I am considering having a second mastectomy and am concerned about wearing two prosthesis. My breast care nurse mentioned that some ladies find it difficult to wear two so I would like to hear about the experience of anyone who would like to share their experience.
Hi Kcsunshine,
I am sorry you are faced with this difficult decision and I am sure some of our users will be along soon to share their stories and advice on prosthesis.
I have moved your post to thesurgery boardin order to give users more of a chance to respond.
In the meantime you can always call our helpline at 0808 800 6000. They will be able to talk to you about some of the questions you may have and offer a friendly ear.
Best wishes,
Lizzy
I had a lumpectomy in 2011 and had to have one prosthesis and that was fine. In February I had a double mastectomy and had several complications so I am waiting for two prosthesis. I don’t know how that is going to feel, but at least you can choose your breast size goodbye big boobs. I hope that you make a decision you are happy with . I only had cancer in one breast but opted for a bilateral mastectomy and when the surgeon told me that they found three cancers in my breast I am very glad I did. Sending my healing wishes and hope everything goes ok.
I’ve just seen your opst - I haven’t been on the forum for ages as I had my first mastectomy in 2013 and I’m also considering a second. I’m small and I have actually been wearing a prosthesis on my mastectomy side and a partial prosthesis on my “real boob” side, to balance them up. It’s been absolutely fine wearing 2 - the bras I wear have a nice wide soft band which I have quite tight.
I am looking forward to being able to go totally boobless on a hot day, wearing baggy tops and a nice scarf. I’m discussion this option of 2nd mastectomy with the surgeon in a few weeks.
Hi, I’m hopefully going to be having surgery to have a 2nd mastectomy, when my chemo finishes in June. I have prepared for this by buying shoe strap vests and some ‘softee’ prosthesis. I have attached a small square of velcro to the top of each softee, and also a piece to just underneath the straps on each side of the vests. In theory it should give me a gentle shape without any weight or discomfort. My remaining breast has been an absolute nuisance to me, as it’s so large making me extemely imbalanced.
Hi kcsunshine.
I too wore bi-lat silicone protheses for 7 years without any problems whatsoever. Found it more difficult wearing just one for a year after my initial mast. I initially tried a self adhesive silicone false boob to wear with my normal bras, but the damn thing kept dislodging, if my skin got moist (sweated) or loosening completely and flopping out!! So then opted for a pocketed bra to wear it in.
That much easier and even with two, after my 2nd mast a year later. Never had any probs with my bra’s riding up with two, but I did always go to have bras properly fitted, both at the hospital with the Natura rep (who provided the prosthetics as well), and at Womanzone in Warrington. And always pocketed bras. Once I knew what suited, I could buy them mail order or on-line, from the same manufacturers. My last two bras also had a light smooth seamless padding, as in the T-shirt bras that became popular for normal breasted women. Gave some extra size and smoothness, but were more plain and not as pretty as others, but really comfey for everyday wear. I think certain style bras may be more apt to ride up than others, so I’d really recommend having them fitted.
And, as Sunset50 so rightly points out - you can “choose” your size. Thank goodness you did opt for a bi-lat mast Sunset, considering what was found in your second remaining boob. Hope you find a comfey pair that you’re happy with.
I did finally get round to a bi-lat implant reconstruction 2014, hence the 7 yrs, but am still only part way through, having fallen off the horse. Haven’t worn a bra since, not had the need to, but may need to when (if at this rate!) I finally get round to having expanders replaced with the silicon implants and then nipple recon. I’d well recommend recon tho’. Immediately gave me a massive boost back to my confidence, me being single, and getting some of my old shape back. It wasn’t just the curves at the front I’d been missing, it was curves that boobs give you laterally, at the sides to your ribcage, into your underarms. Never wanted self tissue recon, only ever implants.
Good luck finding the right prosthetics for you, girls.
Lots of love, delly xxxxxx