Breast Cancer Resources

elisebutt65

OK - Let me be clear - This is not about medical treatment, alternative therapies etc. I just want this thread to be about resources - such as where to buy a decent post-op bra, or wigsd etc.

I just got diagnoised with ductal cancer yesterday(bit of a shocker right there) and I have to have a mastectomy. I am having a temporary implant straightaway, so that's a good sign, but I need to think about things I'm going to need and as work will probably put me on sick pay(whooee) if they keep me on(union time coming up -I can feel it) I'm going to need to save every penny that I can.

I looked at the brochures in the nurses office at bras and stuff and the prices were really shocking!! Tak about making money out of misery, even if they do give fantaastic service:eek:

I got a nice soft bra from M & S but even that was £17.00.

Also, I'm having the full works after surgery, so that may mean hair loss, which means wigs or turbans, unless I follow DS's suggestion and have a huge tattoo on my bald skull:rotfl:. I am going for the pink mohawk before it all falls out (if it does start to go)

It just struck me after reading the Stand Up to Cancer theread, that we probably have a huge library of resources just in our heads from all the surviviors on here and it would be great to pool all these ideas in one thread.

Like what is the best skin cream to use after radiation treatment, that doesn't irritate your skin? How to learn how to draw eyebrows?
Useful blogs?

Anyone else agree?

notanewuser

elisebutt65 wrote: »

OK - Let me be clear - This is not about medical treatment, alternative therapies etc. I just want this thread to be about resources - such as where to buy a decent post-op bra, or wigsd etc.

I just got diagnoised with ductal cancer yesterday(bit of a shocker right there) and I have to have a mastectomy. I am having a temporary implant straightaway, so that's a good sign, but I need to think about things I'm going to need and as work will probably put me on sick pay(whooee) if they keep me on(union time coming up -I can feel it) I'm going to need to save every penny that I can.

I looked at the brochures in the nurses office at bras and stuff and the prices were really shocking!! Tak about making money out of misery, even if they do give fantaastic service:eek:

I got a nice soft bra from M & S but even that was £17.00.

Also, I'm having the full works after surgery, so that may mean hair loss, which means wigs or turbans, unless I follow DS's suggestion and have a huge tattoo on my bald skull:rotfl:. I am going for the pink mohawk before it all falls out (if it does start to go)

It just struck me after reading the Stand Up to Cancer theread, that we probably have a huge library of resources just in our heads from all the surviviors on here and it would be great to pool all these ideas in one thread.

Like what is the best skin cream to use after radiation treatment, that doesn't irritate your skin? How to learn how to draw eyebrows?
Useful blogs?

Anyone else agree?

So so sorry to hear that. No advice, but wanted to wish you all the very best.

snozberry

My mum hated her wig because it made her head itchy and she was terrified that it would blow off in a gust of wind! Instead, she knitted an array of really cute hats to wear instead.

I'm really sorry about your news but your practical attitude is fab. My mum was just the same

Jacqu79

Hi there, I'm really sorry to hear your news.
I had a double mastectomy almost two years ago due to being diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene, which gave me a high risk of developing cancer.

I used asda's post surgery bras and they were great! You can order them online and have them delivered to your local store!

http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/white-post-surgery-bra/GEM61333,default,pd.html

When I was in hospital, the woman in the next bed told me about the maggie's centres and a group they run called Look Good, Feel Better. They give cancer sufferers hair and beauty advice. I didn't use them as I didn't have cancer, but they're supposed to be very good!

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/site/index.cfm

Good luck!xxx

floss2

OP, whereabouts do you live? I know of a very good wig-dresser near me, and I would suggest you speak to the Breast Care nurses for suggestions nearer to you.

Have you a hospice near you? My mum used to go as a day patient for holistic treatments when she was first diagnosed, she also used Asda bras and I think the nurses at Clatterbridge gave her some advice when she had her radiotherapy.

elisebutt65

Jacqu79 wrote: »

Hi there, I'm really sorry to hear your news.
I had a double mastectomy almost two years ago due to being diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene, which gave me a high risk of developing cancer.

I used asda's post surgery bras and they were great! You can order them online and have them delivered to your local store!

http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/lingerie/white-post-surgery-bra/GEM61333,default,pd.html

When I was in hospital, the woman in the next bed told me about the maggie's centres and a group they run called Look Good, Feel Better. They give cancer sufferers hair and beauty advice. I didn't use them as I didn't have cancer, but they're supposed to be very good!

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/site/index.cfm

Good luck!xxx

Those bras look pretty good for only a few quid, thanks.

I'm in Warwickshire & they don't run a Look Good group here, but I'm seeing the nurse on Thursday to look at post op photos, so I'll talk to her about maybe getting one going.

Not too sure about wigs yet, I maybe lucky & keep it all, but if it goes, then I'll probably look at scarfs, bandannas & turbans. DS1 suggested a hijab (smack!)

inkyblue_2

eyebrow tatoos changed my life after chemo, they look better than anything I could draw.

I never bought any special bras's found a sports bra in Primark which I used until the scar healed.

good luck, I have had all the treatments and surgery so feel free to ask anything you like.

elisebutt65

inkyblue wrote: »

eyebrow tatoos changed my life after chemo, they look better than anything I could draw.

I never bought any special bras's found a sports bra in Primark which I used until the scar healed.

good luck, I have had all the treatments and surgery so feel free to ask anything you like.

I read on someone's blog, that she did an eyebrow of the day; quizical eye, angry eye, curious eye. I might go for the James Bond 'one raised brow' look.
Sorry, I have a weird sense of humour.:o

floss2

elisebutt65 wrote: »

I read on someone's blog, that she did an eyebrow of the day; quizical eye, angry eye, curious eye. I might go for the James Bond 'one raised brow' look.
Sorry, I have a weird sense of humour.:o

I think that sounds a fab idea!

busiscoming2

I haven't any advice to give, but think the thread is a brilliant idea.

Good Luck with your treatment.

catzooo

Hi Elsie. I was diagnosed with BC 3 weeks ago, and had my 1st chemo session last week. Will have surgery then radiotherapy hopefully in 5-6 months. Waiting for my hair to start to go this week. I went to the wig shop recommended by the hospital, and hated them all. Far too groomed for me. I want one that looks like my usual style "dragged thru a hedge backwards" look. Am thinking I should look more for a fancy dress shop wig. Do get your pink mohawk! And I love the idea of a head tattoo.
For now I have found some lovely bandanas which will do me
http://www.annabandana.co.uk/
I've also found some great advice here
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/community
Best wishes in your treatment x