Bra eases post breast cancer surgery discomfort

Medebra created by South Florida breast cancer survivor

Kim Haley remembers the thoughts that went through her head when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

"Death - that's the only thing we think of when we're diagnosed," Haley said. "I'm going to die."

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The prognosis was good, but after waking up from surgery Haley felt horrible.

"It was awful. It was like a straight jacket," she said.

Haley is referring to the garment women are placed in after breast cancer surgery.

"At the time they were using zippers and the zipper actually cut my breast. It was so degrading. If things aren't bad enough, and you're so uncomfortable," she said.

"She says 'Doc, is this the best you can do?'  I said, 'No, see what you can come up with,'" said Dr. Nicholas Tranakas with Broward Health.

Haley came up with the Medebra, a product  being embraced by doctors and hospitals across the country.

"She went to the drawing board. She came up with her designs. I gave her a couple of suggestions and she went to town," said Tranakas.

The soft cotton garment opens at the front and has adjustable padded straps. Removable pouches to hold post surgical drains Velcro to the bottom edge.

"It's wonderful because it has the Velcro," said breast cancer survivor Rosa Delgado. "It's soft and easy to put on and off."

The Medebra comes in a variety of sizes and colors and can even fit men up to 250 pounds.

It can also be used as a sports bra and a nursing bra. 

"I feel like I've been left here for a purpose and this is my purpose," said Haley.

The Medebra retails for $75, but insurance coverage can reduce the cost to approximately $21 per bra.  Free shipping is offered nationally on www.medebra.com.