PORTLAND, OR (KOIN) – Sometimes breast cancer patients can’t find comfortable clothing to wear after surgery. But a Portland doctor is working to filling that need.

Breast cancer survivor Kami Diaz didn’t want to be an underwear model. She’d rather not wear this stuff at all, but it is designed to make her feel better.

The California native was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, at just 26 years old.

“The elastic is right where my incision was and it was very irritating and it was red and swollen and I avoided wearing a bra altogether,” Diaz said.

The new collection she models for is called “Makemerry” by Ana Ono. It took Kaiser Permanente Doctor Katie Deming six years to design it.

“I knew the problem and I knew the solution,” Dr. Deming said. “I didn’t know apparel manufacturing.”

One of her patients knew designer Dana Donofree, who already produces a line of lingerie for survivors like herself, and put them in touch.

“When I talked to Dana for the first time, I knew she was what I needed,” Dr. Deming explained.

The duo launched Deming’s designs three months ago, and with the help of Diaz modeling the new looks, they have already sold more than 200 products online.

“Those are the things, where I’m like, oh my goodness, it was worth all this struggling to get to this point because we really have solved a problem,” Dr. Deming said.

Gone are days of flipping camisoles inside out or cutting out the underwire. Those are two things Dr. Deming used to recommend her patients do to feel more comfortable.

“Honestly, the things I would tell people were ridiculous,” the doctor said.

She’s not only bringing comfort, but sexy back too.

“To even have this from here on out, this kind of product where it’s so comfortable, but still feel beautiful, it’s amazing,” Diaz, who is cancer free and will continue her teaching career in Los Angeles, said.

The Makemerry products cost about $60, but the company is giving them away for free to breast cancer patients through our area’s Susan G. Komen Latina Initiative.

According to the organization, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas. You can read more information about getting help by clicking here.

You can also click here to sign up to run on Jennifer’s team in this year’s Race for the Cure.