Can't be bothered with a new boob

Arghh I was diagnosed just over 2 weeks ago and decided, after loads of obsessive thinking, to have a mastectomy and no reconstruction. I think my sexuality is very connected to my breasts but the thought of having a breast with no feelings is just not so attractive. I am 53 and have a great boyfriend who is being very supportive of my decision. I keep trying to imagine what it is going to be like, very strange after all these years of  two breasts . I am going to hospital tomorrow morning my doctor felt I could be home Thursday night but a friend who has been through breast cancer gave me the wise advice to make no plans, try not to expect too much and just go through it. I am trying hard to follow these words, they seem pretty wise to me. It is great to read other peoples stories in this group it makes me feel not so isolated. Loads of tips too,  thanks Adal

Arghh I was diagnosed just over 2 weeks ago and decided, after loads of obsessive thinking, to have a mastectomy and no reconstruction. I think my sexuality is very connected to my breasts but the thought of having a breast with no feelings is just not so attractive. I am 53 and have a great boyfriend who is being very supportive of my decision. I keep trying to imagine what it is going to be like, very strange after all these years of  two breasts . I am going to hospital tomorrow morning my doctor felt I could be home Thursday night but a friend who has been through breast cancer gave me the wise advice to make no plans, try not to expect too much and just go through it. I am trying hard to follow these words, they seem pretty wise to me. It is great to read other peoples stories in this group it makes me feel not so isolated. Loads of tips too,  thanks Adal

Hello Summer,

I am glad to hear from you.  There are some lovely bras out there.  I found with having larger boobs and having a bi-lateral masectomy that the berlie bra tended to ride up and that is why I was happy to get the prosetics.  I can still use the berlie bra with them.  I had a  seroma after my surgery but it has settled down now.  I wish you well in your journey.  Lots of love, Ruth

Welcome to the No Reconstruction Group.  Lynelle's title on her blog attracted my attention or I would not have known about the group.

Goodness, you have had a long hard road.  I am so glad you received the Berlie Bra - it is such a fantastic gift at a time when we don't really want to spend time worrying about what to buy.

To have the gene and surgery then make the no reconstruction decision is an enormous undertaking.  Like you, I am in my early 60s so feel I would look silly with perky boobs and white hair !

I am finding out a lot about the available pocket bras and some of them are just so pretty - I am now looking forward to that side of it all and feeling 'sexy' again.

I am still quite swollen etc so I won't get fitted for a proper prosthetic for a while (it is almost 6 weeks since my three surgeries) as I am told my shape may change a bit and it may not fit as well in a few months.  I am not rushing as the Berlie one is doing it's job - and no-one can tell anyway.

Hoping your life is now well back on track and you have good health and much happiness.

Summer

Hi Summerhill38! Jess from BCNA here - just wanted to say hello/welcome to the online network. Thankyou for you for sharing with us in your comment and I’m so glad to hear that you got our My Care Kit with the Berlei Bra! ~ I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others and share your experiences and If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : -)

Jess xox

Hi Robyn

Thanks for the tip re removal of the drain !

Yes, as per your advice, I walked the 'laps' whilst in hospital.  I began with a slow shaky 'potter 'to the lifts and back then on Wednesday I was up to five fast total laps (as far as the wards go) without stopping.  I got the heart rate up, that is for sure.

I saw one other patient up and about but he was doing a slow crawl.  As you say, unless the nurses encourage it most people sit around and enjoy being 'sick'.  I think the ages and training of the nursing staff these days means they are not as dedicated and common sense is not so common.

We have a glorious day here so that is aiding the recovery.

Do keep in touch and loet me know how you are travelling.

Summer

The District Nurse has been again today to check, record and replace my bag.  I am sooooo looking forward to having the drain removed on Tuesday (except for the pain I am told comes with the excitement).

The night before leaving hospital I was happy to see only 40 mls but then it went up to 190 and today 100 mls.  The nurse will re-dress it tomorrow as the bandages are quite sticky, therefore uncomfortable.

I guess with having had three surgeries in 4 days I am doing OK.  People are surprised I am up and about but I do think it is better to do things as per normal, within reason and pain boundaries.

I am doing my exercises as well as normal run of the mill things as best I can.  The cough from the third operation is a nuisance and I do get short of breath but I won't let it stop me !

Hope you are also doing OK.

Summer