Hi ladies, I was diagnosed in 2018 with Lobular breast cancer, after several operations I needed to find some new bras as my breast was no longer the size it was and was also out of shape. I tried so many bras, including expensive ones but never felt happy with any of them really. In the end I just made do with one which was okay.
I recently got told about H.E.R bodywear. The lady that owns and designed these bras also, like me, had a second breast cancer diagnosis and really struggled to find comfortable bras, so she designed her own, then a friend asked for one and before she knew it she became a small business.
Alex is such a lovely lady who has put so much effort into getting the bra just right. Alex has won awards too.
Anyway, the main point of my post is have a look at her website or on Instagram, you may find your new No.1 bra, I have and I am so grateful. I’ll be honest, they are a bit on the dearer side but I personally think it is worth it, especially as I have spent so much on bras that are no good. On that point, after talking to the pre op sister about the problems I had with bras, she mentioned that I can drop off any bras that I no longer want to the breast clinic for them to offer them to people who are struggling financially. So if you are like me and have a few bras laying around you haven’t worn, new or used, please consider handing them onto your breast clinic, that’s if they take them.
Finally, I wish all you lovely ladies the best of luck going forward. I’m off on Wednesday to have my mastectomy so wish me luck xx
M&S have super-comfortable, zip front bras (without the back fastening which is difficult to do up with sore hands from letrozole/exemestane and tamoxifen).
Thank you @FionaMac , unfortunately this is my second time around and there’s not many bras I haven’t tried. I have tried the M&S bras but for some reason they never seem to fit me well. The bras from H.E.R. have the usual fastening at the back but also have the front zip fastening too, so you have a choice. They also have a a wider band at the side which is ideal for where my perforated flap scars are.
I know some people will prefer others but for me there’s no contest. I just hope she gives us a better choice of colours in the future.
I meant to add that my cousin who has also had a Mastectomy loves her M&S bras as well.
Also, I got told to try Conturve, they are meant to be really comfortable, although a bit pricey. I ordered some before I found H.E.R. bras so I will let you know what they are like too.
Did you have a Mastectomy @FionaMac ? Just wondering how you got on with the emotional side of it all? xx
Hi Sue, hope you are doing ok. Yes, mastectomy and implant reconstruction. Struggled with the choices. M&S Flexifit zip front bras work for me but I also have a Shapermint but struggling with hand pain with back fastening ( letrozole. exemestane & tamoxifen side effects). X
Sorry to hear you are struggling with your hands and the difficulties it’s causing.
I guess one size/style doesn’t fit all and why we all prefer different bras.
After my mastectomy I’m due to go on Letrozole, I’m dreading it really to be honest, the reviews are not good mostly. My cousin has just had to come off them due to the pain they are causing her.
I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years first time around which started me on my menopause journey, which was not a good time, I really suffered with hot flushes, apart from that I didn’t have any other symptoms so I was lucky.
I love the fact that H.E.R Bodywear post-surgery bra has BOTH front and back fastening. (Normally if they are just front fastening, there is no real adjustability) Having the option to use different hook&eye settings at the back before I put it on, means I can decide how tight/ loose I want it - makes sense if you’ve just had surgery and are still a bit swollen.
This is my H.E.R Bodywear bra and honestly… I LOVE IT!!! why do brands think that just because we’ve had breast cancer we suddenly we should suddenly have to wear ugly beige bras? This red colour is so pretty. I think it’s called Scarlet on the website?. and I’d 100% recommend it. There are no seams along the top or underneath the breast tissue, so nothing rubs, digs in, or irritates scars. It’s just really smooth and comfortable. To be honest I dont use the front zip, I just use the back like a regular bra now. The support is gentle but nice and secure, and when I first put it on it was genuinely the first time I felt even remotely feminine again after everything. Love it!! Thank you H.E.R Bodywear.
Hi @lorraine11 I agree with you totally. I love the fact it’s been designed but a lovely lady who has had breast cancer twice and understands exactly what we need.
The moment I put mine on I knew I had found my bra. The material is so soft and flexible. Just fits me so well, it’s almost like I have arms around me comforting me.
The lady who designed this is actually a friend of my daughter, I don’t know her personally. I didn’t mention it to start with because I didn’t want anyone thinking I am just advertising for her because that isn’t what I am doing, I am actually trying to help others feel as comfortable as I am in their bra, I really hope I achieve that.
Thank you so much @Tili . unfortunately I didn’t have my operation. On Tuesday I started with a cold, I can only have caught it from trips to the hospital because I purposely avoided seeing family and friends so that I didn’t catch anything. I rang the hospital on Tuesday to explain I had a cold and they said it would be fine still, however, when I arrived Wednesday morning with no sleep and feeling very nervous, I was told it was too risky because I had asthma. Although I totally understood, I was so disappointed, I couldn’t stop crying and been very down the last 2 days. I now have to wait until the 25th February.
Thank you for your good wishes though. I have received presents from family and friends to wish my luck etc so I feel guilty I didn’t have it done. It can’t be helped though. x
@SueDerb so sorry to read your message, however pleased your being taken good care off, so disappointing when you build yourself up, best wishes for the 25th February.
Oh wow, that’s amazing
Well we all have to start somewhere, and there’s no better way to grow a new business than through genuine recommendations and people supporting each other. When something really helps, it deserves to be shared! xx
@lorraine11 Alex will be so pleased you also love her bra, I just wished she did more colours and styles but it’s quite a new business really and she’s a busy lady but she said she has more in the pipeline.
I love supporting smaller businesses too. Alex has won awards already and is busy going to conferences etc so I’m sure the word will soon get out. For me though, although I wish Alex well, I really wanted to share her bras with you lovely ladies with the hope it helps others.
I actually ordered the red hero bra yesterday after reading this . I had a lumpectomy last Monday and ordered a few post surgery bras but thinking I may keep wearing non wired after all this .
The bras look great
Alex was really helpful - I asked her about VAT exemption as the website didn’t seem to be working on that page and she sent me a discount code . Interestingly I read that red bras don’t show through white tops !
So glad you ordered one, I really hope you love it as much as me. It’s so nice supporting a small business, a lady who has gone through what we are and has a family to support.
@sweetpea1 I am so pleased you like the bra and find it soft etc.
Alex has contacted me to ask if I had recommended her because she has had a few orders from ladies who say they saw someone recommending her bras and said to say she hopes you like them and they help the ladies feel more like themselves again
so wish me luck xx
xx
