Mastectomy Question

[pattyz]

Dear Gayle,

At the time of my mastectomy, I was a 'C' cup. I did not have recon, nor anything done to 'good' breast. I thought I would be ok with some prosthesis. Spent several years trying out different kinds with varied results. None were totally, or even largely, satisfactory.

I eventually went braless, wearing loose tops. Bra for 'occasions' only. Yet it was a few more years to get ok with even that.

Now that I've lost so much weight and coupled with age, my remaining breast is so flat and small it is 'barely' there at all! Yet....... Now I do wear a bra with a trimmed up foam prosthesis when I go 'visiting' or want to look nice in something other than a loose old shirt.

ok, that's my story, nearly 7 years out.

If I were in your place, knowing now how things would be, I think I would opt for a good breast reduction in remaining breast. I know it is impossible to see in advance how you will feel about this, but 'try on' different scenarios. as if you haven't already, 'eh?? I can say that being lopsided, even at a 'C' has not been any kind of fun or ok for me. But, I am so vain at heart.

I was staged IIIb with Inflammatory and two Invasive ductal tumors with 6+ nodes of 26.

Very best wishes for you and peace with your own decision,
hugs
pattyz

[Lolly]

Hi Gayle,

When I was diagnosed in '99 in the left breast, I had modified radical mast. and opted to delay a decision on reconstruction until after treatment. Wore prosthesis but wasn't comfortable and as I did develop lymphedema in the left arm, the weight and pulling on that left shoulder plus constriction on the underarm axilla area was a concern, so I wore it only when going out.

Six months after finishing rads I recurred to left regional nodes, and by 2002 was NED and on Herceptin maintenance. At that time I had a right simple mast., as I didn't want the constant worry etc. Still delayed a decision on reconstruction, still just wore bra/prothesis when going out or expecting company, but felt so much better not being lopsided anymore.

I just finished rads to the right axilla for recurrence, same profile as original. Now I don't wear the prothesis even when going out, as I couldn't during rads and finally got comfortable being in public without "boobs"

I don't think I'll ever have reconstruction now, but that's my personal take. It is possibly still an option, but the longer I delay, the less important it seems to me and so for that reason am glad I didn't rush into it, lol!

Good luck with your decision, it's such a personal one and only you know how you feel about it in your heart of hearts.

<3 Lolly

P.S. I don't have IBC, just "plain vanilla" Her2.

[Sandy H]

I am not sure how many know this as I just found out last month. There is a new prosthesis out! I can honestly, say they are wonderful!! They are lighter and yet are weighed. There is an insert in the inside of the prosthesis that is velcro it can be pulled off and put in frig. for 30 mins. It works with the heat from the chest wall to keep you cool. Its not like it sounds!! It is great for women having hot flashes. They are called climate control. I have recently, purchased(my insurance paid) one for each side as my right side was a MRM and left a simple. I was fitted with a larger size on the right to fill in the space left from surgery. I don't even need any extra fill!! There is a bra called made by amoena, called elegant contours #2149. Its on the internet (Amoena) if anyone is interested in seeing these. The bra is extra soft, a mircro fiber that breaths and feels so nice with wide padded straps. My skin is super sensitive and could never wear bras always wore cami's when going out (very hot in the summer) or nothing in the house. I was fitted by a professional and can honestly, say I feel like a new person and now, wear them every day all day. No riding up and moving around they actually, stay put. I learned about these at a support presentation. Just thought I would share this. hugs, Sandy

[skibunny]

Dear Gayle,

I had a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction two weeks ago. I had had a recurrance on the left side, but decided to do both sides because they can only use your tummy fat once for the reconstruction. I also did not want to be constantly worrying about my right side.

I am sore on the underside of my left arm, under my arm and where they removed lymph nodes. It feels like a bad sun burn and like novacaine wearing off. I was off morphine in 2 days and Percoset in 5 days. I have been on Motrin since day 6. Every day I feel better. I did a lot of research and am happy with my decision.

Good luck, I wish you well.

Skibunny