In need of Plus Plus size bras or camisoles or...

lindaps
lindaps Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was diagnosed with Hodgkins in 2000 and am a 9 year survivor. However, on May 26, 2009 I got my screening mammogram and was told that I needed to come back the next day for an ultrasound and biopsy. The biopsy results came back the following day and it's a ductal cancer. I immediately had the biopsy results to my same oncologist and surgeon who I had used as well as my other docs. I saw the oncologist last week and we discussed the possibiltiy of bilateral mastectomy.
We talked about having a lumpectomy 3 months after stopping my chemo for the hodgkins- that was negative. But now, I have breast cancer in my right breast and another nodule in my left. I've decided to have the bilateral mastectomy and am now just waiting for the surgery to be confirmed (hopefully June 26th for the surgeon). I'm a plus size lady (size 32/34 dress size) and am beginning to worry about mastectomy camisole/ bras for after surgery. Does anyone have any recommendations of websites? I am a nurse and am moving through this whole process methodically. I know it will "hit me" eventually but for right now, this all feels surreal. This is so much different the 2nd time around. The first time with the hodgkins, I couldn't barely talk without crying. This time, I just feel numb. I've done all my "do-diligence" in working with my docs, oncologist, surgeon. Sorry to be rambling. Looking for feedback and thoughts. Linda

Comments

  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #2
    Hi Linda! I am so sorry
    Hi Linda! I am so sorry that you are here because of breast cancer. But, this is a great site and so many will help you and answer your questions. We will also give you support and listen to you when you just want to vent. I can't help you with websites for cami's or bras, as, I had a lumpectomy, but, I am sure several here will be able to guide you. The first time I had bc, I was so young, that it was just kind of surreal. This time, it really scared the you know what out of me and shocked me. But, I have fought the beast, I will continue to fight the beast and I plan on living a very long life with the love of my life. ( my hubby ) lol I do wish you the very best Linda and stay strong. You have already been thru so much, that you can get thru this too! We will all help you!

    p.s. your kitty looks almost identical to mine. very cute, if i say so myself. lol
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #3
    Welcome Linda..........
    Welcome to you, dear heart. But I'm very sorry for your new dx. I would also be numb, after the hysteria subsided!

    After my mastectomy, I basically didn't wear anything special....undershirts, actually, until after rads & everything was healed & pretty much pain free.
    Then, I went to a local mastectomy "boutique" that was recommended by my breast surgeon. They had absolutely EVERYTHING there that has to do with mastectomy. They also fitted me for bras and my prosthesis.

    If you go to the ACS site and look, you should be able to find a mastectomy supply store/s in your area. You can type in your zip and find one that way. And they should carry everything you need.
    There is also an online mastectomy supply through ACS. I think it's called TLC? At any rate, it is listed on the ACS website.

    I know that there are also other websites that offer supplies, but I haven't used any of them.
    Hopefully, someone else here will chime in with website names.

    Big hugs for you,

    CR
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #4
    Hi Linda. I am sorry that
    Hi Linda. I am sorry that you are here but you will find a lot of support here. Having bc is scary, but, you will and can get thru it!
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #5
    Welcome, Linda
    So sorry you have to deal with cancer again in your life. You have been through it once before, and once is definitely enough. But you will make it through this round as well. Feeling numb or surreal at first is certainly a normal reaction. I was like this for weeks after my diagnosis. It's actually useful to have suppressed emotions while you are busy going to appointment after appointment and considering your options. As you know, you will have plenty of time to emotionally deal with things later. One step at a time. You are already a survivor.

    Mimi
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #6
    mimivac said:

    Welcome, Linda
    So sorry you have to deal with cancer again in your life. You have been through it once before, and once is definitely enough. But you will make it through this round as well. Feeling numb or surreal at first is certainly a normal reaction. I was like this for weeks after my diagnosis. It's actually useful to have suppressed emotions while you are busy going to appointment after appointment and considering your options. As you know, you will have plenty of time to emotionally deal with things later. One step at a time. You are already a survivor.

