shoulders/posture/abs

gladtobehere

One week short of 1 year post double mx (11-1/2 years post rt lumpectomy w/rad) Have prosthetics in a box and a couple of bras - couldn't wear for a while due to lingering underarm incisional pain.  don't really mind going flat, frankly, but have noticed difficulty not slumping and/or letting abs go - wondering if at least the former situation is from not having the breast weight to keep my shoulders back (the abs, well, that could be age/food/etc ) Feedback anybody?

Erica3681

You asked for feedback and I actually have feedback about "feedback." I wear small breast forms, so not much weight but I do feel that I stand up a little straighter when I'm wearing them. I've told my physical therapist and she called this the "feedback" effect. My chest is feeling a familiar sense of weight (though a lot less weight than I used to have in my real breasts) and my body responds by standing up a bit straighter.

I'm three years post-mastectomy and when at home I often go form-free (flat). I've noticed that the difference between going flat and wearing forms isn't as great posture-wise as it was originally. That is, I stand up straighter now even with nothing on. I do notice, though, that if I look in the mirror when I'm flat my shoulders appear to be more forward and/or rounder. But it's an optical illusion. With my forms on, when I stand exactly the same way, but I look straighter. 

I do find exercising helps maintain posture. I walk with my arms bent and focus on posture, which helps. I also like the Lebed exercises. Though intended for people with lymphedema, they provide a wonderful stretching routine that focuses on arms and shoulders. You can read more about my experience with it on my BreastFree Blog. You can link directly to the article about Lebed at http://breastfree.blogspot.com/2009/10/lebed-method.html. 

I have absolutely no connection to Lebed. I just find the exercises helpful. In fact, your post reminds me I should go do them right now!