Hi everyone. I am a 47-year-old mother of 2 from Queensland, 8 weeks post-diagnosis and 3 weeks post-surgery (right mastectomy). It's been a whirlwind to say the least!I am a larger breasted woman and my Breast Care Nurse ordered me the bra and soft form from Berlei via BCNA. I have not worn many bras since surgery but recently ventured out and found that I needed to remove most of the stuffing from the soft form and it just sits up far too high and I look really lopsided. I am aware that I can call BCNA to discuss getting a different size... but I think my age and being a mother has also left my natural form not as perky as the replacements 😳 Do they all tend to sit high and/or does anyone have any other recommendations? I have also trialled this week the KMart post-surgery bra which is comfortably soft but not supportive of my breast.Any advice or recommendations would be gratefully appreciated. 🙏

I'm in WA, so I suggest you find a bra fit specialist. The McGrath nurse can advise you on them if they have contacted you. I only used the soft form for a few months and found the same thing with lopsided. Went straight for the protheses which is covered by medicare. Still drifts a bit but what can you do. 🙂

Dear ShazLou,I think that I was fitted by a specialist Bra fitter, for a silicone prosthesis. (Medicare funded every 2 yes)This was 4-6 weeks post op.If you are a larger busted lady, you may benefit from the weight of a prosthesis. For some of us, it is better to weigh more evenly. The weight may also help your bra sit better.

Hi @ShazLou I've found the kmart post surgery crops the best for me so far (I'm also larger breasted) not a lot of support but comfortable. I also like the zip at the front. Best and Less also have a zip front crop in larger sizes that might be worth you checking out to see if that gives more support. I found the bra from berli / bcna was a bit awkward due to all those hook and eyes down the front in my larger size!, I also have a compression bra (for lymphoedema as I've had all my lymph nodes removed from under my left arm) and it gives me better support. It was pretty expensive though ($125 and my health fund didn't cover it either) it was a prairie wear bra https://www.prairiewear.com/collections/active . I'm not sure if that's helpful or not...Best wishes

Hi @ShazLou, I'm another fan of the Kmart zip front crop bra. I'm a 36C and had a lumpectomy on my inside right breast. I found them really comfortable, for sleeping as well in the early days after my surgery. I've used them all through my chemo and radiation treatment as they were so comfortable. I took the padding out as I didn't need it, and it just got rolled up in the washing machine. I wish they made bikini tops like them.

I’m two weeks post surgery (lumpectomy) and I bought a pack of three Front Zipper Sports Bras from Temu for $20. They are really comfy and provide more support than the Kmart ones.

Any tips for post-surgery bras and soft-forms......

11 Replies

ShazLou
Member
9 months ago
Thank you @Jenni22, I am sorry to hear you had to return for more surgery but thankful for your suggestions and recommendations! All the very best x
Jenni22
Member
10 months ago
I found Exotica Athletica crop tops the best - they are lovely and soft but provide a lot of support with a nice deep band. I am was an 18E prior to surgery - had a double breast reduction/lumpectomy to remove cancer in both breasts, and had to go back on one breast as not clear margins and needed full auxiliary clearance, so believe me I had scars upon scars. These were perfect. 12 months on (post chemo / radiotherapy) I have developed lymphoedema in the right breast - just purchased Linda Ameona bra and lymph flow inserts. Bra is incredibly soft and comfortable and hard lumps from lymphodema disappeared within a week. https://www.amoena.com/au/lymph-care/curalymph-comfort/linda-soft-bra-sand-44811/ and https://www.exoticathletica.com/products/r2w-black-performance-scoop-neck-comfort-crop-top
lolasmum
Member
10 months ago
Hi Shazlou,
I just has a left mastectomy.
I am a 20 d, which is US 40 DD.
I was a bit bored with the Berlei post surgery bras. I just got fitted for " Trulife- Barbara wire free.
They are quite comfy and come in a range of colours 💕
ShazLou
Member
10 months ago
Thank you @Abbydog I agree, I think more evenly distributed weight would definitely help everything feel and sit more balanced. Just need to get myself sorted with that! Thanks!
Abbydog
Member
10 months ago
Dear ShazLou,
I think that I was fitted by a specialist Bra fitter, for a silicone prosthesis. (Medicare funded every 2 yes)
This was 4-6 weeks post op.
If you are a larger busted lady, you may benefit from the weight of a prosthesis. For some of us, it is better to weigh more evenly. The weight may also help your bra sit better.
ShazLou
Member
10 months ago
Thank you @Maree72 @CeeGee @Katie46 @Coastiejas @Spursy all for your advice and recommendations! I think that I just have to keep trialling a few things and seeing what I come up with until I find a good 'fit'. Appreciate your input!
Maree72
Member
10 months ago
I also had lumpectomy's x 2 , I also brought sports zip up front bras from Lorna Jane, they worked a treat.
And the best bit is I can still wear them now, well after surgery recovery time, I chose these as I didn't want to be reminded of my surgery for my breast cancer, and I wanted something I could use again. So I thought this would be a great option. I am also a busty chick around a DD to E or a XL, so I get wat you are say, all the best, and Happy shopping
CeeGee
Member
10 months ago
I’m two weeks post surgery (lumpectomy) and I bought a pack of three Front Zipper Sports Bras from Temu for $20. They are really comfy and provide more support than the Kmart ones.
Katie46
Member
10 months ago
Hi @ShazLou, I'm another fan of the Kmart zip front crop bra. I'm a 36C and had a lumpectomy on my inside right breast. I found them really comfortable, for sleeping as well in the early days after my surgery. I've used them all through my chemo and radiation treatment as they were so comfortable. I took the padding out as I didn't need it, and it just got rolled up in the washing machine. I wish they made bikini tops like them.
Coastiejas
Member
10 months ago
Hi @ShazLou
I've found the kmart post surgery crops the best for me so far (I'm also larger breasted) not a lot of support but comfortable. I also like the zip at the front. Best and Less also have a zip front crop in larger sizes that might be worth you checking out to see if that gives more support. I found the bra from berli / bcna was a bit awkward due to all those hook and eyes down the front in my larger size!, I also have a compression bra (for lymphoedema as I've had all my lymph nodes removed from under my left arm) and it gives me better support. It was pretty expensive though ($125 and my health fund didn't cover it either) it was a prairie wear bra https://www.prairiewear.com/collections/active . I'm not sure if that's helpful or not...
Best wishes