Hello, I joined this group a few weeks ago, but this is my first time posting. I was diagnosed with breast cancer of my left breast in September. I had breast conserving surgery and they removed 40mm of invasive cancer, plus my margins had several DCIS and one out of two nodes had cancer. I went back for surgery in October for a single mastectomy and axillary clearance. I have had MRI’s, CT’s and Bone Scans and my surgeon is confident that it isn’t in my right breast or anywhere else. I have already had my first of four chemo cycles, CT. Are there any other women out there who have had a single mastectomy? I am a public health patient, and initially I was not intending on having reconstruction, however I am struggling with trying to make my breasts look the same under clothes. At the moment I am only using the Berlei Bra form and one which my mum knitted me (I use the knitted one mostly), and will get fitted for a prosthesis early next year. I am just finding it really uncomfortable, and would love to hear from others who are similar to me. Thank you xx

That's great Leanne 75 that it hasn't spread. you've hit the jackpot by only having early stage breast cancer- I know that sounds weird but its true. I wish I really understood that when I was diagnosed- 10 years ago now, all that I have learnt I would have not been so stressed back then. masectomy/chemo /rad is tough. But at least HUGE survival rates stage 3.catch it early . have the treatment. that's the message we have to spread.yep it feels weird for ages. you keep thinking you have fluid but it just new shapes of muscles and ribs and new armpit shape and chest that makes bras feel weird.but once I had time to accept that new shape and new feelings and got a proper prosthesis and bras ( Lily Bliss To You) I was much more confident. Learnt to wear camisoles and scarves to cover lack of clevage. More surgery not for me. I am happy to pop my plastic boob in and get on with my day.Some people think they are heavy - but they are actually realistic and help balance things for you back/shoulder. its just not a bag of flesh attached to your chest- but a cleverly designed plastic boob in a pocket. I love underwires too.hope you can save up to cash flow the rebate and get yourself some more comfortable bras. takes a well trained fitter. Don't buy things if your not sure.Just remember anxiety also makes it feel uncomfortable ( I know, I struggle with that) - we have to look after our whole self- hard isn't it. good luck.your not alone.

Hi Leanne, I’m sorry to hear you’ve started the crap bc journey but welcome to this network.A mastectomy takes abit of getting used to.I had one 7 years ago and this was my second bout of bc. I’d had a lumpectomy(left breast)and full node clearance and radiation back in 2003 but it came back in the same spot in 2010. I got fitted for a prosthesis about 6 wks post surgery and it was so much better. It looks natural,feels comfortable and I can wear tighter t shirts. Up till then,I wore loose shirts with the soft form as I felt abit self conscious.The soft form would sometimes gravitate to the real breast as it’s not weighted.Wearing a scarf over your top can hide a lot.I’ve had to shop for clothes with higher necklines or ‘doctor’ them by sewing fake lace cami’s underneath.I also doctor my bathers.I don’t do naked in the bedroom but that’s just me.We are all different and there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to adjusting to a mastectomy.Is there any possibility of getting fitted for a prosthesis before Christmas?Tonya xx

Hi Leannei had a left mastectomy five years ago and due to a persistent seroma, had a soft pad for nearly 12 months, so I know how you feel. Perpetual adjustment is a thorough pain. A proper prosthesis, shape, weight and touch much closer to the real thing, made all the difference and I have neither looked back nor felt the need for a reconstruction. My prosthesis cost $400, most refundable and needs replacement about every two years. I had no need to change any of my clothes - I didn't wear plunging necklines but my surgeon kindly left me with just enough for a hint of cleavage! I am fine for beach or pools, have stripped off in shared change rooms, although it took a little time to get fully comfortable naked. Best wishes.

Hi Leanne, welcome/. There are loads of us in the same boat - for reconstruction options and advice you can request to join the closed discussion group on Breast reconstruction. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction

Small breasted and lost the left one two years ago. I wear no bra or prosthesis. No one seems to notice any way but clothes loose with a pocket on the left side for my comb and note book and I look pretty level. :)

