Post mastectomy bra guide

Dealing with the aftereffects of a mastectomy is an emotional journey, and so to better understand the process of being fitted for a post mastectomy bra, Let’s Talk Breasts spoke to Yvette, a lady who won her battle against breast cancer eight years ago.

Coming to terms with your body

‘When I first had my mastectomy done it’s like losing someone close to you,’ says Yvette. ‘There’s a grieving process that you go through, but somehow you have to find a way to come to terms with it. When it’s just happened you see the scar and a part of your body’s missing: so you cry. I cried for ages when I was on my own, and got it out of my system.

‘I remember writing an article about it and I poured my heart and soul out in it; that really helped. Sometimes it’s best to write down your feelings and what you’re going through. I also dealt with it by looking in the mirror. When I looked, I told myself, “Well, that scar saved my life.” That’s how I managed to accept it. It doesn’t bother me anymore; I see the scar every day and it doesn’t mean a thing. If it wasn’t for that scar, I’d either still have the cancer or I wouldn’t be here.’

Being measured for a prosthesis and post mastectomy bra

Yvette recalls that straight after the operation you are very sore and you don’t put on a normal bra because the wires would dig in. Instead it’s best to initially wear a crop top or something loose. ‘The breast care nurse guides you on what to wear,’ she explains. ‘If you don’t have an implant you’ll have an appointment with the appliance officer at your clinic, who’ll measure you up and help you to choose the correct bra.

‘The appliance officer gives you a prosthesis – a bit like a chicken fillet. You’ll try on a bra where the cups have a pocket for an insert; they’re usually bilateral, meaning you can put the prosthesis in whichever side you need. Then she’ll give you the name of a recommended company to buy your bra from.

‘Although they don’t have underwire, post mastectomy bras are just like ordinary bras,’ Yvette continues. ‘Some come with wide straps, some come with narrow straps. They do reasonably stylish bras as well as the plainer ones, because there are plenty of younger people having a mastectomy who don’t want to dress like old people!’

Most companies also supply swimming costumes and bikinis with inner pockets for your prosthesis. ‘You can get padded bras as well, they’re comfortable,’ she adds. ‘They make me feel a bit more, well, you know! You still have to wear your prosthesis, but both sides are padded.’

Care of your bra and prosthesis

‘The bra you wash like any ordinary bra; the prosthesis you just wash with soap and water,’ says Yvette. ‘The prosthesis is very expensive, but the health service provides it. I was told they last about three years and you can go swimming, even in the sauna with it. If you get sweaty, you simply rinse it under the water; have your shower and you’re ready to go again!’


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