Perfect bra after surgery (lumpectomy)

[Jill1998]

Thank you for that useful information .

[Kaytem]

Hi there.

i has a lumpectomy on March 18th so six weeks ago. Also had 2 nodes removed. 

I have now bought 4 different sports bras and used some of my old ones too. 

The absolute best for me is the Royce Impact Free cotton sports bra. 

I’m a 38DD. 

They do them in all sizes and in black, white, grey and pink. The white one is hard to find. 

They wash beautifully, but take a while to dry naturally. The cotton tightens a little after washing, but expands again after a few minutes of wear. 

The best thing for me is the straps aren’t low in the shoulder, which helped a lot when things were less mobile, just after surgery. I found that bras with standard straps made my shoulder ache a lot. 

I’m starting radiotherapy next week, so I’ll see how that affects things. 

Also, while I’m here, I have been using the Aveeno Shea Butter moisturising cream to condition my skin and it is simply wonderful. I can’t believe that I haven’t encountered it before. Best skin product I have ever found. It really does moisturise all day and night. 

Wishing you all the best through this journey we are on. 

Xxx

[catrahal]

There is another company called Knix - they make very soft non wired bras, which, if you fit their sizing, are supremely comfortable. There is another company called Decent Exposures. They make a sort of sports bra on a custom basis. I have found theirs to be the best solution for me (bilateral lumpectomies and right side sentinel node removal). I have tried others, some of which have been impossible to use, others which start out ok but by the end of the work day are painful. I have gone back to my Wacoal sports bra during the day now - it is wired but quite comfortable, though I still need to get out of it at the end of the day.

[koshlake57]

Diane

You are through the worst bit, shock at hearing that you have cancer, the waiting around while a treatment plan is decided, etc.  Now I hope it all looks up for you. Getting a good bra is trial and error for us all.  Cotton ones with no underwire were the ones that I used at the beginning and I got some from M&S. Take care and good luck.

[Jill1998]

Welcome to the forum Diane .Its horrible waiting for results isn't it .When do you find out what happens next ?

[DianeMorton]

Just joined the forum. One week post operative. Looking for suitable bra and chanced on this forum.

Are you ok now. Like you I am very anxious about the journey.x

[mi85vette]

i have had double lumpectoies in February 2016 and had 2 nodes removed on one side and 3 on the other side.  Once in a while i can feel a vein under my right under arm and i am one to sleep with my arm above me under my pillow and sometimes it bothers me and i wake up.  I went through 4 chemo treatments and 33 days of radiation treatments.  My breast are different colors now from the bad burn i received but it helped the scars and they look actually pretty good now.  the lympnode scars you cant even see them anymore because of the radiation.  ONce in a while like most have said becuase of the scars being under my breast a bra does bother me at the end of the day because of the scars being tender still.  I was told that symptoms can come out up to 2 years after the surgery before we see any of them.  Once in awhile i do have alittle breast pain or they itch from deep inside but thats about it....Sometimes ive had a sharp stinging like pain but they said that was nerves inside.  I have had a reduction done the same day i had my cancer removed because after they took out the cancer both sides sunk in so i decided to just reduce what i did have to make them right.  One side is alittle smaller but my surgeon says he can fix that if i want.....Ii think the whole cancer experience is get GOOD doctors and feel comfortable with them and youll have a good outcome...I have a friend that went through alot over her cancer and that was because she had bad doctor and it was bad for her, i feel sorry for her because our experiences were so different and my case was a really weird one in the first place we found cancer i wasnt even looking for and then when i went for a 2nd opion they found it on both sides....I had a real easy journey so far and its been almost 1 year for me.  I am cancer free for now, I have a crew of 6 doctors and they were awesome !!!!!!  I thank my doctors for my recovery and experience i guess because if it wasnt for them i dont know how it would have gone....

[goldenred2001]

Had malignant lymph node and 32 more non malignant nodes removed -bra very painful.. can't seem to find a comfortable bra to wear been over a year since surgery.

