Purchasing a mastectomy Bra??????

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21

I am 32E and really struggled to find suitable a mastectomy bra. Like Christineann, I tried a M&S one but couldn’t get my prosthesis through the small slit in the pocket either. I really can’t get my head round the designer failing to check this out.

I got a nice lacy bra from Womanzone ( although there was very little choice in my size ) and a pretty bra from the Fantasie range at Debenhams which I then had pocketed. I think both bras were over £20.

I think the problem is that following a mastectomy, it is really important to have a comfortable well fitting bra but it is not commercially viable for manufacturers to produce a selection in the smaller and larger cup sizes at reasonable cost.

Wendy x

22

Hi all.
I havent been on here for a while, however, I am still campaigning for better lingerie for women who have had breast surgery, including like me wearing prosthesis (i wear 2 after bilateral mastectomy and I am 32DD/E so it was a nightmare to find bras to fit me of any styles,).

I have been campaigning for better lingerie for over 6 years now, and raised a lot of awareness on the problems we have, I have done previous articles in Breast Cancer Care Newsletter last year on bras, and our need for better sexier ranges, and also my story on lingerie on here under Support for you, Prosthesis, (an article in the Sun newspaper is also attached on there). I have also done loads of articles on lingerie in both local newspapers and magazines. So hopefully this will help you all to know that I am passionate about getting us all lingerie for our requirements, including surgery, sizes, (especially the areas of small back big cups, and big backs small cups, as this is the area that is most needed to be filled, as the standard 34-42 a-d seem to be the usual sizes that companies use, but I am working to get it so that bras are for all sizes, especially for pocketed ranges, (as in hot weather plays havoc on the adhesive of the stick on prosthesis, and a pocket is better for those really hot days, ).

Debenhams stores are now stocking Royce post surgery lingerie, as does John Lewis, they are both really nice and sexy ranges, including a new Royce Multiway bra, I trial wear for them, and they are really good fittings. At last a multiway bra that is cup based and not bandana style (like a bikini top, straight across). I love their Chocolate bra and matching briefs, it fits great and there is another one that is pink and chocolate, also antique pink lace, all of which are matching sets, and at last Not The DREADED white we keep getting.! Some John Lewis stores do a pocketing service too, so check with your store.

I have had discussions with management at a large number of specialist companies including, Womanszone and Eloise, M&S, Nicola Jane, Amoena, Triumph, on getting more sizes on offer and better ranges for us to feel feminine sexy, and so that we can wear todays fashionable colourful tops and dresses, instead of wearing a vest or coloured camisole underneath as the bra we have is white and boring…

I do hope this helps, and I will not be giving up on getting us what we want on lingerie post surgery, I am very determined on standing my ground on getting them to listen, and if they dont then I will keep on knocking at their door until they do. I know it will be a slow process but hopefully it will get there.

Any comments or suggestions I could add to my list, for the next meetings I have with the companies to bring to their attention what we are still awaiting on lingerie for us, please feel free to send me a PM if you want or to add it on this topic and I will do my best to help.

Ps I have already raised the issue surrounding the costs, as I find it hard to pay extra for a bra because it has pockets, and even the price of pockets (especially like me you need two), is rediculous, and we shouldnt be any different on a pocket they use for their gel fillets, on their pump up cleavage bras…! I keep being told it is because it is a specialist garment, but it is like the word Petite on a garment we pay more and yet they use less material…!!

I have also had some doors slammed on my face too, but again I pick myself up and try again, NOT GOING AWAY !!
xx

23

Good for you puppydog. I hope your persistence pays off.

Thanks for the tip about Debenhams now stocking the Royce surgery bras. I’ll have a look next time I go. My local Debenhams has a really good fitter who used to attend the breastcare support group so is really interested and well informed.

Wendy x

24

Well done puppydog for your determination and hope your fight pays off.

I have had similar problems having had bilateral mastectomy. tried M & S but being rather large (was 42C with boobs) i found mastectomy bras only went up to a size 40, why?? I suppose I could of asked to order, but I am not one for pushing sales assistants, and just want to pick something from rails.

have tried Nicola Jane, some bras OK, but others not high enough around sides, i have a lump of fatty tissue on one side under arm. have also tried Asda. the £6 bra is great as a stand by, but found it does not give enough support.so still looking for the perfect fitting bra.

as to prothsesis, the pair BC nurse at hospital supplied were to big and heavy so resorted to buying lighter ones from Nicola Jane. still trying to get used to these, but if i find the right bra, they may look better.

going abroad on hols soon so hope to find comfortable bra, will try Debenhams.

Dozz

25

As with everyone else, I was incensed by the lack of provision in department stores, the only bras they did have were ugly and painful to wear. I decided not to torture myself and throw vanity out the window by just wearing t-shirts with that built-in extra bit of support. It was th eonly thing that was comfortable after surgery.

