Unilateral mastectomy without reconstruction

LucyP,

I had right breast mastectomy and full node clearance, nothing else. Just wanted it gone and no more surgery. I never doubted what I wanted , the conversation with the surgeon was a quick and simple one. They were very ok with that. Mine was Inflammatory BC, maybe that’s why?

Like you I had chemo first and radiotherapy after.

I was fitted for a prosthesis and given a bra at the Breast Clinic, but to be honest I often have bra free days and wear a sports type bra - as in no fasteners and if wearing a lose top it really doesn’t matter - that’s if I’m home, just dog walking and the like.

best wishes for your treatment- don’t worry about the op - soon home and apart from being a bit high on painkillers straight after when I woke up, didn’t need any after that

Xx

Hi,

Thanks so much for your reply. That's how I feel about just being done with everything. My surgeon is lovely so sure once I express how certain I am she will be on board

Can I ask which bras you have found comfortable to wear when not putting a prosthesis in? I find that all the bras I look at are built to have a prosthesis in and i wouldn't mind just having one that supported my existing breast but still lay comfortably and flat against the flat side without excess material. I only have a b/c cup anyway so I guess that makes it easier.

Great to hear your op going  and not needing too many painkillers!

 I use M and S seamfree non wired bralettes. Or try any soft sports bra, some of them come with removable thin cups. 

If want to wear prosthesis in comfort - m and s  surgery non wired cami bra - can put prosthesis in this one but very comfy.

It’s a bit of trial and error- have a search on here by typing bra in the search bar you’ll see loads of ideas !

xx

Thanks for the ideas will give those a try.  I can imagine it is a bit trial and error and takes getting use to! Will have a search on the forum as you suggest too.  

Good luck- you will find something xx

Just in case anyone is interested in lighter breast prostheses knitted knockers might be an option. A friend of mine with a unilateral mastectomy used and loved them. I have just sent for some, so can't yet speak from experience but in case you are interested

www.oakleystitchers.org.uk

or find us at knittedknockers.org

to request a knocker please e-mail us on knockers@oakleystitchers.org.uk

Hi lucy

i had mastectomy and node clearance.  I’ve had 8 rounds of chemotherapy and am now undergoing radiotherapy.  I too chose not to have surgery but said I would look at in at a later date.  My surgeon told me this was sensible.  I want to fully recover mentally and physically before undergoing further surgery.  There is a long waiting list so I may well join it sometime.  I won’t have an implant but tissue used from myself and skin from somewhere else. Best of luck with your treatment . xx 

Hi I understand your concerns. I had my SMX and ALN clearance, then radiotherapy. I made a decision to have no further operations. Like you I felt just want it done. I had not had surgery previously and was terrified as with COVID restrictions I had to go it alone (Nov21). I can fully understand what torment this is especially if you are younger I am 67 now was 65 at the time). 

If I am honest I look in the mirror and think what a strange look but then my mind goes to what I have got rid of and it's given me a longer life and it seems the right choice to me. 

It's what you feel you can deal with. My husband just says you have one boob on the inside and one on the outside.

I wish you lots of love and make the decision that's right for you .

️

These links will help about the aesthetic closure for mastectomy so you will get the gold standard.  https://wjso.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12957-022-02515-3
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/going-flat-no-reconstruction/aesthetic-flat-closure
I have also watched videos on YouTube of women who have chosen to go flat and that should help too.  
LucyP you are researching and learning as much as possible and that is how you get what you want.  Surgeons are great but can’t read our minds so it is best to let them know what you want to have done if possible.  
I wish you the best.

Barbara

Hi.  Thanks for the tip, I will save this link :)