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Comfy clothes after cancer diagnosis

5 replies

Decapitatedsausage · 12/10/2024 21:07

I’ve had a recent cancer diagnosis, and it’s looking like the next few months are going to include more surgery and treatment and I need new clothes as it’s become apparent I don’t have anything suitable for this curve ball.

Im currently living in pyjamas or leggings and vests with a shirt over the top. My surgery is on my neck and so I can’t have anything high necked or it rubs and hurts. I’ve put on weight and am now a size 16 with 36H boobs. I feel awful as my hair is falling out. I also don’t have much money for this, so cheaper places would be great.

edited as I pressed send too soon.

any suggestions would be so appreciated as I hate shopping and it has to be online as I can’t really get out at the moment. Thank you x

OP posts:
Decapitatedsausage · 12/10/2024 21:15

Also, any suggestions of shoes I can get on easily as I can’t ties laces (have lost my fine motor skills in my fingers)

OP posts:
YSianiFlewog · 12/10/2024 21:18

So sorry to hear you're going through this. For shoes, have a look at Skechers slip-ins.

doublec · 12/10/2024 21:39

Am really sorry to learn you're dealing with cancer. I'm six months post-chemotherapy, so understand what you're dealing with, particularly the hair loss. It's really hard. I refused to take steroids which meant I didn't gain terribly much weight, thankfully. Even so, I know how hard this can be as a friend of mine gained masses during treatment.

Have you spoken to Macmillan yet? They will give you a grant of £350 which can be spent how you like. Many spend it on travel to hospital, others spend it on clothes, head scarves etc. Also, Maggie's are helpful with workshops regarding how to tie head scarves and what to wear. Be sure to contact them too.

In terms of clothing, natural fibres are you friend. Layers too. Chemotherapy can caused not flushes and night sweats. Look on Vinted and double check the fabric content. As you're having surgery on your neck, lots of front fastening shirts so you don't need to lift your hands. If you can, take a hospital gown home as they're ideal for wearing round the house. I wore Crocs and Birkenstock clogs with socks, both things I never would have worn prior to cancer but I had terrible peripheral neuropathy in my fingers and could tie laces. Also, I believe Sketchers can be slipped on without having to tie laces. With regards to bras, I wore a front-fastening one, thankfully provided due to the cancer I had, and also Sloggi-like crop tops as they were easy to pull on/off.

Hair. I had mine shaved to a grade 2 after the first round of chemo as I was shedding hair everywhere. The inbetween stage - super short to bald was far harder to deal with, but once most of my hair was gone, it was a relief as I found my hair falling out super painful. Macmillan can help with a wig (free of charge). I didn't wear mine. I actually preferred a bare head as it was so much cooler than wearing scarves/hats/a wig!

Lastly, and if possible, look after yourself and treat yourself compassionately. If you're able to, get dressed, put make-up on, more so when you're going for treatment as it will make you feel so much better.

Wishing you well.

ButtSurgery · 12/10/2024 21:45

I'm sorry, that sounds very very tough.

FWIW (as I've not been through what you're going through) I mostly live in jeans, vests and kimono tops. Mostly from One Hundred Stars but they aren't cheap. But loose kimono might be an idea, as they are often cut with a low back of the neck?

I've taken scissors to mens band tshirts and cut the collars off them as they choke me - it's a bit grunge style, but I hate high necks on clothes and things touching the back of my neck seems to make me retch...

Primark are also doing 100% cotton V neck jumpers at the moment for £12. They are lightweight and but quite warm and not high in the neck on me?

TheGirlattheBack · 12/10/2024 21:53

I’m sorry you’re going through this. ASOS is a good one stop shop for lots of brands. You could swap out you leggings for some wide leg joggers like these …

Green joggers
or
Black joggers

They can still be warn with your vest tops but you could swap out shirts for something warmer for the winter.

Long cardigan
Wrap cardigan

Footware wise you can go casual with Birkenstock style mules or smarter with some loafers. M&S have some good shoes that are comfy.

Noisy May Curve wide leg jogger in dark green | ASOS

Noisy May Curve wide leg jogger in dark green at ASOS. Shop this season’s must haves with multiple delivery and return options (Ts&Cs apply).

https://www.asos.com/noisy-may-curve/noisy-may-curve-wide-leg-jogger-in-dark-green/prd/206531817#colourWayId-206531819

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