Joining the "boobless" team!

I haven't decided for sure yet
I had a left mast. only. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was taking methotrexate at the time of BC diagnosis. Surgeon at that time wanted to do as few incisions as possible because of the possible healing issues caused by the methotrexate, so suggested that I only do the left and not start reconstruction at that time. I have mixed emotions about the reconstruction, especially since I am talking about only 1, but will have at least a year post rads (so next July) before I have to really try to decide what I am going to do.

I am glad you found somebody who listens and who made you feel comfortable, that helps so much.

Good luck, hang in there we are all pulling for you,

Jennifer

atiredparent said:

I had a double M on June
I had a double M on June 3rd. I also chose to have double due to I really didn't want to deal with recurrance or worry about it. The bonus is that it is easier to match if you choose prosthetic boobies otherwise at my age (late 40's) one boob would be saggier than the prosthetic! I actually have a friend dealing with this! Going without a bra is the most freeing greatest experience ever! I love love love it. I usually just choose shirts that have some bulk at the top, whether it be ruffles, lace, a scarf or whatever. Nobody seems to notice! Good luck with your surgery.

suggestion for post surgery camisole
Get a post mastectomy camisole. You can find them on line or sometimes prosthetic shops. Your insurance may also cover it. The cami has pockets to hold the drainage pouches after the surgery and it has pockets for soft prosthesis when the incision is too delicate for the real things. Americans cancer society TLC shop carries them. If link below doesn't work just go to tlcdirect.org and look for mastectomy products. Or go to american cnacer society web and look for tlc link.

http://www.tlcdirect.org/subcategory/AmericanCancerSocietyPostSurgicalCamisole.html?

grams2jc said:

I haven't decided for sure yet
I had a left mast. only. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was taking methotrexate at the time of BC diagnosis. Surgeon at that time wanted to do as few incisions as possible because of the possible healing issues caused by the methotrexate, so suggested that I only do the left and not start reconstruction at that time. I have mixed emotions about the reconstruction, especially since I am talking about only 1, but will have at least a year post rads (so next July) before I have to really try to decide what I am going to do.

I am glad you found somebody who listens and who made you feel comfortable, that helps so much.

Good luck, hang in there we are all pulling for you,

Jennifer

Sue, no words of wisdom for you ... Just hope, strength,
and courage to complete this phase of your battle.

We all feel differently about losing 1 or both breasts. I was pissed off at my husband when he suggested early on that maybe I should think about having both breast removed .. I huffed, puffed and cussed -- only to be reminded that I am in my early forties, admittedly at the 39 year and holding for a few years ...LOL, and two teen aged children. This was my 3RD bout with the beast .. Thyroid cancer in my early twenty's, and cervical cancer in my early 30's. I decided after my research, sleepless nights and many appointments which included 2nd opinions, a meeting with a Breast Cancer Specialist -- who tried to sway me into keeping my breasts that I would opt for double mastectomy with tissue expanders, then exchange to saline implants.

Horrified at the unknown and photo's of women going thru the exchange and reconstruction -- I muddled my way thru the unknown. I kept informed, continued to research and had the opportunity to speak to several women who opted for reconstruction, no reconstruction. My body, my choice.

Please see if you Plastic Surgeon, or Oncologist can get you in touch with women -- who've had, no reconstruction -- highs and lows, pitfalls if any .. and those who opted for reconstruction. Use this as another tool in your arsenal in your personal decision.

*Final note: 1 year ago, I decided not to have the nipples surgery opting for tattoos only .. now ... Yes, now I am having nipple surgery. One of the great advantages for us mastectomy Women, is that we always can change our minds, and have breasts put in, or nipples.

Gentle hugs,

Vicki Sam

grams2jc said:

I haven't decided for sure yet
I had a left mast. only. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and was taking methotrexate at the time of BC diagnosis. Surgeon at that time wanted to do as few incisions as possible because of the possible healing issues caused by the methotrexate, so suggested that I only do the left and not start reconstruction at that time. I have mixed emotions about the reconstruction, especially since I am talking about only 1, but will have at least a year post rads (so next July) before I have to really try to decide what I am going to do.

I am glad you found somebody who listens and who made you feel comfortable, that helps so much.

Good luck, hang in there we are all pulling for you,

Jennifer

The decision is always up to
The decision is always up to you Sue as to what you do. You just make the right choice for you and no one else. It sounds like your boyfriend is a great guy!


Big hugs,

Kylez

Annette 11 said:

Hi Sue,
I had a double mast. last year (aug) did not have reconstruction done and I dout that I will in the future. I have not felt bad about it. I do have a prostesis bra. Yes, I will admit it takes alittle time getting comfortable looking at yourself without but that does pass. I go without a bra sometimes and it feels good and wearing my fake bra feels more comfortable than it did when I had breasts because there is no binding or pressure points. I guess I never had a bra that fight right for all those years. I am very comfortable in these bras that I have. I have them on all day without feeling that I want to rip them off. Just so comfortable.
You have a great guy there! He is a keeper.
Good luck with your treatment.
Hugs,
Annette

Hi Sue,
You asked for others experiences, so here is mine:

I had Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1989 and 1994. Dx'd w/IDC Dec 2007 from the radiation treatments I received for HL. The only option for me was a double mx. I could not have any more radiation and could not do Tamoxifen, had a TIA. Chemo offered only a 2% change in recurrence rates, I opted out of that. Numerous Drs. said no reconstruction because of previous radiation and no more major surgeries for me.

