Bras for radiotherapy

Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community

I can't help with any recommendations for bras but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. This is possibly because this is such an active group that your post has slipped off the first page before someone with the right experience has seen it. Replying to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list where it'll be more easily seen.

If you haven't done this already if you type 'bra' into the search bar at the top of the page you can read the previous posts on this topic and reply to any of the more recent posters if you think they might be able to help you further.

While you're waiting for replies it would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Hi, I remember putting white cotton hankies in my bra cups. I had the cream in my handbag and gave them a good slathering of cooling moisturiser directly after the rads. Then more when I got home and more before bed. So my answer is cheap comfy old bras with white cotton hankies inside. I never burnt or got more that a little uncomfortable. Good luck xxx

Thankyou for your help and advice x hope your ops in June went ahead as planned and you are now healed x I’ve started a profile thing and will get it up in the site soon 

Thank you for replying Helen x Was the moisturising cream a special one ? I already use Aveeno and have seen Aloe Vera gel mentioned in some posts.. what did you use? . No mention of the R1 or R2 cream I've seen talked about in some posts has  been made at any of my appt so I’m guessing it’s not available on prescription in my health authority.
I’m really hoping the treatment doesn’t affect me too badly  ..  

Hi Bodgerbadger

Have you tried Marks & Spencer, they actually specialise in post surgery bras and as a bonus they take off the Vat

I recently had Breast reconstruction and Lymph nodes removal surgery and I have been wearing their bra for six weeks night and day as suggested by my surgeon, I found them really comfortable. let me know how you get on if you try them.

I’ll definitely have a look at M&S x thanks for your help x x

No problem and thanks for asking after me. Yes, my ops went ahead as planned and I'm pleased to report that everything is okay

x

Hi Bodgerbadger

We were advised to use Zerobase and the radiographers gave us some tubes to start off and then more as was needed. With regard to bras old and loose as someone already suggested. I also got a couple of front fastening 'lounge' bras in Sainsbury which were good during and after RT. I put a folded silk scarf underneath the boob [same size as yours] to stop the elastic chaffing. 

Good luck and slather on the moisturiser.

Wallydug

I'm a 36/38G.  I had radiotherapy in September 2015.  I knew I couldn't continue wearing my underwired  during radiotherapy but non wired bras so rough and uncomfortable in larger sizes.  I bought 2 post surgery bras from Debenhams.  I ordered lots of sizes on line, went up back size or two so no pressure.  They were lightly padded but so soft, lined with double layer of soft cotton as meant to take prosthesis on one or both sides.  They were fab, wore for months though gave me dreadful shape.  I wore the step into bras at night .

As you have large breasts you might have a mould made to use during radiotherapy.  Made me smile every session they brought out clear plastic mould if my chest ! 

The skin underneath us vulnerable in larger breasts as you get skin on skin burns.  I was given special dressings to use but I found they irritated my skin so I used sanitary towels and panty liners .  I put the absorbent side next to my skin and stick to bra.  Wore one day & night and helped so much.  My breast care nurse laughed and said it was a first.  If it gets smelly see BCN for some cream to clear it up.  Flamazine I think it was.  

Creams I used E45 in run up to rads plus during and aloe Vera gel I kept on fridge for after each session.   My skin held up well aside from underneath.  I had what felt like hot sunburn on top of breast for a couple of weeks after rads finished but aloe Vera gel cooked x

Thanks for the suggestions.. I hadn’t thought of silk