Tethering means breast cancer too

Hi Pamela

Welcome to the site, sorry you have to be here but it's also good that your observation led you to get medical advice quickly.

I had a single mastectomy five years ago, no reconstruction - my surgeon wasn't keen to do it straightaway and I have long since decided not to have one at all. I wear a prosthesis, I find it no problem although I am aware that some women in the tropical north find they get hot (I am in Melbourne). I don't have any issue with how I look (a bit scarred and lumpy!!) and when In Iceland a year or so ago, I took a deep breath and stripped off in front of lots of strange women to shower before a hot tub. It was truly liberating!  I will be 72 next month, most of my body is in somewhat better shape than before I was diagnosed (I have taken a greater interest in exercise since) so while I am no Helen Mirren, I feel good about my decision. A prosthesis should last about 2 years, then needs to be replaced. Mine have both been fully rebate-able ($400).

Wash it like you would wash your own skin. Keep overnight or when not using it in its shaped case. You can get special ones suitable for swimming. I find mono-boobed fine, so for that matter does my husband. Best wishes.