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Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate

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Comments

  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 1,477

    Thanks so much to Val and whippetmom for this thread. I am only about 3 weeks out from my exchange surgery. I had to wear a surgical bra with a strap 24/7 for the first week and now my PS has instructed me to wear a sports bra during the day and the surgical bra at night, plus the strap 24/7. He has told me that i will still need to wear a bra just like i did with my natural breasts but it is up to me if i want to wear on. He recommends it as he feels it will slow sagging. 

    i love the sight with the special measuring technique for implants. I can't wait to try bras on and see what size I really am now. I was a 36DD. PS said probabaly a large C small D.

    I am also in an unusual situation in that I work for Soma (owned by chicos). I know it's ironic to work there. I have never worn their bras and I started selling them during my expansions process. As an employee I get 4 free bras. So i look forward to the day I actually get to wear what I sell. The customers really seem to love them and come back for more very often.

    My question to all of you is have any of you tried the Soma bras? If so why or why not do you like or dislike the. If oyu do like them which styles do you prefer and why.

  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 11,653

    Carrol my PS says I'm a large B small C. I'm wearing a D because of the width granted I don't look like a D.

    BTW you are the second person from bc.org that has landed a job working in the bra department (other woman for JCPenny). You don't know how great this is. The last time I was in Macy's I was chatting over the wall in the dressing room with the only other gal in there. Ends up we were both struggling to find something to fit… and both BC survivors with reconstructed breasts! You will make survivors feel so much more comfortable when fitting them.

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    Carrol2 - Welcome and congrats on your recent exchange!  Your PS is right - wearing a bra will definitely help support the implants and minimize "sagging," which for us results in rippling....yuk.  How cool that you work at Soma!  Delilahbear who's often on this thread started working for them a few months ago, and she's really loved having the opportunity to "pay it forward" by helping other BC survivors.  As for their bras, I think they're pretty good, but they just don't come small enough for me (30 band).  I have bought a couple, though, that I wear, just not for a whole day. I have a couple of the cami bras, which are great for our hot weather when you need something to cover the cleavage, but it's too darn hot for a full camisole.  I also have the "Heidi" which is the only non-underwire bra I own.  I wear it for "lounging" after my post-workout evening shower, and I've even worn it to sleep a few times......jury's still out on that one, as I've slept in underwire since my exchange two years ago!

    Cameron - I miss you HERE, girl!  Guess I have to go to the pic forum to get my humor fix for the day.....Laughing  Thanks for the Freya tips.  I haven't bought a bra since early October and I think I'm in withdrawal.......Wink.....besides, my favorite, soft, supportive, makes the foobs think all is well with the world Pollyanna is almost too stretched out.....    Time for some new friends!    And you are most welcome for the intro to Freya.  Just don't blame me TOO much for the lighter pocketbook.  And it's a good thing we don't live any closer; I'm thinking we could do some serious damage in the bra and shoe departments!    

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    I have absolutely no idea why part of that post ended up in italics......tried to fix it......oh, well......

    Have a great week, ladies!  It's almost Thanksgiving week  - one of my favorite holidays! 

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    OMG, Cameron!!!!     You didn't say GLITTER......or ANIMAL PRINT!!!!    That "Nina" will be mine......along with "Faye" in "Creme Caramel."  Who doesn't love creme caramel?  (and if there really is someone, then I feel very sorry for her.....)
  • christine47
    christine47 Member Posts: 846

    Ok, I have a bra suggestion, but not the kind you all offer.  Instead let me tell you my recent solution for wearing a bra at night, while also protecting my newly constructed nips.  I have taken a couple of old pre-mastectomy underwire bras, that fit well except I don't fill out the cup at the tip like I once did, and cut holes for my nips.   That way I can continue to sleep with a bra and not have any extra pressure on my new nipples.  Occasionally I don't wear a bra to sleep, but still trying to support my fairly recent reconstruction.  Maybe this will help someone, I felt like a genious when I thought of it.  Just hope I am never rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night in my pjs and modified bras.  lol.

