canasia.org

Anybody have bilateral mastectomy who is a swimmer? While I typically don't get in the water deliberately (except showers!), I'm supposed to take a swimsuit to rowing camp.  I'm unenthusiastic about wearing prostheses for sub-formal occasions, so would like to go flat . . . but of course essentially all swimsuits have some kinda builtin bra-thingie, so they look lumpy and goofy without some padding.   And, since I don't like to swim, I'm also not leaping with joy at the thought of paying $$$ for special mastectomy swimwear (and having to wear the consarned prostheses inside, to boot).  I know I could wear shorts & t-shirt or something, but I'm wondering whether anyone out there has dealt with this and has a better idea.   Thoughts?  Thanks! Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email

Hi Ann

Hello Ann, If you can't find a tank type suit without the built in cups.  (I think they are made), you might try this economical trick I used before my reconstruction.  I used a suit that had the cups built in but were attached at the neckline and the underarms of the suit (not at the band of the bra). Do you know what I mean?  The bottom of the bra part is free from the fabric of the suit itself, and usually has a hook type fastener in the back.  The bra is not stitched into the front body of the suit.  This freedom from stitching allowed me to make pocket in which to put my prothesis.  I took the top of old pantyhose and cut a semi circle, using the waistband as the straight top of the pocket.  Then I stitched the pocket to the inside of the swimsuit bra  (this is why it's important that the bra is free from the outside fabric of the swimsuit), and put my prosthesis in this pocket. It worked beautifully and didn't cost me anymore than a regular swimsuit would. If you'd like clarification, feel free to e-mail me.  I know I haven't done a bang up job of describing this little sewing project, but I thought it a practical enough tip to try.  Good luck! Barb

Thanks to all of your who responded with ideas & sources! Since my preference is to go *without* prostheses in a swimsuit if I can, Barb's message got me thinking that if I can find a reasonably-full-coverage affordable swimsuit with the bra part attached only around the edges, I can probably just cut the bra part away and make it work. This group is a great sounding board & assistance with our special issues! Thanks, Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email

Since my preference is to go *without* prostheses in a swimsuit if I can, Barb's message got me thinking that if I can find a reasonably-full-coverage affordable swimsuit with the bra part attached only around the edges, I can probably just cut the bra part away and make it work. This group is a great sounding board & assistance with our special issues! Thanks, Ann T. I hope you can find that suit.  Sounds like it should work just fine for you! Barb