What can I do to help me get more comfortable with they way my body looks after a bilateral mastectomy with no reconstruction? I am finding myslef uncomforatable being out in public. (am 4 weeks post op)

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anonymous

Patient over 7 years

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Appearance Bilateral Mastectomy Reconstruction

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anonimamente

Sobrevivente desde 2010

I can certainly relate. I had my right breast removed and the tissue expander didn't work for long. I decided not to have surgery, too much stress. I wear a genie bra with an insert. I can't wear anything too tight as it is obvious, at least to me. What I have found, is that nobody is looking that closely at us, we are our worst critics. Go get yourself fitted for a prosthetic bra when you are ready, nobody will know the difference. It's so hard to feel different, I didnt look at myself for a long time. You are healthy now, that is all that is important.

over 7 years • Comment • Flag

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anonimamente

Sobrevivente desde 2007

Cheryl, It is such a shock to see a totally different body. Linda and Traciann are right. This is a time of healing both physically and spiritually. You will get more comfortable in time. Have you been to a store that sells prosthetics yet? Once I was fitted, I felt whole again. When I got my prosthesis, I said to the fitter, "Ah.... I am myself again!" I just never looked back. I would much rather be without that cancerous breast! I never considered having reconstruction because I feel fine with the prosthesis. Reconstruction expanders mean months of pain. I am in my 60's and I just don't feel the need. Hang in there and take care, Sharon

over 7 years • Comment • Flag

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anonimamente

Sobrevivente desde 2009

You are already many steps ahead in your journey. I just kept making myself look at my new chest. I wore tank tops with a open blouse overlay, to adjust in public until I was able to wear my proth. As Sharon said once you get a proth that you feel good in you will feel better. I joke with those close to me that now my new girls are "perky" and "up" where I always wanted them to be. I was a 42 DD, pendulous before. They were heavy and dangled. If you go out in public with a positive attitude and good feeling about yourself, everyone else will take your lead. 95% of people in this world do not pay attention to others now a days. Too busy and wrapped up in their selves. I also tell people I am like "the bionic women" only they left out the bionics. This cracks the tension with those close to you. If you portray it is all ok and normal, others will follow. Take care.

over 7 years • Comment • Flag

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anonimamente

Aprendendo sobre o câncer de mama

It will come with time . If you are positive those around you will be as well . Remember it takes time and you have to allow yourself time to heal inside and out . Much love

over 7 years • Comment • Flag

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anonimamente

Stage 4 Paciente

Remember your alive!! I was willing to trade my breast for life, I don't mean to sound glib about it and I know it is a hard thing to get used to but life is worth more than breast. It will get easier.

over 7 years • Comment • Flag

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anonimamente

Aprendendo sobre o câncer de mama

i was diagnosed in april of 2011 i was 35 .. 3 months short of 36.. i was told i had to have the mastectomy on the right side plus remove 10 lymphnodes.. i am terrible with terminology but apperantly it was the type of cancer that sread out like tenticles and it was also hormone receptive so in the past year i have had chemo.. radiation.. and a hysterectomy.. i never wore a prosthetic.. once i wore padding when my husband took me to see the nutcracker and it felt odd... i was very vain when it came to my chest i always wore tank tops... all last summer was a struggle for me.. i only wore a swim suit a handful of times and i tried to cover up alot... i always felt like people were staring at me... maybe they were... but it coulda been the lack of hair that did it to... but i started to realize (with the help of my husband) that i was still the beautiful person i was before.... i believe it more now than i did ... but it takes time... baggy shirts actually made me feel worse... i decided to wear my tanks again and wore a swimsuit alot this summer.. and still with only one breast... its a badge of honor and corage .. it shows you are a fighter... please dont hide like i did.. be proud of what u r accomplishing... we are fighters my dear.... good luck hun

over 7 years • Flag

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- anonimamente
  
  Aprendendo sobre o câncer de mama
  
  you can feel better with or without a proth girls ..... i know i have and its amazing....the battle is hard and emotional... i listened to martina mcbrides song im gonna love you through it ... and it so hit home for me... and helpped... but my...
  mais
  you can feel better with or without a proth girls ..... i know i have and its amazing....the battle is hard and emotional... i listened to martina mcbrides song im gonna love you through it ... and it so hit home for me... and helpped... but my biggest help was GOD... i strengthened my relationship with him and realized that all the petty stuff i used to think mattered just dont anymore.... YOU CAN DO THIS GIRL
  
  over 7 years • Flag