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JessicaV's avatar
JessicaV
Member
12 years ago

Prosthesis, bodies and breastlessness

While in Sydney, I decided to pop into DJs to check out the prostheses. See what different products were available, try out some pretty new bras, that sort of stuff. So I caught the lift to the right floor, walked up to a counter and asked who do I see for a breast prosthesis, and then found myself flooding with tears. Suddenly this was not fun anymore, it was a real confrontation with the fact that I now have a big scar from sternum to armpit where I used to have a breast, and the scar is lumpy and bulging and puckered because of the infection I had, and I feel so  awkward and shy having to admit this, to bare this changed body in front of someone else. The woman was lovely and very kind, and helped me find a nice bra and a prosthesis that disguises well my present physical shape and gives my remaining breast the support and form it deserves. And now I am also confronting the fact that I have put on about 6kg in the 6weeks I have been on TCH Chemo, and need to start to do a bit more than regular daily walks to stop becoming the total fat blimp I am on the way to becoming. Not just for appearances sake, but  to give myself the best chance through good health to minimise the chance of recurrence. My ideal weight according to my oncologist is about 62kg, and I need to lose weight to get there, not put on more.

4 Replies

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I waited until all my treatment, chemo and radio, was complete and my skin was recovered before getting my prosthesis. I went to a specialist boutique in Brisbane that only sell products for people who have had mastectomy or lumpectomy. I love my breast forms (I have an everyday one plus one for swimming which I also wear for exercise). I am a C cup and feel 'normal' and balanced when I wear the prosthesis. I think it helps to lessen the chance of back issues because of the difference in weight. I have an excellent sports bra and some pretty bras as well as swimmers and some tops with a built in bra that you just put the breast form into. I sometimes wonder about the other breast but am happy to just closely monitor it for now. It is nice to have a good side to sleep on as radiotherapy has given me too much pain to sleep on my mastectomy side. I put on a couple of kilos during the second half of chemo, but have lost them and more with careful healthy eating and lots of walking, swimming and Pilates. Hope you find your breast form ok and good luck with the weight loss. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hope you are feeling better now. The weight thing is a drag. I also put on 6kg and now have to lose it again! We were doing so well with the 5:2 eating plan and both lost weight slowly. However that kind of goes out the window with chemo and that pizza kept calling me. When the last of my surgery is done on the 10th I am determined to get back on track. Keep in touch and let us know how you are going. So much easier when there is a team! Regards Julie
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am the same.I wish I had had both breasts off.But never mind,I am healthy and happy,and that's what matters :)
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    If you read my blogs,the same thing happened to me.I went to David Jones in Sydney,and when I got to the top of the elevator,I started to cry.I regained my composure,and it ended up Ok.As you said,the ladies were lovely.To tell you the truth,I don't like my prosthesis,and I have only worn it a couple of times.I am small breasted,and I couldn't care less if I only have one breast.Take care Jessica.xoxRobyn I just wanted to suggest,when you feel up to it,try some weight bearing exercises,as well as walking.:)