How do you cope with a single mastectomy

I had a mastectomy 7 years ago and I always thought I would get reconstruction but I did not. In order to get a proper fit, you need to go a place that has sales people trained in these items.I live in MASS and we have a store called Lady Grace. The women in there know how to fit the bras and the 'boob' s. They re trained in it. They are wonderful

This is probably the issue with your Aunt also

Also, you have not healed yet, that is why the bra is uncomfortable right now.

Website

http://ladygrace.com/store-locations/a/14/

Also, my daughter always says to me don't be embarrassed with one boob, that's your battle wounds you should be proud of the battle.

Hi,

I had a single mastectomy and didn't wear but a very soft pillow type prosthesis for the first four weeks.  It takes about 4-6 weeks before soft tissue heals.

I was then fitted for the right type of prosthesis for me by a qualified mastectomy fitter.  Please see one, don't just buy a prosthesis online.  A qualified fitter will be able to find the right size for you that fits almost like the real thing.

In due time, one even forgets that they have a prosthesis.  One day, now many years ago, I was in my car, ready to put the key into the ignition and kept thinking I forgot something.  I looked at my bag, and etc.  everything was there and then I looked down and saw the empty side.  I forgot to put my prosthesis on.  I went in, put it on and returned to my car.  So in time you due become use to it.

I have had men friends since the day so long ago now (August 1994) and they never cared that I had a part of me missing.  

In due time, give yourself time to heal.

Best,

Doris

cinnamonsmile said:

I had a double mastectomy,

I had a double mastectomy, but at first I was going to get a singled until they saw something on a preop MRI on the other breast. Personally, I think it would be much harder to figure out how to live with one breast than none ( I was a DD prior to bc). I think perhaps had I been smaller, it would have been easier to live with one. I think if my partner,Brian, had not been so easy going and accepting of living without reconstruction, it would have been much harder. I know I push thoughts away so I don't bring up a bunch of cancer related emotions and go down that path.

There is a good group of women on the website, breastcancer.org who have had a single mastectomy. You can find them in the forum called Mastectomy Without Reconstruction. I am sure you will find lots of support there. I highly recommend you try it. I use both csn.cancer.org and breastcancer.org.

 

Do you have a Mastecomy Boutique in your area? We have a wonderful one in our area. Make sure there is a certified fitter if you go. There are many different styles of prosthetic breast forms and bras to choose from. Your fitter should let you try as many as you want until you find something that you like. Take a list of your question, concerns, and fears with you and go over them with whoever is helping you.

 

Remember, you are only TWO weeks post op from a mastectomy. You had a major surgery done and are bound to be sore. Perhaps it will be hard emotionally, but if it is giving you pain, it may be better to speak to your surgeon about that. I know for myself, the first time I went out to the grocery store in a tee shirt with no breasts, I thought everyone in the world would be staring at me. Turns out no one even gave me a second glance. It was all in my head.

I wish you the best in your recovery and hope to see you on breastcancer.org as well.

I had a bilateral, so I can't speak to the issues of a single.  But I can reiterate how important it is to see a good fitter.  Mine was recommended by the cancer center, and worked directly with my insurance.  But you can google 'mastectomy bras name of city'.  If you have to, it is worth traveling for a good fitter.  I recommend you bring a fairly snug t-shirt style blouse without patterns if you have one.  That way you can clearly see in the mirror how well the prosth and bra work.  You should only have to go once a year or so.  Also, Nordstrom has a good reputation for quality fitters.  In either case, you will want to call and make an appointment so they will have time allocated to focus on you.

I agree with everyone else who said it is too soon for a bra and prosth (even a comfy sports bra and pillow prosth).  Give your body more time to heal before trying again.  In the meantime, many here use ruffles and scarves to hide an imbalance.  I hope this helps you.

Hugs,

Linda

SIROD said:

In Time you will forget...

Hi,

I had a single mastectomy and didn't wear but a very soft pillow type prosthesis for the first four weeks.  It takes about 4-6 weeks before soft tissue heals.

I was then fitted for the right type of prosthesis for me by a qualified mastectomy fitter.  Please see one, don't just buy a prosthesis online.  A qualified fitter will be able to find the right size for you that fits almost like the real thing.

In due time, one even forgets that they have a prosthesis.  One day, now many years ago, I was in my car, ready to put the key into the ignition and kept thinking I forgot something.  I looked at my bag, and etc.  everything was there and then I looked down and saw the empty side.  I forgot to put my prosthesis on.  I went in, put it on and returned to my car.  So in time you due become use to it.

I have had men friends since the day so long ago now (August 1994) and they never cared that I had a part of me missing.  

In due time, give yourself time to heal.

Best,

Doris

 

I just wanted to send you a warm welcome and a big hug!

I also had a left-sided single mastectomy in 1987.  As others have said, it is important to find a specialty store.  They have great information!

Who knew, for example, that there is a swimming prosthesis?  The first time I went swimming, my foob sank to my belly button (using silicone prosthesis).  The second time, I used a soft form and it nearly floated up and away!  Lol!  A swimming prosthesis is weighted just enough, so you won't have these problems.

I eventually decided on reconstruction, in part because I was just 33 at the time and love to swim.

You will heal and not have to go braless!!  Give yourself time.  

P.S.  I would think a sports bra would not have enough give to be comfortable right now.  They have stretchier bras such as the Ah Bra that offer a little support without being as constricting.  Good luck!

McMarty said:

I was thinking the same

I was thinking the same thing.  You are just 2 weeks out, it's TOO SOON to have something touching you like that all day!  BUT there are professionals wonderfully trained skilled at fitting breast prothesis and it can even be covered by some insurance.  The one near me is called Houston Wellness Boutique.  http://www.houstonwellnessboutique.com/Home_Page.html  That may be no where near you but you could call them and see if there is one in your area that they know of!

They have some GREAT technology and no you absolutely DO NOT have to be stuck forever with the amazing wandering foob!

There are stores that specialize in fitting women that have had breast cancer.  I know that they can help you out. Your oncologist may even know of a store. 

Good luck!

Hi,

In 2003 I had a full masectomy on my right.  I have never had reconstuction.  It is really to early for you to probably be wearing anything.  Just wear some loose shirts while you are healing.  What you need to do if you have insurance is get a prescription for bras and a silicone form.  I live on the East coast and I went to Lady Grace.  They helped fit me with the right form and bras.  The form will fit inside the new bras and won't move around on you.  Check with your insurance company but most pay at least 80% if not more.  I wore the bras and forms for years until I had my sternum and 3 ribs removed due to recurrance.  Now forms are too heavy and throw off my balance so I go braless.  I am long past worrying about what people think. I do tend to wear shirts with layers or that drape so you can't tell.  Make sure the choice is what YOU want.  Don't worry about others.

Terry

I had a single mastectomy Nov 2011 and though I have a prostesis, and wear is most of the time, there are some days, or some activities, that I prefer to go without it. As a biker chick I already had a number of doo-rags and scarves that I wore through chemo and now I wear them around my neck to camoufalge my flat side. There are many websites and You-tube video's that show how to tie scarves, as well as department store staff for a more hands-on approach.

Good luck!