Left sided mastectomy. Bras?

Hi there. I’m sorry, my memory of the early post-op days that you are anticipating is a bit blurry. But I will try to help.

I had a left mastectomy 2 years ago. Like you, I’m in the country, and that seems to be a factor in not having an immediate reconstruction. There was definitely some time spent in just a pyjama top whilst skin was healing and drains were being accessed - light, button down pyjamas were best. This also applies for days after you get home, as lifting arms above your head can be difficult. Then, I can remember wearing a soft form, in a mastectomy bra. The form was provided by breast care nurses before surgery and I bought a mastectomy bra by Berlei. I have to admit that I grew to hate the whole setup; it was soft but did not give a good shape and just felt like it belonged in a hospital.

I used to - and still do - go half-flat quite often. When out walking, swimming or working out I’ll wear a crop top or cross-over type top that accommodates one full side and one flat one. Stretch is the key so that you don’t have extra fabric flapping on one side. 

It was a milestone for me when I was fitted for a prosthesis and the right bra to wear it with (I wore them for the first time to a job interview the next week!). To begin with they recommended expensive specialist bras imported from Europe that held the prosthesis in place. Now that I have adjusted and know what shape and fabrics to look for I can buy bras elsewhere without help - I even bought some pretty lace ones from Target last week! But the help of a skilled professional in those early days was really key.

Good luck with your journey. I hope that you can find peace and confidence with your new shape. It’s a sign not just of all that you’ve gone through all that you’ve conquered.