Finding the Perfect Bra after a Mastectomy

By:
Tricia O'Brien

In 1991, Lisa Cole decided she no longer wanted to tote around the extra weight (both physical and emotional) that was tied up in her size-38G breasts. "My confidence and self-esteem were at an all-time low," says Cole, now a lingerie fitting and mastectomy form expert. What's more, she was tired of being the butt of people's cruel jokes. Though a breast reduction helped her feel much happier with her appearance, her attitude and perception still suffered.

Ironically, she landed a job in the lingerie department of a retail store and began fitting women for bras. She saw confidence and pride emerge from these women once they were in the right undergarments, and as her sales climbed she took things to a new level and became a certified mastectomy fitter. In this role, she helps women who have had one or both breasts removed due to breast cancer find properly fitting bras, lingerie and prostheses. After helping a breast cancer survivor and seeing the effect that the right lingerie had on this woman's self-esteem, a new niche was carved for Cole, who is the author of Lingerie: The Foundation of a Woman's Life and has her own Website.

A breast cancer diagnosis impacts every level of a woman's life and psyche. "Women often feel like they have lost that expression of who they are when they have breast cancer," says Bonni Gearhart, MD, director of oncology education and a staff physician at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. "Initially, you may feel concerned about losing your life and leaving your husband and children behind," says Dr. Gearhart. "And then there's a second wave of concerns: I might lose my breast, or I'm going to have a lumpectomy and what if I don't look good anymore? And on top of that, a woman might lose her hair," she adds. We correlate so much of a woman's femininity, and even sex appeal, to her breasts and hair. "By taking steps to feel better about your appearance and your femininity, you can boost your self-esteem and feel that you can live a full life," Dr. Gearhart says.

However, if you are feeling "different" or uneasy because you have lost a breast, something as intimate as buying bras and other lingerie may be even more difficult. Many women think that after having a single or double mastectomy, they will lose their curves and feminine figure. They've never imagined being able to wear sexy, lacy lingerie that actually fits well.

Cole says, "I love the reaction in the mirror when someone says, 'Oh my God, I'm okay.' When I help people choose their lingerie, I see an amazing correlation between what they wear and how they feel about themselves and their bodies."

To that end, Cole offers up some tips for choosing the right lingerie to boost your self-confidence and maintain your individual style following a mastectomy or lumpectomy:

1. Get expert advice. Eight out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra. If you've had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, your challenge is even greater. Make an appointment with a certified specialist to be fit for your prosthesis and bras and find a store that can help you from start to finish, says Cole. Many department stores and some pharmacies provide this service, free of charge. Online services are also available, but you get a more accurate fit when you go in person. In addition, consider bringing a friend who can encourage you and help to make this a positive experience.
   
   
2. Put a pocket in it. Don't limit yourself to mastectomy bras with sewn-in pockets. While these can be great, they limit your options, says Cole. A seamstress can sew a pocket into any bra, which broadens your options considerably. However, make sure the prosthesis fits properly in the bra in order to give you the proper shape and comfort. Because the prosthesis tends to warm up to your body temperature, opt for one that is made of Coolmax, which wicks away moisture and helps keep you cool and dry, says Cole.
   
   
3. Break out, sister! Walk away from the rack of practical white bras, and buy at least one sexy, lacy number. "It all begins in your mind when you say, 'Yes, I can,' and decide to love yourself in spite of flaws or a missing breast," says Cole. "This can help you feel feminine and beautiful from within." Lingerie supports us, shapes us and allows us to be comfortable in our own skin, says Cole. If you are properly fitted, you will feel more comfortable stretching your boundaries and trying new things. And whether you invest in a sexy bra, camisole or undies, your significant other is sure to like it, too. Clip pictures of trendy styles from magazines and bring them to your appointment.
   
   
4. One bra does not fit all. "I've met so many breast cancer survivors who were hiding behind big blouses and jackets," says Cole. But if you're wearing the right style of bra, and one that fits well, no one will know that you have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy ‑- and your clothing choices will expand greatly. Fill your lingerie drawer with various options, including bras that are strapless, convertible, contour (for T-shirts and knits), seamless, non-under-wires, push-ups (great for plunging necklines) and for sports.
   
   
5. Get your insurance info in order. Before you go to try on bras, check with your health insurance company to determine the extent of your coverage and how often you can replace your forms and receive new bras. "I've had people come in, and they don't know how much was covered by insurance. You are better off knowing where you stand financially before you go in," says Cole. This is especially important because a lot of times you can't bring the bras back to the stores.
   
   

   Finally, remember: While your body has changed, you have not. With newfound respect and appreciation for your body, you may discover that you look even better after surgery.