I underwent a mastectomy around 2.5 weeks ago. My scar is healing fine and I have minimal discomfort on that side but the biggest problem I am finding is that it is nearly unbearable to wear any sort of bra at all and the discomfort is on my ‘good’ side. It feels like my bra is too tight under my breast but I’ve had my size checked and it’s not that - the sensation is still there to a lesser degree even when I take my bra off. And the skin is incredibly sensitive and sore. Did anyone else experience this and if so how long did it take to settle down? I’ve tried different styles of bra but none seem to make a huge difference.
That’s great news that you’re recovering well from your mastectomy. I don’t know if it’s relevant but I had an allergic reaction to my waterproof dressing that spread round my bra line and, eventually, down to my waist. It needed some pretty strong antihistamine treatment! Maybe you are experiencing some kind of skin reaction if it’s sensitive and sore? Have you discussed it with your breast care nurse? That should be your next action.
Have you got specialist bras now, rather than wearing your old bras? I found I needed to wear seamless sports bras with a deep welt (made by Under Armour) for at least a month, after which I got measured for a mastectomy bra and wore a Knitted Knocker until I was ready for the weight of a prosthesis. In case you haven’t been made aware of these, they can be ordered free of charge from www.knittedknockersuk.com and are a boon, with less friction than a softie. Personally, I find mastectomy bras feel like a fortress bra compared to what I used to wear and I wear a bra as little as possible. I’d happily go monoboobed, though I’ve found it sometimes makes people look (or try not to) and it’s not attention I want. Lockdown has been great for personal comfort! All the best x