What can I wear?! Help desperately needed!

[TwoBigNoisyBoys]

I’m currently undergoing chemo for breast cancer, diagnosed last October. My oncologist warned me I’d probably gain weight due to steroids and water retention…and I have. I’ve gained about a stone and half, (after losing a stone and a half last summer! 😩) and barely any of my clothes fit me. I bit the bullet today and sorted them out, packed away what I want to get back into in the future, and have 3 large bin bags for charity. I have a handful of items left that I can wear. Realistically, treatment will be going on for at least another 3/4 months, so until I can get back to my exercise and dieting, I’m going to be this size, which I estimate to be around an 18. I’m only 5’2” so I look pretty awful. I’ve always been curvy, and have been happy with that, but now I’m not curvy, just overweight.

I need to buy some staples to tide me over. I don’t want to spend a load as I’m hoping this is just temporary but I do need to wear something….! The question is, what can I buy that will flatter me in my current state? I’ve put a lot of weight on my stomach area in particular, but I’m heavy all over. Anything that can help disguise the weight gain would be particularly welcome.

(I’m also completely lacking in confidence now, as I’m also dealing with hair, eyebrow and eyelash loss and I’m struggling emotionally with my diagnosis and treatment. I know how I look is not important in the grand scheme of things but it’s just another thing that’s making me feel so low, so please be kind 😩)

Hair loss is so traumatic OP, I’m not surprised you’re feeling low in confidence. I lost my hair to alopecia and I found there to be little help available through doctors or the hospital. Finding Alopecia UK Facebook group was a turning point. Have look if you’re interested, there is a group for products and services, there you’ll pick up loads of tips on disguising hair loss, creating brows and lashes with make up or temporary tattoos. I’m not sure if you’re in a position where you’d need or want a wig but there are loads of people on there who can offer advice, much better than what I received through the hospital. If you didn’t fancy a full wig, there are gym wigs you can get with nice soft headbands attached, they’re easy to wear and look stylish you can buy other headbands or scarves to tie over the top to match your fab new outfits.

Thank you so much again for all your lovely messages 🥰

Disappointing at Sainsburys, only bought a white cardigan! However, I have an Asda order coming tomorrow, with black and white v-neck t-shirts, a cream drapy blouse, a loose, casual knee length black dress with a drawstring waist, and some cream footbed toepost sandals. So given what I already had that I could still fit into, including 2 maxi dresses I’d forgotten about, I think I’ve got enough now to mix and match.

I gave away the charity bags today, so I have room in my wardrobe for the new stuff, and now everything in there fits me! Fabulous!

Thank you all so much

Oh and I replaced my almost worn out Revlon lip butter in Candy Apple. A red lippy always makes things seem better!! 💋💄

Your new clothes all sound amazing, you didn't need us at all! Loving the cream and black theme especially with the bright lippy. I hope you love the magic trousers, they are so comfortable and flattering, I'm in my white ones today pretending it's Summer!

Oh it all sounds lush!

Well done you

Wow! Sounds perfecto! We’ll done you

I would go to Cos. Tasteful grown up classics which will also look good slightly oversized if you lose weight.

Well done OP, sounds like a lovely stash and some fab choices, I hope you enjoy it all. Wish you luck with your treatment, hope all goes well for you

Thank you everyone!

My Asda delivery has just arrived and I’m so impressed! Really nice quality, and I’m keeping everything, unheard of for me!

Very pleased with all my purchases, thank you all so much again xx