Bra/what to wear.

Hi JJA it's not a superficial question at all.  I was told by my surgeon to take a front fastening post surgical compression bra (he recommended the reco bra).  The compression helps with the swelling and front fastening is the easiest to manage - trying to lift your arm above your head or reach behind you is going to be tricky for a little while.  For this reason front fastening tops and easy to pull on trousers are also great as well as slip on shoes.  Having said that I found putting on my jeans and doing up laces on my shoes wasn't a problem but we are all different.  A good post surgical bra though I think is a must.

A pillow to put under your arm for the trip home is also a good idea and a V shaped pillow to sleep on while you are having to sleep on you back is handy.

Hope all goes really well with your surgery.

God willing, Can I ask please did you buy your bras before surgery or after? I'm  not sure what size I will be because I'm 67 and asking for a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction as I fear it might come back. I know it's wrong way to feel about it but that's  me worrying. Hope you can advise me please xx

This is all great advice! Thank you so much xx

www.woman-zone.co.uk 01925 220 932 have a brochure of post surgery bras etc They also put pockets inside your existing bras. M&S and John Lewis have a small selection of post surgery bras too. 

Hi JJA its not superficial - its essential.  For a lumpectomy you don't really need a post-surgery bra.  All you need is a front fastening soft bra (without any wires).  If you are large breasted, I'd recommend a high impact sports bra with zip up front (eg from M&S or Asda)  - they made a huge difference to me (42E) and it helps if they are slightly on the large side, as there will be some swelling.  Best to try on and make sure there is a little space for expansion/go up a cup size, although they are very stretchy.  I found the ones I got very tight over the shoulder as they didn't have adjustable straps, but the support they offered made up for that.  You will need probably need 2 - one to wear and one to wash and you definitely need to get them before surgery for a lumpectomy.    They tend to be dark coloured, so make sure your front fastening tops are dark too (all mine were very light, so had to buy a couple of dark blouses)  On the day of your surgery wear front fastening, loose tops.  I struggled with socks and shoes for a day or two, so slip -on shoes will help.  Didn't have any problems with jeans/trousers and wore a blouse and zip up hoody to the hospital (didn't get any prizes for dress sense!).   Also recommend a cushion or pillow  for support for the trip back home.   Finding the right sleeping position post op can be difficult - you may need some extra pillows for a week or two.  I can't sleep on my back, so used 2 pillows behind my back to stop me rolling over and slept on my right (although my right shoulder started objecting after a few weeks).  A small heart shaped pillow can help protect you too - we got given these at the hospital.  Mainly used tucked under the breast to take the pressure of my arm away from the incision site/swelling - my op was on the outer left lower quadrant of the left breast.  Good luck with your op x

Thank you so much for all this information! It is invaluable. I now know what to buy. Thank you so much for the detailed advice. I am feeling a little less daunted! Xx