Hello
I am new to this forum so apologies if I go on.
First diagnosed 12years ago, recurrence in right side 2006. Had chemo to shrink, then mastectomy. 4mths later more in scar tissue. More chemo. Second recurrence 2008 left nodes, surgery on nodes, not sure how many + left mastectomy.
Trying cope with one boob + prothsesis was bad enough, but now having to find 2 (one larger that other due to swelling still on left side) is getting me down.
Due to go on holiday abroad soon (first since surgery) and dreading the thought of looking odd.
May sound silly, but anyone out there had similar problems.
Thanks
Hi Dozz,
YES!!! Dx in 1990. Mastectomy in 1996 but ca returned in skin on mastectomy site. Had flap (VRAM) made from stomach to replace everything from left chest wall which was not a proper reconstruction but a mound in order to use muscle & fat etc. to protect ribcage. Then further mastectomy - right side in 1999. So now left with very uneven chest. There is a form of prosthesis that has a pocket in the back and comes with ‘stuffing’ so you can even them out. I think they only come in small, medium and large and would not be suitable if you were trying to achieve a large effect. If you can get to any of the main prosthesis suppliers they could be tremendous help in getting the right fitting for you. I have put photos of the type of prosthesis on the bcpals site if it is any help for you to look at them. The brochures dont really show them clearly enough. PM me if I can help you any further.
Dawn
Hi Dawn, thanks for the info. as i had large breasts before bc (44C), i suppose i can choose to go smaller.
I have bought some from online suppliers, but i think going to a fitting session would be more helpful. will look at suppliers in my area.
thanks
dozz
Hi Dozz. I’ve had cancer 3 times in my left side and after the last diagnosis I decided on a double mastectomy. When I went for my prosthesis fitting the girl suggested that I have them in different sizes as the mastectomy on the left hand side was a lot tighter than the one on the right hand side.
The girl did say that this is not abnormal and you don’t really notice the difference once you have clothes on.
Hazel
Hi Hazel, i am same. right scare is a lot tighter and left still looks light half a breast.
had a brainwave today. I had bought a pair of sponge/swimwear prothsesis online at a size my bcnurse told me i should be wearing… decided to cut them down to fit, one smaller than other. they look ok. will still try for fitting for permanent silicone ones, but feeling a tad brighter now that i can wear a bra without keeping a check on wether they look right.
dozz