Last October I had a mastectomy without reconstruction. A few months ago I went to a specialist shop to buy some bras. I have been having trouble with my prosthesis making my bra fall forward when I bend down (I think this could be because I am a 40E so the prosthesis is quite heavy). The lady in the shop sold me an underwired bra because this holds the prosthesis more securely but she told me I can’t wear it until I am 12 months post surgery. That is only a few weeks away and I can’t imagine wearing it in the near future because the whole area still feels tender.
Can anyone help me please? Is it ok to wear an underwired bra after mastectomy?
Hi, i had a mastectomy with reconstruction in march this year,my surgeon dosnt recommend underwire bras he advices sports bras,but if im going out i do put an underwired one on as i have small breasts so it gives me a bit of an uplift/cleavage.Check with your bc nurse she would be adle to tell you if you can wear one or not. julie x
I have got an appointment for next Wednesday for my six monthly check so I will ask the bcn then. You know what it is like though with all the faffing around you forget to ask things! And it seems like a trivial thing to ring her about.
I’m not sure if they make one for your size, but have you considered a stick on prosthesis. I used one from 6 months post mx until I had my reconstruction at 2 and 1/2 years post mx. Amoena do them. I preferred the stick on as it felt more a part of me and you don’t get that falling away when you bend down. It uses silicone bobbles to stick and as long as your skin and the prosthesis are clean and dry it stays put. I even swam regularly wearing it. It may be that because of your size it won’t be a good option for you and it’ll be too heavy and pull on the skin. (I’m 34C.)
On underwires, I wear both now that I’ve had the reconstruction. Still using my mx bras! Some Amoena bras have soft underwiring which is more flexible and therefore more comfortable.
Write down what you need to ask the BCN (even now 4 and 3/4 years on) I still go armed with questions to my check ups.
I did try a stick on prosthesis - my breast form fitter let me try one to see how I got on with it. I didn’t have much luck with it. It wouldn’t stick to my skin, I am not sure if this was because it was quite a large one (12 or 13) or if it was because I have got oily skin. I tried to prepare the area as instructed but it wouldn’t stick. Also (because it was quite large) it was like trying to put a massive jelly into my bra, then it kept falling out and (wouldn’t you know it?) it kept landing on my fluffy dressing gown so I would have to wash and dry it all over again! Then I found it was getting me down because it would make me dwell on what had happened to me and I started feeling sorry for myself whereas I usually just put my bra on with the prosthesis in and get on with my day. I was really disappointed when I couldn’t get used to it but I wouldn’t want my experience to put anyone else off because I know lots of ladies (including yourself) have had success with stick on prostheses. The breast form fitter said the manufacturers are always experimenting with different surfaces etc so it might be worth trying one again in the future.
I will go armed with a list of questions to my next appointment. That is a good idea to write everything down because when I get in that consulting room I can’t remember what I want to ask!