  • Cameron
    Cameron Member Posts: 128

    Val:  I KNOW RIGHT??  Sparkley accents on PINK and NUDE leopard print?!  YES.  It's true.  I even have matching knickers.  I posted all KINDS of pics on the bra thread; and the best part: Nina fits like she was made for me.  Best. fit. EVER.   Don't tell Pollyanna...

    Also tops on the fit list: Jolie.  Jessica.  Saffy/Leona. (same diff). 

  • MondaysChild
    MondaysChild Member Posts: 161

    I have been lurking all year on Whippetmom's Implant Sizing thread, chemotherapy and other relavant threads. It has been a loooooooooooong eleven months, but I finally made it through and look forward to maybe helping others as much as you all have unknowingly helped me.

    I did not read this thread until a week ago as I really could not imagine ever being here.  But things are looking brighter now and I look forward to actual bras.

    Thank you all for the information and sharing.

  • Delilahbear
    Delilahbear Member Posts: 206

    Carrol2 - Have you gotten your Soma freebies yet? You get 4? We got 3 bras and 3 panties.I got an Allura strapless convertible bra in black which I like for under some of my camisoles. I wear a DD or D and cannot go without a bra except for a shower. Don't know what happened with my right upper back after 1st exchange, but it is uncomfortable not wearing bra. Surgeon thought I had compressed nerve or herniated disc but MRI was negative except for scoliosis which I know about and probably contributes. Anyhow I acturally bought the Holly pushup and like it as it seems to give the implants a place to rest sometimes. I have several Alluras and really, really, really like the Selena and Emma. Emma is great for implants as it is unlined and stretchy but supportive.

    I am not really looking forward to the crazy holiday schedule, but I usually only work 3.5 - 7 hours a week. It is my second job.

    Haven't been on here for awhile as DH had Deep Vein  Thrombosis and Pulmonary emobli (bi-lateral) so I have spent free time at hospital. Fortunately he is home and doing much better but due to liver problems can't take any anticoagulants. At least we caught it in time.

    Val - glad you find you can sleep in the Heidi. I had a lady buy 6 of them the other day. I don't think they would give me any support but they are so soft I wish they had some in underwire from the same fabric. The are discontinuing the Ashley Travelers bra which I liked for under t-shirts. Figures you like something and they discontinue it. Was able to get 3 before they sold out in my size. I also like them for sleeping.

    Will post pics of 2 new ones on pic forum soon.

  • pinkbutterfly
    pinkbutterfly Member Posts: 130

    Hi Ladies,

    4 days out from exchange, and looking forward to being able to get my bra fitting, though I know I am several weeks away.

    Those of you who have been to Nordy's, did your insurance cover any bras? I called both my insurance Co (BCBS) and Nordstroms and it doesn't look like they are listed as providers, but have to call back again tomorrow when the specialist fitter is there. My insurance is changing to UHC beginning on Jan 1 and was trying to figure out whether I should use this benefit from BCBS or wait until my UHC kicks in.

    BCBS could not tell me how many bras or how much $ would be covered.

    Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 1,477

    Val61 I think you are right I do get a chance to talk to all different BC survivors and I think they help me as much as I help them.

    Lago well right now they are still pretty hamburger bun looking but they do feel wide, too wide. I feel them pushing on my arms. I tried ons ome sweaters and my arms look big in them. Maybe still swollen after a month not sure.

    Delialahbear jsut realized i never check favorites so did not see all the replys. No I ahve not gottenmy freebies yet. I ahve not been back to work since my excahnge a month ago. I am going back for black friday. Thanks for sharing all your info on which bras work for you. I go to the PS on monday so we shall see when I can wear a bra now.

  • MondaysChild
    MondaysChild Member Posts: 161

    pinkbutterfly,

    The benefit is normally not a one-time thing, so you can use your BCBS benefit now and UHC later.

    I have UnitedHealthcare and it works this way for my plan:

    Bras fall under the category of Durable Medical Equiment. I have an annual limit of $2500 for DME, no matter what type or how many pieces.

