Looking for recommendations in Sydney
Hi all, I have some practical things that I’ve been struggling with and I figured I’m unlikely to be the first. I had a single mastectomy and auxiliary lymph node removal in November and have been having issues finding bras - I’m 35 so I’m looking for something with underwire and padding that also has a pocket for the prosthetic. No such bras seem to be available at the list of stores given to me by the breast care nurses. My scar goes across where the nipple would be rather than where an underwire sits so I’m still able to wear underwire comfortably and since my remaining breast is a DD going without underwire, padding and structured support isn’t my favourite. The berlei post surgical bra was fine for around the house but don’t work under a lot of my wardrobe and again, the support issue is a problem. I figured a good option was to get a couple of my favourite bras tailored to add the pocket. Problem is trying to find someone who can do that sort of work is proving very difficult. The one guy I found in balmain showed me a method that looks like it’ll damage the bra and not have a great result. So any recommendations would be amazing. Also looking for inner west lymphatic drainage massage recommendations (that don’t cost the earth). Any suggestions for how to minimise lymphadema risk and tricks and hints for getting used to it all would be much appreciated. My hope is for a reconstruction but my surgeon says that’s about two years away. Thank you so much katherine
Mastectomy bra
Hi All, I have just joined and would like to see if anyone knows if there is somewhere I can donate 2 x mastectomy bra's - they were my Aunties - 1 used and the other new - I know that these bra's can be expensive so happy to donate. Any suggestions would be great - I live in Brisbane but happy to post .
Pretty Post-Mastectomy Underwear - My List of Online Suppliers
Firstly I wish to thank all the women who contribute to this forum. I have learnt so much from the experiences you have shared and truly value your support and insights. Although I am still in chemo, I am preparing for my post-mastectomy life. I have spent considerable time finding online sources for pretty, comfortable and practical underwear solutions. I want to share these with you. Several of these companies were founded by women who had breast cancer and couldn't find suitable underwear, so they started their own companies and designed the products. The US-based stores can be expensive as prices are in US$ and shipping is extra. However, these stores also have special deals for your first purchase etc and one, handful.com, has a lifetime 30% discount for breast cancer survivors on bras and active wear Once you sign up for the newsletters, there are regular sales as well. The size guides are easy to use - remember US sizes are different from Australian. When I wasn't sure, the stores were prompt and helpful in the replies. I am pleased with all my purchases from these stores - quality and very soft fabrics. 1. Handful: All bras are sold with Handful's thin pads. The are stackable pads, so if you want a fuller look you can use two or three sets of pads. I bought bras, tank tops and extra stackable pads. There were some really good deals in the sale section. https://handful.com/collections/sale Plus there is a 30% lifetime discount for breast cancer survivors. Register first here, wait for approval and then make your purchases. https://handful.com/pages/breast-friend-forever Cary Kim runs the survivor program. Super helpful. She asked me to advise this: "Please make sure your Aussie survivor sisters put in the “how did you hear about us” that they are in Australia so I can directly communicate about working together on the order to make sure they get the right style bras and pad sizes/colors/amounts". 2. Busted Tank: Started by a breast cancer survivor. It offers a range of tanks/singlets with an elastic-free pocket in which to insert one of their single length, lightweight foam breast forms. https://www.bustedtank.com/shop-essentials Items sold separately. Breast forms are $12. I opted for teardrop shape. There is a 15% discount on your first purchase if you sign up. I had some sizing queries and they replied quickly. From online forums, Busted Tank's sizing seemed generous and I was glad I checked with them first. I am Australian size 10 and opted for Handful's small size. There is currently a sale on some designs. https://www.bustedtank.com/shop-essentials 3. AnaOno: Dana Donofree was diagnosed with breast cancer at 27. Post surgery she couldn't find comfortable, sexy lingerie so set up AnaOno. There's a 15% discount on your first order after signing up to the newsletter. Postage is reasonable - a flat US$25 via FedEx. As well as some bras, I bought a lovely robe with drain-management belt. https://www.anaono.com/collections/loungewear/products/miena-robe-with-drain-belt The fabric is gorgeous. AnaOno participates in New York Fashion Week. All of the models in the runway shows have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and all proceeds from the show benefited METAvivor, which funds metastatic breast cancer research and awareness initiatives. The last show raised US$200,000. 4. Athleta: this is a division of Gap. From the online forums I read, Athleta's Empower Bra Inserts were hands down the most popular. https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=372047002 Very reasonably priced at 2 pads for US$10 - though read carefully the size guide which explains how the forms are sold. Most sizes are on back order until end April. The most frustrating aspect of Athleta is that it does not ship internationally - not even to Canada! So I sent my order to a friend in California and she then posted on to me. I contacted Athleta requesting that it consider international shipping. They replied promptly that they are looking at it. Fingers crossed. 5. Marks and Spencer: I bought 2 of these lace bras: https://www.marksandspencer.com/au/nina-lace-post-surgery-non-wired-full-cup-bra-a-e/p/P60264456.html I liked that there was a lace insert between the cups. When I bought them there was a 20% discount on these bras and shipping was free because the total was over $70. I hope some of you find this supplier list useful.
Lymphedema and bras?
Hi everyone, I haven’t been on this forum for awhile, I have a question. I’ve been wearing new supportive bras for a few weeks ( no underwires), discovered since wearing them my arm , surgical area and breast is swelling and tender. Have been having lymphatic massages every 3-4 weeks as a preventative , started dry brushing, and I have a sleeve to wear during the day when I feel the need, or if I know I’m going to be using my arm a lot doing gardening etc. Unfortunately I’m a 12E, so going without a bra makes my back sore by the end of the day. Wore a crop top today, arm feels better, but I need more support due to my breast size , looking for recommendations and ideas that has worked for you. Has anyone else been down this path? Thank you in advance.Bras for bigger cup size?
Hi , I have just had my unilateral mastectomy and am ready to get back into a bra. As a 12ff I am worried ( after looking online) that they don't come in my size. Should I think about a normal, wire free bra in my size and then buy a pocket to sew in? Where can you buy pockets?
F/G cup post surgery bras?
Hi everyone. I anticipate my lumpectomy happening in the next few weeks. As a large breasted lady (18F/G) all of my bras are underwire. My lovely Breast Care nurse only has up to E. Any tips on where you got your post surgery bras? Local bra shops have not been overly useful 🤷🏼♀️ Thanks in advance?
Hello and a question
Hello everyone. I was recently diagnosed and have been reading this forum regularly and learned a lot. I am having breast conserving surgery on Wednesday. The lump is on the side back of my breast not far from the arm pit and the surgeon said that he may well only require one incision. My question is about bras post surgery and beyond. I am a large breasted lady and I have always worn bras with wires. I am always happy to spend a reasonable amount on them in order to give me enough support, be ant wiggle and a good shape. I realise rhat my current bra will not work due to the seams and the wires do I bought a cheaply pair from target. These don’t fit well and I would not like to wear them out of the house. Do you lovely ladies have any recommendations.? Mousie
An amazing experience
Just to be different my support group l run went as group to look at bras.WOW we went to a place called kicking curves in brighton victoria.l pre rang the shop and explained about our group of bc ladies.when we arrived the owner was there. A sign in the window closed private event for bcna group.yes for us omg, when we went in she had champagne and nibbles.2 hours of pampering private fittings we were treated like celebs no obligation to buy.but we all did lol.great range of bras and they had prosthesis and mastectomy friendly bras.Myra the owner said we bought joy to the shop.we were treated sensitively and respectfully like queens boobs or no boobs.so if anyone is in the area please call in and ask for myra.tell her the crazy gals from bcna sent you. Adean