[Evie1]

I have a very large bust and had to wear a bra at work. It would be not too bad first thing in the morning but by the time I got home at night it was the first thing that came off and like you I lived in loose tops. I used to have big indents in my affected breast at the end of the day from the seams of my bra. It started about a month after the radiotherapy finished. I started off after I finished my treatment having to wear a prosthesis as the affected breast was much smaller than my other one and it was strange going from one extreme to the other in a couple of months. My breast surgeon said he would refer me to the lymphoedema nurse if I still had swelling at my next review, but he said it sometimes gets better on its on, which it has for me. It has taken a while but I can now wear a bra all day. Your breast care nurse would be able to help you with this if you give her a call I am sure they would check you out and give you advice.

I hope everything goes well for you at work. I work in the NHS and my occupational health department and manager were very helpful. I still find 14 months after treatment I can struggle at the end of the week with tiredness though. I’m not sure what the rules are for a phased return, if every workplace has their own time scale for returning to work. You can only try your best and hopefully things will be okay.

[emz680]

Thank you for your post Koshlake57. It's reassuring sometimes to hear others stories I find, which help with my recovery. I see my physiotherapist on Friday for first session so will sure to raise questions to them. Im here too thank you very much 😊

[emz680]

Thank you so much Evie, this has helped me so much. Yes I had 8 chemo sessions and 20 radiotherapy sessions. All you have described is happening to me too. I will check with the gp as im going there n monday and have my first physiotherapy session for my shoulder this Friday. Im not sure how work will go as i had a meeting with my manager back in June and she is under the impression that phased return is 4 weeks and i will be full time back. (I work in an office) but I simply said yes I can try. Thats the main reason why I was a bit worried on the work front. Excuse the personal question which I understand you do not have to answer As you have the breast lymphoedema do you wear bras at all? In fact have you gone back to wearing them? Im just not sure what to do as my breast have enlarged and im sticking to crop tops because they are comfortable for now or just a loose top with nothing underneath if im home all day. Wearing a bra if i have too. Cancer really does upset your body completely doesnt it!! 

I hope your breast lymphodema settles and gets better. That you feel better within yourself and thanks again for the advice. Very much appreciated 😊

[Evie1]

Hi Emz680

Did you have radiotherapy as part of your treatment? I am over a year past chemo and radiotherapy. I also had pain, tenderness and stiffness under my arm at the side of the treated breast. When I asked about it the breast care nurse and later the consultant both said the radiotherapy can cause the problems I was having and this could go on for years! At that time I was unable to lie on that side at night but now I am able to do that. The stiffness was helped by physio and the pain is definitely getting better, I just have to watch I am not overdoing lifting heavy things etc. I still have to do gentle exercises or I stiffen up a bit. I also had breast swelling and have been told I have breast lymphoedema, although mine always got worse as the day went on and back to normal after lying in bed overnight. Your breast care nurse will check for that.

I know how you feel about going back to work. I had a very supportive manager who organised a very long phased return to work, it took almost three months to get back full-time. I was very nervous at first, almost like starting a new job, but I loved being back amongst my friends again. I went along to the Breast Cancer Care’s Moving Forward course which was very helpful, maybe that could help you if there is one in your area.

[koshlake57]

Dear emz680

You are having a rough go with this.  Your armpit may be stiff and still sore and the physio should be able to help you with this.  I can't believe that this discomfort has anything to do with the cancer returning.  I am 14 months post lumpectomy and I am still a little stiff in my armpit and surrounding muscles.

Good luck.  We are all with you.

[emz680]

Let's see all your opinion. I had a lumpectomy and one lymph node removed 18.02.16. As of today 01.08.16 it has healed well. My armpit still aches a lot and I dont know why. My breast I had surgery on (left side) is still tender and I've been referred to physiotherapy. I'm partly scared that the cancer is coming back or some thing is not quite right still. I find days I'm depressed and others I love life so much.

Also I am 11 stone and went up a dress size, Im dubious as to whether that will even out. What even more annoying is my bra size keeps going up 😐 so I've resorted to wearing crop tops and if when needed wear a bra. 

Does this stop or settle down??? I'm still not able to go back to work and terrified if I do now I won't be ready. Please any suggestions experiences greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for reading and / if answering too 😊.

