clothing

DeeNY711
DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Does anyone know of an online site with clothing made specifically for women who have had mastectomies? Many of the regular summer clothes are cut too low in the front, and forget the bathing suits. I have found some treasures in the TLC catalogue, and noticed that this year, they have a sleeveless tank top in 3 colors with pockets for breast forms. Their pocketed lace camisole has been invaluable because I cannot wear bras without them riding up and the breast forms popping out my neckline no matter what I do. I'm grateful for the things I can find in the TLC catalogue, but am wondering if maybe there are other sources of clothing you know about. Thank you.

Hugs,
Denise

Comments

  • bunnie
    bunnie Member Posts: 233
    Hi you might true the yellow pages but of course you probally allready did that.It is very hard too fine clothing though i had too go over too where my family lives to find a bathing suite.Iam not sure why there isnt more clothing out there for us it is frustrateing to say the least.I hear what your saying also about most clothing being cut to low.Iam hoping to have Reconstrution maybe next fall was going to have it this summer but cancer has came back and we are having a hard time getting it under control this time.I hope you find someplace best of luck.bunnie
  • cathdavis
    cathdavis Member Posts: 42
    Denise,
    I know just what you mean. I have a hard time getting clothing too. Nordstrom does carry bathing suits and they will sew in a pocket on any one that doesn't have one (free). What is TLC? I would like to see that catalogue. I've given up on summer tops....everything is too low cut. We could make a million if we came up with a clothing line for the likes of us! Cathy
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    Hi All! I found a website that has info about clothing styles for specific cancer related side-effects and treatments. You can search for specific garments such as head coverings and swimsuits and the various brands that offer them. There are personnal shoppers that can help you. It's: www.SHOPWELLWITHYOU.ORG. Hope this helps. HUGS!! Cathy
  • elizagain
    elizagain Member Posts: 43
    Hi, try the Ladies First and Amoena web pages.
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    cathdavis said:

    Denise,
    I know just what you mean. I have a hard time getting clothing too. Nordstrom does carry bathing suits and they will sew in a pocket on any one that doesn't have one (free). What is TLC? I would like to see that catalogue. I've given up on summer tops....everything is too low cut. We could make a million if we came up with a clothing line for the likes of us! Cathy

    TLC is the American Cancer Society's catalogue of products. It has helpful information, wigs, hats, clothing items, breast forms and a million other things. I believe the website address is http://www.tlccatalog.com
  • patbim
    patbim Member Posts: 1
    I do know of another on line catalog but I just finished adjusting 5 Fruit of the Loom sports bras to hold my breast form and it took a matter of minutes. They are SO comfortable and reasonably priced. One style looks like a tank top so you can wear it under a blouse or a low cut shirt. Just run a zig zag stitch (either by hand or machine) down the center and carefully cut only the lining by the side seam on the side where you had the mastectomy. That edge could be top stitched or left plan... It will not ravel. You can easily slip in the breast form and be on your way. In fact I also purchased a swim breast form (thought I would go awimming on vacation) and love it better than my original breast form. Lighter---much much lighter.

    Hope this helps,

    Pat
  • mjlw22
    mjlw22 Member Posts: 1
    Used/Consignment Clothing

    Does anyone know of a consignment store or charity that deals in gently used post-mastectomy clothing, particularly camisoles?  My mother is on a fixed income, and $60+ for one camisole is way outside her meger budget.  The only comfortable one she's found is the Softee Roo Cami.

  • mjlw22 said:

    Used/Consignment Clothing

    Does anyone know of a consignment store or charity that deals in gently used post-mastectomy clothing, particularly camisoles?  My mother is on a fixed income, and $60+ for one camisole is way outside her meger budget.  The only comfortable one she's found is the Softee Roo Cami.

    Local hospital or cancer center

    Not knowing where your mother resides makes it a bit tricky.

    As evidenced from this board, you will find most post-surgical patients and survivors willing to share their wisdom.

    Given you are seeking a very specific item, I would check with the facility that performed your mother's procedures.  Perhaps the volunteer auxiliary might be able to assist her. Too, nurses have a plethora of resources and compassion.  One of my former oncology nurses is being awarded a Daisy award this week...one of the things she does is make things happen for patients in treatment...be it needed medications, clothing, or a home visit.

    As for me a camisole was too cumbersome and difficult to slip on.  My range of motion was limited on my surgical side, so I preferred an oversized zippered front hoodie...and I could pin my drain to the inside, the drained doubled as a prosthetic, during my post surigical (not yet driving) walks I took around my neighborhood. 

    There's always the yellow pages for consignment and thrift shops.

    Best wishes, and good for you for supporting your mom!

     

     

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    mjlw22 said:

    Used/Consignment Clothing

    Does anyone know of a consignment store or charity that deals in gently used post-mastectomy clothing, particularly camisoles?  My mother is on a fixed income, and $60+ for one camisole is way outside her meger budget.  The only comfortable one she's found is the Softee Roo Cami.

    I'm not sure but I thought

    I'm not sure but I thought that insurance could/would get mastectomy bras and pros. With  co pay possibly.  I don't deal with insurance as I get my care through the VA and they get me bras, pros, camis.

    I go to the local Salvation Army and Goodwill Thrift stores (the one run by the local homeless mission too).  A few times I've seen a few mast. bras at them but only rarely.

