Olivia Newton John didn't let her battle with breast cancer keep her from singing and acting. Marilyn Schwartz, a Dallas Morning News newspaper columnist, didn't allow it to prevent her from pursuing her writing career. As one survivor on The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation World Wide Web site Komen.org, said, "I tried not to miss work ... and decided that this was not going to take over my life."

Women today aren't looking to just survive breast cancer surgery-they're looking to thrive.

And products for post-mastectomy patients are reflecting that zeal to continue an active lifestyle.

"Women are demanding choices, quality, and customer service," says Linda Jackson, president of Salem, Oregon-based Ladies First. Those who have undergone surgery or chemotherapy want comfortable products for a variety of activities and lifestyles, she adds.

Products that promote a positive self-image and that are comfortable are essential for women who have undergone breast surgery, manufacturers say. For example, the Pocket-Eze mastectomy recovery blouse made by Piloian Medical opens in the front so that mastectomy patients can dress easily without having to lift their arms, which is painful and practically impossible for them to do, says Piloian spokeswoman Sarah Girard. The vest features an inside, low-hanging pocket to hold the patient's drainage tubing and bulb, so that the apparatus cannot be seen. That helps the patient feel she looks normal, Girard says.

Because women are quickly returning to their busy home schedules and the corporate world after surgery, their choices for comfort must extend to a full line of undergarments in a variety of styles and fashionable colors, says Jackson. To meet women's needs, manufacturers are creating comfortable, stylish and feminine post-mastectomy undergarments. "These products are styled for the woman with special needs, but feature a beautiful touch of lace to create a fashionable look," says Patrice Sobeznski, vice president of sales for Active Inc., Plainwell, Mich.

The following is a selection of post-mastectomy products.