[Eleanor]

Hi there, there's a US company called Third Love that makes custom made bras, not cheap about £70, & they can fit asymmetric boobs. They apparently do last s long time as v well made & you use their app to take your measirements. Mine still changing post lumpectomy & radio, just a few weeks but I thought I'd dodged the scarring/shape change. Hey ho. Hope the company is useful. X

[Evie1]

Speak to your breast care nurse or ask to be referred back if you have been discharged.  I also had the same problem and was offered a reduction, but when I said I wasn't ready to go ahead with anymore treatment or surgery at that time I was referred to the prosthetics department and was given a shell prosthesis which fits over your existing breast and it evened me up!  

[lexilou3]

Hello,

you may want to try a slim *knitted knocker* - not used but have read of many ladies who find these a light weight alternative & comfy against any delicate skin too. Good luck

LL xx

[koshlake57]

Marilyn

This must be rather distressing when you thought you had got over it all.  My friend in Canada had her unaffected breast reduced in order to "match" the affected breast better.  This was all covered on the provincial state health care.  Not an ideal solution but a possibility??  Good luck with it.

[Marilyn Schulz]

Hi, I had my lumpectomy many years ago--1999 and radiation after the surgery--Everything went very well-Thank God and since then my breast have changed in size--my lumpectomy was to the right breast. My left breast is a size 36C and the right has gotten a lot smaller over time--I was using pads to make up the difference, but now my right breast is about 3 sizes smaller, so pads are no longer doing the job--I find that no matter what bra I buy-I look lopsided--do you have any ideas for me?? I did ask my doctor at my last mamogram why my (right)breast)got so much smaller-and she said over time--it was from the radiation.. I guess I never thought  that it would take so long for it to make such a difference..

Please I would welcome any ideas..

Sincerely, Marilyn

[Amanda2015]

Hi. I had my surgery two weeks ago. Lumpectomy and lymph nodes. I was fine the day after the surgery. I have tried to use my arm as normal  as much as possible after the operation. I have gone for long walks everyday since three days after the surgery and I hope to return to gym next week. I have worn sports bras quite a firm one in the day and a softer cotton one at night.  However I also found post operative bras in Matalan which are quite pretty and comfortable for day wear. These are available in both black and white. Although I did initially find the wider straps on the sports bra more supportive and comfortable. I hope this helps. Good luck with the operation. 

[koshlake57]

I was in your exact situation a few months ago.  A month after I was diagnosed Ihad my appt and was given a date for my lumpectomy for 5 weeks after that.  They started me on the Letrozole right away though.  But you know what - I felt better then because we had a plan. Prior to that I didn't know what was in store. So I had 5 weeks to play golf, go to the gym and try to live normally, knowing that the Letrozole would stop any tumor growth.  I had my surgery, followed by radiotherapy 6 weeks later. I was lucky ant the radiotherapy hardly affected me at all- only a little red and itchy so it is not always as bad as the brochures make out. I'm all done now and don't have to go back for 6 months.  Try not to worry too much. Once you are given a date, things will start rolling and that is easier than the waiting.  My thoughts are with you.

KoshLake

[JustBlue]

hi there,

Today I'm going to hospital to be given the date for my lumpectomy after being told 2 weeks ago that I have a breast cancer. Am hunting too for comfy bras that will give me a bit of support but be comfortable too.

I'm absolutely terrified of the surgery then 6 weeks after that I've to start radiotherapy.

I find myself in floods off tears and feel quite overwhelmed by it all at times then pull myself together and become more positive.

This is one long journey that I wish I wasn't on!

Speedy recovery to you and stay well.

Blue 😞

[imabelieverapw]

Hi, I had a lympectomy with immediate reconstruction Sept. 18. I can't help with bras because I still have to search as well. I have sports bras that I can step into due to my arms. I did find one front closure bra but it has so many closures I wouldnt recommend it. Each person is different but it is two weeks for me now. First week very painful with movement found out I was doing too much. Slowed down, do my light exercises and doing good. Lots of itching, burning and sharp shooting pains but able to be mobile and do light tasks. Key for me is not to go too fast, dont try to mimic anyone, find your limit and work with it pray and give time for proper healing. Try not to get discouraged with the what-ifs believe for healing work it at your comfortable pace and expect the positive. Pray all goes well. Follow Dr instructions and keep researching and reading these posts which are helpful yet find what works for you. You are not alone!

