Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Bra's and clothing post treatment

I know this question is trivial but hoping for some suggestions from others. I had lumpectomy and a second surgery to remove 1st lymph node. I completed 4 weeks of radiation 3 weeks ago. Because of the pain from the multiple incisions and tissue removal along with the horrible skin rash, I gave up wearing a bra and was wearing sweatshirts etc. Summer is near, yesterday I tried on swimsuits and bras. Today my breast is sore and tender. The scar under my arm is sore and it hurts when my arm brushes my breast. Now I'm needing advice on comfortable clothing for summer. I have always worn bras with underwire to lift. The couple bra's I found to be comfortable are too big, with too much cup. My old bra's rub on the scar are uncomfortable while wearing. What have others found to be the answer ?? I want to wear my summer clothes and feel good about myself again.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
25201 tn?1255580836
I don't agree with you ... this question is NOT trivial at all; it's VERY important.  First of all I don't think you should be having so much pain from the incisions at this point but if you do, you do. Found at a Medical Supply that carries post mastectomy or any breast surgery items was a "Softee" Cami. It has no seams inside and also of course had pockets for wearing post breast removal to accommodate any type of prosthesis. It definitely lives up to it's name of "Softee". Although you wouldn't need some of it's features it is SOOOOO comfortable. I think you will find that you have to abandon the underwire type bras and hunt other types. I know there is a bra that has cups but is also without seams and other irritants but at the moment I can't recall the actual name of the product. I do see many bras of this type though on the regular retail market. You might consider finding a Specialty shop that handles primarily bras and camis. If you do find something at a Medical Supply your Insurance may even pay for it with a prescription from your Physician.   Good luck on the hunt and I'm glad your treatment is over and you seem to be doing well. I do remember you from before .. Regards
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for understanding why this is an important question. There seems to be so little information regarding living after treatment. Our body has changed and not for the better. Unless you talk to someone who has been through breast surgery, people do not understand. Some of my friends think I am lucky because I have an excuse to go bra less which is fine for the over size t-shirt wearer. I may be 65 but I can carry off soft lightweight summer tops and sundresses......bra less is not an option. I love your suggestions and am looking for a specialty shop near me immediately !!
May I through in something that I learned on my journey through radiation? I have plenty of sun damage to my chest due to the teen age years of hours in the sun with baby oil. For this reason I think my radiation rash was worse then most. I was beyond miserable. Dr prescribed a cream which only made it worse. Did I cry....better believe it, it hurt to move. Through a friend I was told to try Manuka Honey. Purchased a +15 active Raw Organic from the health food store. Within 3 days I had relief. Within a week the rash was gone. 2 weeks later you can not tell I ever had a rash. Unfortunate thing, most Dr's will not suggest this as an acceptable treatment. Hope maybe you can pass some info along to others finding no relief.
Still fighting like a girl !!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am about to go thru radiation and was wondering why no underwire bras? Haven't worn anything else since I was a teen. Sigh Does the skin below the breast "burn" also?
Helpful - 0
25201 tn?1255580836
I suggest that you ask the Oncology Team OR your Surgeon about this. You may not want to wear much of anything; it depends upon the reaction of your skin to the radiation. Some women can't tolerate anything to touch the skin but everyone will experience a different reaction. Certainly underwire bras are not  encouraged after surgery and during treatment because it takes quite some time for complete healing to take place; not just at the incision site but the tissues below the skin. The "burned" area may be extended beyond the breast and sometimes even in the back. Please refer to your Dr.s about what garments would not interfere with the healing process and too you may find that you're not comfortable wearing what you have in the past.    Regards ....
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Breast Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
From mammograms to personal hygiene, learn the truth about these deadly breast cancer rumors.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.