Will I be ok if I get a single mastectomy? I dont think emotionally I will cope. But I know i have to cope. Due to radiation I believe they dont do a reconstruction immediately. Im big breasted and feel it will be very obvious. Any comments appreciated.
Hi kitkat5 I hope you are doing ok. I've had a single mastectomy followed by chemo and radiation. So I'm also not able to have a reconstruction until 12 months after radiation (I was initially told 6-12 months but it seems like the surgeons like to wait 12 months).
I had pretty big boobs (and still have one :D) and I was also really worried about walking around with one boob and being lopsided. I know some women cope with no prosthesis and are just proudly flat or lopsided - and that is SO great, but it's not for me, I've always been pretty self-conscious. In the initial post surgery recovery period I used the cushion prosthetic that comes in the "My Care Kit", and wore loose clothing with busy prints. As soon as I hit the 6 week mark post surgery, I was off to the specialist mastectomy bra and prosthetic shop for a fitting. I was absolutely amazed at how good the prosthetic looks - even with a t-shirt on you can't tell it's a prosthetic. My confidence was just immediately boosted - I kept the new bra and prosthetic on to leave the shop.
I have found I am conscious of not wanting to wear lower-cut tops, because if I bend over/lean forward it is possible to see my chest (no cleavage on one side) but it depends on your shape and how your bra fits I think.
It's a massive adjustment and a huge thing to go through. You're not alone. Keep coming back here for support xx Bec
I too am large breasted. I had a single mastectomy and chose no reconstruction. I use a prosthesis, find it simple and easy. It may take a little while to get used to, but once you do it’s pop it on in the morning and forget. It’s worth a professional fitter first time. I went to Iceland a few years later and found the absolute acceptance of my body in a shared women’s shower room before a hot soak absolutely liberating. No one batted an eyelid. I would have expected such if I had lost an arm, a breast should be no different. Best wishes for the future.
Hi kitkat5
Have you decided whether to have reconstruction after radiation? If you 'are' considering it - join the Breast Reconstruction Group here & you'll be able to read up on others who've had a similar choice to make.
Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
If you are thinking of staying Flat & how to minimise the imbalance ..... you can join the 'Flat Chat' group, who've chosen not to have further surgery
Group: Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network
Take care & all the best xx
Such a valid question kitkat5 and something we are sure many others faced with these decisions have asked themselves.
While we wait for others to share their own thoughts and experience, we thought you may find the below resources supportive during this time:
Coping with the emotional effects of treatment
Thankyou again for sharing your honest feelings and if you wish to chat to our Helpline please feel free to reach out 1800 500 258
