Bra that fits!

Wrongway
Wrongway Member Posts: 6
in Breast Cancer #1

I am a  2 year survivor, had chemo and bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.  my implants are a year old, and I am still trying to find a bra that actually fits and is comfortable.  eventhough I'm numb on both sides,,I still have pain when I wear some bras.  

i asked my plastic surgeon about this and he said I really need to invest in a custom bra......ok where do you find these.....and has anyone found comfortable custom bras???

Comments

  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #2
    Bra searching used to be ugh!

    Hi ~

    I had a unilateral mastectomy with latissimus flap reconstruction on one side. My surgeon said no underwire bra's for me as it would cut off the circulation to the flap and possibly cause trouble. so, on the search began for a bra that fit, and is comfortable. I am 7 years out since any surgery so I have scoured the city for bra's. We have a custom bra company here in my town called Judy's Intimate apparrel. It would be costly, over $100, most insurances will cover the expense. I happen to have a high deductible so it would still cost me an arm and a leg... I have found wonderful soft cup bra's by bali, and they cover my flap scar. I have also had good favor with playtex cross your heart and 18 hour styles. My favorite are the bali brand. Macy's and Kohls carry them, as does Target and Walmart. I have found super prices at Ross and TjMaxx but it is hit and miss on when they have them.

    good luck~ it is a frustration, and I must be in a good mood to go shopping for one...and I love to shop!  Hope this helps~

    ~Melanie

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #3
    I too had a uni mawtectomy

    and had trouble finding one.  I ended up at Dillard and got fitted.  Got one on sale there, but found Bali that fit well, and have found them at TJ Max, and Macy's on sale.  Now I can no longer wear one because of the rib tumors.  Getting fitted was the best thing I ever did!  

    Check with upper end stores,May's in my area did not have professional fitters, Dillard and a shop specializing in custom bras (post mastectomy), we're the only places I could find.

  • Wrongway
    Wrongway Member Posts: 6
    #4
    camul said:

    I too had a uni mawtectomy

    and had trouble finding one.  I ended up at Dillard and got fitted.  Got one on sale there, but found Bali that fit well, and have found them at TJ Max, and Macy's on sale.  Now I can no longer wear one because of the rib tumors.  Getting fitted was the best thing I ever did!  

    Check with upper end stores,May's in my area did not have professional fitters, Dillard and a shop specializing in custom bras (post mastectomy), we're the only places I could find.

    Rib tumors

    what do you mean by rib tumors?  I'm having a bone scan this Friday due to pain I'm having in my rib under my implant   I'm a bit concerned what they will find!

    dee

  • Marniedey
    Marniedey Member Posts: 4 Member
    #5
    bra

    Hi, I was told by an ACS email buddy to look at bras at a Mastectomy Bra store. I searched "Mastectomy Store" and found a specialty store in Phoenix. They took my size info, and my health insurance info (chances are your policy will help cover the cost), and will do all the work for me. They even travel to my location (2 hours away for several people). Hope this helps.

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #6
    Marniedey said:

    bra

    Hi, I was told by an ACS email buddy to look at bras at a Mastectomy Bra store. I searched "Mastectomy Store" and found a specialty store in Phoenix. They took my size info, and my health insurance info (chances are your policy will help cover the cost), and will do all the work for me. They even travel to my location (2 hours away for several people). Hope this helps.

    bra

    Hi.....I am a unilateral mastectomy  this December just past.  I am still on the hunt for a bra that 'works' and is comfortable too.  I bought one locally and it is like a sports bra no wires no side stays......I am finding it moderately cozy but too elasticized so i often use those bra extenders that expand the back of the bra and inch or so.   I went to the city a few weeks ago and got fitted for 4 brand new spanking bras and  it cost me a small fortune......seemed great in the store but after a couple of hours they are all too tight too diggy in too something.  Two of the bras had those plastic stays in the sides so I just opened up the little cloth channel and took them out......no way an underwire would work......so like you I am still on the hunt.

    I have also tried hand sewing a piece of fabric into the cup of some of my pre surgery bras......actually I cut up some underpants and used that nice soft stretchy fabric......this at least holds the prothesis in place and does not cost a small fortune.  I am finding all the mastectomy products here in Canada very highly priced.....seems silly that the bras should cost twice as much as a normal bra

    good luck with your hunt.......look forward to hearing of any great finds.......maggie

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