First of all, I would have insisted on a double mx for me if Dr's didn't. It ended up I had LCIS in the "good" breast. In addition to the IDC, I had DCIS elsewhere in the "bad" breast. I am very ok w/no reconstruction. I was 47 at time I was dx'd, now 51. I was a DD, so I feel so much better w/o that weight on my small frame. I too go w/o prosthesis most of the time, it feels so free! I don't care what anyone thinks. I will say, the only time I felt I missed my breasts a little was when we went on beach vacations. One vacation, many went topless and all the others had bikinis on. I got over it fast! I have the heavier breast forms and I find camisole bras are the best. Most of this year, I have been wearing the cheap fill breast forms w/a sports bra. That way, I can be w/o forms at home or in yard and pop them in if I go out or someone stops by.

Wonderful to hear of your supportive boyfriend, he is a keeper. Best wishes to you along your journey.
Cathy

Boy chest for me
I am 55 and I consider a youthful 55. I could just not see putting me thru all that to have bumps up front. Surgeon said no problem I can decide anytime in the future that I want boobs and they can do implants then. But I looked at a lot of pictures after reconsturction and they just looked wierd to me. Friends were amazed when I said no reconstruction. I had my double mastecomy 05/10. No regrets. I normally go flat chested unless something really special comes up.

sweetvickid said:

Boy chest for me
I am 55 and I consider a youthful 55. I could just not see putting me thru all that to have bumps up front. Surgeon said no problem I can decide anytime in the future that I want boobs and they can do implants then. But I looked at a lot of pictures after reconsturction and they just looked wierd to me. Friends were amazed when I said no reconstruction. I had my double mastecomy 05/10. No regrets. I normally go flat chested unless something really special comes up.

Hi Sue...
I wanted to say, you are always so strong and upbeat. You always give great supportive advise to me when I've needed it. I wish you the very best as you continue your journey. Take it one step at a time, Sue. You will make the very best choice. It sounds like you have a great boyfriend who's there for you. You are very lucky.

We've been in this together, beginning chemo and losing our hair, etc. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you an uneventful surgery and speedy recovery.

hugs,
Debbie

mamolady said:

boobless
I think it is easier to go boobless if it is bilateral. I had both mine removed last march. The only sad part was shopping for clothes. I did this by myself the first time. Big mistake. The second time I took my oldest daughter. I am having trouble with the prosthetic so I rarely wear them. My daughter helped me find clothes that actually look nice with out boobs. (It would be easier if I hadn't gained weight during chemo) I am still undecided about the recon but now I can feel comfortable going out in regular clothes and not feel so odd.
I had been wearing scrubs since march.

Good luck,
Cindy

Wishing you the best of luck
Wishing you the best of luck and sending prayers.

♥ Kristin ♥

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

I'm boobless too.
In considering surgery I had two options...remove just the sick left breast or remove them both. I chose to remove both for lots of reasons, one of them was for the symmetry. I couldn't see myself flat on one side and sagging on the other.

At the time, I was told reconstruction would not be an option for at least a year after rads. (I will get to that point in March of next year.) So I have been thinking about reconstruction off and on for a while now and was still on the fence until last week. I had the 6mos follow up with my surgeon (she's a breast surgeon, not a plastic surgeon). I asked for her views on reconstruction, and she said that it would be "scary" for the plastic surgeon. (I have adhesions from the axilla dissection, reduced range of motion, lymphedema, and rads have messed with the skin/tissue.)

Added to that now is the re-occurance I'm dealing with. I will be having additional surgery soon and additional tissue removed. So for me that's enough surgery.

I am very happy with my prosthesis, if you choose to go that route I recommend you see a certified fitter. I will not buy a bra from anyone else after working with mine. Also check to see what your insurance covers, it might include bras and the prosthesis.

My best wishes for you. I hope the surgery goes as expected, and that your recovery is swift and smooth.

Hugs,

Linda

Hoping that your surgery
Hoping that your surgery goes smoothly and that you recover quickly Sue. My prayers and good thoughts are with you!


Hugs,

Debby

wishing you a successful surgery
Sue,
I am glad that you found a wonderful surgeon. That is so important. I also had a doctor that listened to me and I really think she saved my life with her surgical talent. I had a mastectomy on the left, she would not do a double mastectomy, she said that it was not needed. After I finished 8 cycles of chemo, radiation, and herceptin I decided to try reconstruction just for symetry. I had a DIEP flap procedure done which was an 11 hour procedure and developed a hematoma which resulted in a failed surgery. Looking back on it, I wish I never would have attempted it. I am fine with being lopsided, it is really not a big deal in the big spectrum of life. My husband doesn't care. I used to think about trying another recon procedure but not anymore. Praying to you.