Which Bra during Radiation

Life

Hi everyone, is there a certain bra that you have found to ease pain during Radiation treatment. I haven’t started yet but have read some scary stories & the right bra is important!! 

viking1

I am starting on Wednesday and to be honest, I am thinking of wearing a soft loose singlet under my long sleeve tops (long sleeve to stop the sun - and loose).  That is if I am going out.  Same under dresses and big/comfy T-shirts.  Maybe get a couple of black and white ones, maybe with a bit of soft lace pattern at the neck?  I had a total axillary clearance in my right arm after my lumpectomy and found the best bras for me were the Chloe and Lola maternity brands in Myer.  No underwire. They were expensive but the one I bought at Target irritated my axillary scar.  When I am at home I will be going bra less.  I'm the sort of person who takes off her bra when she gets home!  I think I will use my old nighties at night as I intend to slather myself with cream.  I'm also planning on using one set of sheets and pillow cases and washing them weekly so my Calendula Cream doesn't put oil spots on all my nice linen.  I was told to wear loose clothing, nothing tight, and natural materials like cotton are best.  I haven't read anything to date about needing to wear a bra during rad ... if there is a reason to, please let me know!  Good luck for your rad xxx

jennyss

Dear @Life,
I agree with @viking1 's suggestions about going bra-less when possible.  I am now an expert in bra extraction - getting my bra off without getting undressed after arriving home  from town or appointments.

Life

Thanks ladies, unfortunately I’m a DD & out & about I definitely need to wear a bra . I’ll have another look around, as I did purchase a couple after the lumpectomy without wire , though my scare is down my right side , right where the seam was & so not so comfortable & I’m thinking from what I’ve read the burn will be more sensitive. 

poodlejules

Hi @Life and @Viking I stuck to the free Berlei bra from the BCNA and lathered myself up at night under the cheaper versions of the Ahhh bra. K mart have a similar one to the Ahhh bra with a zip closure at the front and removable padding which look comfy and supportive , $19 for 2 . 
http://www.kmart.com.au/product/2-pack-zip-front-wirefree-crop-bras/1115818

Life

Thanks @poodlejules , did you ask for the BNCA bra or was it just given ?? 

Romla

I wore the Target post op front opening bra during radiotherapy- no wires and soft cotton so not irritating and could absorb the creaming from calendula and Dermaveen .I have now post radiotherapy changed to an aah bra and truly first time I have been comfortable since lumpectomy last March but mine are a nylon mix so would not recommend during radiotherapy and until after your skin heals.My daughter buys Target sports bras which are sim8lar but cotton.One small tip raglan sleeve top helped as well as a soft fabric - I reckon in the heat a men’s bonds undershirt might be an idea 

poodlejules

@Life I got it with the My Journey kit from my breast care nurse when first diagnosed . They are wireless and have front and back openings . If you didn't get one I'm sure the BCNA will fix you up with one but best you get fitted . Good luck with radiotherapy. It's a hard slog going everyday but you'll get through it x

Marianne_BCNA

Hi @Life (love your username and how you come up as life member!)
You can either order your My Care Kit (includes bra) via this link or call us on 1800 500 258 and our helpline staff can assist you.
You can also order it through your breast care nurse if you would like to be measured up for it.
Hope all goes well with your radio.
Cheers
Marianne

viking1

@Romla hiya, I am very keen to know your thoughts on the calendula? I read about it in Dr Kerryn Phelps book on cancer. I bought two big tubs and it comes from NZ.  The rad onc said it was fine, I am just a bit worried that it isn't really emollient like Ego cream,  more a salve. It's organic, Calendula Balm, contains organic olive oil, certified organic calendula flowers and NZ Beeswax.  I just don't want to be rubbing something in, more putting it on softly if you know what I mean!  I am using Dermaveen body was and sometimes Ego. @Life sorry I wasn't more helpful ... while you are trying on the bras, though, have a go with the maternity cotton ones. I like my two so much I am going to stick with them! I guess it all depends on where your scar is though, as these Chloe and Lola ones are nice and broad and cover my scar so it doesn't irritate me. They are also quite pretty.  I haven't tried the BCNA bra.  My Breast Nurse ordered one for me but it didn't arrive or someone picked up the package at our house☹I didn't want to ask for another as they already do so much.  I would be up )-#@ creek without my the My Journal package!  Xxx Roll on Wednesday before my anxiety sends me loco!

Romla

Hi @viking1I thought the Calendula was great - was supplied by Radiotherapy centre in change rooms along with Sorbolene for use after zapping.Several times it ran out unlike the Sorbolene and I had to ask for replacement so guess that tells you what others thought too. I did not buy it as had already purchased Dermaveen and it was fine. Out of interest the clinic changed from Sorbolene to Cetaphil at the end of my treatment.They say cream up 3 times a day during treatment and for 3 months after - some days I did more if I thought I needed it. I have very fair dry skin and sailed thru radiotherapy to my surprise re skin damage but very aware to be careful with UV as we went to Cairns 6 weeks after - even thru clothing.PS I bought Dermaveen because it’s key ingredient is oatmeal which  I knew from childhood is good for skin.

oops forgot - here is a valuable site recommended by BCNA for you to check natural remedies and how they impact on breast cancer treatment

www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/herbal-remedies-and-treatment

Marianne_BCNA

Hi @viking1,
Not sure what happened to your bra but let me know if you would like to order another one. 
Cheers
Marianne

viking1

@Marianne63 many thanks I have put in a request xxx @Romla thank you that helps a lot! And for the link. I will do it three times too. I'm not actually sure where I will be applying the cream specifically other than the obvious, but guess I will find out tomorrow! They are doing above my collar bone too.  Poor little lymph nodes

Life

Wishing you all the best & thank you all for your advice. Still waiting to have my planning appointment & I guess too much time for a mind to wonder !!!