    Mimi

    Yes, welcome Linda. I know
    Yes, welcome Linda. I know this is difficult for you, being it is your second time, but, you will find lots of support here. As Mimi said, you are already a survivor!
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #7
    Linda, we all know that
    Linda, we all know that feeling even if some of us haven't had cancer for a second time. It

    is never easy to hear those words. But, just know that I will pray that you find the

    strength to get thru this, as you will. And, know that crying, venting or just writing down

    your thoughts is always welcomed here. You have all of our support Linda!
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #8
    Just want to say welcome
    Just want to say welcome Linda, but, sorry for the reason you are here. You can ramble here all you want. We like rambling! lol

    I know you are on an emotional roller coaster right now, but, it will get better. Just try to be strong and remain positive!
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #9
    CR1954 said:

    Welcome Linda..........
    Welcome to you, dear heart. But I'm very sorry for your new dx. I would also be numb, after the hysteria subsided!

    After my mastectomy, I basically didn't wear anything special....undershirts, actually, until after rads & everything was healed & pretty much pain free.
    Then, I went to a local mastectomy "boutique" that was recommended by my breast surgeon. They had absolutely EVERYTHING there that has to do with mastectomy. They also fitted me for bras and my prosthesis.

    If you go to the ACS site and look, you should be able to find a mastectomy supply store/s in your area. You can type in your zip and find one that way. And they should carry everything you need.
    There is also an online mastectomy supply through ACS. I think it's called TLC? At any rate, it is listed on the ACS website.

    I know that there are also other websites that offer supplies, but I haven't used any of them.
    Hopefully, someone else here will chime in with website names.

    Big hugs for you,

    CR

    Yes, what CR says is good.
    Yes, what CR says is good. I haven't used the ACS store here, but, I know a lot have and liked it. So, see if they can help you!
  • jgridley
    jgridley Member Posts: 169
    #10
    Welcome Linda
    sorry I am late to post, but ACS does have a catalog that you can order from.
    I didn't wear anything for the first week after my surgery, but I now wear sports bras.
    can get them at wal-mart for 10 bucks and that is all I wear.

    I didn't loose my breats so I cant speak for the bras, but looks like everyone else has some great advice. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Julie
  • lindaps
    lindaps Member Posts: 9
    #11
    Jeanne D said:

    Hi Linda! I am so sorry
    Hi Linda! I am so sorry that you are here because of breast cancer. But, this is a great site and so many will help you and answer your questions. We will also give you support and listen to you when you just want to vent. I can't help you with websites for cami's or bras, as, I had a lumpectomy, but, I am sure several here will be able to guide you. The first time I had bc, I was so young, that it was just kind of surreal. This time, it really scared the you know what out of me and shocked me. But, I have fought the beast, I will continue to fight the beast and I plan on living a very long life with the love of my life. ( my hubby ) lol I do wish you the very best Linda and stay strong. You have already been thru so much, that you can get thru this too! We will all help you!

    p.s. your kitty looks almost identical to mine. very cute, if i say so myself. lol

    Thank you
    I can't thank you enough for your comments and yes, we think our cat is cute too! My husband is very supportive and are my friends. I'm like a dog with a bone- I beat the cancer the first time and I'll do it again. Our son was 9 years old the first time. He is now 18 and as most teen boys, hates hearing about Mom's illness but moreover, not her breasts! I ran into his best friend tonight at the supermarket and he knew nothing of any of this information. I might not have even brought up the pending mastectomies but his mother walked up. I worry about our teen but have faith that his friends will rally around him. My husband and I are blessed by "a family of friends". Neither my husband nor I have siblings so our friends are our family!
    The responses this board has offered me in the last 24 hours has been wonderful. I wasn't sure I wanted to do this but it's been wonderful reading all the comments. Thank you again Jeanne and to the others who took the time to write. I did get confirmed today that the surgery is scheduled for June 26. When people have asked what they can do for me (and our family) I've asked that people say prayers and place us on prayer chains. I cannot say that I am very "church-going" but do have a strong faith in God. Thank you again to all of you. Linda
  • lindaps
    lindaps Member Posts: 9
    #12
    jgridley said:

    Welcome Linda
    sorry I am late to post, but ACS does have a catalog that you can order from.
    I didn't wear anything for the first week after my surgery, but I now wear sports bras.
    can get them at wal-mart for 10 bucks and that is all I wear.

