Post Surgery Bras when you have large breasts

Are you having mastectomy or lumpectomy?  If latter dependent on where scars are you can wear existing underwired - chat to BCN .  I'm 36/38 G my scars on top of breast so needed support and wore existing bras to stop pulling down on breast.   Added the eBay 99p bra expanders to be lower due to swelling for a few dats.    I wore mastectomy bras during radiotherapy as softer inside and no wires to irritate skin.  I bought Debenhams own brand.  

Lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy. Scar should be top towards armpit but Nurse has recommended a mastectomy bra one size up. I've found very few options in large sizes and what I have found are expensive so want to make the right choice

Make sure you not paying VAT on post surgery bras.   You can increase back size of current bras with bra extender.  You can remove wires from your older bras r just buy soft ordinary bras.  Also look at sports bras .  

www.ebay.co.uk/.../325366393095

Not sure what size M & S sleep bras go up to but I found them so comfortable. My Breast Care nurse said not to wear underwire bras so I haven’t since my op in September. 

Hello KJ04 , sorry you find yourself here - the place none of us want to be.....

When I had lumpectomy I was asked/advised to bring front fastening bra - this was so that during/directly as operation was finished the nurse would put bra on you (you don't remember it as its done whist your still recovering from anaesthetic .... later when Consultant comes around 'if' they need to look at the area - it is easier to access whilst wearing a 'front fastening bra'..... all sounds straight forward - unless you have my husband.....

I go to surgery, I tell Hubby where my bra is if they ask - nurse asks hubby for my bra ..... (my new bra haha) ..... Hubby gives them 'old faithful' - I come round with back fastening bra on (it didn't really make much difference - but, I can understand why front fastening makes sense - I am a 42DD/44DD).

After this I scoured the internet and found a nice front fastening support/sports bra (I'm not sporty) brand and have had these ever since - I wear these most days and then alternate to the pull on bra tops (hardly any support - but as a treat feels great).

Below should be a link to the bra I am on about.....

https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/pretty-secrets-zip-front-active-wear-high-impact-sports-bra/xe024/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7010&productType=Fitting&optionSize=44DD&optionColour=Grey/Black/Pink 

this looks good and well priced although I can't say about support, fit, etc as I haven't tried this one ..... yet ....

https://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/naturally-close-2-pack-hook-and-eye-cotton-rich-blackwhite-bras/pv742/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=7010&productType=Fitting&optionSize=24/26&optionColour=White/Black

The JD Williams website does have a lot of front fastening bras - it is worth you having a look.... of course other website and bra sellers are available 

I hope this helps - if you feel you need to chat most of us drop in and out of the AWAKE thread - day and night - just nip in - you'll be made to feel welcome xxx

Awake thread:

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer-forum/f/general/128753/awake/1828541

Thank you for the information.The bras that you linked to look great but unfortunately are too small. I really appreciate you telling me about the awake thread.

Hi KJ04  I had a lumpectomy and I just wore a non wired bra after, not a special mastectomy one. In fact, the one I wore straight after surgery was £5 in the sale from Tesco! I’m an F cup and find so many shops now do larger sizes. Check out brastop.com it’s my fave site for branded bras at lower prices. Everyone is different but with the dressing I didn’t find my bras uncomfortable and just wore my normal size. 

good luck with your surgery! 

Larger breast need support so depending on where scars are it shouldn't be blanket ban after surgery,  I discussed with my BCN and she told me but make sure not tight.  My scar is top left quadrant of left breast so clear of any friction.  Radiotherapy is the time to avoid wires as breast skin is more delicate during and after radiotherapy for a good few months.  

I know on that particular one the size goes up to 48DD and there is something we can do - going up or down a cup size if we go up a number size .... I'm not sure how it works.  

The website Shellbell24 mentions sounds good. I'm going to have peek now - Thank You.

The Awake thread is great - everyone is welcome .... the nuttier the better