Stupid question re what to wear after masectomy?

NJMom10
NJMom10 Member Posts: 176
in Breast Cancer #1
Can you wear regular bras after a masectomy? And what do you do when you go swimming? Do you wear a regular bathing suit? a t-shirt? I know it's a stupid question, but, I'm just looking ahead...

Comments

  • AMomNETN
    AMomNETN Member Posts: 242
    #2
    Clothes
    NJMom,
    Right after surgery you will be wrapped in something like a big ace bandage. You will wear this until drains come out. After you don't need the bandage I wore a sports bra. I slept in them for quite a while. I thought they were much more comfortable. Will you have reconstruction? Wear shirts that button up or zip up the front. I wore them for several weeks after surgery as I couldn't raise my arms. If you are not having reconstruction you will probably need a mastecomy bra. I don't know since I wore the sports bra. I hope this helps.

    Janie
  • sal314
    sal314 Member Posts: 599 Member
    #3
    No Question is a Stupid Question! :)
    After you heal, you can buy bras that have prosthesis built in or with pockets that you can put a prosthetic into. They also have bathing suits with built in pockets too that you can put whatever size prosthesis you want in them.

    Your doctors office should have a name/number of specialty stores that carry these items. If there isn't one in your area, I'm sure there are on-line places. Also, if I'm not mistaken, I believe it's a federal law that insurance reimburse you for the prosthesis as well as the bras. Check with your insurance carrier. And though it's been awhile since I've had the special bras...they were starting to get much more attractive! So I'm sure they're many beautiful choice out there now. :)

    Granted, it's been about 5 years since I last wore one. I've since went on and had reconstruction because I just got tired of the whole prosthetic thing. And looking at my half of a boob! (my lumpectomy was somewhat extensive and didn't turn out very good!) But it's a nice option to have if you don't want to go through reconstruction. And the plus?....you can go bigger or smaller whenever you want! LOL.

    Hope this helps a little!

    Blessings,
    Sally
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #4
    When I left the hospital
    When I left the hospital after surgery - I was strapped down so tight I looked like a boy. A week later Surgeon took the dressing off and from then on I went with my old bras and a soft little 'puff' the local ACS had sent me in a 'care bag' right after surgery. About 3 months later I was fitted for my good pros and got mast. bras. Because of the swelling after surgery it is advisable to wait a while to be fited to get the best fit (at least that's what I was told). I haven't had any problems with mine when swimming or riding or anything else. I was told that if I wanted to swim then to be sure I got a weighted one.

    You can get mast. swim suits or you can get 'pockets' that you sew in your suit - what I did.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #5
    AMomNETN said:

    Clothes
    NJMom,
    Right after surgery you will be wrapped in something like a big ace bandage. You will wear this until drains come out. After you don't need the bandage I wore a sports bra. I slept in them for quite a while. I thought they were much more comfortable. Will you have reconstruction? Wear shirts that button up or zip up the front. I wore them for several weeks after surgery as I couldn't raise my arms. If you are not having reconstruction you will probably need a mastecomy bra. I don't know since I wore the sports bra. I hope this helps.

    Janie

    No question is stupid, not
    No question is stupid, not one! I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't be of much help with information, but, the other pink sisters will post for you.

    Good luck with your surgery!


    Hugs, Debby
  • NJMom10
    NJMom10 Member Posts: 176
    #6
    Rague said:

    When I left the hospital
    When I left the hospital after surgery - I was strapped down so tight I looked like a boy. A week later Surgeon took the dressing off and from then on I went with my old bras and a soft little 'puff' the local ACS had sent me in a 'care bag' right after surgery. About 3 months later I was fitted for my good pros and got mast. bras. Because of the swelling after surgery it is advisable to wait a while to be fited to get the best fit (at least that's what I was told). I haven't had any problems with mine when swimming or riding or anything else. I was told that if I wanted to swim then to be sure I got a weighted one.

    You can get mast. swim suits or you can get 'pockets' that you sew in your suit - what I did.

    As usual...thanks!
    Thanks again ladies. It's a question that's kind of been in the back of my mind through this whole thing. I just did 3 mos of neo-adjuvant chemo to shrink the tumor. I see the surgeon this week so surgery is in the next 3 weeks or so. Prior to my diagnosis I lost close to 100 lbs and had started a fairly large inventory of pretty bras from Victoria's secret. Just was hoping I might still be able to wear some of them.
  • CR1954
    CR1954 Member Posts: 1,390 Member
    #7
    Yes....
    Yes to everything that has already been posted.

    I will add that if your insurance will (and they should) pay for bras and prosthesis, you will need a script from your breast surgeon for that.

    Also, the specialty store (or you can find them in catalogs or online) that sells mastectomy supplies, should also carry "liners" that you can sew into your regular bras, bathing suits, whatever...to form a pocket to hold your prosthesis. It's great if you are handy at sewing (I'm not), but my sister sewed some into old bras for me. My old comfy bras..lol!

    CR
  • BunnyJane
    BunnyJane Member Posts: 213
    #8
    CR1954 said:

    Yes....
    Yes to everything that has already been posted.

    I will add that if your insurance will (and they should) pay for bras and prosthesis, you will need a script from your breast surgeon for that.

    Also, the specialty store (or you can find them in catalogs or online) that sells mastectomy supplies, should also carry "liners" that you can sew into your regular bras, bathing suits, whatever...to form a pocket to hold your prosthesis. It's great if you are handy at sewing (I'm not), but my sister sewed some into old bras for me. My old comfy bras..lol!

    CR

    Hi NJ Mom
    The liners that are mentioned above can be purchased through ACS' catalog and mastectomy specialty stores. Also, Land's End has wonderful pocketed swim suits in many different styles, so be sure to check them out. Best of luck with your surgery! Jane

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