Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi there - guess you've already scoured the usual sites that do pocketed products.  You may be able to just wear a full cup bikini top - might depend on the size needed.   Also thought this link might be helpful, if you're handy with a sewing needle - it's instructions of how to add your own pocket to clothing to accommodate a prothesis. https://www.nicolajane.com/how-to-sew-a-pocket-into-your-bra/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmZejBhC_ARIsAGhCqncqu8LWk3_xakzjPwRrtWPk6CwazhKE8nXVaVAxxCy1Q53-Z6-3iNUaAgIFEALw_wcB Like you I wear a prothesis - I wear swimwear that has a lot of ruching (is that the right term)?  I don't bother with the prothesis as with this style it's not really noticeable that I'm no longer symmetrical! However, I'm an old girl and no longer so body conscious as I once was... ... View more

Hi there - re bone density scan.  I was also referred for one of these, following surgery and radiotherapy and propspect of 5 years of anastrazole.   Believe the scan was all part of the monitoring process as homone depressants can affect our bone density.  I had one initially - I guess to set my baseline, and have since been scanned every 2 years.  I was found to have some osteopenia (early degeneration of bone) and prescribed a daily calcium supplement.  ... View more

Hi there - Know that this site is accessible to many places and that not all health care services are as generous as the NHS UK.  I was cared for by the NHS in England and given a prothesis free of charge, following my mastectomy in 2016.  I have to buy the products to keep it in good condition myself.  Unfortunately, it started leaking silicone after a couple of years - I called up the breast care nurse at the hospital where I was treated, and she organised a free replacement.  So, if you are an NHS patient give them a call, they may well replace it for you. ... View more

Hi Geri - sounds awful doesn't it but, truly not as bad as it sounds, and I'm a real wuss!  Can't speak for everybody can only tell you my experience.  I had it the day before my op and it went in pretty close to the nipple.  Can honestly say it was OK and over very quickly.  Took me longer to get on the bed and whip gown down than to have the injection.  I had no discomfort afterwards either as I remember - however, I was pretty hyped by the very prospect of the next day... Hope all goes well for you. D ... View more

Hi Majestic Tiger - goodness, what a dilemma for you to get your head around.  Afraid I have no wise advice, just thought, as you'd asked for experiences, I'd let you know how mine panned out. I had a right side mastectomy 5 years ago.  I was advised not to have reconstruction at that time as there were concerns about the effect of radiation on the surgery site. However, I was assured that I'd be entitled to a reconstruction once other therapies were completed.  Following surgery I was given a prothesis to wear - it can be worn directly on the chest or tucked into a pocket in a bra.  At every subsequent check up appointment I was asked whether or not I was considering reconstruction.  At the first of these appointments I was sure I was not up for more surgery and declined the offer.  At the next, I asked about reconstruction options as I was curious but, was still not convinced it was for me.  By the next appointment I knew I was completely happy with my lot and opted to stay as I am.  I'm perfectly content, with my prothesis - when dressed, nobody would notice it.  It doesn't impede my lifestyle at all - I go to yoga and pilates classes, play netball and swim (it tucks into my cossie) fairly regulary.  I'm very lucky to have a partner who accepts me 'warts and all', so have had no pressure from other 'interested parties' to make any decision. Obviously, the choice to reconstruct or not is so very personal, so I'm not advocating non-reconstruction, just that it's the option that suited me.  Hope this has been helpful.   Good luck and very best wishes for whichever route you choose. ... View more

Thanks for the tip - will put them on my birthday list!   ... View more

Hi Nanceline - I had similar problems sleeping.  I find plugging myself into a podcast, a talking book or the radio works everytime.  Unfortunately, often wake up to find myself with tangled in headphones! Hope you find something that works for you. D ... View more

Glad my post was of some use.   I've had the Amoena contact for 5 years and am pretty happy with it.  Like anything new, it took a bit of getting used to but don't think anything of it now.  It can be worn directly stuck to the chest or with the  backing on, tucked into bra.  I alternate between both, but not for any particular reason.  When it's stuck to the chest it sticks really well and doesn't move about.   I had to get a replacement after a country walk - got caught on some brambles and punctured it - it was slowly leaking silicone or whatever the content might be! Check with your breast care nurse, she may have a sample for you to 'test drive'.   ... View more

Hi Michelmadd I'm not sure what your specific concerns are, so had a guess at what they might be.  Am assuming you might be concerned about going through security or maybe difficulties when abroad, so hoping I can reassure you a little.  I wear an Amoena contact breastform.  I've travelled long haul (SE Asia) and short (Europe) hops  since my mastectomy using both well-known and lesser-known companies. I've never encountered any problems with my 'falsie' being detected going through airline security protocols, including walking through the metal detector  or being 'patted down.' It is not affected by the changes in air pressure in the aircraft during the flight at all. It has stayed in place in pretty humid climates. Have a fab, worry-free trip! Hope this is helpful - happy to answer any other queries if I can.   ... View more

Hi Poppy,  To be honest, think most people's questions are genuine and heartfelt.  I found people were most 'interested' in my cancer throughout the first year.  I usually responded with 'technically not cured until 5 years clear, but consider myself cured' and didn't count myself as a cancer patient once the active treatment finished.  As with most things in life, people's curiosity is either satisfied or just wanes.  I'm just coming up to 5 years since diagnosis and cannot remember the last time anyone asked me about it - am hoping that my appt in 2022 will be my last, will finally be able to stop the Anastrazole and be able to officially say I'm a NEDdy (No evidence (of cancer) detected).  Will be ringing any bell to hand then! ... View more

