https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:33:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1772176 Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:14:14 +0000 Anonymous 1772176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No answer, but I want to send you my best wishes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771982 Fri, 27 Jan 2017 03:35:29 +0000 andib 1771982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all of your thoughts....amazing the difference a day makes. After reading thru all of your posts I feel better about not needing to make any major clothing choices. Somehow I felt overwhelmed, (ok, I guess I was) but now I'm thinking I will just find something I like now, but not overly fitted. I definitely have time! Thanks again everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771885 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 17:07:25 +0000 JAileen 1771885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't have any helpful advice, unfortunately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771884 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 16:57:38 +0000 bj1111 1771884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>choice for immediate vs later reconstruction is a discussion best had with your physicians.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771866 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:40:10 +0000 Aziraphale 1771866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry to hear you have to have a mastectomy. A girlfriend of mine had one last August, along with a reconstruction at the same time, and I can back Jaime up that she did look thinner right away. The other thing I know is that she was very, very sore for about two weeks, and then it wasn't so bad after that. I can't offer many specific suggestions about clothing, but I'd assume that a loose cardigan over a non-clingy dress or top would be the most comfortable. Best of luck with everything! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771849 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 14:34:52 +0000 Suz 1771849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have too much to add to what the others have said here but I want to welcome you here.&nbsp;</p> <p>My mother had breast cancer and a mastectomy. She was already in her 80s then, and had been small breasted all her life anyway, so she opted for no reconstruction. For her, this was the right decision (but I think it is so individual and personal and there are no rights or wrongs).&nbsp;</p> <p>What she discovered afterwards was that she often liked to wear a silk camisole underneath her clothing. It felt good against her skin and was breathable.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771832 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:43:08 +0000 Jaime 1771832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you are getting expanders in the main thing that will change is that you will look thinner. I didn't realize how much my breasts added perception of weight.&nbsp; If no expanders I am not sure how early you will be allowed to do prosthetics as I didn't go that route so you may be flat chested. I would think about wearing a scarf, this way its all hidden.</p> <p>At 6 weeks post you will still be pretty sore and tired but overall this will be very doable. You will tire more easily though for sure. It took a while for this to regulate.After a MX its hard to raise your hands over your head. For post surgery and for this event I would plan on buttons or zippers down the front. It also makes it easier to get at the drains in the beginning-yours will be out be the graduation so don't worry about that.&nbsp; </p> <p>If you haven't already discovered breastcancer.org message boards you should check them out. They have forums for every kind of reconstruction, cancer type, emotional and many other topics. <br />Navigating the world of reconstruction is not easy and these women are experts. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771831 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:42:07 +0000 andib 1771831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can u clarify what you mean about "immediate reconstruction will give you most option". I am still trying to decide what I want to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771829 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:32:36 +0000 bj1111 1771829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>first off--f*ck cancer, you do you</p> <p>depending on your breast size and the surgery done, there may be noticeable breast asymmetry, not just in the size but the location. &nbsp;tissue expanders typically "ride" higher in the chest. &nbsp;shopping for a bra that is comfortable AND makes your breasts look symmetric will give you great confidence. &nbsp;you should be able to wear almost anything.</p> <p>your style will not change, but your comfort level will. &nbsp;it's important to listen to yourself so you are as comfortable and confident on your son's big event. &nbsp;for you and him. &nbsp;</p> <p>how about a classic dressy drapey sweater on top, may be with a bit of embellishment at the hem or sleeve to draw the eye. &nbsp;if you do scarves, an artfully draped scarf can mask any residual asymmetry (although i bet you will be the only one noticing any asymmetry left).</p> <p>hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771825 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 12:28:13 +0000 andib 1771825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much, all of your insights are so helpful! I should also correct my opening line was a bit of a slip. I wanted to say "hello", but my true feelings must have been what really was expressed!LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771793 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 03:55:33 +0000 Jen 1771793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's totally about your comfort level (both emotional and physical-- 6 weeks post surgery really isn't very long and you may still be stiff or tender... &nbsp;A side zipper may not be the answer.)