[Lezleyp@hotmail.com]

Hi I've just had (23rd sept)  a lumpectomy and lymph node removal with the excision scar right where the wire is in all my bras, this afternoon I've found the Peacocks seam-free comfort bra which is seamless and padded and so comfortable without making you look flat. I don't normally shop in there but as I can't drive at the mo, it was handy and I was desperate so well done peacocks.  I also bought the seam free bra top to sleep in which hasn't got padding.  The comfort bra was £6 and the bra top was £4 - so soft I can't believe it!

[koshlake57]

Dear confused. My M&S post surgery bras had quite a bit of padding and mostly cotton and comfortable. And I did't look flatter in them than in my underwire ones. Wear what is comfortable for you.

[familyelvin@aol.com]

Is there nobody else out there small breasted? I had a lumpectomy 4 yrs ago and was able to use my padded underwired bras straight away. Now I will have a mastectomy and am told to have a nonwired soft bra.  If I dont wear a padded bra I am totally flat.  PS I am not going for a reconstruction.  Not sure where to go for anything.

Confused

[Corfuchick]

My onc. said aprox 3-4 weeks after rads finished I should be able to go back into an underwire bra of any fabric, as by then the redness, itchy feelings etc would have subsided, which is exactly what is happening - I am starting to look as near to normal again as far as colour is concerned. I have also had a little peeling around the nipple area and the stabbing pains in boob and chest area, but I am very happy with how things have progressed and each day is a little better.

Just look after yourself and try to stay positive.

Anita 

[koshlake57]

You are ahead of me as I only just finished my radiotherapy 5 days ago.  I am only slightly pink but suppose this could still get worse.  Even last week the Breast Cancer nurse was after me because I had an underwire bra on and she said that could irritate it, although I haven't found the underwire one uncomfortable at all.  I would think that as soon as your skin is not red or sore you could wear whatever is comfortable for you.  You are just about there!  Good luck.

[Corfuchick]

I had a lumpectomy and 1 node removed in April. I am now 2 weeks and 3 days post radiotherapy and doing well, red glowing boob calming down and itching subsiding nicely. They don't look the same, but what the heck.

I was advised to use a cotton bra during the rads, close to 100% as possible, and found good old M&S had just what I was looking for at 93%, the only colours were pale pink or white, but they were comfortable and I am still using them, hopefully for not much longer as I ache to be in a nice pretty bra with support, as I on the large side! They are sold individually and cost £15 I think, also they are non-wired.

I and also thinking of getting back into some exercise but will discuss with with my oncologise when I see her tonight.

Good luck everyone

[koshlake57]

For post lumpectomy bras, I went to M&S and bought a pack of 2, only a 34B, but they are soft cotton and comfy on both the breast and underarm and have pretty colours.  They have pockets for a prothesis if needed.  I am still wearing them after 8 weeks.  The sports bras squished me too much and felt as if pressing on me.

Everyone is different post surgery.  I expected the worst and was pleasantly surprised after a lumpectomy and one node removed.  I had no problems moving my arm or shoulder.  I was back in the gym on day 4 - doing much less - and not using that side so I kept up my fitness.  When my 6 weeks was up I started all activity again - golf, cross trainer, rowing machine, etc.  Now I'm in radiotherapy week 2.  I feel so lucky.

You will be fine and it will all work out, it's the waiting and not knowing that is the worst.  I think we just get on and deal with whatever we have to as best we can.

[lexilou3]

Hi all,
Having had some professional experience and now personnal experience on the other side...
My 2 penneth is....
Surgeons typically like sportsbras post-op for the added support this gives to their handiwork.
Having spent a year in sports bras whilst lopsided i have found the M&S post-op range very comfortable on my scsrs, and a refreshing change as coloured / patterned. Not too pricey,and VAT is also refunded. These bras have sewn in pockets to help secure prothesis (I have only used these since matched) so cannit comment on that function.
Was given partial prothesis by breast care nuese a few weeks after initual surgery, did use it but found it to be heavy and sweaty on skin / scars. I read about knitted knockers on here, but have not used.
My local M&S did not stock the post-op bras, but i had a measuring with their fitter then ordered to be delivered to store. Did have to pay up front, but also swiftly refunded for those i didnt take.
Happy hunting
LL xx

[missmore]

