I had a mastectomy, right side. Whilst I have been furnished with a lot of information and support about hair loss and makeup etc (thank you Look Good, Feel Better), I feel that not enough guidance and support is provided about the actual loss of the breast and associated lymph node surgery. I had no idea how difficult it would be adapting to having only one breast, and the pain and swelling in my armpit area and arm. I sometimes wish they'd taken both breasts off! The practical issues of not being able to wear a bra, discomfort and numbness in my arm, and not being able to wear the clothes I have. I've accepted losing my breast, but it has been very hard adapting to the physical and practical loss. Sometimes I feel like such a freak, constantly trying to make my breast area look 'normal' with the use of the soft prosthesis supplied. I was referred to, and obtained a silicone prosthesis, but I still can't wear it as I've put on weight and the bras supplied are already too tight. I still can't cope with the weight of it yet due to sensitivity. Because of swelling and weight gain due to chemo, I've had to go out and buy bigger size button up shirts and skirts. I live in Brisbane and it's been difficult in the heat, not being able to wear cool tops. It's even difficult being around non family members/visitors and being able to just be 'myself'. I know they are sympathetic but it's still awkward having a missing breast. Getting my face looking something like normal is easy, but getting dressed to go to the shops or to work usually ends up in tears and frustration. I know there's probably nothing practical anyone can do, but I feel it's an area of support that's completely overlooked.

Hi HelenD, I know exactly how you feel. I had a mastectomy on my right breast on the 17th December and I'm over it! My armpit feels like someone is constantly rubbing it with sandpaper or steel wool and my left shoulder is tender from insertion of the porta cath. I didn't receive the soft form with my mastectomy bra, so really takes effort to get out of the house knowing I have to stuff an ahh bra with stockings!!! I've read somewhere that wearing a soft cotton singlet under your bra can help with the discomfort. I don't know if this helps? I am in Brisbane too so totally understand the heat thing. Isn't it a weird feeling only sweating under one breast!!! I try and have a laugh at all the stupid things that are happening to us, sure as eggs beats crying about it, though I have had my fair share of doing that too. Chin up girl and know that there is always someone here that has "been there, done that". Hope you have a great Christmas. Vee

Hi Vee Yes it's hard to describe the arm/armpit sensations to my hubby and others. Mind you I still have areas in my armpit and upper arm that have no feeling. Since it's nearly 4 months since my last surgery I'm starting to doubt I'll ever get the feeling back! I also don't think I'll be able to shave that underarm for a while unless the swelling goes down, my body in that area seems pretty mutilated and out of shape. I avoided the porta cath and only have only chemo left tomorrow, yay!. The Berlei bra I got was too tight when I got it and I've no hope of fitting into it now. I'm down to wearing a mastectomy bra (with strap extender) I bought on Ebay! It's getting pretty worn out now. Chicks in Pink provided a voucher for 2 lovely bras when I got my prosthesis but as I mentioned, I'm too bloated up to wear them. I too try and see the lighter side of things, but some days it does get me down. I just want to get back to normal! Whatever normal will be for me in the future. You take care and have a wonderful Christmas and here's hoping 2013 is a better year for us. Helen

Yes,being lopsided is a challenge.I had my left mastectomy over 2 years ago now and I agree that there is not enough info/help on what happens to you and how to dress.I get annoyed that I can't find summer tops with high enough necklines.So I've sewn"fake" camisoles under my low neckline tops.Let's face it,it's far too hot to wear a real cami under a shirt and most camis are too low anyway.I've done the same with my swimming costume and also sewn a pocket inside the left cup.I really feel for you cos it's hard wearing clothes over that soft form- your other boob tends to drag it across.I wore loose shirts/tops with waistecoats or scarves over them.But I was lucky cos it was winter.I could wear my proper prosthesis after 6 weeks when the swelling went down.I hate to tell you but you will always have a numb area under your arm but you get used to it.I also have a permanent sensation as if I have duck tape across my chest.My doc says it's adhesions and nothing can be done.For some reason it feels better when I'm wearing my prosthesis.I don't think there is enough done (fashionwise) for us in Australia but there seems to be many overseas/online stores. I'm feeling lately that I might start badgering the stores for mastectomy clothes or make my own and help other women.It's definitely an issue-you' are not alone. Tonya xx