    I didn't loose my breats so I cant speak for the bras, but looks like everyone else has some great advice. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Julie

    Wonderful blouse/ shirt
    I found a wonderful website and have ordered a couple of tops today. I'm hoping that this will be helpful for others. The site is called Healing Threads and the site is: http://www.healingthreads.com/Products.html. I'll let people know how they are when I receive them. Again thank you to all for all your support. Linda
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #13
    lindaps said:

    Thank you
    I can't thank you enough for your comments and yes, we think our cat is cute too! My husband is very supportive and are my friends. I'm like a dog with a bone- I beat the cancer the first time and I'll do it again. Our son was 9 years old the first time. He is now 18 and as most teen boys, hates hearing about Mom's illness but moreover, not her breasts! I ran into his best friend tonight at the supermarket and he knew nothing of any of this information. I might not have even brought up the pending mastectomies but his mother walked up. I worry about our teen but have faith that his friends will rally around him. My husband and I are blessed by "a family of friends". Neither my husband nor I have siblings so our friends are our family!
    The responses this board has offered me in the last 24 hours has been wonderful. I wasn't sure I wanted to do this but it's been wonderful reading all the comments. Thank you again Jeanne and to the others who took the time to write. I did get confirmed today that the surgery is scheduled for June 26. When people have asked what they can do for me (and our family) I've asked that people say prayers and place us on prayer chains. I cannot say that I am very "church-going" but do have a strong faith in God. Thank you again to all of you. Linda

    Linda, it sounds like you
    Linda, it sounds like you have a great support team, your husband, family

    and friends! There is nothing like them, is there. I will most certainly put you on my

    prayer list at church! I always figure it never hurts! Take care! Hugs, Jeanne
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #14
    lindaps said:

    Wonderful blouse/ shirt
    I found a wonderful website and have ordered a couple of tops today. I'm hoping that this will be helpful for others. The site is called Healing Threads and the site is: http://www.healingthreads.com/Products.html. I'll let people know how they are when I receive them. Again thank you to all for all your support. Linda

    Thanks for posting that site
    Thanks for posting that site Linda. I am sure that a lot of women here can use that information. Let us know if you like it. Hope you are feeling good today!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #15
    Just wanted to say how sorry
    Just wanted to say how sorry I am Linda. I hope you feel better soon. Maybe you should call your doctor and get some nerve pills or something. Good luck!
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #16
    lindaps said:

    Wonderful blouse/ shirt
    I found a wonderful website and have ordered a couple of tops today. I'm hoping that this will be helpful for others. The site is called Healing Threads and the site is: http://www.healingthreads.com/Products.html. I'll let people know how they are when I receive them. Again thank you to all for all your support. Linda

    Someone just posted earlier
    Someone just posted earlier about wanting to know of a site, so, I am giving this a bump for

    them. Thanks Linda! Hope you are doing well today!
  • lindaps
    lindaps Member Posts: 9
    #17
    Noel said:

    Thanks for posting that site
    Thanks for posting that site Linda. I am sure that a lot of women here can use that information. Let us know if you like it. Hope you are feeling good today!

    Update on Shirts and feeling down about need for Plus Plus size
    thought I'd update you all on the tops. I got them yesterday and finally tried one on. They are quite pretty. I got pink and another in blue. They are a little tight especially around the abdomen. I'm hoping that it will work. The velcro is great for detaching on 3 sides the breast and collar-bone area. They also have pockets for the drains after surgery. However, I'm still having problems finding quite large bras or camisoles. They seem to go up to 3X but I can take a 4X. I tried my local "mastectomy boutique" and they have up to 3X. I need to go down there and I think I've been avoideing it but I'm also fearful of what I'll do if the 3X is too small. I haven't found ANY websites for mastectomy bras etc that seem to go this large. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate it. I'm really starting to get quite down about all of this.
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #18
    lindaps said:

    Update on Shirts and feeling down about need for Plus Plus size
    thought I'd update you all on the tops. I got them yesterday and finally tried one on. They are quite pretty. I got pink and another in blue. They are a little tight especially around the abdomen. I'm hoping that it will work. The velcro is great for detaching on 3 sides the breast and collar-bone area. They also have pockets for the drains after surgery. However, I'm still having problems finding quite large bras or camisoles. They seem to go up to 3X but I can take a 4X. I tried my local "mastectomy boutique" and they have up to 3X. I need to go down there and I think I've been avoideing it but I'm also fearful of what I'll do if the 3X is too small. I haven't found ANY websites for mastectomy bras etc that seem to go this large. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate it. I'm really starting to get quite down about all of this.

    I wish I could help you
    I wish I could help you Linda, but, I have no idea. Hopefully, someone on here knows and can

    help you out. Did you do a search on the internet? Or, contact ACS? I hope you have some

    luck Linda!

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