Oh marli, can I just say how sorry I am to hear that you have a recurrence, my best wishes for your treatment and future x
bra's are a minefield, I have underside of breast scar and the only thing I can wear is a beliva crop top bra, not the most flattering as I am 38e! Jigging all over the place
sheena x

[marli]

Thought I might share my experience of bras after surgery. In 2009 I had a lumpectomy and my scars were under the breast , therefore the band irritated it. Had to move to unwired bras for a few years but still needed some homemade padding to stop the rubbing.I loved nice underwear and this really upset me. However found that M & S do some quite nice lace un-wired bras and each year have a different colour so they  can look pretty. Did spend an awful lot of money trying to find perfect bras. Best I bought has been a maternity bra (not a nursing bra with drop front) from Debenhams, where a bra fitter spent ages  helping me.

Have just had a mastectomy following recurrence and have found this bra perfect again. Intend having a reconstruction so I am determined not to waste as much money this time and intend adapting my existing bras. I have purchased bra extenders in assorted colours so that the band will not be too tight and found that I can buy pockets to sew in the bras for prosthesis, although BCN can get this done at hospital for me too.

I too am a big size 38F and have difficulty getting bras - specialist companies have only a limited selection for big girls. x

[naturalee]

Hello All,

New to the site but wanted to share I enjoy sports bras made by Champion I've only started wearing them now that I can lift my arms with more ease. I also have some back closure sports bras and nike cam is with shelf bra(a little tight on midriff) I will say I've always struggled to find bras even prior to my lumpectomy in late Feb. I'm a 34G but am about a size 2(well prior to chemo anywho) the incision is healing nicely my bruising is still pretty bad most days I'm home sans bra.I'm recently 25 and have stage 1 breast cancer. Hope this helps!

[feistyflora]

Hi Wiffle

You're up late but I'm up even later (simply because hubby has raging toothache and has just got off to sleep so I don't want to disturb him!)  Glad you found a suitable bra.  It is about a year since I was diagnosed and I had lumpectomy, chemo then radiotherapy.  I lost all my hair too (dreaded losing it, hated not having it - my kids grinned when they saw my bald head, the little devils!). Yes chemo is tough but we've all been there and you will get through it I promise. Just to let you know it is not all doom and gloom because I feel great now, my hair has grown back really strong (I quite like it short) I am feeling as fit as a fiddle and my scar has faded and is barely noticeable.  Love and best wishes xxx

[wiffle]

hi ive got a cheap sports bra from Peacocks , its ombre blues and this is fine for now as just had lumpdectomy last night, ive also ordered a silk nursing bra with front closure, they sell them in john lewis (cant remember the make) but lots of people have recommended them. I have a big chest and the Peacocks one is doing the job ok. My wounds are  just around the arm holes which are big enough to not hurt them. Im going to get the same one but in pink, hope that helps. 

]

[Jayne67]

Hi, I notice you had all of the same questions I have now...I take it you've had your op, can you tell me what to expect? What type of bra did you get? I've got my op booked for the 25th and don't mind telling you I'm dreading it. I hope your ok and moving about now. No doubt you'll be waiting for results, I hope they are good news x

[TinyDancer5]

I am having the same issue trying to find a bra before my lumpectomy surgery too! There are so many to choose from. I have read that the sport bras are the ones to get but it's so confusing. Should I get a cami with a shelf bra (if you call it that). I think I should get a front close bra in case they also take out lymph nodes under my arm?
Also, since all of this is new to me, can someone please explain to me what can I expect after the surgery? Will I be bed ridden until it heals? How do I take care of the site? How long before I can get back to my regular routine. I have read that there are special creams that help minimize scarring, but what are they? What about the effects of radiation on my skin? How do I prepare or take care of it? The unknown is a bit scary. Thanks.

