From single to double mastectomy - any tips?

Hi 

Sorry I can't help, but I'm bumping your post up to see if anyone else can before your post disappears of the first page.  I've also found this link from a recent post.

Kindest wishes,

Hi Sam15

i had a right masectomy for cancer and then choose to have the left removed as i carry a faulty gene. Took me a year to convince them i was of sound mind  and knew what i was asking for

I couldnt be happier  , not lopsided   feel symmetrical again , bras fit better   I also chose not to have reconstruction  and go flat when i go swiming or gym   or around the house   ( i have a bralette with softies in   that i can grab quickly if i get unexpected visitors!)

Hope you feel as happy as i did once i had it done

Hi ursula2 

thank you for sharing your experience. It’s reassuring to know bras aren’t an issue - I think I was worried they might ride up. Like you, I like being flat for running etc but also want to use softies/prosthesis for day to day. I’m very happy with bralets at the moment too. So it’s good to know those work well with double mastectomy. 

Thanks again. 

Thanks Lesley, 

I think that link was the conversation that followed my post after my right mx earlier this year . 

Hi

doh! yes I am a numpty - didn't even look at who started the thread!!!  I'm glad you've had some help now

Best wishes,

For the benefit of others who may have similar queries in the future, I can now provide an update following my second mastectomy.

I’m now almost 4 weeks post op and I’ve recovered well so far.

For the pre op work up I had a psychological assessment and mri scan as my surgeon suggested, “let’s go in with eyes open”. The MDT also had to agree it was clinically necessary.  I sought support through Breast cancer care “someone like me” service beforehand to prepare. This is a great service. Prompted by the psychologist I wrote a farewell/thank you letter to my boob and took some photos. Then I felt mostly calm and relieved to be getting it over with. Although it felt like information overload it helped that I knew that double mx was likely to be needed back in january when first diagnosed. It also helped knowing what to expect following my first mx in Feb. 

As post op swelling is again minimal I went for my prosthesis fitting appointment this week, that I’d put off until I had both mastectomies. As I wasn’t too keen on theses squashy heavy lumps on offer, much to my surprise I quite like my silicon prosthetics and the m and s post surgery bra is comfortable. I can also wear my pre-surgery bandeau bikini top and a new normal tankini top beachwear with or without the prosthesis. I also made my own swim prosthesis by using a shower net and some invisible socks!! I still wear my softies or m and s foam prostheses in my sainsburies Tu Lacey bralettes and often go completely flat as well. 

Now I’m flat, I feel youthful, light and even child like again. My posture is better. I bought a red lipstick for the first time in my adult life, and some new clothes including summer camisole tops and jersey wrap dresses. There’s not much I’ve had to change day to day in my wardrobe and the adjustment to a double mastectomy with no recon has therefore been fairly smooth. I still have other curves I can enjoy after all.

waiting for the path report was nerve wracking even though we knew the pre op scan was clear. Still a huge relief for that to be confirmed by pathologist. Massive relief to reach the end of my cancer treatment plan. 

wishing good luck to all who may follow on this path. Remember that your body is amazing and to look after and nurture it. I’ve got 46cm of very neat scarring and I’m in awe each time I look at these scars as to how incredible our bodies are in how they heal so quickly. 

Wow - what a fantastic lady you are.  Embracing your new life with such enthusiasm.  An inspiration to us all xx