Hi all,
Im 7&1/2 years post lumpectomy. Thankfully only needed surgery and radiotherapy and only sential nodes removed. I did however have to lose the nipple so have a 4” scar across the breast. I did have a new nipple formed about 5 years ago so it’s a bit lumpy there. I have ongoing intermittent breast pain, aches, soreness etc as I know many ladies do.
I normally wear soft pullover bras but in this nice weather I have been wearing a proper bra. Being a recycled teenager and a larger breast lady I don’t want to look all saggy boobed in T shirts. I can’t find a seamless bra with support that has low sides. My sentinel scar is in a place that gets rubbed by ordinary bras.
Unfortunately there isn’t any good lingerie shops near me and no M&S either. All there is is a primark and matalan in town. I can get to main supermarkets that do clothes but that’s it.
Can anyone offer any help please. Seamless I have a better chance but not supportive or low sides.
Grateful for any help. Many thanks. Frances x
I had a lot of trouble after my bilateral (both) lumpectomy and like you wore tshirt bras that pullover my head. However being larger they weren’t supportive. I was able to go to M&S the first bras were soft but with seams and lace that kept rubbing my scars ( on the sides). I had to put some soft lint/padding inside to stop the rubbing. I went back a few months later after changing size again and had a smoother total support embroidery bra, the seams were all in the right place for me.
They do have many without seams on their website but as you still can’t order after the cyber attack it’s a problem.
George Asda have soft bralet that may be good. I had all my tshirt bras from here and they were fab. The bralet looks like it offer a bit more support and has larger sizes.
https://direct.asda.com/george/lingerie/bras/grey-supersoft-non-padded-bralette/GEM1229465-99584,default,pd.html?clr=Grey
I think it will be a lot of trial and error.I hope you have some success.
Hi
I used M&S, bravissimo, cotton traders and Asda for no wire bras and sports ones that did up at the front
All can be returned if they aren’t comfy or a good fit and remember m& s and bravissimo have bra fitting services
Bralettes and camisoles with built in cups worked too, just a case of trial and error until you get a fit that agrees with your new shape
Just don’t go spending a fortune as shape will settle down after a few months
Good luck
I order my bras online from M+S you can get them delivered to your home - I’m lucky enough to have a store nearby so I do Click and Collect . Try Nicola Jane or eloise.com . Xx
I’ve moved to non wired bra also, similar as above, my scar is right were the underwire finishes and very uncomfortable.
I’ve been wearing my post surgery bras for months which have a straight finish across cleavage. But now summer is approaching I wanted something with “v” front for tops.
By cancer boob is about one cup size bigger, probably due to radio so I needed something stretchy. These from M&S have been comfy “# Flexifit™ Non Wired Full Cup”. I place a big order with multiple sizes to try on, and get free delivery and returns.
Hi Frances, I’ve discovered bra’s made by company called Boody, they are really comfy. I had bilateral surgery, therapeutic mammoplasty with contralateral reduction with uplift so have anchor shaped scarring. The bra’s are made of bamboo fibre and there are a couple of different styles and a few colours.
Penny
Thank you. I use to go for regular bra fittings at my local M&S a few years back but they closed the branch. My nearest clothes M&S is now too far away. There are no bra fitting places near me. I have guesstimated size change from last M&S fitted bra but was useless and wasted money.
Thanks for your help.
Thank you. My surgery was 7.5 years ago so it’s all settled. It’s age and weight that has changed me. I did use to have bra fittings until my local M&S closed. Nothing near me now. I have wondered about Asda. They had a good name when I was first diagnosed and recommended on the moving forward course.
I haven’t worn an underwire bra since surgery.
Thanks
Many thanks for the links. It is all trial and error but hopefully Asda will have something.
I have matalan T Shirt bras .
I’m nearly 25 yrs on a few yrs ago I finally stopped,having to put my softy back in my bra .
I have Velcro in my bras and on my softy ,problem solved.
The matalan bras have bones I take them out they come in packs of two .
Black white - beige black
Hi @Frances333
Have you tried Amoena?
They specialise in us ladies and have a wide range of bras bikinis and tops which are very comfortable. You maybe able to arrange an appointment with them at your hospital to try what they have and see whats right for you. Your breast care nurse could arrange it. Or just order online
Hope you get comfy xxx
Are you able to use the internet, or ask a friend/family member? Loads of online options, which I guess means you can’t try before you buy, but you can send them back if they don’t suit.
I’ve always found supermarket-wise that Sainsbury’s are better than Asda, though their range is less extensive. They do a wire-free teeshirt bra that goes up to large sizes that’s quite comfortable- I have them in black and white.
Personally, I’m frustrated by the current trend for plunge bras where bending over induces them to fall through the middle - never could wear them, even before.
Also Bravissimo do online fitting by video link. If you go to their shops they just look at you for sizing, no tape measures involved, and can see what style suits your shape. Best wishes.
I have been using Nicola Jane online. They have a shop in Chichester, and also bra fitting services in various places throughout the country. They have a pretty good selection. Five years on my bras were suddenly not fitting well, so I went to M&S for a fitting, which was good, but their post surgery range is limited and I found that when ordering online, the fit, even in the same style varies considerably. So, back to Nicola Jane with my new sizing. They are very helpful and have a 100 day returns policy, and are happy for you to order several to get the right fit, which I have just done, and am happy with the results. The bra lady at the hospital breast clinic recommended a company calledWoman Zone. Hope this helps.
Hello Frances,
I don’t know if these companies are any good for your situation. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and all the lymph nodes removed from one side and three on the other. I was given a prosthesis by a company called Truelife and also one called Amoena. They are online and sell all sorts of combinations, may be worth a look. Take Care.
Minnie
Hey, Frances333, I’m about 7 months since my lumpectomy and I can’t wear my old underwire bras anymore. My scar is right where the underwire would hit me. I had radiation and my cancer boob is now bigger and higher than my other 67 year old boob. Even if I could stand the underwire, my T-shirt bras don’t cover that difference between my breasts.
I started wearing a non-wire bra by Bali, style 3488 that hooks in the back. It’s really comfortable, comes in many colors, and makes my breasts look even. It works under my tank tops and T-shirts. I always looked at soft cup bras and thought they looked like the boobs were already in them. I couldn’t imagine pouring my big saggy girls into one of those. Now I’m a believer (cue The Monkees for those old enough to get it).
I hope that helps. 
Hi, I found Mary of Sweden bras are good, I still use my front fastening white bra very plain but comfortable. The bras are a little pricey though.
Hello Frances,
I find M&S nonwired Wild Bloom bras great. I buy past season bras from lingerie outlets on ebay. I think most places let you return bras that don’t fit. Search “nonwired M&S wild blooms”. Sending you best wishes
Hi, Grattan do bras made of organic cotton, so nice and soft, and they’re a reasonable price. I have some front fastening ones (I found this useful after my lumpectomy). Mine aren’t wired, but other designs are.
Thank you all very much for all your suggestions and links to different places.
My apologies for not replying to you all individually or sooner but my affected boob has been playing up, nerve damage, scar pain etc so was a bit preoccupied. Who would have thought that 7.5 years down the line I am still having discomfort (sometimes pain), aches etc. BC nurse told me a few years back that it’s nerve pain and can go on for months, years or for life! I have recently been diagnosed with possible costochondritis on affected side and that can cause breast and armpit discomfort. This getting old lark ain’t for cissies is it?
Once again I send grateful thanks.
Hugs
Frances x