I had a mastecomy and ANC on 13the June. my under arm area still feels sore and numb. When will I be able to wear a bra again? Also can anyone give me advice on mastectomy bra’s do I get the same size bra that I wore before? Where is the best place to buy mastectomy bra’s.
I liked the Royce mastectomy bras eg Royce Silver and Royce comfi. Light and comfortable.
I found the cheapest place to get them was ebay.
I found a couple of pretty mastectomy bras online from M&S - you get a discount because they’re for mastectomy patients, I got two priced at £19.99 each for £26.00 for both!
I found I had to buy a cup size smaller after my mx, probably because I’d lost quite a bit of weight. You can get measured in a lot of department stores, even if they don’t actually sell mastectomy bras.
Annie x
I got measured and fitted at a department store that stocks m/x bras. I had plenty of time with a trained assistant to try on different styles (and got discount). It was good, because I knew exactly what to look for after that.
I used my softee for the fitting, and later I wore m/x bra for prosthesis fitting, which made sure I got the prosthesis that was the best shape for me.
Hi jenanne, I can’t wait to get a prosthesis which matches my other breast! I keep having to shift the softie around in my bra when I’m out and about - it looks a lot more pert than my real one!
I went to M & S and they measured me …they do have ladies trained. You can make an appointment…they have trained fitters at most large stores and specially trained mastectomy fitters at some as well. My fitter was very good and helpful, she gave me a little card to show when I next go so that they will know the size and bra type etc. and as has already been said you do not pay VAT…the bra has a little card attached which they will scan to take the vat off if you have has a mastectomy.
Hi Melena
When I had my mx (Jan 2012) I wore an old sports bra with my softie for quite a few weeks while the swelling etc went down. It wasnt really until after I had my prosthesis fitting that I shopped for an mx bra. Its still very early days after your op, so you might be better sticking with the softie for now. I was a good couple of sizes bigger than normal (bra size not cup size) for a few weeks following the op.
I must say that finding a bra that fitted and I was happy with, was one of the most frustrating things about the whole situation. If you are anywhere near a specialist shop (amoena, Nicola Jane etc) I would recommend you go t them for a fitting after your swelling has gone down. Next bes thing is John Lewis or M&S. If possible, make an appointment for a weekday as its quieter then so the assisitant will have more time for you. I went to John Lewis as they sell different makes rather then m&s which only sell their own brand. I have a Royce bra, which I am really happy with, same style in different colours! I have the same size as I had pre-mx and my under arm and chest area where I had the mx is still numb, so I guess that’s how it will stay now.
Good luck, dont rush things and I am sure you will be fine. Oh, and another thing I can really recommend is to keep doing your exercises!
Best wishes
Joan xx
M & S do some attractive mastectomy bras and also I like the fasct that they call it Post Surgery bras, and you get deductions for VAT. Debenhams sell them as well. Just google and you will find lots of stockists incl. Amazon!
Diamondlady
nicola jane do nice camisole bras I have a few ,think mines called jessica x