I am 84, active but decided to not have reconstruction following a single mastectomy and sentinel node removal. I didn't want the extra surgery and knew of friends who wished they had not done reconstruction. However, it certainly is an individual choice. Keep reading, keep asking questions and talking to other patients who went through reconstruction. There isn't a simple answer. I am curently trying to find a bra that I like. I have the medicare prosthesis. I do have one sports bra that hooks in the front that is my most comfortable. I am going to try a different shop for my next visit which will be next month. Trying a new fitter and hopefully some new styles. I now have a concave area up high, near the front of the armpit and am short in stature. So that area doesn't like pressure from a bra resting on it, even after 11 months. I am determined to find that comfortable bra that I know must exist out there somewhere.
I too am looking for a comfortable bra. I was diagnosed in August 2024 and had unilateral mastectomy in October, three months ago. I also chose to not have reconstruction . Should I even be trying to wear a bra ? I have a sports bra with pockets for inserts but not comfortable! I recently ordered a bra with sewn in prosthetic liner from EverYou. It looks much better but after wearing it a couple of hours, I’m in misery. Even after taking it off when I return home, I am still very uncomfortable. I seem to have some swelling underarm, especially after wearing bra or any exertion. Most days I choose to wear a camisole only. Have been doing therapy at home.
I am so blessed to not need Chemo nor radiation but just thought I’d feel better by now. I had begun to feel a lot better but seem to be going in wrong direction now. Probably overdid during Thanksgiving and Christmas . This past week has not been fun … plan to call my surgeon’s office tomorrow but most times they’re not a lot of help.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
I had a bilateral mastectomy in November. I am happy I proceeded with giving both the “bye bye”! Everyone I talked with said it was the right decision. Trying to match the size/look is difficult. But for me, I didn’t want to have to worry about the what if it spreads?
So, no more mammograms! It’s easy now to go without a bra! Yea. I am going to do reconstructive surgery will get small implants. I don’t want larger boobs.
I am not sure where you live but I went to a specialty bra shop and they fitted me with small prosthesis - they had different styles. I found one more comfortable than the other. For me the larger issue was the straps hit my port. The owner was amazing and we found several regular underwire bras that worked and didn’t land on my port!! We even found a camisole with pockets to put the inserts in. I found I am not running to take the “over the shoulder boulder holder” off as soon as I walk in the door!! I guess I am saying, don’t settle find something comfortable!!!
Best of luck to you! It’s a marathon, not a sprint!!
I too am looking for a comfortable bra. I was diagnosed in August 2024 and had unilateral mastectomy in October, three months ago. I also chose to not have reconstruction . Should I even be trying to wear a bra ? I have a sports bra with pockets for inserts but not comfortable! I recently ordered a bra with sewn in prosthetic liner from EverYou. It looks much better but after wearing it a couple of hours, I’m in misery. Even after taking it off when I return home, I am still very uncomfortable. I seem to have some swelling underarm, especially after wearing bra or any exertion. Most days I choose to wear a camisole only. Have been doing therapy at home.
I am so blessed to not need Chemo nor radiation but just thought I’d feel better by now. I had begun to feel a lot better but seem to be going in wrong direction now. Probably overdid during Thanksgiving and Christmas . This past week has not been fun … plan to call my surgeon’s office tomorrow but most times they’re not a lot of help.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Yes, do contact your surgeon about your swelling, etc, and I would ask to be seen if you are concerned things are worse.
I waited a little over 6 months before trying to get bras. I wanted to be over the main tenderness and swelling. Medicare covers a prosthesis and 12 bras a year. I think I have that number correct. I have friends who swear by Knitted Knockers. Those are knitted and poly filled prosthesis to slip into your own old bra or a new pocket bra. They are handmade by ladies all over the world and free for the asking. I was given one but need to try a larger size. They are very light weight.
It is easy to overdo once you start feeling good. Hope you can get some answers to your issues. We all just have to hang in there, don't we? Harder some times than others.
Having a mastectomy and reconstruction is obviously a highly personal decision, and through this website and other research, I’ve learned that the decision is also influenced by your treatment requirements.
For anyone out there considering this decision, I will add my voice to the many articulate, smart, and thoughtful women in this feed.
I was able to begin reconstruction the day of my bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy. This process involves tissue expanders, and I will get implants next month. I was not able to go direct to implants.
I did not need chemo or radiation, which enabled me to move into reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy.