</p> <p>A general note-- classic styles are classic because they work for everyone all the time. &nbsp;It will continue to work for you. &nbsp;The top that was your favorite top last year might not be your favorite top post-surgery, but you can definitely still do a classic style with an artsy edge.</p> <p>Specifically, button-down shirts might not hang evenly without a reconstruction. &nbsp;Graphic prints (like stripes) will highlight the new contours. &nbsp;More fluid patterns will hide it. &nbsp;Depending on the cut and color, a solid color might highlight. &nbsp;A cardigan will break up those lines.</p> <p>If your intent is ultimately reconstruction and you're just not sure if it's going to be at the same time as the mastectomy or if you'll need to wait a while, then there is absolutely no reason why anything about how you dress would need to change unless you just want it to. &nbsp;You can use a prosthetic bra to bridge you to reconstruction. &nbsp;A reconstructed breast might be noticeable in a swimsuit, or in a tank top or a very snug-fitting, low-cut top, but if you're talking about a sheath dress or a tunic it's likely that no one will ever know if you don't tell them and if they're staring at your chest they can see what they see. &nbsp;At least that's how I look at it.</p> <p>If you're not planning on reconstructing, I think it introduces a couple more questions. &nbsp;Like, what do you want? &nbsp;Do you want to celebrate surviving and tattoo roses across your chest? (which, incidentally, I think is totally awesome, but I hope no woman ever feels like that's how she has to respond to that situation). &nbsp;Or do you want to put the experience behind you as quickly as possible and try to avoid drawing attention. &nbsp;How you feel about the change is important, and you will feel how you feel and how you feel is a valid reaction. &nbsp;You shouldn't feel like you HAVE to hide, but you also shouldn't feel guilty if you do.</p> <p>Ultimately, what story do you want the photos to tell? &nbsp;If you don't want your surgery to be part of that story, add a cardigan or a shawl to cover up. &nbsp;If you want to talk about this as the year that you beat cancer AND saw your son graduate, wear a brightly colored snug top with a pink ribbon and just dare anyone to say anything (fyi- they won't, and they won't think anything except that you have courage they hope they never have to find in themselves).</p> <p>And I completely second Laurel's wishes for a speedy recovery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771791 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 03:47:22 +0000 Vix 1771791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Andi --</p> <p>Good luck with your upcoming surgery!</p> <p>I wouldn't worry too much about a shift in style right now (and really it's the front-on shoulder line to hip line proportions that often influence things more than what's projecting front or rear).</p> <p>Since you'll be pretty early on in recovery, my main concern would be allowing for range of motion/swelling/minimal pressure on incision sites. Can you talk to others who've been through it (either in person or forums...I think we have some BC survivors here but not sure they'll see this)?</p> <p>I have not been in your position but in having abdominal surgery it was months before I could wear a waist that wasn't a generous stretch. And annoyingly even LOOSE waists would hit just the wrong spots when I sat down! So I would definitely road test your outfit sitting/standing/shaking hands (if you think you'll be up for that).</p> <p>So all that said, I think separates are going to give you the most flexibility. I'm thinking tailored/classic on the bottom half so you can have roominess up top without looking too baggy overall.</p> <p>Maybe a soft silky jacket with a sharply fitted shoulder line but looser sleeves over a easy-fit/fluid top and skirt/pants? If dresses are your usual look, I'd try to find a top/skirt in the same color or print. You could skip the jacket and add a lightweight scarf to bring the arty element.</p> <p>Best of luck. Very hard to try to plan in advance for stuff like this -- trust me when I say your son will be glad to have you in a potato sack! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771761 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 01:15:10 +0000 Laurel 1771761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry that you are going through this, and wish you a full and speedy recovery. How thoughtful of you to consider your son's feelings on his big day--- &nbsp;Now, your style may change and frankly, you may feel a newfound freedom to expand your choices in every direction. &nbsp;Or, you may take comfort in your current style. &nbsp;My thoughts are that I hope you choose something comfortable, and familiar and that you enjoy this special occasion with the love of family and friends surrounding you both!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-post-mastectomy#post-1771736 Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:50:55 +0000 andib 1771736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hell, I am hoping someone may have some insight for me.&nbsp; I am awaiting a mastectomy with possible reconstruction.&nbsp; I will be attending my child's graduation, and want to look sharp so I do not up-stage my son on his big day.&nbsp; I am plus sized (narrow shoulders, large hips)and find that I wear a classic style for more formal occasions with a bit of artsy/edgy thrown in.&nbsp; My question is, should I assume that my style will not change given that my body will have a very different shape? (even less bust to balance hips)Are there any recommendations about what may be a good style for me given I will be only 6 weeks post surgery?&nbsp; I do not do sleeveless.I appreciate your insights!!! </p>