Bra with va va voom

[LaceWing]

Hi Mistyeyes

Have  you tried Nicola Jane - online and a few shops.  I have bought all my post surgery (single mastectomy) bras there and a couple of swimsuits too.  I usually call them and discuss.  Returns are no problem, and they often offer discounts.  

https://www.nicolajane.com/mastectomy/bras/view-all/?gclid=CjwKCAjwtKmaBhBMEiwAyINuwM0ulBw57wZn27pUu...

Take care 

[mistyeyes]

Hi, yes I did know that.  M&S used to do a wider selection of colours in their post surgery range but to me the range looks like bandages now.  Some of their non wired bras look ok, but I think I’d have to pay VAT which is a shame given if I hadn’t had BC I would be wired all the way baby!

[mistyeyes]

Thanks for the info about possible solutions to the pain.  It only hurts when I touch it so must of the time I can just ignore it.  I thought it was worth trying a wired bra as it was so long since the zapping but the pain made it impossible.  Anxiety is an issue so that sounds a good path to try.  Good luck with your TNBC and thank you for reaching out x

[Janxxx]

Amoena bras may be worth a look. They have website and I think some retailers stock them. 

[mistyeyes]

Thanks for the tip.  We are making jersey bras at my sewing club next month so that could be interesting!

[mistyeyes]

I’ll have a look - good luck with the surgery xx

[Jaybro]

Have you seen your GP about the pain? The usual options in order of likely efficacy against radiotherapy damage are amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin. They can at least take the edge off. The bonus with pregabalin is that its very effective for anxiety, should you experience it - I now have Stage 4 TNBC and am coping with it way better than my primary treatments.

No solution for the bras though. I even have a dainty lacy one gifted by Stella McCartney but lace itches - and they all show with V-necked tops. Sigh. Happy searching x 

[Slightly Lopsided]

I'm not sure where they fit on the va va vroom scale🤣🤣, but have you tried Nicola Jane? They have a very wide range of styles

They are online/mail order but have very helpful staff on their phone line who can help with questions and fitting, and they do hold real fittings in some parts of the country.

By the way, did you know you are eligible for a VAT exemption on post surgery bras?

[Janxxx]

Hey Mistyeyes 

I wish you the best on your search for a saucy bra. So many bras out there and none that suit. 

I'd try the bralette on if you have a chance. There's more support than you'd expect. 

Hugs

[mistyeyes]

I’ve had the other side tweaked so I do have a matching pair with no implants.  I want something with lots of support that gives uplift.  If possible I’d like it to be pretty.  My only stipulation is I can’t wear wires.  And this seems to be the problem.

I don’t particularly like light control bralettes etc, but thank you for the suggestion.

I’ve even been looking at Miss Mary of Sweden, I’ve thought of it as old fashioned but if there’s anything my grandmas knew about it was supportive undergarments!

[mistyeyes]

I do have a fairly well matched pair, although my nipples got sewn on in slightly the wrong place so they tend not to fit well into the seams of bras, another problem I had forgotten about.  Braless I don’t feel is an option for me.

I feel my anger stirring around the enduring rib pain and lack of acknowledgment and solutions for this.  And lack of saucy bras.

[Janxxx]

Hi Mistyeyes

I've not yet had my surgery but I feel your frustration. I've always had sensitive skin and ribs which seems to get worse as I get older.  At 34e/f bras have been a problem for me, and endless frustration! 

Maybe take a look at the sloggi range. There not pretty but they have a modern look. And they tend to be very comfortable as bras go.  They won't push the girls right up so depends what you are looking for. 

The ones with removable padding might possibly accommodate  a prothethesis in the pocket for the padding although I've never tried it. 

Maybe  the zero feel bralette style might work for you. 

Good luck in the never ending search for a suitable bra. 

[Jaybro]

Hi

I’m in the same boat. During lockdown I embraced what I call monoboobery and kind of got used to going braless. I tend to wear a blouse over a top to reduce the in-your-face-mastectomy look or drape a scarf strategically - but bras just accentuate the neuropathic pain from surgery and chemo back in 2019. It doesn’t help that I’ve gone from 34B to 36D and have always pointed to the side so, if I do wear a bra, the sheer weight of my boob pulls the bra round till my prosthesis is centre-forward!!! I feel inclined to stay like this since I’m retired, well past va va boom and don’t have to avoid colleagues or pupils or whomever. It’s a case of if you don’t like it, tough! Hope someone makes a useful recommendation for you xx

[mistyeyes]

Hi I had breast cancer in 2015 and I’m sick of the useless, ugly bras.  My ribs are too sore for a wired bra and they don’t offer great support (32D).  For goodness sake, isn’t there a decent bra out there that will give me some va va voom, not hurt me and is pretty?  And doesn’t cost horrendous amounts of money! 👙