BRAS! (Post Mastectomy)

Not sure if this is the best forum for this quetion, but will give it a try!

In 1989 I had a bi-lateral prophylactic mastectomy, as I had lost 2 sisters to breast cancer. I had reconstruction done, using silicone implants. (Note - The implants are not giving me any problems)

It has been a challenge to find bras, as I'm not quite the same shape as most folks...a little flatter, I guess, and as I have gained weight, there has been a distribution of "flab" to the sides.

Finding comfortable bras that are a little stretchy in the cup for the shape variation, supportive (size 40c), not underwire (digs in sides), and hopefully a bit feminine & pretty has become increasingly difficult. I'd really like to be able to sort of push the underarm extra forward and have an uplift to the bust & cup separation at the same time.

I've been to a lot of stores lately, and so many full-figured are ugly, stuffed with fiberfill and surrounded by so much metal underwire you'd never get through a metal detector! Because I say I've had a mastectomy, they hand me the flyer on mastectomy bras, but that's not what I'm looking for!

So, hystersister friends, s, does anybody else have similar experiences, and brand/style ideas?

bliss

((((Bliss)))) So sorry you're having such a hard time

Since I've never had a mastectomy, I haven't had personal experience with your issues. However, I've done a search on Google and have find a few sites specializing in post-mastectomy bras. Here are the links:

http://www.cpmart.com/
http://www.lucys.net/products.asp?category=10
http://www.brashop.com/
http://www.thetotalwomanboutique.com/
http://www.beautifulshapes.com/
http://www.rigbyandpeller.com/default.asp

Some of them actually look pretty feminine. And I'm thinking that if you contacted some of them, they might be able to help you.

Best of luck, sweetie. Hopefully you'll find something comfortable real soon

Hi, Blissful:

I have had problems with bras since my hyst. For some reason my rib cage is very tender and bras are very uncomfortable. They feel like they are crushing my ribs.

I found one style of bra that was fairly comfortable. You can see it on the justmysize.com website. It is style #16852. This one has no wires and has stretchy non-padded cups. I have had to add bra extenders to relieve the pressure around the ribs.

They aren't fancy, but they do look nice.

The first one I bought at Walmart.

Good luck!

Thanks...I'll check these out!
bliss

I can tell you what has worked for me, I had a mastectomy and reconstruction with silicone as well. I also had an implant and lift on other side. One side is flatter than the other.
I went to Nordstrom and the bra fitter put me in the type of bra that has molded cups. In other words if you put it on the table it points up! it has underwire which I assumed I did not need but she told me differently.
I had been wearing sports type bras, for lack of knowing what to wear. These work very well for me unless I wear tight, light colored tops, then the tip of the fake side tends to crinkle and fold a tad.

VayCay - could yoou share the brand/style that is comfortable? I've been to a local store w/a fitter, but no real help to me...
bliss

There are several brands of this style bra, the molded cup, the one I like best is Chantelle, it is made in France ( gee I am not too happy about that right now ) You will find it in nice dept stores.

thanks!