    For bras, I first have to have a prescription.  That presciption is filled and is subject to deductibles and in network/out of network provisions.  The only two in network DME suppliers under my UHC plan do not have the bras I need.  Note there GAP coverage applies to physicians and facilities, but not equiment, so UHC does not now have to accept another provider as in network.

    So, my bra purchases are subject to my out-of-network deductible. To claim against this, which I will not be doing because the deductible amount is $5000 for out of network, the place I purchase the bras must fill out and provide the claim form which I would in turn submit to UHC. Nordstrom's does provide the claims forms for you.  So to the extent you have coverage, Nordstrom's can give you what you need if you have the prescription to give to Nordstrom's. 

    So, subject to the deductibles, I can purchase up to $2500 in bras each and every year for as long as I have the policy.  There is no limit on the number of bras, just total for the year. That is how my UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus plan works for me.

  • pinkbutterfly
    pinkbutterfly Member Posts: 130

    Thanks, Tampa. That is good to know. I have a feeling my OON deductible is outrageous also. I did not know that this could be an annual benefit.



    BCBS did give me names of two places that were in network for durable medical equipment. Somehow, though,I don't think that they will carry Freya, though I'm sure ther bras will be no less expensive.



    Thanks again.

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    Ladies, I've had some internet issues this past week......aaaarrrrrrggggg........not fun in today's world!  I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, which I hope you will spend surrounded by those whom you love!  I am every so thankful for all of YOU and for BCO that brought us all together to fight the battle of BC!  

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631

    Val -- sorry for the internet issues -- I feel your pain :)

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

  • hondagirl
    hondagirl Member Posts: 26

    Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Happy Thanksgiving to all of my bra-lover buddies on the Bras 101 thread! 

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    Happy Thanksgiving to you whippetmom, and Val61, and Cameron and Lilah ... and all of you other wonderful ladies!  xo 

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631

    Same to you Dawne-Hope and Whippetmom!  And to all: happy thanksgiving!

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,359

    I hate to see this site languishing.  I got such great ideas from you all.

    I bought one expensive Amoena bra in February after BMX.  It's OK but not great & I've only worn it 2 or 3 times.  A month after exchange in October I tried bra shopping again & left the store in tears.  Still too much swelling I guess.  I'm pretty much wearing athletic bras 24/7 for the compression while I wait for a compression bra from Wear Ease in Idaho.  In the mean time I peeked into the lingerie dept at Macys this morning and felt emotionally strong enough to give it a go.  I always wore underwires and they don't work with my new width, so I'm really starting all over.   40 bras later (no joke) I came home with a Bali Active U Back & a Bali Indulgence for the sale price + extra 25% off of (hold your breath) $7.49 each.  Also got a couple of Bali Comfort Revolution # 3463 that seem to work well.  These were recommended on one of the threads with a link to the Hanes site & # 23251, but can't remember which thread.  Maybe 'stay small'.

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    MinusTwo - underwires will totally work but you'll likely need a bigger cup size because of the width. It is rare to find many of us with reconstructed breasts with a c cup, not because our projection is so big but because the implants are so wide. I wear a 30d but look like a b cup. Don't be afraid and freak out ;) if you need a d, dd, e,f, or even a g cup. Most of us were wearing the wrong size before breast cancer ... Bras that were too big in the band and too small in the cup. A good starting point is measuring your rib cage circumference under your breasts and add a couple of inches for your band size. For example, I wore a 32b before my bmx...when I got fitted I was measured and my rib cage was 28 inches. No wonder my straps were always falling down! If you have broad shoulders or are really tall you may need to add more than two inches to your rib cage circumference but two inches is generally enough. I've had a pretty good fitter at Dillards but it is well worth a drive to your nearest Nordstroms and make an appointment with a surgical fitter. They are especially trained to help women like us. My nearest Nordstroms is two hours away but well worth the drive.

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    P.S. proud of you for not giving up and going into Macys. :) Good for you. And awesome deals on those bras! I hope they work out for you!

