Hi new and trying to be practical

Hi Chris (CJMP45)

I had a lumpectomy back in April and my breast care unit provides a front fastening sports bra for ladies having a lumpectomy. I was advised to wear it day and night for a month and to have it at the tightest possible to keep everything in place. It wasn't the comfiest of experiences but it did the job and everything healed up nicely.

x

Thank you for your speedy reply x 

Hello Chris,  Sorry to hear you are just beginning your Cancer treatments.  You are so organized and I think it is great.  I cannot speak to the removal of lymph nodes as I had lumpectomy on both breasts but did not need sentinel node biopsies as one breast had DCIS and the other stage 1 invasive cancer and I was 72 years old.  
Personally I am not a fan of bras either and don’t wear unless I have to.  I did not wear them after surgery as I am small breasted 34A so not much of an issue.  Since then I have found perfect bra for me on pepper.com. It is made out of modal, a lovely soft material and feels great for a bra.  
I am sure that there are many women who prefer the support of a bra snd they will help you out.  
Hope your upcoming surgery goes well snd you recover quickly.

Barbara

Hi Barbara Many thanks for your reply. 

I'm trying not to dwell on what was said on Friday but as I live alone with no family close by I need to think how I'm going to cope post op. 

Been looking online at a few but being right handed not sure if I can cope with the front fastening any more than a back fastener - dilemmas, dilemmas. 

Just had to cancel my Holiday for next Thursday which is gutting as travel insurance has gone through roof because they said I haven't started/finished my treatment and I won't travel without it. Wish they would think more proactively that when people have a diagnosis is exactly the time they need to go away. My flights were moved all through Covid and I thought I was safe to go next week and BAM! the very worst news of all.

I need a break,  a change of scenery for a few days clear my mind a little.... 

Hope you are all fine and dandy now. 

Take care 

Chris x

Hi Chris, I understand about wanting to get away for a trip.  I was so sick of appointments that it is nice now to be free of that part.  Was diagnosed last September and finished up radiation in April.  Had mammogram and it was fine.  So relieved.  Saw breast surgeon last week and news is all positive so feel so thankful.  Taking anastrazole now and doing ok on it.  Just super dry eyes, dry mouth but am dealing with it.  
Lumpectomy surgery was not bad at all . Took one pill the evening of my operation and then mo more medication needed.  Just kept doing as much as I could and was so happy that all went well.  The worst part of this cancer was the emotional roller coaster not the physical part.  Thank God I didn’t need chemo or more extensive surgery.  
Thise insurance companies are so unrealistic!  They don’t understand.  Take care and you will get along.  
The ladies on this forum are bgreat.

Barbara

Hi Chris, I had lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node 6 weeks ago and have been wearing M & S flexifit crop tops - so comfortable I may never go back to my old bras! I hope all goes well for you. Very best wishes.

Hi thank you for that info. I have worn M&S bralets in the past. My concern with them (I did look at them last night online) was as its my right side and I'm right handed and live alone are they a bugger to put on? 

Hi, I have just bought 2 ready for my surgery.  I bought an asda front zip fastening sports, which seems quite snug and supportive.  I also bought a Royse silver post surgery popper bra which seemed less supporting but more comfortable.  The Royse is easy to fasten, I can do it no problem, the zipper was a challenge.    I may buy a flexi fit M&S to try it.  Hope your surgery goes well x

Hello Chris I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy, plus a further re-excision and a full removal of all lymph nodes, all on my right side and I'm right handed. It seems that different hospitals suggest different things, and some provide bras - so worth speaking to your breast care nurse - but my breast team just advised me to wear a soft, comfortable bra afterwards so I got a couple from M&S - a flexi-fit one and a post-op one. Both were the 'normal' rear fastening type, without zips etc, and I was able to put them on myself, without needing help, by pulling the fastening to the front and avoiding reaching behind. It just takes a bit longer than usual. I also wore a soft crop top at night time, also from M&S. I live alone and apart from my sister coming to stay for the first few days after the op (got her to do all my housework/cleaning!) I managed fine. You do get some pain and discomfort but I took the pain relief that was provided and also did the post op exercises to keep everything moving. As I needed to keep the dressing dry I avoided a shower and hair wash for the first week but managed to wash myself using soap and a flannel with my left hand. I got a supermarket delivery and made sure that food choices were easy to cook whilst recovering from the surgery. After the second surgery things were a little more awkward as a drain was fitted, which made wearing a bra uncomfortable at times, so when necessary I just went without one. Bear in mind that everyone is different with regards recovery, and the position of your surgery wound(s) can also make a difference in terms of how comfortable you will be afterwards when wearing a bra. Hope that helps, and hope everything goes well with your surgery too - I found it best to just take a day at a time and avoid thinking too far ahead, but good to get some post -op basics organised in advance.

Thank you so much for your reply and advise. I will call my nurse tomorrow to see if they do supply a bra the M&S ones sound idea. A couple of my friends have said they will cook for me - I love my friends and just taking appointments as they come. I was knocked sideways when so was first told and feel as if I’m playing catch up. Looking at bras is me taking control my way. Tesco’s online shopping has been a thing during covid due to underlying issues. I’ll get through this. 
thanks for your help xx