prosthesis vs reconstruction feeling

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Wildtulip
Wildtulip Member Posts: 14
in Breast Cancer #1

For those who had delayed reconstruction and wore a prosthesis before surgery...Can you please tell me if the reconstructed breasts feel a part of you?

I'm considering reconstruction and to me, the prosthesis feels like something I put on, not a part of me. I wonder if reconstructed breasts would feel foreign, at least at first. Do they eventually become part of you?

Some people have told me that reconstructed breasts feel hard, or that they look good in clothes, but not without.

I guess what I'm asking is do reconstructed breasts make you feel whole again?

Thanks, ladies!

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  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #2
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    Hello~

    We often talk on here about the "new normal", which for each of us can and is different. It was for me something to get used to, but feels very much a part of me now.  I did not wear a prosthesis, but had a period of time between procedures that required I get creative~ stuffing!! Which for me was hilarious since I never had to stuff my bra before!! Hee heee~

    There are moments, where it feels strange~ it is numb in that whole area~which takes adjusting to.

    For me, trying on bra's and swimsuits has it's challenges, but I have found what works for me~

    One day/step at a time. And the people here on this board have so many journeys to share~ it all helps in gathering information.  It sure helped me.

    Blessings, Melanie 

     

  • Wildtulip
    Wildtulip Member Posts: 14
    #3
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    GreeneyedGirl said:

    Hello~

    We often talk on here about the "new normal", which for each of us can and is different. It was for me something to get used to, but feels very much a part of me now.  I did not wear a prosthesis, but had a period of time between procedures that required I get creative~ stuffing!! Which for me was hilarious since I never had to stuff my bra before!! Hee heee~

    There are moments, where it feels strange~ it is numb in that whole area~which takes adjusting to.

    For me, trying on bra's and swimsuits has it's challenges, but I have found what works for me~

    One day/step at a time. And the people here on this board have so many journeys to share~ it all helps in gathering information.  It sure helped me.

    Blessings, Melanie 

     

    Thank you, Melanie.
    Even

    Thank you, Melanie.

    Even though I know my experience may be different, and each person feels differently, it does really help to hear about others's experiences. Thank you for sharing yours (and the humor)!! Would you mind telling me why you choose to wear a bra? I was under the impression that a bra would be unnecesary after reconstruction.

    Take care,

    Kathy

  • Just_lori6
    Just_lori6 Member Posts: 76
    #4
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    Hello

    Hi,

    I had a double mastectomy November 19th and my reconstruction was started at the same time. I have no feeling which is normal since everything has been removed & I have never worn a prosthesis. I do think they will become part of you (if you decide on reconstruction) before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I had implants & at first it didn't feel like me or normal and then the implants were just part of me. Sometimes I would forget I even had implants. I don't know if a bra will be necessary but I think you may want to wear one for comfort. I have tissue expanders now since I still need to go through radiation which I guess ruins the permanent implants. when I walk on the tread mill without a bra they bounce & they aren't even very big 8)

    Hope this helps~ 

    ~Lori

  • Wildtulip
    Wildtulip Member Posts: 14
    #5
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    Just_lori6 said:

    Hello

    Hi,

    I had a double mastectomy November 19th and my reconstruction was started at the same time. I have no feeling which is normal since everything has been removed & I have never worn a prosthesis. I do think they will become part of you (if you decide on reconstruction) before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I had implants & at first it didn't feel like me or normal and then the implants were just part of me. Sometimes I would forget I even had implants. I don't know if a bra will be necessary but I think you may want to wear one for comfort. I have tissue expanders now since I still need to go through radiation which I guess ruins the permanent implants. when I walk on the tread mill without a bra they bounce & they aren't even very big 8)

    Hope this helps~ 

    ~Lori

    Thanks, Lori! Your input was

    Thanks, Lori! Your input was very helpful!! Good luck with your radiation.

    Kathy

  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #6
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    Wildtulip said:

    Thanks, Lori! Your input was

    Thanks, Lori! Your input was very helpful!! Good luck with your radiation.

    Kathy

    To Bra or not to bra...

    ahh if only it were that easy. I wear one for support of the breast that was reduced (the cancer free one) and probably just out of habit. Coverage~ I feel more support wearing one, but there are times when I don't wear one and my girlfriends are all jealous! I do have a tattoo on the mastectomy/flap breast~ and that could show thru if the clothing were thin. I guess all in all I am modest and just wear it because it's what I've always done. 

    I must wear a wire free one, so it will not cut off the circulation of the flap~that was Dr.s orders, and I have maintained that rule. It can be challenging finding a bra that fits just right, or is "pretty".  Mostly I just look for good coverage~

    ~M

  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #7
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    Natural feeling?

    I had augmentation 5 years after my lumpectomy, they moved my nipples and now the sensation is not where it should be at all, it feels totaly weird

    I therefore avoid intimate contact and NEVER look at myself in a mirror when undressed, I have become a "Never-Nude"

     

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