Could I ask, for anyone who’s had a smx and doesn’t wear a prosthesis (whether all the time or some times) how long did it take for you to feel at ease doing so?
I had an expander out a month ago and I find it more comfortable without a prosthesis, but I feel really self conscious when I’m out & about, and it can take me an hour to decide what to wear each morning 
Thanks
Hi @caroline_w_uk I had a left SMX for just over a year, I’ve just had a mastectomy on the right in July this year. I used to wear my prosthetic a lot, and then it got to summer and it was just too hot to constantly wear it, so that really gave me the push to go without. Once I’d done it a few times I realised I didn’t really mind how it looked 
I think as well with winter I found with baggy jumpers it really wasn’t noticeable so I would often go without. I would use sports bras mostly instead of a bra so that there was still a level of support, but it wouldn’t bunch up like a bra. I completely understand about feeling self conscious! I think ultimately it came down to prioritising comfort over what other people think. I do still have wobbles and moments where I doubt myself, a lot of moments where I wish I still had my boobs for shape, so unfortunately I can’t promise a miracle turnaround but hopefully you will start feeling more comfortable soon 
I am thinking that it is very individual as to how one feels without wearing a prosthesis and I guess perhaps depends on how big ones other boob is .
I wore my prosthesis for some good time and then decided it was just too uncomfortable and hot so I’ve given up.
I am fortunate because actually I’m much older and don’t go out a lot, but I have found a few ways to feel more at ease . I wear quite big scarves which mean that the scarf is the focus not my flat side. I keep away generally from sone patterned things like stripes or regular patterns where they would look very crooked by being lopsided . I tend to wear more loose fitting things and wraps and poncho style at times . It did take me some time but in the end decided that I was better to be upfront with people about it, realising that was better than trying to pretend things aren’t as they are . For ages, I would just wear the prothesis on the odd occasion when I really wanted to dress up and felt I just couldn’t face things without but now I’m very comfortable just being a one-sided flattie . I wish you well in this difficult journey. I think it is very understandable to take some to figure out how one feels so go gently on yourself .