Hi this is my 1st post,2 years ago when i was 50 i had my routine mammogram which was clear but 3 weeks ago i found a lump, 2 weeks ago i had WLE + ax clearance and although the margins were clear the pathologist found 2 smaller growths which had not been picked up by mammogram or scan. I was given the option to do nothing but wait + watch with regular screening to see if anything else developed in the breast, or have a mastectomy. I chose a mastectomy (as i now have no faith in the screening) i am having this done next week without reconstruction followed by chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy, and am absolutely terrified. What will i be able to wear ? should i get a mastectomy bra straight away ? any advice will be gratefully appreciated thanyou.
Good morning to you
I had my mx 3 1/2 weeks ago and found that I get on very well with sleeveless tops, loose t-shirts or blouses with buttons on the front. Have not worn a bra yet but as I am not a fan of them don’t feel the need to wear one now. I use a lot of pashminas drapped round so you don’t really notice the missing boob.
Will be thinking of you and if you like any other info just message me.
Take care Alanaa
Hi Megsmum
I too had an MX a couple of weeks ago. Have been staying braless despite being well endowed to give the area a good chance to heal. I too have been creative with clothes, wearing vest tops under clothes to reduce movement and smooth the out line. I have a padded gilet that I wear when I go out sometimes which is quite forgiving plus most winter coats & scarves will hide what’s underneath.
Going forward I will need to wear a prosthesis. I have a temporary one ( too small, waiting for the proper size to arrive) which sits quite happily in my bra. I did throw out all my old baggy greying bras and bought new ones that hold their shape well to help make my overall shape look convincing when dressed. I know I shall look fine when my proper prosthesis arrives.
Hope this helps
Twinky x
Hi Megsmum,
if you buy your mastectomy bra too far in advance you might not get the right size. In my case I measured bordeline between 36 and 38 and went for 36 as that what I was pre Mx and I just assumed I was a bit swollen and that would go down… here I am six months later, still using bra-expanders.
On a positive note, I ordered my mastectomy bras from M&S and they arrived within a couple of days (and I could have sent them back if I hadn’t been so blindly optimistic that they would eventually fit).
My BCN had a selection of bras of different makes and it was really good to try them on with the prothesis before ordereing anything, then at least I had an idea of the style that would work best.
I did unashamedly “borrow” a selection of bras larger than my usual size from girlfriends and their mums so that I could find something to wear in the early days.
Goodluck