Hi.
I’m just writing as a very frustrated person who had a mastectomy but also has an autoimmune disease. Because of my health issues, I couldn’t have the full breast surgery procedures I wanted, all done at the same time, so it was left for a later date.
That date is now almost 2 years on and my frustration is, there isn’t anyone making a form of prosthesis that fills the gap between surgeries, especially if you have larger breasts.
Everything is at an expense, which I personally am struggling to afford; my mastectomy was an emergency decision, so wasn’t already prepared to buy bras etc…
Most prosthesis involve a bra, a pocket etc…which means you have to buy the item(s) of clothing adapted on top of the prosthesis, which are not cheap or subsidised.
When you have larger breasts, you are constantly buying one thing and then it moves about or doesn’t sit right in another.
It’s more upsetting that there are ample designs and fittings for cosplay or crossdressing; so for fun, than something as serious as breast cancer.
I have spent £200-400 on bras, prosthesis etc…that I tried a few times, but have ended up being uncomfortable, hot in warm weather or just doesn’t sit properly.
I can’t believe in 2023, there isn’t someone in the market of all the businesses who make specialist goods, haven’t come up with something suitable, especially for those who are a D cup and above.
Unfortunately no matter your size they are not made for comfort. I had reconstruction and it failed, had to have them removed, went flat. I found a group of women that make prosthetics free for Breast Cancer survivors. The name of the group is “Knitted Knockers”. These are not heavy, soft, and allow air to flow though so not as hot, might be what your looking for.
I have a couple of these. Even made some myself. Again, its ok for everyday around the house, but because you’re bigger chested and obviously older your breasts do naturally droop, the knockers stay rounded and the wool can be quite hot, especially going through menopause.
The market today caters for B/C cups, whether its clothes, bras etc…because that’s the most versatile and desirable size.
Beyond that, there is an empty market and you have to end up fending for yourself, especially after a mastectomy.
That’s just been my experience.
I can recommend Julie Blanche at “The Bra Consultancy “ , Maldon Essex.CM9 5PS
TEL 07790270503
Her background - working alongside breast reconstruction and plastic surgeons, and her specialism is post surgery garments.
There is a virtual fitting service, in addition to a private room for consultations or Julie can make home visits.
She is very understanding and caring.
Julie, can assist you with the overall cost of bras and prosthesis with the reduction of VAT etc relating to “cancer “ purchases.
Good luck !
Hello
I had a mastectomy 12 months ago. I have not had reconstruction and I am not sure that I will. I have found the breast forms heavy and hot and the bras for larger breasts very old fashioned .
I saw the boost breast forms and ordered one and to be honest I was not expecting much.
The boost is amazing it fits into all my old regular bras , it’s light and comfortable and half the price of the traditional breast forms . I am an F cup and ordered an X-LARGE curve , It truly has given me a boost
All the best
Hi I have tried many things over the years .
The costumes are too thick around the bust area ,and take too long to dry .Bras never felt comfortable,and were tight .
I now by tankini that I can slide a silicone in for swimming or a light weight just to keep the shape .
I now by matalan T shirt bras packs ,I do take the wires out ,I wear a softy all the time .
I put Velcro in my bras and on to the softy they don’t move .
I’m finally comfortable and my softie is not under my chin .
I will have a bilateral skin sparring mastectomy in a week from today. I am very anxious and emotional. The original plan was to get reconstruction at the same time but for safety I need to wait and heal first. I’m not prepared mentally to see myself after surgery.
Any advice on mastectomy surgery must haves pre and post op?
Thank you
I use the boost prosthesis- mainly for swimming but also on hot days as they are breathable. I find they are more comfortable in a normal bra & not a post surgical “pocket” style bra/swimsuit. Hope that helps. X
I hear your frustration! I was forever sending for & returning bras to try & get the right, comfortable fit- it’s mad there isn’t better provision considering how common this cancer is. Argh!
Hello,
It will be a month on Wednesday since I had my bilateral skin sparring double mastectomy. My tumor was 5mm and no cancer in my lymph nodes but I will need to take chemo pills (Xeloda) for 6 months as a precaution of any cancer cells that may have escaped. My oncologist did say that chemo pills are less harsh side effects but I genuinely have PTSD from my chemo experience. My body suffered lots of pain during 4 intense months of treatment. I’m very nervous what the future will be like on these pills and working a full time job. Anyone taken this pill or have some advice?
On another note, I will need to wait 6 months after I’m done with the chemo pills to get reconstruction surgery( Dec 2024). I am struggling emotionally with my body imagine. I’m not in that head space of my scars are something that shows how strong I am. I’m can’t help but look at myself and see the permanent reminder of what cancer has done to me. I am seeing a therapist who is wonderful. I feel if you haven’t gone through it you never truly understand the feeling. How do you cope ?
I don’t think anyone is really prepared after a form of breast surgery.
Emotionally there is support and free councilling if you need it via the Macmillan services.
Incidentally, how have you managed to get reconstruction so quickly and a date for it this year?
My mastectomy was almost 2years ago and not even had a written date yet.
There is a lot of mental stress, feeling and looking disfigured.
Hopefully you will be much more assured and happier once it’s all done.
Hope it all goes well.
I’m late to this party, having had my mastectomy in late December, but I’m interested to try one of these for running and swimming.
It’s not clear from their website whether the boost fits inside a pocket or not. Can you advise please? I’m wondering if this is not the case whether it is comfortable against the skin/scar.
Hi.
I use mine for swimming. As the prosthesis is concurved, you will have to put something behind it, to fill out the shape, if that makes sense.
I ended up using the foam inserts you get in bras and that worked well.
