Living with Mastectomy - Advice

[Ms Merton]

Ok lovely - sorry to hear that. This is a forum where you can talk about any and all your problems if you want to. But make sure you are not always putting yourself and your needs last. There are various companies that do attractive mastectomy underwear and swimwear such as Nicola Jane and Royce.  I've found M&S really good for post surgery stuff too.  You can also buy ready made pockets (i.e. an envelope of material to hold prosthesis in place) which you can sew into ordinary bras and swimwear so you can wear more or less what you want (except triangle bikinis). Hope everything moves forward for you smoothly.  I thought I would be devastated after the surgery but actually I felt much better once it was over. It is having it hanging over you that is the really stressful part. Take care. Xxx

[Allyballyb]

Just to say Thank You all for replying.   Things not so good at home at the moment so not the best time for surgery.  Just want my life to get back to normal for now

Thanks again xx

[Flint]

I had a single mastectomy about 7 years ago, wear a prosthesis and rarely think about it.
I have to be a bit careful with tops, that's all
but I never wore low necks anyway.I just didn't want all the extra surgery. Best wishes.

[Ms Merton]

Hello - not sure why you have been told that DIEP could cause you fitness problems?  I had mine just under 4 months ago and can already do everything as normal including Zumba and yoga. You will have 6-12 weeks of having to be a bit careful with activities such as lifting but it should be only temporary. 

[Allyballyb]

Hello

After two lumpectomies and no clear margins, I need to have a Mastectomy.  I could have had an immediate reconstruction, deip flap, but was scared of the potential problems and a fear that I would not return to my current fitness as such.  So have decided to go flat and live with it, with the knowledge that I can have the reconstruction in the future if I am unhappy.

Having said that, I am fearful of what it will be like.  Any ladies out there prepared to  pass on any practical tips and words of wisdom gratefully received - My current bra size is 36e and only one breast being removed

Thank you 

A