I am a large and floppy lady so it wasn’t easy, but was actually very liberating. Now (6wks post op) I just wear my old comfy bras and have sewn a pocket in, to hold my not-so-bloomin-comfie. I go for a prosthesis tommorrow.

When in John Lewis I asked the young lady in the lingerie dept if they had any mastectomy bras…“any what?”…she then proceeded to repeat the question at the top of her voice to her fellow assisitant on the other side of the floor! God I was livid.

So I to want to open a shop too, I have deceided to call it either “one off lingerie” or “the post op bra shop”

A comfortable night’s sleep to you all
Gillian

26

Glad this thread is still running just wanted a moan on it.
I spent about £116 at womanzone yesterday, in a state of shock. I got 3 bras, and expander. A swimming costume ( in sale) and a swim prosthesis.I couldnt believe she measured me at 40AA, I mean who the heck is that size??? Where has my 34C or 36B gone??? NO bras hardly so we stuck to my 38A and an expander but hardly any bras in that size either. 2 the same as my old ones (boring)
Gosh i felt like a freak sweat pouring off me with hot flushes and i am so fat, maybe i should have done a interview on BCC for Body Image and said how it really is for me CRAP!!

But I am alive sooooo have to be thankful.

Rx

27

Hi Puppydog, and all the ladies posting here, sorry I’m a bit late catching up on this thread…
As a 36A I don’t have that much of a problem finding mastectomy bras, (apart from the price, and mainly black or white) but I am sick and tired of trying to find fun/glamorous clothes that aren’t too low. Most of the camisoles, even the mastectomy ones, do not come up high enough to cover my dent left after mastectomy, and all “normal” clothes manufacturers seem to think we want everything showing off the cleavage. I wrote to M and S after the TV program when Kerry was transformed as they were supposed to be part of the Fashion against breast cancer thing, and pointed out that I could wear hardly any of their clothes! Needless to say, I didn’t get a reply.
So, Puppydog, if you are still campaigning, count me in. There are a lot of us out there, they are missing out on a large market, we are not a minority and we deserve to be heard, not to mention clothed.

28

Hi ladies

Just to let you all know that im a large woman 42DD and the only bras i could get (which didnt bankrupt me) was from Asda (they had a good size range) I got a moulded sports bra for £6 and it was double layered so I made a slit in the side and slipped my prosthesis into it it works very well, unfortunately they are not pretty but they are comfy, they only come in black and white and until I get rich or the ‘proper’ ones come down in price i’ll make them do. Roll on October when I see about getting my implant back in lol.

Best wishes to all

Jo xxxxxxx

29

although i only had a WLE i have been left lobsided and quite a high up scar, i am now looking into a chicken fillet and have looked for a pocketed bra, however although im not particularly large body frame im a 38G and recently went into a shop and asked for “post surgery bras” and the assistant said rather loudly i think you can just wear normal bras after enlargements, i was deeply embarrased, I have had no help in this area at all and dont even really know who to ask about the fillet!
Anna

30

Hi

I am only a 36A, I went to M&S yesterday with a pre arranged appointment. After measurement they told me to go to the customer services and order in several with the logic that after they arrived I could try them on and find the best for me.

Customer services had a very open discussion about me needing a bra for a mastectomy; all the people in the queue behind me then knew I had had surgery and that I was a 36A. After all of this I was told, sorry we can’t order you a bra in, we have none nationwide in a 36A. I took this to the lingerie manager who said she would do some research, she rang me later yesterday and said the same, as they are in the process of changing over their ranges they have no bra’s available. I felt I should apologise for having a mastectomy at the wrong time of they year. I do not live near a Debenhams or John Lewis.

I am reluctant to order online as I would feel more comfortable having a fitting.

Deb

31

Aren’t any of these staff given instruction on tact!!!
I bought almost all of mine online, or at least over the phone, after first hiking out to Bury St Edmunds or somewhere. The staff at specialist shops are usually very helpful, but you do pay more for the bras. Annamarie would probably get sensible advise re chicken fillets from them, even if you then get them elsewhere. I tried M&S too, and the lady in the Bra section I spoke to knew nothing about them, and called across the shop to her colleague…cringe.

I have a lovely undies shop near me which stocks some of the specialist ones, but they are even dearer than in the catalogues.
Don’t forget ebay!

32

Hi gals

I’ve been really worried about getting mastectomy bras as it used to be a nightmare beforehand as I’m narrow on the shoulders and they slope so straps were forever falling off.

Anyhow, i went into Bravissimo on Saturday with my comfies and the lass fitted me into a nonwired Fantasie bra that was a 38F and it fitted very well with not a tape measure in sight. I was very, very impressed by the sensitive treatment I had. I then went into M and S and ended up in tears! When you’re 38F bras can be a bit industrial anyway especially not wired.

Hope you all manage to get sorted.

