double mastectomy reconstruction on hold

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kitty46
kitty46 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a double mastectomy Mar 12. Finally had to give in and remove my expanders. I feel that my cancer was removed via surgery. I'm a stage 1 and opted for no chemo. I am lucky and thankful but do admit to having a hard time facing the next 6 months with or with out prostics. I realize that most people on this site are propably facing more serious problems. I do feel guilty for feeling so emotional about this. I had expanders removed Monday and am feeling lost to head back to work on Tuesday like nothings on my mind.

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #2
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    Kitty there is no reason to feel guilty. A woman's body image is a legitimate concern, just as much a part of her as her mind and spirit.
    By the time I was 40 I had lost both breasts. I opted for no recon for a variety of reasons. It took a long time for me to be able to dress and go out without actually being aware that I was wearing prosthesis. But it does happen. It has now been over 21 years since I lost my first breast. Being 'breastless' is no longer an 'issue' for me but I very well remember when it was. God bless you in your journey.
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #3
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    Absolutely do not feel guilty, and this site is the best place to come, next to your Doctor. We are given so many conflicting messages about body image in our society. Fashion magazines and movie screens overemphasize it in the extreme, and we often feel that we need to go to the other extreme and not care about our looks if we do not want to be like them. The middle ground is a wide and murky area. That said, I think breasts are the single most significant physical feature that identifies us as women. Men and women's clothing is no longer as distinct as it used to be in our society. Hairstyles are not as distinct. Quite often I have seen a person from behind and assumed their gender, only to change my opinion when they turned around on the basis of presence or absence of breasts. Since My diagnosis, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the cosmetic ramifications of the various surgical options. I am still recieving chemo and those decisions are yet to be made, but I do think about them. One think I am quite sure about is that I would not want to be without either, especially not both. Have you checked out places to get bras with inserts and such to use during the 6 months? ACS will send you a free catalog and they have a wide variety of options. You might try Look Good Feel Better support group too.

    Keep your chin up and don't feel guilty about your feelings...you are not alone! seof
  • jazz08
    jazz08 Member Posts: 1
    #4
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    kitty46 i feel the same i only had right breast mastectomy and i had a tissue expander i had it removed a month ago and replace them with silicone implants on both breast is hard to adapt to a new look on one breast i was stage 1 too and i am so emotional about it some times i feel that my husband will no feel the same about me even do my husband has been the best support that i need. like you i feel bad that there is people that have bigger problems.

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