Single Masectomy | Online Network

TonyaM
Member
8 years ago
Hi Leanne, I’m sorry to hear you’ve started the crap bc journey but welcome to this network.A mastectomy takes abit of getting used to.I had one 7 years ago and this was my second bout of bc. I’d had a lumpectomy(left breast)and full node clearance and radiation back in 2003 but it came back in the same spot in 2010. I got fitted for a prosthesis about 6 wks post surgery and it was so much better. It looks natural,feels comfortable and I can wear tighter t shirts. Up till then,I wore loose shirts with the soft form as I felt abit self conscious.The soft form would sometimes gravitate to the real breast as it’s not weighted.Wearing a scarf over your top can hide a lot.I’ve had to shop for clothes with higher necklines or ‘doctor’ them by sewing fake lace cami’s underneath.I also doctor my bathers.I don’t do naked in the bedroom but that’s just me.We are all different and there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to adjusting to a mastectomy.Is there any possibility of getting fitted for a prosthesis before Christmas?
Tonya xx
Afraser
Member
8 years ago
Hi Leanne
i had a left mastectomy five years ago and due to a persistent seroma, had a soft pad for nearly 12 months, so I know how you feel. Perpetual adjustment is a thorough pain. A proper prosthesis, shape, weight and touch much closer to the real thing, made all the difference and I have neither looked back nor felt the need for a reconstruction. My prosthesis cost $400, most refundable and needs replacement about every two years. I had no need to change any of my clothes - I didn't wear plunging necklines but my surgeon kindly left me with just enough for a hint of cleavage! I am fine for beach or pools, have stripped off in shared change rooms, although it took a little time to get fully comfortable naked. Best wishes.
nikkid
Member
8 years ago
Hi Leanne, welcome/. There are loads of us in the same boat - for reconstruction options and advice you can request to join the closed discussion group on Breast reconstruction. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
Brenda5
Member
8 years ago
Small breasted and lost the left one two years ago. I wear no bra or prosthesis. No one seems to notice any way but clothes loose with a pocket on the left side for my comb and note book and I look pretty level. :)
Kristen
Member
8 years ago
That's great Leanne 75 that it hasn't spread. you've hit the jackpot by only having early stage breast cancer- I know that sounds weird but its true. I wish I really understood that when I was diagnosed- 10 years ago now, all that I have learnt I would have not been so stressed back then. masectomy/chemo /rad is tough. But at least HUGE survival rates stage 3.catch it early . have the treatment. that's the message we have to spread.
yep it feels weird for ages. you keep thinking you have fluid but it just new shapes of muscles and ribs and new armpit shape and chest that makes bras feel weird.but once I had time to accept that new shape and new feelings and got a proper prosthesis and bras ( Lily Bliss To You) I was much more confident. Learnt to wear camisoles and scarves to cover lack of clevage. More surgery not for me. I am happy to pop my plastic boob in and get on with my day.Some people think they are heavy - but they are actually realistic and help balance things for you back/shoulder. its just not a bag of flesh attached to your chest- but a cleverly designed plastic boob in a pocket. I love underwires too.
hope you can save up to cash flow the rebate and get yourself some more comfortable bras. takes a well trained fitter. Don't buy things if your not sure.Just remember anxiety also makes it feel uncomfortable ( I know, I struggle with that) - we have to look after our whole self- hard isn't it.
good luck.your not alone.
Leanne75
Member
8 years ago
Thank you so much ladies for your comments. I had my surgery 5 weeks ago, so I will make an appointment for a prosthesis in a couple of weeks. I try to buy button up shirts with pockets, I feel more confident wearing them. I think the prosthesis will make a huge difference. My right boob likes to head south/west lol, where as the form just sits straight! It has been a great comfort to hear what you are experiencing. There is absolutely no history of breast cancer in my family, and I don’t know of any friends or co-workers who have had breast cancer either. Thank goodness for networks like this one xx
primek
Member
8 years ago
Hey @Leanne76...you could try a sock with grains in it to help with weight while you wait. (Can you remember bean bag frogs...or even a wheat bag...think of the weight) I had heard of someone who did this as found the prosthesis too heavy. I guess you could put inside the breast form (with stuffing removed) to give you a little more weight and make it a bit more comfy until you are fitted. Just a thought. Kath x
Leanne75
Member
8 years ago
Hi Kath, that would probably help. My breast form needs a bit of weight for gravity to work on it! Thanks x
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Hi @Leanne75 welcome!

There is a brilliant woman in Melbourne who specializes in bras for mastectomy and reconstruction. She used to be a Nurse and now does this, she is amazing and has all sorts of prosthesis from what I remember, her bra fittings are fantastic.

I had a single mastectomy in February but with immediate diep flap reconstruction, a year after treatment due to not wanting to risk a 3rd recurrence. So I waited to go and get fitted, now I feel so much better wearing proper bras. She does orders by skype even lol.

Hugs Melinda xo
Leanne75
Member
8 years ago
Thanks Melinda, I’m sure I will feel for comfortable and confident once I am wearing a prosthesis and the correct bra x