How did you cope emotionally with a single mastectomy without reconstruction?

Hi There

I had a single mastectomy  without reconstruction 8 weeks ago - i don't think you will know how you will react until after the surgery - i was not emotional about loosing a breast but i do not like being asymmetrical - i really would like now to have the other one taken off and be symmetrical but i am not sure i want another surgery. I think the longer I go the more used to it i get - it doesn't effect my sense of identity as a woman, i am glad it has gone along with the cancer. I also joined the facebook group FF UK. Lots of different perspectives and help on there, i would recommend it - i hope everything goes well for you.

Thanks for your reply, Lizzy. I hope you're healing well. Take care. 

Hi MoominAncestor iIm coming up yo two years since my rght side  MX .My story is on profile just click on name to read if you want to . 

My first thought on diagnosis was remove it ! I then had to persuade surgeon I knew what I was asking .

As it happens because of size of cancer it was needed .

I can honestly say I have not had an emotional reaction to losing a boob or to being lopsided .Possibly my age would be part of the reason as I felt I didn't need it . If it had been possible I would have asked for a double op.

I made sure I looked at op site asap after surgery and felt fine about it . More relief that cancer was gone .

I used a softy in bra initially and after 6 weeks had my prosthetic...Clarissa lol . 

Using the prosthetic is just part of my dressing routine and nobody can tell the difference . 

We are all different so it's hard to tell you how to cope with losing a breast . I can only relate that I only ever saw the positive side of it as getting rid of cancer .

The op itself was. A lot easier than expected more discomfort than pain but with use of button thru night and daywear was able to dress each day feeling comfortable with how I looked 

hope things go well for you 

Thanks Margaret.  You sound very positive about it. I'll have a read of your story.