[MrsGoggins]

Hi Suzie 

I found that ebay did some really simple comfy front opening crop tops - one was beige and the other black (ok in winter but maybe not so good now under white clothes) but they were really good immediately following surgery (bilateral mammoplasty) when my arms were a bit duff. Since then I have 'moved on' to Avon crop tops in white, they do plain or pretties with a lacy cover across the front that works under a blouse or low top where you might want to raise the neckline a bit. However, I have recently found all of the synthetics a bit hot and have resorted to going braless (three months post surgery and will probably get shot by BCN) and feel so blooming liberated as I had F/G cup breasts and now have pert C's.....we are all different and it really is a bit of trial and error. Also I was offered a specialist measuring service by the Breast Care Unit which I will take up as I am heading back into 'grown up' bras again. Good luck. Katie x

[Southcoastbeachgirl]

Hi Suzie415 I don't go on the site much these days but saw your post and had to respond. I too had a lumpectomy and had various complications which I won't go into now. However I experienced the strange irony of spending more time shopping for bras post surgery than I had ever done beforehand when I just picked up anything I fancied in my size and it fitted.
I varied from larger cup size than normal cotton bras to maternity bras to cami vest tops from M & S with cups built in. I found Sports bras too tight and restrictive when you are swollen and tender. The cami tops were very good but got too hot especially in the summer or in the radiotherapy days. I finally found comfy soft bras from Asda and still where them know 2 years on. They have a small range of colours which change summer and winter, have no fastenings and removable soft cups which help even out my different sides. I step into them as I have shoulder trouble and they are just great. I highly recommend you give them a try later on. Initially the large maternity cotton bras were great when I had dressings etc. hope that helps. Good luck with your surgery x

[Suzie415]

Hello,

I am having a lumpectomy next week and I want to know what type of bra I should buy.  I have read the many  posts and they suggest support bras, sports bras, etc. There are many types in the stores and I am confused on which to purchase. Cotton, spandex, front closure, back closure, over the head, racerback, spaghetti straps, big straps? Low impact, medium impact?  I searched Walmarts site and they have Fruit of the loom 2 and 3 packs of a few nice looking ones. Any recommendations would greatly help. Thank you.

[Motherhubbard]

I had my surgery and immediate reconstruction. I to wanted to feel me again but I was someone who always gad underwired bras. However found that by removing the wires you still get the shape and seems to work well. I have had some good comments such as they would never had know . Hope this may help.

[Kimflip]

My surgeon did a great job with my surgery but the scar hurts with a underwire. I hate that most bras I find that do not have a wire look more like something my grandmother would wear. I just want to feel a little pretty again and this experience is not helping turn this around.

[LuckyLass]

I found the soft stretchy type OK at first (also for sleeping in), but not supportive enough for riding or driving around any distance on today's rough roads. By luck, one of my old bras is a stretchy sports bra with no seam across the cup, which I am trying now - but I can't find any new versions on sale now.

[Toulula]

Hi got mine from asda sleep in them too very soft in small med large

[CassieB]

I tried the Bravado-silk-seamless-nursing-bra from John Lewis as recommended further down. Unfortunately I am too big for even the X size I am 38G. Such a shame as it looked just right. I was impressed with John Lewis's click and collect system though - it was delivered to my local Waitrose on the Friday afternoon after ordering it on Wednesday ... and I took it back on Tuesday without any problem.

[Trisha_51]

Hello ladies, yes you can get a partial prosthesis on the NHS, I got mine from my BCN a few months after I finished my rads. Definitely no longer lopsided!

[skinnyminx]

Can't relly offer advice as I've had a mastectomy without reconstruction (I now buy all my bras from M&S online and get them delivered to local branch).

Just a thought about some of the comments below from ladies who have had lumpectomies and now feel 'lop-sided'.  I'm no expert as I've had a full prosthesis from the start but I'm wondering if partial prostheses available to you?  Just wondered if anyone lumpectomy ladies have asked  their BCN about this?  I think a BCN could certainly give advice on partial prostheses and they might even be availabe in the NHS?

[lazy_jane]

Try amoena bra from Debenhams

[Katykookabura]

Hi Val, I had to lots of surgery to get my tumour out at beginning of last year and had difficulty finding bras that were comfortable to wear. Before surgery always wore under wired bras but have not been able to wear since as uncomfortable and fit is poor as one slightly smaller boob now!. I was a 40DD and getting anything decent was impossible. I settled for some cotton rather old fashioned M & S bras as at least they supported me. Trouble is I am still stuck with them!. Still painful boob at times so will investigate the bra you refer too.
There is definitely a gap in the market for post surgery bras for us " bigger boobs "" girls. I told the woman who tried to help me at our local M&S store. Trouble is you need to try so many on so mail order was a not convenient . Perhaps we should get all the ladies on this forum to start a campaign !!
Take care, Katy.