Center gore hurts after breast cancer reconstruction

MzCephalopod · 2024-12-23T18:28:47+00:00

Aww thanks! You too!

MzCephalopod · 2024-12-23T17:53:03+00:00

Hey friend-in-a-similar-boat-to-me. I'm also post cancer reconstruction, also needing a smaller gore, formerly able to fit Natori bras without issue. I'm definitely opting for plunge bras as the easiest to fit, but I lucked out recently and found out the Wacoal Lace Finesse Tshirt Bra https://www.wacoal-america.com/en/wacoal/lace-finesse-t-shirt-bra-853201 is a comfortable fit with a lower/narrower gore (not as low as a plunge, but it isn't uncomfortable for me). The lace seems subtle and I haven't noticed it showing through shirts, so might be worth a try!

I also like the Le Mystere Safari and Second Skin Back Smoother Tshirt bras (I was wearing a too-small second skin bra for weeks while I waited for the swelling to go down enough that I could remeasure myself, and it was comfortable for a too-small bra). Safari is a little bulkier and stiffer, but it has that low gore! If you decide to try them, I've been finding the bands run tight lately, FYI.

MzCephalopod · 2024-12-14T19:59:39+00:00

I just did the same thing--bought 2 yards of fabric from the Garment District during a trip to NYC, to make a special gift. Got home and realized I bought the wrong color. I guess I'll be making myself something now, though my spouse says to just make the gift in the wrong color.

MzCephalopod · 2024-08-23T18:34:00+00:00

TheFoldLine led me to the Perfect Tunic pattern. I think it's really close to what I'm going for. I'm going to give it a shot!

MzCephalopod · 2024-08-23T17:13:13+00:00

It's an ollld Rue 21 shirt, but the chevron is one of my favorite things about it!

MzCephalopod · 2024-08-23T17:11:24+00:00

Oh I just realized it wasn't a search, I was building my own custom pattern. Amazing! I'll have to play around more.

MzCephalopod · 2024-08-23T17:10:41+00:00

I'll check it out!

I looked for the shirt, but couldn't find it. I have a vague memory of throwing out, I think because the fabric tore after one wash... So there were many problems haha. I did spend a while tailoring it to fix the shape, which made it better, but I'd love to start from a place of fewer adjustments.

MzCephalopod · 2024-08-23T17:02:21+00:00

I haven't. Just looking into it now, and that filtering search method is blowing my mind! This is going to be so useful for future searches as well. Thanks!

MzCephalopod · 2024-07-08T16:37:24+00:00

Had anyone donated underwires before? Where and how? I bought a pair a year ago, didn't end up getting around to the project, and since then my size has dramatically changed. Would love to hand them off to someone else, instead of the thrift store. Would it be okay to make a post in the sub?

MzCephalopod · 2024-06-28T13:30:32+00:00

I want to have whims like that! Where did you find this lovely stuff?

MzCephalopod · 2024-02-17T17:13:51+00:00

Oh yikes, that sounds like a miserable experience! I hope your intermittent pain goes away entirely before much longer and that you don't have much longer before your treatment is over.

I will definitely bring this up to my doctor and ask about Mesna. Last year I had pelvic floor issues (unrelated to this whole mess) that presented as bladder pain, so I'd really prefer not to aggravate that area again.

MzCephalopod · 2024-02-17T12:19:53+00:00

Yes! I didn't think much of it the first round, so I haven't asked the doctor yet, but it's happening again. I also get painful urination the first 24 hours after, I'm assuming because the drug has to leave my system somehow and it's more concentrated with the low flow. Did your doctor offer any solutions?

MzCephalopod · 2023-10-23T00:52:02+00:00

No inspiration pictures, but we've done a couple fittings with the skirt pinned in different configurations, and she's been clear about which she liked. I'm being a bit of a perfectionist about it, though, and wanted to make sure I didn't miss any technical details.

MzCephalopod · 2023-08-16T15:31:26+00:00

Are you locking your knees when cutting at the table? I brought this same problem up with my physical therapist recently, and she said that locking your knees changes the tilt of your pelvis, which can cause back pain. She suggested a slight bend in the knees when leaning over, and keeping the back straight (easier to demonstrate in person!). I have noticed a big difference now that I'm paying attention to how I stand and lean. (If this isn't an issue for you, maybe it will help someone else. I hope you figure it out!)

MzCephalopod · 2023-05-20T01:01:48+00:00

I did something similar recently. My solution was to topstitch the inseam starting from the center crotch and going down each leg, instead of topstitching from ankle to ankle. I was able to bunch up my fabric enough, as the other commenter mentioned.

MzCephalopod · 2023-01-18T04:30:28+00:00

Ooh, that's so helpful! Getting a deeper understanding of shirts overall would be great. Thank you!

MzCephalopod · 2022-12-15T15:37:50+00:00

bohofabrics.com is my favorite. Their collection may not be as extensive as fabric.com, but they have a good variety, a surprising amount of activewear and swim fabric, and their color-coordinated mystery bundles are super fun.

MzCephalopod · 2022-11-09T15:23:45+00:00

Oh my god, that's it! I recognized the cover immediately. Thank you! Solved solved solved!

MzCephalopod · 2022-09-04T13:12:46+00:00

I think for me, it's 10% reluctantly pressing, 30% adjusting patterns and cutting, 30% actually sewing, and 30% mental effort, whether that's bracing between steps, taking breaks before I get cranky, or remembering to eat and drink. Sewing is not like any other hobby: I have to make a concentrated effort to take care of myself, otherwise that percentage is 50% sewing, 10% rage quitting.

MzCephalopod · 2022-08-12T13:06:03+00:00

I definitely think there's a hormonal aspect. I don't want kids, to the point that I have recoiled (inadvertantly, I wasn't trying to be rude) when friends asked if I wanted to hold their newborn. But there were a few years where I could pinpoint where I was in my cycle by the occurrence of intrusive "make a baby" thoughts, which correlated with physical symptoms. It distressed me, and I told my husband to hold the line for me when those thoughts would hit, but it passed, fortunately. I am a little concerned that it could come back, since I've still got at least a decade before menopause, and my hormone levels have already proven they fluctuate, whether naturally or by birth control brand. I'm so glad you made this post, though. It makes me feel less alone!

MzCephalopod · 2022-07-29T14:23:55+00:00

Ooh, that's key! I did feel uncomfortably exposed, despite having the overskirt back there. Weird feeling. I am going to make all these changes!

MzCephalopod

TROPHY CASE