Post-mastectomy shopping tips

indat78
indat78 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello all,

I had a modified radical mastectomy (with axillary lymph node removal) just over 2 weeks ago. The healing process is going well. I would appreciate suggestions on how to shop for casual clothing as well as professional clothing. I return to work next week. My right breast was removed and I will be ordering the breastform this Friday. I'm at high risk for lymphedema as well (I have all 4 risk factors).

Thank you!

 

Comments

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #2
    i shopped the same

    except i very seldom wore a bra  it was 6months from mast. until i had my first reconstruction and the whole chest was sensitive so i mainly wore tanks or camisols under my tops and they were 100% cotton, you could get them with a small form and i was small breasted.  i bought one smooth form bra,, Bali, that had enuf contour if i was wearing dress clothes.  

    Comfort was most important, and a tank with a looser blouse partway unbuttoned, softened the look.  no one even noticed.

  • bonbondidit
    bonbondidit Member Posts: 116
    #3
    Shopping

    I did the exact same thing as Camul.  I couldn't remotely wear anything around my chest for 6 months. I had 18 nodes removed under my arm. Anything across it would end up throbbing after about 10 minutes. SO I did go and buy a Bali sport bra but to be honest..........the ones from Walmart that were a cami/bra for 9.99 hurt me less. I was able to wear my soft Bali one after about a year. Something about the Walmart one just was honestly more comfy. It had the shapes built in it and I was always complimented that it looked like I was symetrical .  I was not able to use any form for the first year due to sensitivity but these cheapies were super comfy. You can remove one of the shapers.  Cami's were the next best choice.

  • twnkltoz
    twnkltoz Member Posts: 169 Member
    #4
    I'm so glad I read this. I

    I'm so glad I read this to see that I'm not the only one who struggles with this. I had my unilateral mastectomy in December, and I still can't tolerate a bra for more than a couple hours because of the lingering tenderness. My remaining breast is pretty small, so it's not that big a deal to me to be lopsided (if people judge me for it, they have the problem not me). I did get a mastectomy bra and prosthetic, but I rarely wear them. I generally wear tank tops or camisoles under tops for the sake of decency and call it good. 

Discussion Boards