A few weeks ago, I set out to do something I haven’t done in years… shop for a new bra.  More specifically, a *post-chemo / surgery / radiation* bra. This is that adventure… enjoy!

I’ve always been a creature of comfort – the thought of wearing an under-wire, straps digging into my shoulders, type of bra just wasn’t my idea of a good time.  But I knew I needed more support for the ‘girls’ – i usually wear padded bralettes and although they are comfortable, they didn’t really do much in terms of support or shape.

From the back of my dresser drawer, I picked out one of the two real bras I owned and put it on. OMG! It was so tight (did I really gain that much weight?!?) I could barely get the hooks together, let alone breathe.  I somehow got it on and unrealistically thought to myself, ‘maybe it just needs to stretch?’ And left the house with it on.  <big mistake>

I went to a follow-up visit with my surgeon – by the way, everything looks great! Yay! However, the bra did not go back on – I couldn’t endure anymore pain and pressure. There were red marks under my boobs, on my shoulders.. it was not a good look. Luckily, I was wearing a top that could cover up enough boob/nips that I could get away with it. 

I left the hospital and immediately drove myself to the nearest Nordstrom. My Mecca, my happy place. My favorite shopping destination. I was a girl on a mission: FIND. NEW. BRA. 

I was a little nervous, to say the least, with my scars; the girls no longer being a similar size; my gained weight; I felt scared of being different… looking different. I heard such great things about Nordstrom’s bra fittings, plus their annual anniversary sale was underway. I looked around for a bit and waited a few minutes to be helped. I was met by a lovely sales associate, so kind and full of energy (and wearing such great shoes!) I explained my post-treatment qualms and she assured me that she could find me some great options. 

I followed her into the fitting room and she brought out her tape measure and wrapped it around my bust, making note of my measurements. I am now a 38B (and my sister size is a 36C, I did not know of such a thing). For some frame of reference, I was originally wearing a 34B. GIRL… no wonder I was dying. 

She stepped out for a few minutes and came back with three options. She stayed in the room with me to assist with the fitting – I didn’t mind.. honestly, who hasn’t seen the girls at this point? I tried on my first 38B and it was like the angels were singing in Heaven. I didn’t realize a bra could feel so comfortable and soft.  I found my size!

She was just as ecstatic as I was.  She quickly walked back to the sales floor to pick out a few more options.  She dropped off a couple more after that and emphasized that she found me a ‘sexy’ one. Lol. I tried them all on.

At that point, the toughest part was just deciding which style and color I wanted. In the end, I purchased three.. different colors and styles and even purchased that sexy one.

Now that I’ve been wearing my bras for a couple weeks now, I have to say that I never paid much attention to how wearing a bra could make me feel. More feminine. More confident, More secure. I know how scary this experience can be… not knowing what to expect, or even anticipating another negative side effect that cancer can cause, but it wasn’t.

It went better than expected. It wasn’t stressful or awkward. I’m so glad I did this for me.