    She might try calling(  the local ACS or the Breast Cancer Navigator at the Facility she went to for help.  There are all sorts of programs out there where there is help but have to seek it.   Could also call (or go in) to the local Mastectomy Shop (if she's in a big enough town to have a shop) and try talking to them for ideas.  Where I live, we do not have a Mast. shop - just a small room in the back of one of the Medical Supply.  She is the only Certified Fitter in over 300 miles.  When she gets the PO in, she orders in ones that she thinks are 'right' ( style, color, fit, etc.) for me.  When they get in, she calls, I go in for fittings, get the ones that are best and the rest are returned to the manufacturers.  

    I don't know if this will help your Mom or not but it is possible to find 'inexpensive' (read cheap) bras and camis that work good at Walmart/KMart/Target/ShopCo/etc.).  I'm on the smaller side (32 A/B) so not sure if they would work if fuller figure.  There are many really cute bras that have removable 'push-up pads' in them which can easily be removed leaving a pocket for pros.  The same goes for camis/spaghetti strap tanks.   None of the mast swim suits that have been ordered in fitted me decently so sent back.  I have found 2 tankinis that I love (Hubby does too) that I found at Sam's Club and were quite inexpensive - actually one was 'dirt cheap' but got it at end of summer season.  Sometimes have to 'think outside of the box' - there are many options/alternatives out there as long as don't limit thought to just what is 'supposed to be (or to work)'.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

    PS - just wanted to add while I don't have a clue about your Mom's age or anything else about her - I'm 68, was 63 when DX IBC and am still NED.  Loving ever day and a very active outdoor woman.

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member

    Local hospital or cancer center

    Not knowing where your mother resides makes it a bit tricky.

    As evidenced from this board, you will find most post-surgical patients and survivors willing to share their wisdom.

    Given you are seeking a very specific item, I would check with the facility that performed your mother's procedures.  Perhaps the volunteer auxiliary might be able to assist her. Too, nurses have a plethora of resources and compassion.  One of my former oncology nurses is being awarded a Daisy award this week...one of the things she does is make things happen for patients in treatment...be it needed medications, clothing, or a home visit.

    As for me a camisole was too cumbersome and difficult to slip on.  My range of motion was limited on my surgical side, so I preferred an oversized zippered front hoodie...and I could pin my drain to the inside, the drained doubled as a prosthetic, during my post surigical (not yet driving) walks I took around my neighborhood. 

    There's always the yellow pages for consignment and thrift shops.

    Best wishes, and good for you for supporting your mom!

     

     

    I would suggest what has been

    I would suggest what has been suggested.  I had someone at my hospital who has the title "Cancer Navigator."  She was my go-to person and a big help to me.  I think more and more hospitals are having someone like this for people like us.  They are a lot of help in a lot of areas.

  • desertgirl947
    desertgirl947 Member Posts: 653 Member
    Rague said:

    I'm not sure but I thought

    I'm not sure but I thought that insurance could/would get mastectomy bras and pros. With  co pay possibly.  I don't deal with insurance as I get my care through the VA and they get me bras, pros, camis.

    I go to the local Salvation Army and Goodwill Thrift stores (the one run by the local homeless mission too).  A few times I've seen a few mast. bras at them but only rarely.

    She might try calling(  the local ACS or the Breast Cancer Navigator at the Facility she went to for help.  There are all sorts of programs out there where there is help but have to seek it.   Could also call (or go in) to the local Mastectomy Shop (if she's in a big enough town to have a shop) and try talking to them for ideas.  Where I live, we do not have a Mast. shop - just a small room in the back of one of the Medical Supply.  She is the only Certified Fitter in over 300 miles.  When she gets the PO in, she orders in ones that she thinks are 'right' ( style, color, fit, etc.) for me.  When they get in, she calls, I go in for fittings, get the ones that are best and the rest are returned to the manufacturers.  

    I don't know if this will help your Mom or not but it is possible to find 'inexpensive' (read cheap) bras and camis that work good at Walmart/KMart/Target/ShopCo/etc.).  I'm on the smaller side (32 A/B) so not sure if they would work if fuller figure.  There are many really cute bras that have removable 'push-up pads' in them which can easily be removed leaving a pocket for pros.  The same goes for camis/spaghetti strap tanks.   None of the mast swim suits that have been ordered in fitted me decently so sent back.  I have found 2 tankinis that I love (Hubby does too) that I found at Sam's Club and were quite inexpensive - actually one was 'dirt cheap' but got it at end of summer season.  Sometimes have to 'think outside of the box' - there are many options/alternatives out there as long as don't limit thought to just what is 'supposed to be (or to work)'.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

    PS - just wanted to add while I don't have a clue about your Mom's age or anything else about her - I'm 68, was 63 when DX IBC and am still NED.  Loving ever day and a very active outdoor woman.

    My insurance pays for what I

    My insurance pays for what I need, but I need to have a script from my surgeon for that.

    I know that I could order things from Blair, if I needed to -- not too expensive, but I have no idea the quality.

    There is a group -- you can find them online -- that make inserts.  They call what they make "knitted knockers."

    Options are out there.

  • Lilly9
    Lilly9 Member Posts: 155

    My insurance pays for what I

    My insurance pays for what I need, but I need to have a script from my surgeon for that.

    I know that I could order things from Blair, if I needed to -- not too expensive, but I have no idea the quality.

    There is a group -- you can find them online -- that make inserts.  They call what they make "knitted knockers."

    Options are out there.

    Check ebay   I was able to

    Check ebay   I was able to get several things at good prices

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    Lilly9 said:

    Check ebay   I was able to

    Check ebay   I was able to get several things at good prices

    Ck with American Cancer Society*

    Ck with American Cancer Society.........  good luck *

  • DanaRo84
    DanaRo84 Member Posts: 2
    Found an awesome online shop for post-mastectomy

    http://www.curediva.com/

    Lots of stylish, functional options!