The bra burnings of the 1960’s were an act of rebellion by women to bring about cultural change. When I unceremoniously roasted my own ugly, old mastectomy bras years ago, this was my purpose as well. While on a much smaller scale and through humor, I wanted to spark change in the cancer recovery world.

Breast cancer surgeries like lumpectomies and mastectomies create a host of body-altering side effects including scars, breast dimpling and unevenness, and loss of one or both breasts. Reconstruction brings its own unique set of  challenges.

Following my double mastectomy, I found out that breast cancer recovery requires learning a new body language, what I call mastectomy lingo (pocketed bras, breast forms, shapers, expanders, and flaps) and involves discovering how to rebuild your wardrobe and self-esteem from the inside — out.

All women deserve to recover with dignity, self-esteem, and personal style. That starts with shelving depressing, functional, medically-oriented products and providing women with access to beautiful, stylish recovery wear that helps them look and feel the way they did, pre-cancer.

Cancer Be Glammed has partnered with two survivor-created, women-owned companies who understand and have created cancer recovery bras, camisoles, lingerie and loungewear designed to make women feel strong, beautiful and sexy.

AnaOno Intimates founded by Breast Cancer survivor and fashion designer, Dana Donofree offers an extensive range of fashionable post-op styles including beautiful bra-lettes for women who choose to live flat.

Complete Shaping was founded by Kathy Conway, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy and was disheartened by the lack of practical-yet-fashionable recovery clothes for women who wanted to wear breast forms. Kathy designed an “all in one” camisole with lightweight breast forms sewn into the bra cup. The camisoles are an ideal wardrobe staple. They can be worn as is or under a gauzy or button-down shirt.

Thanks to survivors like Dana and Kathy and their fantastic companies–I’m happy to say that I have put away my matches. The mastectomy bras I wear now are smok’in!  Head to our “Life & Style” Recovery Boutique for more recovery fashions and life-made-easier solutions. We’ve got you covered! (Literally).