondering if they shift at all.  this is the problem i have with both the mast. bra with pros. as well as a reg. cami with no pros.  i'm not exactly large on my other side but they both seem to shift to the center so my pros. winds up almost center to chest and same happens to a cami.  unless i wear something very high to neck (which i can't stand-always hot) the cami always winds up showing even almost at the collarbone level.

    i've been going with nothing, which is quite comfortable but i know it's not appropriate at all times.  let me know if you can.  thanks

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited April 2008

    Hi, Erica,

    I tried editing the link and it didn't work. Maybe paste it into your browser? Sorry! 

    Wanted to add that the Maidenform cami is excellent light compression for breast/chest lymphedema. Comes up high at the axilla and back, where many of us have problems, and the straps are wide enough to avoid digging into the shoulder. This is not a mastectomy cami and doesn't have pockets for prostheses, so I have to add my own.

    Maria, sorry, but I don't know about the shifting. Hope somebody with more experience will come along to help with that -- really irritating, yes?!

    Binney 

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  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited April 2008

    I found it! It looks cute. For me, I hate constricting things so not sure the "control" part would be comfortable for me, but I'll try to find it in a store and try it on.

    JerseyMaria,

    Have you tried mastectomy bras and/or camis? A good fitter ought to be able to help you find something attractive that won't allow your breast form to shift. If you don't like mastectomy bras, you can sew pockets into regular bras or have it done for you at Nordstroms, if you buy your bra there.

    Hope this helps.

    Barbara 

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  • mthomp2020
    mthomp2020 Member Posts: 1,959
    edited April 2008

    JerseyMaria,

    Check out the TLC website for camis.  They have a really pretty lace camisole with pockets for about $30, in both black and white.  A silicone form might be too heavy to wear in it, but a foam form should work really well.  They also have pockets that you can add to any bra or camisole.  A package of 4 costs around $14.00. 

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