Bras for breast lymphodema

[Jo1]

Frances, that was one of the companies I had in mind - they seem to come well-recommended. I was thinking of visiting them when I finally get round to needing a bra. I've got by fine with rather more patterned tops or scarves than I normally wear, not that it bothers me hugely if I look a bit odd because of bits missing.

Hope you find just what you need. Jo

[FrancesM]

Hi Jo - thanks for taking the time to reply - much appreciated. I have now decided to make an appointment at Nicola Jane in Chichester - a specialist bra place for breast cancer sufferers. They have a good range online but you really need to try them on. Yes - you're right - most women seem to spend a fortune on bras and other products that just don't work at all. I was advised to sleep in cotton but when you have night sweats that's the very worst you can wear because once wet it doesn't dry very quickly but I've discovered an online place that sells sleepwear/ t shirts that wick away the moisture (contains bamboo) and these have been money well spent! Good luck with all your treatments.

[Jo1]

Hello Frances, and Lottie too, what rotten luck. Maybe you could go for a fitting if you feel up to it, somewhere like John Lewis or M&S, asking for an experienced fitter, or try one of the specialist companies, which advertised in some of the info I had from the bc nurses. I know you probably need your bra now, but there are also some specialist breast cancer bra fitting sessions at places such as JLP from time to time in my area.

If you go for a fitting, you could take the new bra along and tell the fitter why it doesn't work for you, the problems you've found - that's a lot of money for a bra that doesn't help you. At a lymphoedema talk on Tuesday, with a bc nurse there too, they both said what a huge amount of money was wasted on bras that didn't help women with lumpectomies or mastectomies at all.

I still have all that to come - I've had seroma and my chest still is lumpy and moves about because of that, so I'm bra-less, although I've tried a couple of times and was very uncomfortable.

Hope you manage to find a comfy bra.

Love, Jo x

[Jo1]

Hello Frances, and Lottie too, what rotten luck. Maybe you could go for a fitting if you feel up to it, somewhere like John Lewis or M&S, asking for an experienced fitter, or try one of the specialist companies, which advertised in some of the info I had from the bc nurses. I know you probably need your bra now, but there are also some specialist breast cancer bra fitting sessions at places such as JLP from time to time in my area.

If you go for a fitting, you could take the new bra along and tell the fitter why it doesn't work for you, the problems you've found - that's a lot of money for a bra that doesn't help you. At a lymphoedema talk on Tuesday, with a bc nurse there too, they both said what a huge amount of money was wasted on bras that didn't help women with lumpectomies or mastectomies at all.

I still have all that to come - I've had seroma and my chest still is lumpy and moves about because of that, so I'm bra-less, although I've tried a couple of times and was very uncomfortable.

Hope you manage to find a comfy bra.

Love, Jo x

[FrancesM]

Thanks for your reply - all help gratefully received!! We no longer have a BHS in my area - so might have to check out their website.

[lottie63]

Hi FrancesM

                      I also have Lymphedema in the breast and most bras leave dreadful marks etc on my breast as well as being itchy and uncomfortable, but I have found that BHS do some really good firm control bras that have no seams etc, they are not very glam but comfortable and do not leave my poor boob looking like a tram line def worth looking in there, good luck

L x

[FrancesM]

Help! I have just developed lymphodema in the breast and have been told by my breast care nurse to get a good supportive bra with wide straps and wide band underneath. (I have an appointment with lymphodema nurse on 5 Sept). Went to bra shop today to be fitted and paid £50 for a bra that after wearing it all day now is very itchy and scratchy and not very comfy at all. I only have fairly small breasts and this bra flattens me even more - so I'm feeling very down - lost my confidence. My previous bra was moulded and gave me a bit of shape which I'd like to have back! Everything seemed to be going quite well since my lumpectomy in January but this has set me back. I know I shouldn't complain as at least I still have both breasts buit I want to feel comfortable and confident again - especially in the summer months. Any suggestions for bras that might work for me?