Help - can’t find a suitable bra that fits

[Dunedinready]

Hi all,

I'm a 36 GG and am booked in for a therapeutic mammoplasty and SLNB on Monday. My surgeon said I just need a sports bra but I can’t find a comfortable one in my size!

I have been to M&S and Bravissimo and have managed to get these 2 bras. Neither shop seemed to have anybody with any idea what I’d need. Something is nagging at me that they aren’t supportive enough though. I’ve tried to speak to my nurse but she hasn’t got back and I’m beginning to panic. Are they any good or what am I looking for?

Any advice very gratefully received. Along with any tips or other things I should buy.

I had a mastectomy recently. The special post surgery bras are for a reconstruction- it sounds like you are having some reconstruction as part of this in which case a compression bra might be useful . Look at specialist bra suppliers - amoena and Nicola Jane.
if you will have drains then clothes with pockets for the drains are useful, a seat belt cushion, pads (like you use for potty training) in case of leaks ,
the
look on the breast cancer now website for bra advice

Thanks. I think that’s what’s confusing me - I was told “just a soft bra” by my nurse and “just a sports bra” by my surgeon. I only realised it wasn’t a lumpectomy when I got my letter!

My surgeon said no drains. But I’m so unclear on bras. Especially for my size.

Hi there. I had a therapeutic mammoplasty about six weeks ago. They fit you with a compression bra after the surgery. You need to wear one day and night for six weeks. My breast nurse recommended M&S flexi fit, which I think is one of the ones you have, because they have a wide band at the side. I found those really comfortable. The nurse estimated my size based on the NHS compression bra they fitted (40DD), so I bought a 38D and a 38DD, the latter was a perfect fit. I started off a 38H, so four sizes down. Hope that’s helpful, you might find some useful info on the breast reduction thread in AMA. If you are having a sentinel node biopsy, I loved the deodorant cream from the natural deodorant company, found it really soothing. You can get trial sizes. I also bought a heart shaped cushion from Etsy for under that arm. Hope that’s useful, please do tag me with any other questions.

Thanks @cancerycaramelbearthat's really helpful. I'm a bit worried as I am only having one side down and the surgeon said she'd see how it looks, so need to go by what I am already. Yes, it's a flexifit and is comfortable, so thank goodness. What is AMA?

Ah, I wondered that after I posted. I had both sides done in same op (took about four hours) but have met people who had just one done and the other later.

AMA is ask me anything, there’s a long running breast reduction thread. https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/5066841-weve-all-had-breast-reductions-happy-to-help?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

It may not be so relevant for you at the moment though.

@cancerycaramelbear Ah, thanks. I'll take a look. Thanks again. Just one more question (for now), tops - did you buy button-up ones? I'll only be 'down' one arm so think maybe putting a regular (non-buttoned) t-shirt on might be manageable, more than trying to do buttons up with my wrong arm. It's so hard to know what I'll need.

Where are you based?
mish are great at fittings in Cornwall but they do pop up shops
www.mish-online.co.uk

I bought button front pyjamas for the first few days but after that managed just fine with normal tops. I was up and about quickly and doing all the exercises I was given.

@cancerycaramelbear great to hear. Fingers crossed for me.