I have finally made a decision...

mommaellen
mommaellen Member Posts: 195
edited July 2013 in Breast Cancer #1

I have decided not to have the surgery to even the size of my breast (due to the reconstruction one is bigger than the other) or the nipple reconstruction surgery. I am almost 51 and have decided that I have had enough surgeries.  I have lived like this since my reconstruction surgery in january and have been happy.  The worst thing is that I have not and will not be able to wear a regular bra anymore due to the size differences in my breast.  I have found that sports bras are very comfortable and I have asked (my daughter and my Honey) for some pretty ones for my birthday next month. 

 

Hugs to all,

Mommaellen

Comments

  • Josie21
    Josie21 Member Posts: 382 Member
    #2
    Hi

    Hi Mommaellen,

    I too decided not to have anymore surgeries after my initial reconstruction. I,like you, said enough is enough and I did not want any more surgeries.  Truly I am just happy to be alive.  Every one is different, and if it bothers you in the future you can always change your mind.  It's been 4 and a half years for me and I still don't want any more surgeries.

    I hope you get some pretty new bras for your birthday.

    Ginny

  • GMcD
    GMcD Member Posts: 134
    #3
    Josie21 said:

    Hi

    Hi Mommaellen,

    I too decided not to have anymore surgeries after my initial reconstruction. I,like you, said enough is enough and I did not want any more surgeries.  Truly I am just happy to be alive.  Every one is different, and if it bothers you in the future you can always change your mind.  It's been 4 and a half years for me and I still don't want any more surgeries.

    I hope you get some pretty new bras for your birthday.

    Ginny

    Hi...I also have very

    Hi...I also have very different sized beasts due to my lumpectomy.  I often wish i'd had the unaffected breast made to match because my affected breast is " Perkier".  lol.  Also sports bras are awesome, they help pull everthing in so I look more even.  Congrats on making your decision and best of luck.

  • elm3544
    elm3544 Member Posts: 748
    #4
    bras to try

    I also have very mismatched sides due to lumpectomy. I found that the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy bra holds its shape and has enough padding to make it appear even. I also recently purchased a package of Luxxy brand sports bras that have removable padding inserts from a website called www.nomorerack.com they are very comfortable.

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #5
    I totally get it! NOT wanting

    I totally get it! NOT wanting any more surgeries. My surgeon just referred me to PS to talk about fat removal and injection to even me up! I am not even considering it at this point. I am 54 as of Saturday and don't feel the need to make any changes.

    We all must do what is best for us-so what ever your decision is-it is your choice.

     

    Denise

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #6
    GMcD said:

    Hi...I also have very

    Hi...I also have very different sized beasts due to my lumpectomy.  I often wish i'd had the unaffected breast made to match because my affected breast is " Perkier".  lol.  Also sports bras are awesome, they help pull everthing in so I look more even.  Congrats on making your decision and best of luck.

    Congrats on your decision and

    Congrats on your decision and good luck!

  • Lynne P
    Lynne P Member Posts: 165
    #7
    I can totally understand that

    I can totally understand that you don't want any more surgeries.  You've made the best decision for you and that's all that matters! 

    Lynne

  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #8
    elm3544 said:

    bras to try

    I also have very mismatched sides due to lumpectomy. I found that the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy bra holds its shape and has enough padding to make it appear even. I also recently purchased a package of Luxxy brand sports bras that have removable padding inserts from a website called www.nomorerack.com they are very comfortable.

    I hope you get those pretty

    I hope you get those pretty bras for your birthday Ellen!   I know you must feel so relieved to have made this choice.  We have to do what is best for us.

    Good luck to you,

    Megan

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #9
    Certified Mastectomy Fitter

    Mommaellen,

    Have you gone to see a certified mastectomy fitter?  They might just have something to help fill in the area that is missing.   I would first try them and they have wonderful mastectomy sports bras too.

    After having so many surgeries and finishing chemo back in 1995, the last thing I wanted was more surgeries.  I had a minor surgery that turn into a staph infection, so I had 3 surgeries due to that problem before I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Then I had a lumpectomy, mastectomy and a port-a-cath surgery.  That added up to 6 surgeries in 4 months.  

    I wanted my life back and never did have reconstruction.  I never regretted it either.  

