Breast Envy-not sure where to post this....

tdalanno

I know exactly how you feel.  Especially, when you see someone "well-endowed".  I did the breast cancer awareness walk this year and found myself looking at all the survivors and didn't notice anyone who was going "flat" except me.  Of course, I know that some of them had reconstruction and others were wearing prosthetics, but frankly, the darn things are uncomfortable, so I've been choosing to go flat.  This is what I concentrate on - I think I look thinner without them than when I had them or wear my foobs.  I guess I figure if folks don't like how it looks than don't look.  You don't sound neurotic and for me it is nice to know that someone else has those thoughts running through their brain too.

MusicLover

I am glad that the bras won't be in church, I think mention in the church bulletin stating where and what you are doing is good though  Yes, it is wonderful that you are trying to help other women (& men?, they get breast cancer too - even without the need for a bra). 

Unfortunately, breast cancer awareness stirs up a lot of emotions in people.  I think of the families who already have lost a loved one due to this horrible disease and some times people just want to go to a peaceful setting like church to reflect, somewhere they don't expect to be bombarded with pink ribbons and such.  That is just my feeling.

A way to truly prevent this disease and a cure for those struggling would be incredible!!! But until then, awareness is all we have and unfortunately, it isn't enough for some of us.

 

damazon

Hi,

I get that!  Mammary memories .... (sigh).  I lost my right breast and no construction but after eighteen months I tried the Amoena stick on breast.  It was fabulous.  So much better than wearing mastectomy bras and inserting one into a pocket.  Limited options for fit and style.  I could now wear a regular bra.  I bought a black one with uplift and light padding.  My breasts are larger and perkier than before and no one really knows.  I believe I receive admiring looks, but perhaps that is also because I now wear makeup and dress in a more feminine way.   Seriously, an excellent adjustment!  (but missing cleavage still gets me some days)  Oh well, life was never perfect.

NancyD

I went for almost two years before my reconstruction (bilateral DIEP flaps) and I sometimes felt the same way.  I am quite please with my results, now. From the start, their shape was remarkably natural, and they've only gotten better as the scars have faded. I haven't had areola tattooing done, but when I think something is needed, I use temporary tattoos (Still building up confidence to go with something more permanent.). My GYN asked me who did them, as she was very impressed (answer: Dr. Mark Smith at Beth Israel in NYC).

I need to get a little sun on them as they are quite a bit lighter than my chest, but that could be construed as just the shape of my bathing suit top.

The only thing I miss is the sense of touch of my natural breasts. Some sensation has developed around the edges, but nothing at all through most of the breast mass, and certainly nothing like the feeling I had in my nipples. It seems this can't be avoided.

If you are waiting for medical approval, I'd say take this time to research the best PS you can afford, maybe even get a few initial appointments out of the way to see what they say. One of the ways I got out of that breast envy funk was to actively plan for my reconstruction. I wasn't sure what method I would do, but I knew it would be something.

peacestrength

Nancy - I really needed to hear your advice regarding recon...actively planning to get out of my breast envy funk...such wonderful advice.