My tissue expanders can be painful. And I am, frankly, not looking forward to my next surgery which will also involve fat grafting to make the breasts smooth. However, I have chosen this option because I still want breasts.
For me, personally, I like having breasts. I am 59. I am often in a bathing suit with my 4 grandchildren. Being at the lake is part of our family lifestyle.
My reconstruction of my breasts is looking very good, and I am indebted to my plastic surgeon who has helped me feel whole again.
This is a very personal decision for every breast cancer patient.
My thanks to all of the women in this feed who share their perspectives and decision-making processes. We are all connected through breast cancer, the club we did not want to be a part of. Staying alive is the priority.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
I too am looking for a comfortable bra. I was diagnosed in August 2024 and had unilateral mastectomy in October, three months ago. I also chose to not have reconstruction . Should I even be trying to wear a bra ? I have a sports bra with pockets for inserts but not comfortable! I recently ordered a bra with sewn in prosthetic liner from EverYou. It looks much better but after wearing it a couple of hours, I’m in misery. Even after taking it off when I return home, I am still very uncomfortable. I seem to have some swelling underarm, especially after wearing bra or any exertion. Most days I choose to wear a camisole only. Have been doing therapy at home.
I am so blessed to not need Chemo nor radiation but just thought I’d feel better by now. I had begun to feel a lot better but seem to be going in wrong direction now. Probably overdid during Thanksgiving and Christmas . This past week has not been fun … plan to call my surgeon’s office tomorrow but most times they’re not a lot of help.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had a bilateral mastectomy in November. I am happy I proceeded with giving both the “bye bye”! Everyone I talked with said it was the right decision. Trying to match the size/look is difficult. But for me, I didn’t want to have to worry about the what if it spreads?
So, no more mammograms! It’s easy now to go without a bra! Yea. I am going to do reconstructive surgery will get small implants. I don’t want larger boobs.
I am not sure where you live but I went to a specialty bra shop and they fitted me with small prosthesis - they had different styles. I found one more comfortable than the other. For me the larger issue was the straps hit my port. The owner was amazing and we found several regular underwire bras that worked and didn’t land on my port!! We even found a camisole with pockets to put the inserts in. I found I am not running to take the “over the shoulder boulder holder” off as soon as I walk in the door!! I guess I am saying, don’t settle find something comfortable!!!
Best of luck to you! It’s a marathon, not a sprint!!
Tits up!!
I went "flat" and don't use any prostheses. I feel that clothes actually fit be better than when my breasts had gone south!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have found very comfortable mastectomy bras from AnaOno. The material is soft, and it doesn't irritate tender spots.
Yes, do contact your surgeon about your swelling, etc, and I would ask to be seen if you are concerned things are worse.
I waited a little over 6 months before trying to get bras. I wanted to be over the main tenderness and swelling. Medicare covers a prosthesis and 12 bras a year. I think I have that number correct. I have friends who swear by Knitted Knockers. Those are knitted and poly filled prosthesis to slip into your own old bra or a new pocket bra. They are handmade by ladies all over the world and free for the asking. I was given one but need to try a larger size. They are very light weight.
It is easy to overdo once you start feeling good. Hope you can get some answers to your issues. We all just have to hang in there, don't we? Harder some times than others.
Thank you for this brand name. I will look it up.
That is a problem for me now at this age. I missing and the other "gone South"! 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHaving a mastectomy and reconstruction is obviously a highly personal decision, and through this website and other research, I’ve learned that the decision is also influenced by your treatment requirements.
For anyone out there considering this decision, I will add my voice to the many articulate, smart, and thoughtful women in this feed.
I was able to begin reconstruction the day of my bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy. This process involves tissue expanders, and I will get implants next month. I was not able to go direct to implants.
I did not need chemo or radiation, which enabled me to move into reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy.
My tissue expanders can be painful. And I am, frankly, not looking forward to my next surgery which will also involve fat grafting to make the breasts smooth. However, I have chosen this option because I still want breasts.
For me, personally, I like having breasts. I am 59. I am often in a bathing suit with my 4 grandchildren. Being at the lake is part of our family lifestyle.
My reconstruction of my breasts is looking very good, and I am indebted to my plastic surgeon who has helped me feel whole again.
This is a very personal decision for every breast cancer patient.
My thanks to all of the women in this feed who share their perspectives and decision-making processes. We are all connected through breast cancer, the club we did not want to be a part of. Staying alive is the priority.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions