No more underwire bras for me!
The doctors at Pratt Physical Therapy educated me about how, and where, to source a bra after surgery. Until recently, I was unaware that underwire is a no go after breast cancer surgery. Apparently, underwiring puts unhealthy pressure on the lymph network that sits under your breast. And this lymph network has already been traumatized by your breast surgery, so it’s probably sensible to give underwiring a miss.
Having learned this, and In a bid to recycle my existing bras, I came home and cut out all the underwiring. It choked me up when I realized how much money I’d spent on all these bras. But I’m following the doctor’s orders.
Guess what…? An underwire bra will collapse on itself if you try to do this. You’ve just ruined your bra! And I’m not the first person to try this stunt… Comparing notes with another breast cancer thriver one morning, she too confessed to taking a pair of scissors to her new Lane Bryants to try and salvage them for post-surgical use – and save some money. She found out the hard way too.
Did You Know…?
The good news is that many insurance companies will cover up to 12 new post-mastectomy bras a year. It’s important to get them properly fitted by a trained mastectomy bra expert.
Alala has published this helpful poster to let you know your insurance rights regarding post-surgery bras and compression wear.
Go visit the team at Alala. They have two boutiques in South Carolina. One is located in North Charleston, and the other is in Columbia, SC. They keep most sizes in stock and have extensive catalogs if you have a particular style in mind.
“I got three free bras this month on insurance. Why doesn’t EVERYONE know about this?” Breast cancer thriver, Ladson.
Other stores and online sources to look for post-surgical friendly bras
But start your lingerie journey at Alala. Get your first post-surgical bras professionally fitted by the experts.
PLEASE NOTE:
I am not a doctor medical professional, just a breast cancer warrior who is sharing her story.