    Try calling a certified mastectomy fitter and see if she might have want you want.

    Best to you,

    Doris

     

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #10
    SIROD said:

    Certified Mastectomy Fitter

    Mommaellen,

    Have you gone to see a certified mastectomy fitter?  They might just have something to help fill in the area that is missing.   I would first try them and they have wonderful mastectomy sports bras too.

    After having so many surgeries and finishing chemo back in 1995, the last thing I wanted was more surgeries.  I had a minor surgery that turn into a staph infection, so I had 3 surgeries due to that problem before I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Then I had a lumpectomy, mastectomy and a port-a-cath surgery.  That added up to 6 surgeries in 4 months.  

    I wanted my life back and never did have reconstruction.  I never regretted it either.  

    Try calling a certified mastectomy fitter and see if she might have want you want.

    Best to you,

    Doris

     

    I know this was a big

    I know this was a big decision for you and I am glad you made it.  We have to do what is best for us.

    Good luck to you Ellen,

    Sue :)

  • kmenurse
    kmenurse Member Posts: 217
    #11
    I wear the sports bras and

    I wear the sports bras and they are very comfortable... Better then the ones I used before my Double Mastectomy.

  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #12
    kmenurse said:

    I wear the sports bras and

    I wear the sports bras and they are very comfortable... Better then the ones I used before my Double Mastectomy.

    Congrats on making your

    Congrats on making your decision Ellen!  Good luck next month on your appointment and happy birthday early!

    Leeza

  • roseann4
    roseann4 Member Posts: 992 Member
    #13
    jnl said:

    Congrats on making your

    Congrats on making your decision Ellen!  Good luck next month on your appointment and happy birthday early!

    Leeza

    I made the same decision a few years ago.

    My doctor told me of a store in my area that sold wedges to put in my perkie side to even it up with the larger one.  Works great so I can wear a regular bra.

    Roseann

  • taylor manny
    taylor manny Member Posts: 113
    #14
    Lynne P said:

    I can totally understand that

    I can totally understand that you don't want any more surgeries.  You've made the best decision for you and that's all that matters! 

    Lynne

    Just wanted to wish you good

    Just wanted to wish you good luck!

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #15
    Good for you!

    I had 4 surgeries and they are not the same size, so rather than do another recon surgery, I went to Dillards and was fitted to the larger side with a contoured cup that evens me out when I need a bra, and this is not often.  Usually, it's sports bra's or lined tank tops.  I love the lined ones from Target.

  • Candi Cane
    Candi Cane Member Posts: 159
    #16
    jnl said:

    Congrats on making your

    Congrats on making your decision Ellen!  Good luck next month on your appointment and happy birthday early!

    Leeza

    Wishing you good luck and

    Wishing you good luck and also sending birthday wishes a bit early to you!

    Candi

  • June Bugs
    June Bugs Member Posts: 167
    #17
    camul said:

    Good for you!

    I had 4 surgeries and they are not the same size, so rather than do another recon surgery, I went to Dillards and was fitted to the larger side with a contoured cup that evens me out when I need a bra, and this is not often.  Usually, it's sports bra's or lined tank tops.  I love the lined ones from Target.

    Good luck and also sending

    Good luck and also sending very early birthday wishes!  May all your wishes come true!

    Hugs, June

  • Nana Sue
    Nana Sue Member Posts: 55
    #18
    jnl said:

    Congrats on making your

    Congrats on making your decision Ellen!  Good luck next month on your appointment and happy birthday early!

    Leeza

    It's understandable that you

    It's understandable that you don't want any more surgery's.  Good luck!

  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    #19
    June Bugs said:

    Good luck and also sending

    Good luck and also sending very early birthday wishes!  May all your wishes come true!

    Hugs, June

    Hi Mommaellen

     I so know what you mean.I actually had a surgery date set with a plastic surgeon to even me out and perform a lift on the non affected side. I am also 51 and thought why am I exposing myself to more surgery and decided to cancel.  I no longer wear clinging tops where my imbalance is highlighted. Just like Carol I like the lined tops at Target.I am not going to rule out plastic surgery for me in the futrue, I just felt that with  all that  I have been through the timing was not right. Besides our age I think we also have something else in common is your name Ellen? Thats my name too. Love surf 

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