Hi Tonya and thanks for your reply! It's good to know I'm not the only one feeling like I do. Yes it is hard shopping for clothes now. That is a good idea, sewing in fake camis in your tops as yes it's too hot to wear a singlet or cami under clothes. I thought I'd have the numbness permanently, but hey it's not the end of the world. I'm very tight across my chest at the moment because of fluid retention, but before that started I was tight anyway because of the surgery. In one area there's not much flesh under the skin. I have a really tight area near my armpit that I doubt will improve. I've been having physio and doing exercises with a small amount of improvement. I was warned about adhesions and have been putting Rose Hip oil on my scar and massaging the area to keep it loose. Hopefully I will avoid adhesions. I had the same idea about limited post-mastectomy clothing. Yes there seems to be plenty overseas but nothing here. You might be on to a good idea! I'm only 45 and I don't want to resort to granny clothing just to get comfort and looseness (my apologies to grannies!). I dream of being able to wear a swimsuit or strappy top again one day. When I first got my prosthesis I nearly cried because I looked normal! Then my chemo regime changed and the new drug has caused me to blow up like a hippo. I can't wear it without feeling uncomfortable pressure on my chest, but I know in time it will improve. Somewhere down the track I might have reconstruction. At first I thought I mightn't bother, but the issues we've been talking about are changing my mind. Helen xoxo

I too am struggling with the tightness around the chest, and in particular the stitched up area under the arm. Its still sore....and numb. I had no idea the underarm area would look as awful as it does... I am still wearing my post surgery bra with the soft insert. Surgery was a month ago. LB masectomy and lymph removal. I don't have many clothes that button down the front, and getting things off over my head can prove to be a challenge. I am doing my exercises every day......and rubbing cream ito it....

Practical issues with mastectomy | BCNA Online Network

HelenD
Member
11 years ago
Hi Natasha

Glad you have found a solution of sorts. Two and a half years down the track I still struggle with these issues. My scar can still be tender, I know believe because of surgical clips still in there. Surgical clips you say? Yes , I found this out when I had a chest xray. Apparently it's common! Anyway, my idea of bliss is being able to spend time braless. Of course it's not helping to keep my remaining boob away from my knees! Still waiting on reconstruction. Can't lose enough weight for it and can't seem to find a time that fits in with our life!

All the best

Helen
Natasha
Member
11 years ago
It was interesting to find this topic. I'm hunting for good ideas for dressing myself with a single breast while too sore to wear even the post-op bra. It's a big challenge. I haven't tried a soft singlet under the bra though so maybe I should. The scar itself is so tender that any contact is not possible for any length of time. I have found that the amoena singlet top with the support bra built in is the best option right now. I wear it without the soft form and the cup is firm enough to retain some shape and provides a bit of non-contact space between the top and my scar. I was quite excited when I realised that I could wear it yesterday. It also gives me a bit of a bump which looks better than completely flat. I still look lopsided but it's not as bad. The added bonus is the other breast gets supported as well - for the first time in a month. Maybe it depends on your cup size whether that would work or not, but my top is a size 12 and it works for me.
poppy7
Member
13 years ago
Thanks for the advice. Love the postman story, lol!
poppy7
Member
13 years ago
Thanks for the advice. Love the postman story, lol!
HelenD
Member
13 years ago
Hi Peggy Sue

I had my last surgery to remove more lymph nodes on the 21st of July and my armpit is still all weird too! I feel like I have a inner tube under my arm! My armpit is not flat when I raise my arm like the other one so won't go near it with a razor! I also have some unusual 'overhang' under there. I'm hoping maybe if I have reconstruction in the future that they can neaten it up.

I am also still wearing a bra with soft prosthesis, though not the Berlei one I got. It's too tight and the prosthesis looks weird in it.

I had the same problem lifting my arm over my head. T shirts were definately out of the question! Most of my wardrobe is unusable right now and I've threw out a lot of clothes in an emotional huff. Mostly all my 'sexy' or skimpy summer stuff that I thought I'd never wear again. But it will get better with time and exercise. Keep up the cream, if you are having radiation it's important to have hydrated skin.

Hope you continue to improve.

Helen
HelenD
Member
13 years ago
Vee I was told about Rosehip Oil by a naturopath at a chemist 3 years ago when I had a hysterectomy. He said it is better than Bio Oil and has vitamin A and C and is very good. Akin and Sukin and a few others make it. I now have a barely visible line from the hysterectomy surgery and my mastectomy scar, while still red, is not too rigid or thick.