Dawnflower

xxxx

33

Hi there

There the Daily Express have been doing £5 off coupon for Debenhams if you spend £25, and knowing how expensive Mastectomy bras are, I though I’d be able to use it. No such luck; in my Debenhams (Leeds) they don’t even stock them!

I suppose I’ll have to bite the bullet and buy a full priced one. Fig Leaves on the 'net have one in their sale at £12 something at the moment (Anita I think); it’s one with a lace insert at the cleavage. Depending on your size, it’s in white or fawn. I wanted white but they don’t have it in my size sadly. As they’re in the sale, they’re non returnable.

gandt

34

Annmarie, you should have a breast care nurse at your hospital, and she should have already advised you on this, it is so maddening when people are so ill informed.

If any of you live near Crosby in Liverpool, there is a shop there that sells brand name seconds (it’s near Yates’). They are selling mastectomy bras, 3 for £10. They are all the same design and not actually sold as mast bras but they have pockets. They are camisole style. Sadly they didn’t have my size or I would have stocked up!

Deb if you order online from Nicola Jane, they explain how to measure yourself, and they include a free returns sticker so if it’s not right they will change it or refund. They are very efficient but rather expensive.

Irene

35

Hi curtainqueen

I had similar problems in Debenhams with loud mouthed assistant (she only looked about 16). was then told there was probably one bra available and continued to march me towards rail. There was in fact a few styles to choose from, but unfortunatly not for us larger ladies. Husband in tow, he was annoyed at having to go thru this experience just to buy a bra, I made a hasty retreat.

i did find a local specialist shop, owner also had BC, so new exactly what I needed, tried quite a few bras and prothesis. I bought 2 Ameona swimwear/silicone. BCN advised me to have one 3 sizes smaller as I still have some swelling (3 months after rads?) new ones are both same size as they sit around swelling without pressure.

Great having that bit extra confidence and wear fashionable tops again without the need to go baggy. Department stores are all very well as long as you know your size without having to ask for help,

I wish you well and hope you open that shop. There are lots of ladies with same problems so I am sure you would have great success.

Doreen

36

Hi

I just went into a independant lingerie shop in a town called Hitchin, I asked about post surgery bra’s, the nice woman measured, asked me to try on several bra’s to find ones I was comfortable with, told me she would send them of to have pockets sewn in and will chagre me the grand total of £17…beat that.

I have to wait about 10 days but as I dont even have a prothesis appointment thats OK.

I found it interesting that the measurement in this shop and M&S were 2 cup sizes different, I am now a C rather than a A cup, strange eh, although I was surprised when marks said A cup.

Signed one very happy person

Deb

37

I bought some super brand new mastectomy bras on e-bay. Just search for mastectomy bra!

Sharon

38

What a marvellous thread. I will definitely being paying a visit to Debenhams.

I have just had the depressing experience of trying to get a bra and a prothesis. I arranged a visit to Amoena having waited since March to pluck up the courage.

They were very helpful but I was informed I was a 40DD and have been happily wearing a 38DD all these years. Having told me I was a 40DD they appeared to have little or no choice in that size and this seems to be borne out by their catalogue and web site. I wore the bra and prothesis from 3 until 10.00 pm and by that time I had red marks around both armpits which were becoming sore. The straps were very tight on my shoulders and there was little left to slacken off. I had seen a lovelly chocolate bra in the catalogue but of course not available in my size.

Today I visit M&S in Camberley. Again little choice. Lots of padded bras which I certainly dont want at a 40DD. And of course no 40DD let alone 38DD. But plenty on line by the look of it.

All very depressing. I am now more depressed that I was before. As if its not bad enough losing a breast you cannot get lovely underwear easily anymore. I am 56 but still want to feel feminine even more so now with no hair as well at the moment!

39

Does anyone know a good supplier for the pockets to sew into normal bras? I a have had enough of paying £30 on average when I am handy with a needle and thread! Just bought a gorgeous bra on ebay, very comfy too and a lovely red but need a pocket.

Have tried my usual Ameona and Nicola Jane, 1 out of stock, the other only have black or white.

Made my own pocket for a swim costume but it didn’t work and when wet, the stretchy material could be seen on neckline.

Irene

40

Have just spent ages reading through this thread! Hadn’t seen it before but was very interested to read all the comments. I agree with all the points. They are far too expensive,very little choice of colour, nothing very feminine and very limited stock. Just because we have breast cancer doesn’t mean we will be satisfied with white, white and more white!
And the fashion styles this summer have been demoralising.(hope that’s right). Everything is too low - even button up blouses shoot off at an angle making them impossible to wear. I spent ages in a large M & S and came to the conclusion that there was only one style of blouse available- they just look different because they produce them in a variety of colours and materials but they are basically all the same. Very disappointing. And no I don’t want to wear a camisole under everything. Two layers in the warm weather is just too hot. Oh and I won’t mention the hot sweats!
Will get off my soapbox now - feel better for that rant.