Staying flat…what’s it like being “lopsided”?

Dear Bj, I’m thrilled for you that you’ll be hiking the overland trail. It’s on my wish list. That is sure to take your mind off “the troubles’ and help heal both mind and body. I just hiked ZugSpitze in Germany, no bra needed and I didn’t notice any issues with leaving the other side ‘free range.’ For running on the other hand I wear a crop with some compression, no inserts. I’m taking advice from the bcna community about a prosthesis as well and when I get back to Melbourne, I will get fitted for one. I would like to wear it when I feel my appearance is more likely to be scrutinised. I realise that that’s just a judgement I make in my own head lol 😂 Mostly I work on the basis that no-one’s looking at me and so far that seems to be the case. Nice to have one available though when I need a bit extra confidence.

Hi Bj​. I'm a 12C and had a single mastectomy as well as 7 lymph glands removed 9 weeks ago. I decided to go flat and really pleased with the result. I wore the Berlei bra with the soft insert which was ok and did the job (a bit of trial & error to get the stuffing right!). I also wore a crop top at times as well as the Berlei bra without the soft insert. I do a lot of walking & hiking and didn't feel lopsided. In the early weeks my skin/scar area was a bit sensitive and found the Berlei ones didn't cause much irritation.  

I now have an Amoena Adapt Air Prosthesis which is so much better. I've only had it a week but I forget that I'm wearing it most of the time. I also have the Amoena bras which are great, especially the Eliza style - depending on your size this style may even be ok for running. I play a lot of tennis so a prosthesis was important for me - just need to find a supportive pocketed sports bra now. If you're in Melbourne, I can recommend Femmeline in Croydon who were very helpful and knowledgeable. All the best🙂

I got my prosthesis 12 months after my mastectomy, due to a persistent and very large seroma that made a proper fitting virtually impossible. I was so glad to get rid of a soft (ie won't stay in place!) form, didn't want another mastectomy (no greater risk of getting cancer there than anywhere else in my body, my oncologist noted), and just too big to go lopsided. I note that some women in tropical climates have encountered some problems, but I am in Melbourne, have had no problem with it and have a swim version. If I had been small breasted though, I might seriously have gone without. Best wishes. 

Hi 👋 I was size 34 C and had a one side mastectomy on the right side earlier this year. In line with my request to forgo a reconstruction, my surgeon offered me a nice flat result which I’m delighted with. I have not worn a bra since and have delighted in hiking, and everyday life without one. Wearing winter clothing i found it really not noticeable. However now that I’m in Europe and it’s summer, I’m noticing that some tops make it more obvious than i would like. I think it’s a matter of experimenting and finding a look you’re comfortable with. My hiking shirts are fine, fitted tees in light colours not so good. I’m thinking i might try a soft insert for some events and see how it goes. Overall being braless is worth the lopsidedness for me. Let’s keep chatting maybe we can learn from each other on this new ‘journey’ LOL 😆 

You can do whatever you want... but i had a c cup when i had my one side masectomy ,bigger now 18 years later ,  so i find  it very comfortable to wear a prosthesis every day, once i got some good pocketed bras and prostheis combos that worked for me. Well worth a visit to a fiitter for an intial  consult and guidance  ,or an online appointment if your rural and none nearby  .Its not just the prostehsis , its the bra and how they work together. Then re build up a wardrobe of different bras, sporty, lacy, soft , smooth cup,  etc 

Much easier for smaller breasts . No we don't have official 'uniboob' bras in Australia, but I have seen people sew them, and it is important to support your remaining breast .If you find your comfortable going  asymetical sometimes, there are proably some sport crop ones that may work  .Check out 'Know your knockers.'

But plenty of types of prosthesis, different weights , but only from speciality lingerie stores that you have to track down. I can't attache pdf here, but I have put images of the lists i made for sutherland breast cancer support group on the the Facebook page Flat Life Australia ,it include online store options. Make sure you join there if you use FB.

Good store front one at Figree/Woolongong. CasaMia

Its nice to have a foam one for at home, silicone is much more relaistic weight and texture and drape -  when someone hugs you it is  like flesh.

ther are swim ones that drape differently again so when lie down they fall different and great if do a lot of swiming as more robust plastic.

There is also  'Boost'  style for time when want a light weight fun shape.

( that is unique , not in shops . only https://www.thepositivehealthproject.com.au/boost) 

Too light a breast form  and the cup and band on that side may ride up as you move around.

It will feel weird, but you get used to wearing a prosthesis , all part of accepting new body and healing emotionally .

Also good it was one surgery, not mutiple and complications like others seem to have. There are a lot of benefits to retaining one healthy breast. 

I have heard the Hugger luma is a good sporty bra in the prarie range. I have only tried the Vida.  Prima is for post surgery or if have any chest torso swelling.

https://lymphshop.com.au/compression-garments/bras/

I was lopsided for 18mths, and hated it. I always wore a bra and prosthesis when out and about. I was a 18-20DD, so it would have been very obvious had I not worn my prosthesis. My Bra always twisted to the remaining breast side. I seriously considered going flat and having the other one off, for symmetry. If I had a slim shape, I would have gone that way. However after some research I decided on Reconstruction. I am very happy with my choice. It was a difficult decision. When I had the Recon(Lat Dorsi) I Also  had a prophylactic Mastectomy to my other side. I now have 2 implants. Wearing clothes and being naked is ok now. I'd be happier if I was slim.

Hi BJ

I had a goldilocks mastectomy (not flat so may not be as helpful!) on my left side in December 25. I've not had any physical issues.

I got fitted for a prosthesis asap and regret doing it so quickly. I've found the remaining breast has changed size and shape since then with weight loss and redistribution thanks to chemo and endocrine therapy.

I would say I am 50% of the time wearing the prosthesis and the rest of the time using a combination of bra inserts or other soft inserts. I've recently found a sports bra (Circuit Women's Padded Sports Bra from Big W in two cup-sizes down) that compresses the remaining breast enough that I am comfortable to wear it without any filler on the left side. It's not perfect but the best solution I have found so far.

Good luck on your search :)

Nicole