Had results back from biopsys last week to corfirm I have 3 lumps all grade 2 ductal invasive so mastectomy on Tuesday the 3rd. Actually feel ok about mastectomy as just want cancer out, but really scared about the results from op. I am so paranoid it is spreading whilst I’m lying in bed at night I am even scared to touch that boob incase I can feel the lumps have grown. Trying to be strong but really scared. My kids are 9,3 and 1 and I am so angry about how this is affecting them all and everyone around me. Although my sons only worried about the fact that his friends will tease him as his mum only has one boob. I did explain that unless I turn up to school topless I do not think they will know. Also any tips on post op bras there are loads of websites but can anyone recommend a site.
Trying to enjoy last weekend with 2 breasts.
Take care to all feeling scared and lonely out there.
We have also published a booklet ‘A confident choice’ which you may find useful as it contains information about buying mastectomy bras and clothing following breast surgery and has a list of specialist bra companies at the back, here’s the link:
If you feel you need to talk to someone in confidence, please give the helpline a call, the staff here are all either breast care nurses or people who have personal experience of breast care issues and are able to offer you advice and help or just a ‘listening ear’ The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
Sorry you have had to join us here - but you will get a ton of support and advic from the lovely people on here.
I had a mastectomy in Nov last year. I was like you, the mastectomy itself wasn’t an issue - it was everything else that goes with it. My youngest daughter was 9 at the time and I got pretty much the same reaction as your son. Though she is fine about it now, having seen that to the outside world I don’t look any different.
Immediately post op I didn’t wear any special bras, just bought crop top type bras, or sports bras made with soft cotton - I found they were most comfortable (especially as all my bras pre-op were underwired, push em up and shove em out types lol). The softie that they give you to wear in the hospital also fit snuggly into these. I didn’t bother with pocketed mastectomy bras until a couple of months ago, once i got proper prosthesis. There is a booklet available on here dealing with mastectomy which lists suppliers at the back of the booklet. I bought some of my mastectomy bras on ebay - some of the decent sports ones start from 8.50 and they are very good.
Good luck with the op - please let us know how you get on
Im large chested and was in turmoil about finding bra’s for afterwards - I had a proper prosthesis from about 4 weeks afterwardst to boost my confidence. M&S do a good post surgery one which I lived in afterwards as its made secifically for women who’ve just had masectomy, after that I wore non wired ones (masectomy was in March) and have worn one underwired but didnt sit right on dogs ear at the side!! Also if your hospital like mine the sew pockets inside your bra for it to sit in and amonea do great ones (albeit a bit expensive)!
x
Thanks guys that is great, have bought some soft cropped tops for time being and will get proper bras in few weeks. I’m only a wee 34b so not much to support. I will also miss my push them up and out padded underwire jobs, but never mind.
Thinking of you today bugnut…
It wasn’t as bad for me as I thought, so I hope that’s the same for you…
I bought surgical bras from Royce on line which have been just right for me - I needed wide sides and front opening due to the extensive incisions from my reconstruction. I’ve also bought soft T-shirt bras from Bon Marche at £6 and they have wide sides and full cups - it would be very easy to sew in a pocket for a prosthesis… my prosthesis (my recon is currently no where near size! - to be rectified next year) stays put without a pocket… it sticks to me using a little body wax!