Hello. I’m 39 and hage recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m having a single mastectomy with implant Braxon reconstruction next week. I’ve been advised by my breast cancer nurse to get front fastening non padded/non underwired sports/nursing type bras. Struggling as I’m a 38F and been advised to go to a 40. My reconstruction will be D cup though. Can anyobe offer me any advice? Should I go to M&S and get fitted or supermarket for a sports type bra? Thanks x
I’m unsure about how to go with implants but I know marks and spencer do a good range and if you can buy something to tide you over they have people trained to measure post surgery I think x
Hi Liz, I’m not sure about reconstruction because I’m still flat after mx. Also I have small boobs (or boob now!). I got a bra from M&S that wasn’t front fastening and then a friend advised me front fastening would be easier. I didn’t find it a problem though. Another good tip is to get some bra back extenders. They sell these in M&S too. That way you have a bit more flexibility with size. I used them for a couple of weeks post op until the swelling reduced. Best thing is to ask a member of staff. They don’t stock everything but have other items online. There are lots of dedicated shops as well.
Best wishes,
Jo xx
Thank you all for your help. I’ll make an appt to get a fitting in M&S. They’ll know best x
Also this is my 1st posting on here. Do any of you ladies know how to change your name on here? I wish I’d not included my proper name ! No worries if I’m stuck with it though x
Hi Liz
I had mastectomy with saline implant 12 months ago plus reduction on the other one. I was 34ff and my surgeon aimed for d/DD post op, i have ended up 36dd so she did well!.
I was told i need a well fitting sports bra to leave hospital. Obviously non of my existing bras would be any use so i bought 3 different size front fastening zip up sports bras from m&s a few days before my op (I think i got 34d, 36d & 36dd, kept the receipts and the most comfortable one & my mum returned the others). I wore that bra for several weeks (I did wash it!) until my dressings were off and then bought a couple of non wired cotton bras from m&s. My advice would be don’t buy too many too soon…as I did ! Your boobs will change and settle in the months post op. Bear in mind you will have swelling not only in the boobs but under your arm, around your back etc. As the other lady said bra expanders are great. Instead of buying a 38 to accomodation the swelling I wore an expander with a 36 and now I can still wear the 36 a year later.
I did plan to get fitted but haven’t yet mainly because I just try loads on, my implant doesn’t like to be moved into a bra, it is where it is! The reduced boob however can be squished into anything and even though i’m very asymmetrical naked they look pretty well matched in a nice underwired bra !
sorry to go on but I hope this helps a bit.
All the best
Cath
Thank you girls! Someone should start up a business for post op/reconstruction women!
Cath- were you offered a reduction on other breast at thesame time? I would have liked that but haven’t been given that option. Maybe I should investigate though whilst I’m under anesthetic x