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Leanne75's avatar
Leanne75
Member
8 years ago

Single Masectomy

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

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  • Kristen's avatar
    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.

  • Brenda5's avatar
    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. :)
  • Afraser's avatar
    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.
  • TonyaM's avatar
    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