breast cancer

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joanh
joanh Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I just had a mastectomy 8 weeks ago and chose not to get reconstruction, I would like some tips and various bras, how did you choose, what you did and did not like thanks, joanh

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  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
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    Hi joan, I am a three time breast cancer survivor and am now as flat as a board and have always chosen not to have reconstruction. I went to a bra fitter that also deals with prothesis. She fit the right mastectomy "boobs" with my shape and the bras have pockets that the prosthetic fits into. They also make bras with the prosthetic sewn right in, although these are a **** to wash. Find someone who does mastectomy fittings in your area. If your are not sure, ask your oncologist, they should know of a person that does this where you live. Hope this helps. I chose this option of no reconstruction because 1)why present myself with a possible problem later, if it aint broke dont fix it. I am not a vain person, so going even with out the prosthetics has never bothered me. In fact I only "strap the girls on" when Im going out to something special. Otherwise, Flat is the look of the day.....everyday.
  • Trese
    Trese Member Posts: 8
    #3
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    sassysally said:

    Hi joan, I am a three time breast cancer survivor and am now as flat as a board and have always chosen not to have reconstruction. I went to a bra fitter that also deals with prothesis. She fit the right mastectomy "boobs" with my shape and the bras have pockets that the prosthetic fits into. They also make bras with the prosthetic sewn right in, although these are a **** to wash. Find someone who does mastectomy fittings in your area. If your are not sure, ask your oncologist, they should know of a person that does this where you live. Hope this helps. I chose this option of no reconstruction because 1)why present myself with a possible problem later, if it aint broke dont fix it. I am not a vain person, so going even with out the prosthetics has never bothered me. In fact I only "strap the girls on" when Im going out to something special. Otherwise, Flat is the look of the day.....everyday.

    Sassy, I really admire your spunk!! I never did grow breasts in the first place, and I've done OK as well!!!
  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    #4
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    I also had bilateral mastectomies and decided not to have reconstruction. I found that the thing that works best for me is a camisole with pockets sold in the American Cancer Society's TLC catalogue. It is the only thing that anchors everything well so that the breast forms do not pop up out of my neckline. I have both the cotton camisole, sold as a garment for use during radiation therapy since it has no seams to rub on tender skin, and the thin strapped lace camisoles, which remains unseen under street clothing. The straps of the white radiation camisole peeps out from under necklines somewhat. They are called the pocketed lace camisole and the pocketed comfort camisole at http://www.tlccatalog.com

    Both have a "shelf bra" like the ones inside bathing suits for those who require only one breast form. It is a great solution for those who use two breast forms as well. Hope this helps.
    Love,
    Denise
  • sarajane
    sarajane Member Posts: 22
    #5
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    I too shose not to have reconstruction done. Get a list of fitters and stores from your local American Cancer Society. If you are eligible for Medicare be sure to get doctor's prescrition ..certain number of garments are free. Also some manufactuers have good informational sites on the webb where they help you decided what type of garment you will be most camfortable with...search under breastcancer or breast care...also there is a garment I used after the surgery called softee two sold by ladiess first. I liked it so much that I often use it when I have a plane trip and do not want a heavier garment on but want to look professional.They are camisoles with pockets for the inserts. One advantage is you can shop around and decided if you want to be a doooly parton or a twiggy...Just take your time and do not rush into buying anything that is not comfortable...you can always go to a heavier garment as you feel like it..do not let a salesperson inflence you. Good luck. I am one year past surgery and have no regrets...Good luck

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