I had chemo before surgery and avoided a mastectomy as a result. I finished radiotherapy in September, had cellulitis in November in my breast and now have a very swollen and painful breast. The lymphoedema nurse has sent me two compression bras but neither really fit -the large is far too big around and on my shoulders -it keeps slipping off (not what I think is intended) and offers no support, the medium is too small on the cups even on the good side -I can’t do it up. Even the large is too small in the cups. I have tried sourcing my own on line but no one seems to cater for my size -I’m very slim with a very large bust. I was a 32H before the lymphoedema so had always worn underwires. I am guessing I am probably a K or KK cup on the lymphoedema side now. I find myself walking around with my arm crooked under my bust to support it and as for getting a comfortable position in bed -forget it. Has anyone any suggestions -as I’m despairing somewhat. Bra purchasing was always a nightmare for me even before.
You’ve got my sympathies, I was a 30G and had a lot of swelling after the radiotherapy so really struggled with bras (bit easier now that I’m a bit bigger as at least a 32 back size is easier to find!). I found the Macom make of bras really good as you buy according to back size and the cups just stretch to fit and they have a mild to moderate compression. However, I think they might only stretch to an H cup so might not be any good for you. It’s worth checking their website though.
Another place that is worth trying is Bravissimo. They have a store in London, near Covent Garden, but also do mail order and they specialise is unusual sizes so it might be worth phoning/emailing them to see what they suggest?
Hope you find something as I remember the relief when my Macom bras arrived and I was finally able to abandon the too tight ones I’d been using - was almost tearful as it felt like I was removing an elastic band from my poor battered boob :womanlol:
Thanks Sharon. Unfortunately I have already tried Macom and the H is not big enough -it did not stretch quite far enough. I have a J cup from Bravissimo but still not big enough and offers no compression so no good for lymphoedema hence my despair. Had a good moan to my sister on the phone tonight who is also a 32H -must be in the genes. I know she is considering a breast reduction operation, but it would be ludicrous for me to do such a thing, having avoided mastectomy, just because manufacturers don’t make anything for bigger busts! If anyone knows of somewhere I can find something please let me know.
Hello again. Just a quick progress update for anyone who has similar problems. I saw my lymphoedema nurse today and she is going to try some kinesio tape to give me a bit of uplift and some manual lymphatic drainage (a type of massage). On the bra front I have made some progress too as a friend who is 32K has let me know of a local lady who does bra alterations and might be able to do something with my large compression bra. I will let you know how I get on.