You must wait until your scar is sealed up and no inflammation though. Just gently put a few drops onto your fingers and dab it onto the scar, best time at night after a shower. It's also very good for your face! Just be aware that it can stain your clothes though I've just been wearing old singlets to bed anyway.

I can't remember who warned me about adhesions, maybe the breast care nurse or maybe my physio. I remember being warned about adhesions when I had my hysterectomy anyway.

I found Op shops a great place to buy button up shirts. You can never find what you want in the stores when you go looking. Because you may want a larger size than you usually wear, it's good to not spend so much. I actually got a nice short sleeve pajama top that I took to hospital and wore home. I also wear it a lot around the house especially if I want to go outside into the yard. Don't want to scare the neighbours! I've already starled the post man with my bald head! I also got some other shirts to wear to work.

Cheers Helen
poppy7
Member
13 years ago
I had a lot of trouble shopping for comfy lounge wear and pj's pre op too and thought exactly the same thing, someone would make a killing here with a range of clothes that are easy to get in and out of.

HelenD, can you tell me more about adhesions and rose hip oil, I've not been warned about it. I've still got my clear dressing on which will come off soon but I'm so afraid that it is the only thing that is holding me together!

vee
peggysue
Member
13 years ago
I too am struggling with the tightness around the chest, and in particular the stitched up area under the arm. Its still sore....and numb. I had no idea the underarm area would look as awful as it does... I am still wearing my post surgery bra with the soft insert. Surgery was a month ago. LB masectomy and lymph removal. I don't have many clothes that button down the front, and getting things off over my head can prove to be a challenge. I am doing my exercises every day......and rubbing cream ito it....
HelenD
Member
13 years ago
Hi Tonya and thanks for your reply! It's good to know I'm not the only one feeling like I do. Yes it is hard shopping for clothes now. That is a good idea, sewing in fake camis in your tops as yes it's too hot to wear a singlet or cami under clothes. I thought I'd have the numbness permanently, but hey it's not the end of the world.

I'm very tight across my chest at the moment because of fluid retention, but before that started I was tight anyway because of the surgery. In one area there's not much flesh under the skin. I have a really tight area near my armpit that I doubt will improve. I've been having physio and doing exercises with a small amount of improvement. I was warned about adhesions and have been putting Rose Hip oil on my scar and massaging the area to keep it loose. Hopefully I will avoid adhesions.

I had the same idea about limited post-mastectomy clothing. Yes there seems to be plenty overseas but nothing here. You might be on to a good idea! I'm only 45 and I don't want to resort to granny clothing just to get comfort and looseness (my apologies to grannies!). I dream of being able to wear a swimsuit or strappy top again one day.

When I first got my prosthesis I nearly cried because I looked normal! Then my chemo regime changed and the new drug has caused me to blow up like a hippo. I can't wear it without feeling uncomfortable pressure on my chest, but I know in time it will improve. Somewhere down the track I might have reconstruction. At first I thought I mightn't bother, but the issues we've been talking about are changing my mind.

Helen xoxo
TonyaM
Member
13 years ago
Yes,being lopsided is a challenge.I had my left mastectomy over 2 years ago now and I agree that there is not enough info/help on what happens to you and how to dress.I get annoyed that I can't find summer tops with high enough necklines.So I've sewn"fake" camisoles under my low neckline tops.Let's face it,it's far too hot to wear a real cami under a shirt and most camis are too low anyway.I've done the same with my swimming costume and also sewn a pocket inside the left cup.I really feel for you cos it's hard wearing clothes over that soft form- your other boob tends to drag it across.I wore loose shirts/tops with waistecoats or scarves over them.But I was lucky cos it was winter.I could wear my proper prosthesis after 6 weeks when the swelling went down.I hate to tell you but you will always have a numb area under your arm but you get used to it.I also have a permanent sensation as if I have duck tape across my chest.My doc says it's adhesions and nothing can be done.For some reason it feels better when I'm wearing my prosthesis.I don't think there is enough done (fashionwise) for us in Australia but there seems to be many overseas/online stores. I'm feeling lately that I might start badgering the stores for mastectomy clothes or make my own and help other women.It's definitely an issue-you' are not alone.

Tonya xx