TUESDAY TIPS - The Perfect Bra

Since my reconstruction, I've had a difficult time finding a bra that will fit my new shape. It's become a very frustrating problem. I don't really need the support of a bra now, but I do need something to cover up the reconstructed nipples, and also to even out the shape of my breasts, since there are some fairly deep scars that cause an uneven look.

I've tried everything I can get my hands on, and nothing works. The problem? My reconstructed breasts are flat and round - there is no cone shape, like a natural breast. So, I can't fill out the cone shape of a bra. If I wear a regular bra, there is wrinkling all across the front from the extra material. If I wear a bra that is padded and stiffer, the bra moves, but my breasts don't - which causes quite a problem if I turn around and look behind me! Plus, bras are just plain uncomfortable - I didn't wear one for a whole year while my expansion and reconstruction were done. I didn't really have to wear one until my nipple reconstruction. I'm just not comfortable with the "no bra" look.

I'm talking to you about my boobs for a good reason - I HAVE FOUND THE BRA!!!!

Someone told me about a bra that was super comfortable, that had no underwire, and that provided support (which I don't need). But they also told me that it looked like it might fit my new shape.

I was so excited, I googled it, and found the Genie Bra. I took advantage of their special offer - buy 3 and get 3 free - and I ordered them. I've now been wearing the Genie Bra for about 2 weeks, and I can say - IT FITS! I LOVE IT! I'm amazed at the shape, the wide straps, the wide ribbed band that goes around my chest, and the comfort. I hardly know it's there. There is a 60 day, money back guarantee, too.

There is one thing I don't like, and two things I wish were different:

1. I don't like the fact that the ribbed band that goes around my chest rolls. I drives me crazy sometimes. I'm thinking, though, that it's because my stomach isn't flat. If it was, the fabric wouldn't roll. I wish they could find a way to change that.

2. I wish that the bra wasn't a pull-over. I wish it had either a front closure or a back closure. It's kind of uncomfortable to try to pull the bra over your head - especially if your range of motion has been affected by surgery, or Lymphadema. Once it's on, it's fine. But, then you have to take it off. It's kind of hard.

3. I wish that I could get 6 white bras, instead of the offer they have of 2 white, 2 nude, and 2 black. I usually wear white. Nude is nice under lighter clothes, but I have no idea when I'll ever wear a black bra! I guess I can just use it to exercise in.

Even with these three complaints, I wouldn't trade this bra for all the tea in China! Overall, it's comfortable, lightweight, doesn't really ride up, has a small amount of support, and it's the right shape.

Here are the things you need to know:

1. Website: http://www.geniebra.com/
2. Buy 3, and get 3 FREE - just pay the extra shipping and handling.
3. Cost is $59.95 plus shipping and handling.
4. You get 3 colors - white, nude, and black.
5. I think the sizes run a little bit small. I got an extra large, and the arm holes sometimes feel a little bit tight - but that might be because of my Lymphadema.
6. Make sure you get the padding. If you don't, it's just a thin material - it doesn't really do the job. The padding is thin - 1/8" at the outside of the pad, and around 1/4" in the middle - but it helps to shape and cover things up. The pads are removable, too, so you can have it either way.
7. The bras are 96% Nylon and 4% Spandex. They are machine washable, and you can throw them in the dryer.
8. There is a size chart on the website - just look up your bust size, and then order the corresponding bra size. Sizes run from XS/S all the way up to 4X.
9. This is the most comfortable bra - you hardly know it's there.

I'll be bringing a few of these bras to our next support meeting - in September. If you are there, you are welcome to try one on and see how it fits.

TUESDAY TIDINGS - Advantages of Immediate Breast Reconstruction

I read an interesting article that I thought I'd pass along. The article is found at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

The article showed results from a study on Immediate Breast Reconstruction. It's important to note here, that the reconstructions were mainly done using tissues from the abdominal area (TRAM flaps). Here are a few quotes from the article:

"The outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction were analyzed, focusing on complication rates, timing of other cancer treatments and cosmetic results. The goal was to determine whether the proven benefits of immediate reconstruction were justified in terms of the risks and possible adverse effects."

The article listed several advantages for immediate reconstruction over delayed reconstruction:

1. Improved cosmetic outcomes
2. Shorter recovery time
3. Decreased costs
4. An important coping mechanism associated with improved quality of life
5. A reduced risk of depression.

"The results suggest that immediate reconstruction is safe and well tolerated by patients, and does not lead to an increased risk of complications. Delays in further treatment appear comparable to those of women undergoing mastectomy alone. The study also suggests that a "vast majority" of women experience no or only minor complications related to radiation therapy."

If you'd like to read the entire article, click HERE.

TUESDAY TIPS - Tissue Expanders During Reconstruction

Today, I'd like to direct you to Brenda Coffee's blog about tissue expanders during reconstruction. It's a great discussion on what to expect if you are thinking about having implants after a mastectomy. I went through this, and although I didn't stash things in my bra like Brenda did (hilarious), I did experience everything else she talks about. It was an interesting journey, and one that I'm happy is over...

http://www.breastcancersisterhood.com/_blog/Brenda%27s_Blog

If you have any questions that are not addressed by Brenda's blog, email me at nafari01@yahoo.com or just comment here, and I'll get back to you.

-Kara

THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Did That Really Happen?

I looked back on my cancer blog (Foobbabe's Cancer Journey) and found something I wrote a little while ago - I thought I'd share it...

"Every once in a while I wake up in the morning and think about everything that has happened to me, and I just can't wrap my head around it. I just can't believe that words and experiences like chemo, mastectomy, reconstruction, etc. are part of me.

Then, there are those days when I spend time becoming acquainted with the person that is the new me - with the woman who prevailed through trial, who learned to be a better person than before cancer was an experience she had to go through. Someone who learned many deep and meaningful lessons - like the power of love, the importance of kindness and acceptance (especially for yourself and your new body), and the example of charity.

Does that ever happen to you? I hope if it does, you'll take time to reflect not only about the trial of breast cancer, but also about the new person you've become - physically, mentally, and spiritually."

-Kara
22 month Breast Cancer Survivor