  • pinkbutterfly
    pinkbutterfly Member Posts: 130

    Good evening Ladies,

    I am anxiously awaiting my fitting date, as I am only 2 weeks out from exchange.

    I was planning to be fit after the 6 week mark. Is that too soon?



    Also, those of you who have been to Nordstrom, do they charge a fee for the fitting? I did find a place that takes my insurance (Nordstroms does not) but it is over 35 miles away, and I don't think they will have the type of bras I am looking for...it is a medical supply place. Anybody have any experience with those? I'm not really interested in wearing a "medical" looking bra, if you know what I mean.

    Any advice is appreciated.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,359

    Dawn Hope:  Thanks for the tips.  I've found the 2" rule to be pretty good.  I don't mind wearing a compression bra most of the time (or I'll keep saying I don't mind to keep a positive mindset), but I hope to have a couple of nice bras for more dressy necklines.  After the holidays I'll go back to Nordies & try Wachol and other more expensive items once I'm sure the swelling is gone.  Jan

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    pinkbutterfly - We're all so different. I think six weeks is probably fine but I wouldn't go crazy purchasing bras.  Definitely buy 1 or 2 and write down names and style #'s of others ... but I wouldn't buy many.  For most of us our sizes didn't change after six weeks.

     Nordstroms does NOT charge a fee but be sure to call and make an appointment and ask for a surgical fitter.  Nordstroms will take care of the insurance for you (I think, Lilah knows more about this than I do).  And even though you say that don't take it ... I'd at least try!  Wink  You can't lose by trying again.

    I went to a privately owned Specialty Bra and Masectomy store and did good there.  I was fitted in a black Porcelain Lace bra, very pretty and very supportive too.  You don't know really what is there until you get there.  Undecided  We totally get it that you don't want to wear a medical bra. I live in the country and 35 miles isn't far at all to get to a store.  Tongue out  

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969

    Thank you, MinusTwo, for getting us back in gear! If the thread isn't active, less folks are likely to find us.



    I'm still having Internet issues-seems to go out when it rains, and we've had plenty lately. I'm trying to do this on my phone, so apologize in advance :)



    Pinkbutterfly-you should be fine to get fitted. I was fitted at just over one week post-exchange and still wear the same size. Much depends, of course, on the type of implant and expander used, plus swelling due to pocket work. Generally, tho, size shouldn't change much at this point.



    Do you think it's a sign that you buy too many bras when you start getting emails from bra websites with the subject line: "We Miss You!" ?..........

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Cindy [hillck] came to So Cal for her PS follow up and I met her at Nordstroms in South Coast Plaza last week.  She tried on a myriad of bras and one of them was the Freya Faye.  I was not happy with the minimizer look I was getting with Freyas and I also wear clothing better suited to smooth cup bras.  But Cindy put on this "Faye" and I had Freya envy.  Freya frenzy was more like it.  I tried it on and it definitely has a different shape than most of the other Freya styles I have tried.  So now I am back in the Freya saddle again!

  • Estel
    Estel Member Posts: 2,780

    Wahoo for back in the Freya saddle again! :). I haven't tried Faye...I have yet to walk in a store and find a freya in my size... So hurray, whippetmom! We wanna see it!

    Val - too funny! I'm getting those same emails!

  • pinkbutterfly
    pinkbutterfly Member Posts: 130

    Dawne-Hope,

    I don't think it is so much the distance that bothered me, but the thought of driving that far for a "medical" bra, but I am encouraged by what you have said, so I may give it a try...

    Val61,

    I didn't have too much pocket work, just some fat grafting on one side, so hopefully, I'll be ok after 6 weeks, as was your experience.



    Thanks for the advice!

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,359

    Wanted to share the saying on a placque I found for a friend for Christmas.  Since I'm holding off on bras, I'm having to concentrate on shoes - and I know several of you also share my shoe fetish.  So bras - shoes - whatever !!  Happy Day.

    "Cinderella is proof that Shoes Can Change Your Life"

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