Any S&Bers that are young(ish), enjoy fashion and use breast prostheses after mastectomy out there?

[CharlotteParks]

I'm having a bilateral mastectomy and would like advice and guidance on using breast prostheses, bras and still dressing like a 30 year old.

Online I can't find much about it, it seems mostly geared at older women.

If any of you out there can help, or maybe point me to some good blogs, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Not personal experience. My mum has had a mastectomy and I often go shopping with her. One of the places which I think has the most 'normal' looking stuff is Nicola Jane
www.nicolajane.com/?gclid=CIawqoLFkbkCFZShtAodRk8A6Q

When you are there get yourself a swimming prosthesis even if you don't intend to go swimming as they tend to be a lot lighter and are good while you get used to the weight and while still sore, also good if travelling.

Hit send too quickly, the staff are really nice and sensitive if you make it down to the shop. Definitely worth the visit.

Also I'd stay away from normal department stores who also offer mastectomy wear as their staff really don't have a clue.

If you are London you should be able to get access to the Haven.

I hope you recover quickly.

Thanks Snow, I've had a look and I'd be able to get to the Leeds NicolaJane. Will definitely go and have a look, thanks.

Just bumping in case anyone around has had a mastectomy

T-J the Bra Lady stocks mastectomy bras and offers a personal service. She can also convert bras.
www.bras4all.co.uk/mastectomy-bras-and-pocketed-bras-for-post-surgery/cat_2.html
She can advise by Skype if there's not one of her Bra Ladies in your area :)

Jenny Thanks, advise by Skype is an amazing service to offer, I'll look at that.

Anyone know of any post-mastectomy fashion blogs?

My mum was very young when she had her mastectomy and the only thing I can say about dressing is just chose styles that are not low cut, keep the neck line in mind, but other than that there is no reason you can't still be and dress sexy sexy sexy!

Good look with the op, OP x

Hi
I don't know a lot about personal mastectomy but my mum had both breasts removed at 37 before implants later on (couldn't have all done at same time due to skin problems- this was a long time ago though)
Something she always said was how actually she felt less conscious in no bra but just a crop top then a looser top with a fabulous scarf etc as that took the attention and was comfy too
From a fashion pov, get great great bras from a comfort perspective and then dress in layers- some people find close fitting tops more supportive and some a discomfort so maybe try a couple first?
Winter is good for layering so you could look at a couple of shapes you have liked 'before' and look at similar version now or take the approach of new me and book in with a personal shopper somewhere like selfridges- you don't have to buy anything but could stick with their highstreet sections. They ate great and have seen many different body shapes- tey want you to feel fabulous so you buy but I have heard good things
I don't know where In country you are but if you called head office and explained your requirements they'd be able to advise whether any stores had a goo match advisor
Finally, have you also thought about a new make over in terms of hair doo or make up style- I hope that's not insensitive as not sure of post chemo that's suitable / appropriate but it is often a great way to feel more 'done/ together'
I hope you get great help and even get to enjoy the time

Thanks Sleep, that was really helpful. I am going to grow out my hair because I'm worried I won't look very feminine afterwards and longer hair might soften my look and make me look more feminine. Haven't thought about new make-up, tbh I'm a bit rubbish at makeup so will probably just keep doing the same but maybe with longer hair I might need a change. It is a preventative surgery rather than because of anything diagnosed so thankfully (very thankfully actually) no chemo or rad therapy to contend with.

I'm hoping that on a day-to-day basis I can still look like me with layers and scarves but not sure about summer styles at all.

What's your usual style?
If you've not been 'ill' would you rather keep same style overall?
If you want to pm me I'm good with clothes as it were

Just re read that abd it sounds v cold
I hope you know what I mean
If you search my history you'll realise it's a subject I have dealings with

Thanks Sleep, appreciate it. My usual style is skinny jeans with a zara linen t-shirt on a casual day, with flat pumps probably. Work-wise I'll be wearing tailored shift style dresses or pencil skirts with blouses. My usual shops are Zara, H&M, DP, that sort of thing. I'm bothered about necklines needing to be higher , bending over and the prosthesis coming away from my bare chest exposing scars and that sort of thing. Not sure if I'll need to change style a bit.

Ok that's a great style very similar t to me lol
We're coming into A/W so layering is your friend!
Get some great quality well fitting snug long line cami's which have a slightly higher neck line but will look like a layer and not an odd neck line iyswim- it will help support your bra and proths so if bending over more supportive
This season is also all about the higher neck line, lots of elegant higher necks in all the stores you describe
Roll necks and high neck knitwear with embellishment will be massive and will be a great shape for you
For shift dresses etc slash neck rather than v neck v flattering and elegant then layer with funky statement necklace - Zara so good at this
Also- do you have a favourite part of you say legs? Then start making most with shorter skirts and amazing statement tights, or say hands, get a shellac and big ring- honestly no one will look at your chest unless you want tgem too because they'll be just thinking how well together you look!
I really hope op goes well
Make sure you get lots of support from friends- and online shopping will be your friend to begin with as post op your arms will be harder to lift up to try on in poky fit rooms so click click deliver and get a mate round to make it a fun unwrap and try on time
X

No personal experience but just wanted to agree with the posters who said don't change your personal style post op, that's bound to make you feel frumpy. Just tweak things a little and you will be fine. Lots of women have very small boobs and they are perfectly feminine, you don't need long hair if that's not your style

And good luck!

Would some of those thin vest tops that Zara sell, with the adjustable straps be good for under blouses? They wouldn't add bulk under a blouse but you could adjust to have neckline a bit higher.

(Sending you hugs OP, hope all goes well)

Thank all, much appreciated. Wondering if I should start a post mastectomy fashion blog if there aren't any out there?

And also start a consultancy role to train retail personal shoppers on ways to wear...?