Hiya, I had left side mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and right side.mastoplexy 4 weeks ago and when I attended a recent check up with my surgeon she wasn’t happy with the reconstructed breast. After 4 weeks it was still very swollen, sore, leaking fluid and she was worried about infection. Was admitted straight away for emergency surgery where they discovered the tissue had not taken and so had to be removed. I have opted for no further reconstructive work at this stage. I have to move on to next stage of cancer treatment. Not taking into account the emotional trauma of suddenly losing a breast without any time to get my head around it I have no idea about bras or prosthetics. I was sent home from hospital with soft cushion insert thing which is far too big for my cup size and will not remain in place. I am not going to get measured for new underwear until I’m fully healed on both sides but have no idea what I’m suppose to be wearing for comfort at the moment. Will try to speak to my BCN this week but wondered if you had any advice for me too?
Hi @fubc
Sorry this happened to you I had similar implant removed , I have stayed flat couldn’t go through the surgery again maybe in time I will , ask to change the
softie they gave you to the right size
You can pick up cheap post op bras online for the time being with pockets to put prosthesis M&S do some reasonable price I have used a charity knitted Knockers they make them made to measure free of charge found then soft and comfortable while healing , I also wore soft crop tops
It’s finding what’s comfortable for you
I know it’s a shock to loose you breast when not expecting it .
Good luck xx
Thank you so much for your reply and understanding. It’s been a lot to take in and I had done so much research before my initial surgery and was so well prepared - various non wired bras in a couple of different sizes which were fine before but they are not right for this situation. I will try a sports crop top today and see how I get on until I see nurse again or get out to the shops to see what’s available. Will definitely investigate knitted knockers too! Love the name.
Thanks again x
PS I’m sorry to hear you have been in a similar situation. big gentle hugs x
Thank you @fubc
All recovered now and trying to move forward , the forum is a great support , we all have similar stories x
Hi fubc
Thank you for posting.
It sounds like you have had a very difficult time and understandably you want to know more about bras and prosthetics. Our booklet Breast prostheses, bras and clothes after surgery might be of interest.
I wonder if it might be easier to call us and talk this through. We often find we can help people more by speaking to them on the phone. If so call us on 0808 800 6000.
As @charlottebee mentioned you can ask your breast care nurse for a smaller ‘softie’. Wearing a soft crop top can also be helpful while securing the ‘softie’ with small safety pins. There are also tops to buy that have moulded cups to help keep the ‘softie’ in place.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
For many people, it’s not always ‘back to normal’ when they finish hospital treatment for primary breast cancer. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Coping with the shock of a diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and worries about recurrence can make it difficult to readjust to everyday life again.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
As mentioned, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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