Hi TheresaB - before BC, like many, I bought my bras from M and S or supermarket and would just pick up the size I thought...  Again, like many, I had a drawer full of ill fitting undies!  I did the same when having to adapt to wearing a prothesis.  Like you, found that nothing was quite right.  Was really reluctant to spend a fortune on any underwear - as I'm not going to be showing it to anyone else!  However, was persuaded by a pal to go to a proper bra shop that specialised in mastectomy bras.  I went to Betty and Belle in the north west.  I bit the bullet and allowed myself to be properly measured, spent more money than I've ever spent on a couple of bras but the transformation was worth every penny!  I skipped out of that shop and haven't looked back.  I roll around with my grandchildren, swim and do yoga with comfort and confidence.  In a nutshell, my advice - get yourself measured and advised by a specialist, then treat yourself to a couple of well fitting bras. ... View more

Hi Emma - just thought I'd add my 'two penneth'. I know of people who've had recon and implants.  Both options have had good outcomes. I had a right side mastectomy 4 years ago and, like you, was advised not to consider reconstruction or implant before treatment was complete.  I was also told that there was no time limit to consider a recon or implant.  When treatment finished and I felt properly recovered (probably a year or so), I was asked again at a check up appointment about recon.  I gave it lots of thought but decided I wasn't prepared to put myself through surgery again.  I'm content with my lot - I wear a prothesis, which isn't detectable when I'm dressed. I'm pretty active and it doesn't impede my lifestyle.  The downside for me, is having limited and pricey options for bras, and having to be aware of necklines when shopping! I know staying 'battle-scarred' isn't most people's choice but just wanted to include it as a  third option.  Reassuringly, recon is still mentioned at check ups - so, my experience would suggest that perhaps you don't have to make a decision just yet. ... View more

Hi Bcrsally - I'd had not experience of surgery prior to BC, so seratoma was a complete surprise!  I have no recollection of being told about the possibility prior to my BC surgeries, so was astounded to find such swelling - it looked like they were growing back!!!!  Of course, there is a good chance that I was pre-warned, but was selecting which information to process prior to the op.  My BC nurse was brilliant and invited me in to have them drained - a completely painless process, to my relief, as she'd approached me with a pretty big looking hyperdermic...   Hope you're soon feeling tiptop.  ... View more

Hi there - I had radiotherapy 3+ years ago, but shouldn't think the process has changed too much.  I had to remove all my top clothes and wear a hospital style gown throughout each session - it's much easier for the radiotherapy staff to get to the area to be treated.  I just wore my usual underwear for the trip to and from the hospital.  As for toiletries - I was advised against using them throughout this treatment.  I applied some non scented cream to the radiated area after each session. Hope this part of your treatment whizzes by for you. D ... View more

Hi there Gelbel - my goodness you're organised, well done you.  Sincerely hoping everything goes as per the plan on 8th.  Just wanted to tell you that my mastectomy was the first op I'd had.  I was terrified, and assumed I'd be pretty helpless after surgery.  Like you, I stayed overnight and was discharged with drains.  A nurse made a home visit the following day to check all was well.  I was surprised at how well I felt.  I had no pain - best described as a little discomfort at most, which was quelled with paracetamol for a couple of days.  I was very tired - most likely my response to anaesthetic and the fact that I'd barely slept with anxiety leading up to op!  I did the recommended exercises religiously and found my arm movement was back to normal quicker than I expected.  My husband was wonderful and keen to look after me, but  as I felt OK,  I was itching to get back to some normality.  Will be thinking of you. D ... View more

Hi Cat - I was very anxious about radiotherapy but happy to report that, for me it was not a problem.  I had daily sessions for several weeks - with weekends and Easter off.  At my centre, I was given a schedule of appointments and able to tell them the times that best suited me.  It worked really well , as I chose early mornings, so mostly 8.30 am ish - there were a couple of times where a machine was out of action and that meant a bit of a delay.  My first appointment was all about positioning.  It's a very precise treatment and pretty important that you're lined up correctly.  The radiographers were so diligent.  It took an age.  Once they were happy, they tattooed me with tiny marks to ensure that I was lined up exactly in the right place in subsequent sessions.  I'm a dreadful wuss, so didn't like the idea of tattoos at all.  Can honestly say I didn't feel them and they are barely noticeable.  In fact, post treatment I now use the centre one to line up my prothesis!  The actual radiotherapy sessions are really quick.  It takes longer to undress than to be radiated.  The staff line you up, leave the room but are able to check on you and then the machine moves around you treating the area.  There's a bit of a humming sound - like the microwave without the ping.  After a few minutes you're done and able to go. At all times the staff were very considerate and kind.  I had to travel 40 mins to get to the hospital which was a bit of a drag.  I found after a few sessions my radiated area was getting pinker.  I used aqueous cream to cool it down.  As I got further into the treatment I felt tired, and this continued for several weeks after treatment too.    Considering the other treatments we have to endure, I found the radiotherapy the easiest bit! Hope it all goes smoothly for you too. ... View more

Oh my goodness, you poor thing, to be so very worried.  Stress can be so debilitating.  A referral appointment will help alieviate your worry.  Always a good chance that it's nothing sinister, but if it is something that needs treatment, trust in the experts - they are pretty good at what they do!  These appointments are, in my experience, fairly thorough and they won't keep you waiting for results too long.  Meanwhile, suggest you treat yourself to something very indulgent to eat, call up a chum for a chat and/or find a distraction - something you've been putting off (I sorted out the cupboard under the stairs)!  Do hope you find some peace very soon. ... View more