Just diagnosed - double mastectomy

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Hi, Technology is a challenge so apologies if this is the wrong place to post my first ever comment on a forum!

Coming out of lockdown I saw a small dimple at the base of my boob. Fast forward to 6th May & I’m diagnosed with Grade 2 invasive lobular cancer but it didn’t end there. MRI revealed there was also one hidden in the other boob . Waiting for final results but anticipating double mastectomy.
Just feels so surreal. My husband is in remission from T3 prostate cancer 4 years ago & I’m worried that the stress of this will trigger something for him.

I’ve decided to go for no reconstruction wanting the quickest, less risk, recovery route. Because of his complex health issues I need to be fairly independent pretty quickly so tugging on my usual garb of tunic & leggings is not an option. I think I need a whole new , ‘double mastectomy wardrobe’ in order to be able to manage. Where & what do I buy ... & which isn’t horrendously expensive?

Fifitrix over 3 years ago

Hi Wren21

You will get lots of very good advice on here x

I had a double mastectomy in January. I was recommended to buy front fastening bras, I bought mine from Asda online. Front fastening shirts, pj's will also be good. I lived in my pj's or elasticated trousers which were easy to pull up.

Hope this helps

Take care xx

Daisy53 over 3 years ago

Hi Bridrock

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

Wishing you all the best for your surgery and whatever treatments you may have to have.

Best wishes

Daisy

Wren21 over 3 years ago in reply to Fifitrix

Thank you xx

Wren21 over 3 years ago in reply to Fifitrix

Thank you. Having felt confident in my decision of no reconstruction I’m now wavering. This is so hard .

cheesewell over 3 years ago in reply to Wren21

Do you have to make your mind up straight away?

Wren21 over 3 years ago in reply to Fifitrix

Hi Fifitrix, thank you & apologies for the late reply. I took your advice. :) Take care xx

Wren21 over 3 years ago in reply to cheesewell

Hi cheesewell, I was persuaded to go for a left lumpectomy & right side mastectomy. Unfortunately am having to return for a further mastectomy. Should have stuck to my guns!

Jules211 over 3 years ago

In similar boat Grade 2 invasive lobular cancer but only one breast. Found lump while dealing with my Mom's Squamous Cell Carcinoma thought it was a cyst, then Mammogram with abnormal result. Surprised when said the lump I found was a Cyst and the cancer was directly opposite. I'm a widow, no children so on my own and with several health issues but also main carer for my elderly Mom and younger brother so understand other family pressures Like you going for quickest route. I bought button up pjs and tops and am looking at front fastening bras. But my plan is to dress for comfort and not care what I look like. But then again I plan to stay in read books, eat chocolate and look after myself for a few days.

Wren21 over 3 years ago in reply to Jules211

Hi Jules211, The mastectomy was easier than the lumpectomy & healed far quicker. I made sure I did my arm excercises every day as it's too easy to sieze up without realising it! A small cushion (or stuffed shark as somebody else mentioned!) is a must for putting under your arm at bedtime. Supermarkets do some great bras but hospital may issue you with a 'softie' bra to tide you over. I wouldn't bother with specialist ones until after the event. I was quite swollen so needed to go a couple of sizes up initially. Good luck, good reading & enjoy the chocolate fest! x

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Just diagnosed - double mastectomy