Bra problems

[RuthJ]

Hi all just wondering if anyone has found the perfect bra post surgery. I have had Lwe with lymph node removal and then re excision for clear margins followed with 20 radiotherapy blasts. I have been measured in 2 different shops bought bras which feel comfortable for about 2 hours then I have to take it off. Finished treatment in Jan. any suggestions much appreciated xx

[Hidden]

Hi Ruth

I had a Mastectomy so my situation is different, but l bought a bra before the surgery in the hope it would fit post surgery & l’ve remained with that style & size.

I’m just wondering if your bra is maybe a little too tight, Bra Fitters tend to like them on the snug side, is it fastened on the last set of hooks? Do you have a bra extender to try & make it slightly bigger (M&S £5 for a set of three) You could also pick up one of those seamless stretchy bras just to wear at home, l think your skin can be very tender after Radiotherapy.

Hope that helps a bit.

Mrs N 💅🏼

[RuthJ in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much yes I do think the fit them too tight also. I am currently wearing pull over my head soft bra tops from primary but really no support buts it’s all I can wear to get it through the day. I will try the extenders. It doesn’t help where my lymph node scar is 😃

[Hidden in reply to RuthJ]

I think a little looser should help especially in this hot weather! x

[jackearls1000]

Good Morning Ruth ...i went to M&S ...they have post mastectomy bras ...i had a lumpectomy but bought one anyway ...nice and soft and really comfy ...you get vat reduction ...i also folded up a small sock to pad the wound as a cushion whilst it was healing when it got a bit uncomfortable ...it does feel better with time ..but even now it aches now and again xxx

[RuthJ in reply to jackearls1000]

Thanks so much yes I got one too from there I think it is more my scar from lymph nodes need one really low cut at the side. Let’s go looking again xx

[Teddielottie in reply to RuthJ]

Hi Ruth ! I bought a ‘ Royce Silver post surgery bra ‘ with front fastening poppers , adjustable shoulder straps and it is soft , seam free (with pockets if needed ). Mine was from John Lewis (with 20 % Vat exemption if you contact customer services )

And I too had axillary node clearance . I found this one really comfortable post surgery . Or look up Royce post surgery bras for other options . Hope you find a good one ! x

[jackearls1000 in reply to RuthJ]

Yes i was the same ...i bought a pair of white ankle socks from Primark ..folded one up and popped it in the spot it was hurting ...it cushioned it nicely ...i went to London 2 weeks after surgery and it did the trick ..good luck xxx

[julesab]

I had mastectomy and reconstruction and also find not really difficult with bras inside get measured by m & s but didnt find it comfortable. I have the pull on ones now....need new ones so have got two from Sainsbury but do find it difficult and i am 'breaking them in' 😁😁😁 and have to go back to the old ones with little support....not much help to you but you are not alone. Good luck there is companies like amoena but they are pricy

[RuthJ in reply to julesab]

Hi Julie the ones from primary are better for me don’t like the others they seem to move. I have to buy a XL there any I’m a 36c so be ware

[Hidden in reply to julesab]

I always check Amoena out in the Sale because they are expensive but actually very comfortable, well fitting & pretty. I generally wear M&S T-Shirt Bras from the Post Surgery Range.

[julesab]

I got xxl from Sainsbury but they a bit snug...but I think I need the better support 😱

[RuthJ in reply to julesab]

Yes these don’t give much support either. Keep trying if I find one I love let you know x

[julesab]

Thank you 😁😁

[RuthJ]

Right ladies after thought I have emailed M&S and asked them if they would be willing to do a feedback group with women who have been through breast cancer to help us find comfortable bras we want to wear. Will let you know if they respond. Xx

[Hidden in reply to RuthJ]

Good Thought Ruth x

[RuthJ in reply to Hidden]

Can’t think of anyone else who might listen as John Lewis don’t make their own. If any ladies know of UK companies making after surgery bras let me know and I will give them ago too x

[Hidden]

I brought Genie bras, had a bit more support than some others,of the same type, and you can step into them,and pull up, not the most flattering, but for me definitely the most comfortable, I still wear them now. I only wear underwire bras when I’m going somewhere, and whip it off as soon as I get home.

[RuthJ in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[Debster2016]

Hi Ruth I have found that amoena have a seamless bra called Nora I think. It was super comfortable when I tried it on last year but didn’t buy it as I bought 3 others. They do fittings too and I waited 6 weeks for an appt. but that wasn’t a long time to me seeing as I have found that time really slows down with cancer treatment 😳. I am glad I spent the money tho (it was from my savings). I spent my life until cancer in firm high- (‘high-street’) end bras as my bust has always been big enough to draw attention - all unsolicited and un wanted 🙁😡😂 - I’ve been a 38e, 36g, 36h? 36d, 36dd and when a post lady I went down to a 32J I if I remember correctly! Shopped at a Triumph outlet then, needed tb fitted as I was wearing the wrong size! 34 something 😆, never thought I was so slim as to need a 32! So bras are quite important to me and as I am at risk of lymphodema I now wear wire-less bras......big change as I feel the droop 😉 but am now used to it and comfortable. If you find one with good support it may be worth persevering. Or my lymphodema nurse suggests wearing 2 at a time - too much in hot weather but ok in the cold 😌

Mrs Nails Pre-emoted me above as I also have some bra extenders and I have found them invaluable and got it out recently as I have put on a bit of weight (no longer a post lady) much cheaper than buying new bras all the time.

Hope that helps with bras and wishing you continued good healing with your scar. Keep searching, I am sure you will find something that you are happy with.

Xxxx

[MayJ]

Hello Ruth, sorry to hear about your experience. I found Amoena sports bras OK after surgery, bought in sale.The search for the perfect bra. I have had awful problems finding a comfortable bra (and one that fits well) since reconstruction surgery. Unfortunately with a huge scar on my back anything with a tight band gives me back pain after a short time, so I have been wearing the cheap-y seamless comfort bras. Can't wear wired bras which also have some padding to even out the shape, not recommended anyway, so have very little support.

[RuthJ]

Thanks ladies M&S actually replied to me and send they would send my points to the lingerie design team so let’s see but thanks for all your ideas xx

[SarahMacey]

Hi Ruth ininow younpost a couple of weeks ago, but what infound has worked have just had the same surgery, 4 weeks ago, is 2 bras: a soft elasticated pull over your head bra that covers the scarline and sits nicely into the top of the ribs; then a supportive zip front opening sports bra on Top! Ive been wearing it 24/7 and have had no pain and great comfort. I bought the sports bra from M&S and the soft pull over head ones, from Sainsburys, bitnither placea sell those too! Hope that helps! Good luck with your journey X