Bilateral mastectomies.

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I have had two mastectomies... one in 2001 and one in 2019. I find the usual rubbery prostheses uncomfortable so am using Knitted Knockers kindly knitted by volunteers. These are very comfortable but because I’ve got nothing to hold everything down ( my one breast did that job) everything rides up . Unless I wear a very high neckline... for instance a t shirt....it can be a disaster. I usually know something has gone awry by the direction of someone’s eyes !

HELP !

  • Interesting question  Sorry I don't have an answer. 

    I've had a single mastectomy and also use knitted knockers. I find they do ride up a bit but as you say the other breast holds everything in place. I've often wondered about this problem. The only solutions I've thought of are to wear an elasticated cami instead of a bra or to find a bra with a wide elastic band (say 1.5 inches) around the bottom. I have a couple of shirred camis that I got when I had a fluid problem (which I solved with the mastectomy) and they're very comfortable. 

    I do usually pin my KK into my bra to avoid any wardrobe malfunction. 

    Do let us know if you come up with anything. 

    Lynn xx 

  • I think that even with one boob mine ride up. I was considering these https://www.nicolajane.com/beenaboob-heart-prosthesis-babh/ as they are soft but with a little weight to them.

    “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.  Stephen Hawking,
  • Thank you for your empathy ! I have safety pins but perhaps I need more. I would say nappy pins but I don’t think they exist any more(I am ancient compared to most people on here! ) Perhaps I have advantage of people maybe thinking I’m a batty old dear and smiling indulgently.

  • Thank you. I had a look at these. Just the think but too expensive I’m afraid. Perhaps I could reshuffle the KK with something else. 

    ? Rice 

  • Sorry... just the thing.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I found the same. Now I just go flat.  I wear a vest top instead to cover up. If I need a higher coverage underneath a top then I wear the vest back to front. If anyone doesn’t like it they can look the other way!  I read a very wise comment by someone on this site: we wouldn’t expect someone who had an arm amputated to be embarrassed so why should we?

    i do care what I look like, I do have self pride, but this journey wasn’t a fashion choice, and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life dressing uncomfortably.

    i hope you find something that works for you. xx

  • I use the larger safety pins but not nappy pins. I put one at the top of the kk and one on the armpit side, stopping both upwards and sideways movement. Seems to work. I have sewn aqua knockers into my 2 swimsuits. That works brilliantly. As for filling with something heavier, not a bad idea, although foodstuffs like rice (or the silicon kitty litter) wouldn't wash well. How about putting a few small ceramic beads in the centre of the KK, surrounded by stuffing. That way you'd get weight and keep the softness and the shape. Ebay has plenty of small beads at cheap prices or if you have baking beads ...

    And as for going around with nothing. I agree we shouldn't be at all embarrassed. I rarely wear my bra at home and am happy for anyone to see me as lopsided Lizzie - who cares. I do also go out sometimes eg down to the shops with just one boob but usually wear a bra, mainly as my existing boob is floppy lol.

    Lynn xx 

  • Thank you both of you lopside Lizzies. I never put my kks in at home. No one seems to notice....or are too polite to comment.

    I announced to one aquaintance that I had knotted knickers by mistake. She looked a bit startled so I had to explain. I couldn't  possibly wear my synthetic prosthesis in this weather.

    I will try all your suggestions. Thank you.