I’ve been reading the posts in this area with interest and wanted to share this … I’m coming up to 2 years since finishing treatment, I’ve had a mx and wear a prothesis at work and when going out but often don’t bother at home, just wear a sports bra. On day 1 of my holiday I felt irritated that my “swimming” prothesis didn’t sit properly in my swim suit and suddenly decided to dispense with it. Such a feeling of liberation! I stopped using a prothesis at all for the rest of the holiday and to my surprise felt people didn’t notice or if they did, didn’t pay any attention. Back home is a different thing. Why do I feel more self concious out and about my own home? I’d like to just use my prothesis at work and go single breasted for the rest of the time but feel as if I’m drawing attention to myself. Similarly when asked why I’m wearing a compression sleeve I mutter something about fluid as I don’t want to deal with people’s reactions to my saying I’ve had cancer.
Hi Littlemrs,
I often go without mine around the house as my family are pretty used to seeing me without it. I do feel self conscious if I need to answer the door to strangers but it’s more about the big droopy boob I have left than the missing one. I have quite a small frame and had large breasts before the op. Going without a bra during my rads and recovery hasn’t improved the look. I’ve decided not to have reconstruction because I don’t want the extensive surgery and long recovery but have discussed a reduction on the good side with my plastic surgeon. She’s happy to do it but wants me to wait until I’ve completed Herceptin treatment in December.
I think it’s human nature to judge our own appearance much more harshly than other people do. I’m sure you’re right and most people either don’t notice or aren’t that interested. I still like my clothes to look good and if I could afford a whole new wardrobe I might be tempted to reduce so much that I could go braless without anyone noticing.
Jan xx
That’s an interesting idea, to reduce size in the remaining breast… my masectomy side isn’t flat as I expected. i’ve got a small “bump” which could be taken for a AAA size. I’m definately going single breasted when I swim from now on. I felt elated when I made the decision on holiday to go with out my prothesis and also realise dI could byt a more attractive swimsuit. I’ve got a coupld with breast pockets but they have thick straps and look quite frumpy. Just the look I’m trying to avoid!